Exploring the far north of Laos

The northern part of Laos is a remote region where a craggy and mountainous landscape has kept the modern world at bay, protecting isolated minority villages perched on sheer hillsides and huddling in protected valleys.

Nam Ha National Park

Near the Myanmar/China border, the town of Luang Namtha is the gateway to the Nam Ha National Park, with countless opportunities to explore on foot, by kayak and on mountain bikes.

Muang La and Luang Prabang

A little farther south, you will stumble upon the picturesque area of Muang La and the dramatic valley of Nong Khiaw, before arriving by road or boat at the cultural centre of Luang Prabang. Improved road conditions mean it is now possible to travel through this remote area, but accommodation is simple.

Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars is an area that contains more than 300 enormous stone jars, their origins long forgotten and their original use and significance still unclear.

Legend says these vast containers, weighing up to six tonnes, were left over from a victory party after a 6th century war, but the truth is no one knows who made the jars or how they got here: and the enigma grows steadily more eerie as the sun begins to set.

You can fly here from Vientiane or take the longer road journey from Luang Prabang through hill tribe villages and rural scenery.

Vieng Xai caves

Finally, another emerging destination is Vieng Xai. Set among beautiful limestone karsts, the typical mountains of the northeast, this is best known as the home of the cave system used during the Vietnam War as part of the Pathet Lao’s headquarters.

Visit indigenous tribes

Also a little further south is Pakbeng, a small rural village with a colourful local market and only a handful of buildings. Built on a steep slope overlooking the river, it has a central market in which you often see tribal H’muong and Tai from the surrounding villages.

If you are an early riser, it is recommended that you visit around 6am to experience it at its best.

Did you know?

The province of Luang Namtha contains no less than 25 different ethnicities, including colourful Hmong and Akha tribes, which make it the most ethnically diverse province in Laos.

Activity ideas in Laos