Houay Xai
Houay Xai is the first destination in journey to discover Northern Laos. This is a small town located in West north of Mekong River (the other side is Chiang Khong-Thailand). Coming here, you will see crowed boats of local people and tourist slowly chugging along the river. Turing back are rolling hills and mountains with enthralling beauty which attracts your legs to run for it.
Enjoying Gibbon Experience
In Houay Xai, you will find location to register the adventure of “Gibbon Experience” which give you full understand of exciting and unique wildlife in Indochina.
Gibbon Experien locates in Bokeo Nature Reserve. With 1230.000 ha forest in total, it is the most remote are in Laos. This project was accomplished by Lammet and Hmong community with the purpose of bringing tourists chances to understand more about unique culture and their connection with the forest.
Luang Nam Tha
You will have to overcome a hard day sitting still on a bus through the forest of Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Areas. We come through narrow and gloomy roads to a small town located in Northwest Luang Nam Tha.
Lying in the alley of Nam Tham River, sheltered by rice fields and mass of breathtaking mountains, Luang Nam Tha has been developing to become biology tourism center and unforgettable destination for outside activities.
Oudomxay
Coming to Oudomaxay, tourists might be shocked at the first sight looking at this place unlike any others. Oudomxay looks like a dirt-covered stop during high way with some old houses among the alley of devastated forest. Although it not fascinating like Luang Phanbang and Luang Nam Tha, Oudomxay can still completely bring tourist great experiences of culture and life here.
From Oudomxay you can take a visit to Khmu village in La highland with unique culture experiences. Here you will be treated like special guests, not like strange tourists.
Coming to the heart of Laos
The journey to visit Khmu starts from early morning. You will meet a local guide who shows you the way to La District which is one of the poorest areas in Laos within 2 hours passing through mountains and rivers on the only road to this village.
Simple and peaceful seem to be the only two words to describe feelings when you walk some last meters toward this wild and close-to-nature village. At night, you’ll have a chance to meet and eat with headman and his family. The food is quite simple with chicken, soup from natural vegetables, sticky rice on a tray.
Sitting together during meal time, the headman will tell you stories around his village, and also the effort of people here to survive and find food from hills and mountains nearby. Coming to this village you will be treated not as a strange tourist but a very special guest making you feel like you are one of them, living in their community and experience their hope and happiness in life. And when you have to say goodbye to them, you’ll feel like your heart is still there in this beautiful alley with beautiful people.
Phongsali
After visiting Khmu village, you can return to Oudomxay town to catch a bus to Luang Prabang or continue your “weird path” to Phongsali district.
Phongsali is not as beautiful or interesting as Oudomxay but basically we come there experience an exciting trip on Muang Ngoi river to Neua Nam Ou. The journey lasts 7 to 10 hours and it will help you admire the endless beauty of one of the most beautiful rivers in Laos.
Muang Ngoi Neua
When we leave the boat along Nam Ou River and come to Muang Ngoi Neua, you will see a green place, peaceful and cannot be more attractive. Rolling romantic mountains with many motels and cafes people here have turned this place into a great spot to rest after a long tired way.
Nong Khiew
Nong Khiew is an impossible place to miss when you’re down to South Ou. This bustling town is situated on both sides of the river. You can choose to relax in a simple and comfortable hotel just with about 400,000 vnd a day.
From Nong Khiew you can catch a boat to Luang Prabang which costs about $ 100. However, if your budget is in a low status, you can choose to travel by ferry with about $ 10. Taking pretty much time is decidedly, 7 hours probably.
Luang Prabang
This is the final destination of the journey to discovery northern Laos. This beautiful city is one of the world heritage recognized by UNESCO. Luang Prabang has beautiful green streets with bold architectural projects built under the French colonial period.