North of Laos
The authenticity in the North of Laos. Which cities should I visit in the North of Laos ?
Luang Namtha:
Luang Namtha is a town in the northwest of Laos, surrounded by countryside. It is an ideal place to stay few days to rest, to bicycle around the villages, to trek in the Namtha Parc and to discover the Laotian culture and their lifestyle. We arrived from Thailand by crossing the border in Huei Sai.
| Samakkhixay Stupa | Namngeen Stupa |
Villages tour by bicycle
Villages tour by bicycle
: Ban Hong Leuai - Ban Phin Ho - Ban Done Yxay - Lak Khammai - Ban Nam Ngen - Ban Phieng Ngam : Bicycle rental : From 15 000 LAK to 30 000 LAK - Depends on the bicycle's quality 14/12/2019 |
Museum
Museum: 10 000 LAK : Closed on weekends - 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 14/12/2019 |
Nam Dee Waterfall
Nam Dee Waterfall: No water in dry season : 10 000 LAK - Parking for bicycle 5 000 LAK 14/12/2019 |
Nam Ha National Bio-Diversity Area
Nam Ha National Bio-Diversity Area: National Park - Natural Reserve - Treks : 40$ - 75$ / person - Depends on agencies and tours 14/12/2019 |
Amandra Villa
Amandra Villa: Comfortable - Clean - Breakfast included - 3 min by walk from the Night market - Different room categories : 120 000 LAK 14/12/2019 |
Night Market
Night Market: Delicious local street food - Several stands 14/12/2019 |
Morning Market |
You should rent a bicycle to explore the countryside and villages around Luang Namtha, it is charming and wonderful.
(by Show Me The Road)
Phongsaly:
Phongsaly is a small town, perched at 1400m. It is the northernmost town of Laos, influenced by China which is near. The pure mountain air and the calm that reigns here made of Phongsaly a peaceful place to stay. There are lots of treks to do, alone or with a guide, where you will have the opportunity to meet the local minorities. It is a long journey to reach Phongsaly but it is not insurmountable and really worth it at the end.
Phu Fa Peak
Phu Fa Peak
: Pagoda - Viewpoint - 431 steps : 5 000 LAK : 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM 16/12/2019 |
Museum of ethnic groups
Museum of ethnic groups: 10 000 LAK : Closed on weekends - 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM 16/12/2019 |
| Old city and lake |
Treks by yourself
Treks by yourself
: Treks by yourself to reach small villages : Khun Suk Noy - Khun Suk Luang - Ban Chantan - Ban Phouxoum Tai - Ban Komen Kao : Free 16/12/2019 |
Tea plantations
Tea plantations - Ban Komen Kao: Ban Komen Kao village - By walk (about 8 hours) - By bicycle - By motorbike : Free 16/12/2019 |
Guided treks
Guided treks: Differents treks are possible - From 1 day to 5 days : From 30 $ to 50 $ /day /person - Depends on how many people you are 16/12/2019 |
Phongsaly Hotel
Phongsaly Hotel: Correct - Basic room - Clean : 100 000 LAK 16/12/2019 |
| Sone Laos Coffee Shop |
Laoper Restaurant
Laoper Restaurant: Chinese style - Delicious tofu and rice - You will choose directly in the kitchen 16/12/2019 |
There are several guesthouses into the town (many are not online) and very few tourists, so you won’t have to book an accommodation in advance.
More you are to do the guided treks and cheaper it will be (for a maximum of 8 people). These treks usually start from Booneua, the nearby town. But you can book the treks from the Phongsali agency. This could be a good option if you are a group and want to meet with local minorities. We didn’t choose this solution and preferred to do some treks ourselves into the countryside and villages. If you choose to go by yourself, we advise you to use maps.me.
(by Show Me The Road)
Muang Khua:
Muang Khua is a small city bordered by mountains and the Nam Ou river. We can’t give you much details about this town because we only stayed for a night and took a bus the following morning.
Arrive/Go -> Phongsaly
Arrive/Go -> Phongsaly
: Two roads are possible : By bus from Pak Nam Noy (about 6-7 hours) - Or by the Nam Ou river : by tuk-tuk to Muang Samphan (2 hours), by tuk-tuk to the boat (20 min), then by boat to Hat Sa (near Phongsaly - 3-4 hours), then by bus to Phongsaly (1h30 hour), and by walk (30 min) or by mini bus (10 min) to reach the city center : Tuk-tuk to Muang Samphan : 50 000 LAK - Tuk-tuk to the boat : 15 000 LAK - Boat to Hat Sa : 70 000 – 85 000 LAK - Bus to Phongsaly from Hat Sa : 30 000 LAK - Mini bus : 10 000 – 15 000 LAK 21/12/2019 |
Arrive/Go -> Muang Ngoi
Arrive/Go -> Muang Ngoi: >By bus from Muang Xai (then by boat) - By boat (about 7 hours) on the Nam Ou River : By boat only: 200 000 LAK 21/12/2019 |
Arrive/Go -> Vietnam
Arrive/Go -> Vietnam: By bus - Take care you have to get a Visa first : 90 000 LAK - Depends on the bus company 21/12/2019 |
Doinouboun Guesthouse
Doinouboun Guesthouse: Comfortable room - Clean - Welcoming host : 90 000 LAK 21/12/2019 |
If you arrived from Phongsaly or want to go there by boat, take care about the road from Muang Samphan to Muang Khua beacause it is really dusty! So don’t forget to take a mask to cover your face and a protection for your bag.
(by Show Me The Road)
Muang Ngoy:
Muang Ngoy is a small village along the Nam Ou river, surrounded by mountains. The village consists in one main road where you can find the guesthouses and restaurants. The countryside is really nice and peaceful. It is a lovely place to stay few days, to get some rest and to enjoy the quiet atmosphere shut from the rest of the world.
Phanai Cave Trail
Phanai Cave Trail
: Behind the Buddhist Temple - Caves - Trail - Viewpoint : 10 000 LAK : 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM 28/12/2019 |
Tham Kang Cave
Tham Kang Cave
: Cave - Ticket counter for the area : 10 000 LAK 28/12/2019 |
Trail to villages
Trail to villages
: Check on Mapsme application: Ban Na - Houay Bo - Houay Sen : On the road to the villages there is the Tham Kang Cave (10 000 LAK) 28/12/2019 |
Pha Boom Viewpoint
Pha Boom Viewpoint: Hiking (3 hours to the top) : 10 000 LAK : 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM 28/12/2019 |
| Tad Mook Waterfalls |
Suan phao guesthouse
Suan phao guesthouse: Nice Bungalow - Friendly couple : 70 000 LAK 28/12/2019 |
Vita Restaurant
Vita Restaurant: Very tasty local food - Best Suzy Curry we have tried 28/12/2019 |
If you go to villages around Muang Ngoy, it’s always nice to brings some things for the children (donuts from the market – bulk sweets - cakes – paper and pens and avoid plastic as much as possible).
(by Show Me The Road)
Nong Khiaw:
Nong Khiaw is a nice little town on the Nam Ou riverside and surrounded by mountains. It’s a perfect place to stay few days to rest and enjoy the nature. There are several amazing treks starting from the city.
Phar Khew Lom 360 Viewpoint
Phar Khew Lom 360 Viewpoint
: 2 viewpoints - Hiking (30 min to the first one, then about 2 hours to the top) - Don’t forget a flashlight and to have enough water : 20 000 LAK : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM 29/12/2019 |
Pha Daeng Peak Viewpoint
Pha Daeng Peak Viewpoint: Hiking (about 1 hour to the top) - Don’t forget a flashlight charged and to have enough water : 20 000 LAK : 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM 29/12/2019 |
Nong Khiaw View Point 2
Nong Khiaw View Point 2: Hiking (about 2 hours to the top) - Don’t forget a flashlight and to have enough water : 15 000 LAK : 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM 29/12/2019 |
Sleeping Woman Viewpoint
Sleeping Woman Viewpoint: 2 viewpoints - Hiking (about 1 hour to the first one, then about 40 min to the second one) - Don’t forget a flashlight and to have enough water : 15 000 LAK : 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM 29/12/2019 |
Meexai Guesthouse
Meexai Guesthouse: Very nice room - Clean - Spacious - With a terrace : 120 000 LAK 29/12/2019 |
Noymany Restaurant
Noymany Restaurant: Tasty local food - Very good Mekong fish in bamboo leaf 29/12/2019 |
Climbing to the different viewpoints is outstanding! Better to be in good shape, the ascents are quite long (2-3 hours) and not always easy. Make sure you have enough water for rehydration and a flashlight if you go hiking at sunrise or at sunset.
(by Show Me The Road)
Luang Prabang:
Luang Prabang is one of the most important city in Laos. It is a really pleasant town on the banks of the Mekong. There are many temples to see and the surroundings are lovely and nice (waterfalls, caves, villages…).
Phousi Hill
Phousi Hill
: Hiking (15 min to the top) - 2 ways to go up- Viewpoint - Temples - Very touristic and crowded at sunrise and at sunset : 20 000 LAK : 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Night Market
Night Market: Homemade items - Artisanal market : Free : 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Morning Market
Morning Market
: Fresh fruits and vegetables - Fresh food : Free : 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Phosy Market
Phosy Market: Useful products : Free : 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Royal Palace
Royal Palace: Ancient Royal Mansion - Museum : 30 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Sunset cruise
Sunset cruise
: All along the Mekong River, guys'll ask you to see the sunset on their boat : 50 000 LAK / person : Everyday - One hour before the sunset 05/01/2020 |
Sunset along the Mekong
Sunset along the Mekong
: You can watch the sunset from the riverside : Free : Everyday at sunset 05/01/2020 |
Artisanal Villages
Artisanal Villages: Walk to the artisanal villages - Weaver - Painter - Artisanal Shops : Bamboo bridge 1 (South): 7 000 LAK - Bamboo bridge 2 (East): 10 000 LAK 05/01/2020 |
North riverside
North riverside of the Mekong: Walk - Nature - Temples : Temples : 10 000 LAK - Ferry : 5 000 LAK 05/01/2020 |
Kuang Si Waterfall
Kuang Si Waterfall
: Beautiful waterfall - Cave - Don't forget your swimsuit - Trail to the top : 20 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM 05/01/2020 |
Temples
Temples in the city
: There are many temples in Luang Prabang - Wat Xiengthong - Wat Sene - Wat May Souvannapoumaram : Famous temples : 10 000 – 20 000 LAK - Other : Free 05/01/2020 |
Rent a scooter
Rent a scooter
: Several rental shops : Manual : 60 000 LAK - Automatic : 80 000 LAK 05/01/2020 |
Monks Ceremony
Monks Ceremony: Sakkaline road - Tak Bat : Free - Food donation : Before the sunrise 05/01/2020 |
Heuan Chan Heritage House
Heuan Chan Heritage House: Cultural center - Traditional Lao House - Museum - Workshop - Garden - Restaurant : 15 000 LAK : 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre: Museum : 25 000 LAK : Closed on Monday - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
UXO Center
UXO Center: Museum - History of the bombardment : Free - Donation Box : 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
The Bamboo Experience
The Bamboo Experience: Cooking lesson - House bamboo construction - Games : 40 $ / person : 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Swimming Pool and Bar
La Pistoche Swimming Pool and Bar: 30 000 LAK : 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Pottery House
Luang Prabang Pottery House: Chan village - Tour package : 12 $ – 39 $ : Closed on Sunday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves: Mini carved Buddhas - Caves - Boat crossing the Mekong : Entrance : 20 000 LAK - Boat : 13 000 LAK - Motorbike parking : 3 000 LAK 05/01/2020 |
Tad Thong Waterfall
Tad Thong Waterfall: No water during the dry season : 20 000 LAK 05/01/2020 |
Nahm Dong Park
Nahm Dong Park: Nature - Waterfalls - Swimming bath - Suspension bridge - Trail : 20 000 LAK - Motorbike parking : 3 000 LAK : Open on weekends only - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Laos Buffalo Dairy
Laos Buffalo Dairy: Buffalo Farm : 50 000 LAK : 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM 05/01/2020 |
Butterfly Park
Butterfly Park: Near to Kuang Si Waterfall : 40 000 LAK : 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM 05/01/2020 |
The Living Land Company
The Living Land Company: To learn about rice fields and work - Farm - Traditional tools : Half day : 40 $ 05/01/2020 |
Tat Sae Waterfalls
Tat Sae Waterfalls: PLEASE DON'T DO IT - Animals are in small cages chained and the elephants (for riding) are not well treated - Don't give them your money and your time : 15 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Phasith Guesthouse
Phasith Guesthouse: Nice room - With terrace - Welcoming man : 140 000 LAK 05/01/2020 |
Joli Restaurant Pizza
Joli Restaurant Pizza: Correct small room - Cheap price : 100 000 LAK 05/01/2020 |
Soutikone Place House 2
Soutikone Place House 2: Very confortable room - Very good breakfast : 220 000 LAK 05/01/2020 |
Night Market
Night Market
: Street food- Many stands : 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM 05/01/2020 |
Sengtiane Hot pot
Sengtiane Hot pot and restaurant: Local food - Hot pot - Barbecue 05/01/2020 |
Tangor Restaurant
Tangor Restaurant: Very good French restaurant : 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM 05/01/2020 |
Let’s watch the sunset on the Mekong, eat at the Night Market and visit the Kuang Si waterfalls.
You can get a Vietnamese visa from the Vietnamese Embassy.
(by Show Me The Road)
Vang Vieng:
Vang Vieng, is a city halfway between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. It is known for its countryside, to party and to do many activities there. The town is too touristic for us, we didn’t find this city authentic and charming as in the rest of Laos.
Pha Ngern View Point
Pha Ngern View Point
: Hiking (about 45 min to the top) : 10 000 LAK 30/12/2019 |
Blue Lagoon and Phu Kham Cave
Blue Lagoon and Phu Kham Cave
: Swimming bath - Toboggan - Diving platform - Cave - Zip line : 10 000 LAK : 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM 30/12/2019 |
Nam Xay Viewpoint
Nam Xay Viewpoint: Hiking (25 min to the top) - 360° View - 2 mortorbikes set at the top : 10 000 LAK : 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM 30/12/2019 |
Phapoungkham
Phapoungkham Cave and Viewpoint: Hiking (15 min to the top) - Don't forget a flashlight for the caves : 10 000 LAK 30/12/2019 |
Tham Chang Cave
Tham Chang Cave: Hiking (147 steps) - Swimming hole - Cave : 15 000 LAK - Bridge by walk : 5 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 30/12/2019 |
Blue Springs and Patong Cave
Blue Springs and Patong Cave: Lagon less touristic than the first blue lagon 30/12/2019 |
Golden Flower Cave
Golden Flower Cave: Cave and garden managed by a welcoming couple - Not touristic : 10 000 LAK 30/12/2019 |
Kaeng Nyui Waterfall
Kaeng Nyui Waterfall: Rock pool - Don't forget your swimsuit : 10 000 LAK : 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM 30/12/2019 |
Tubing on Nam Song
Tubing on Nam Song: We are not sure about the starting point : 60 000 LAK 30/12/2019 |
Tham Nam Water Cave
Tham Nam Water Cave: Different type of cave - Tube - Helmet - Light : 10 000 LAK – Parking : 5 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 30/12/2019 |
| Ballooning |
Adam's climbing school
Adam's climbing school: Rock climbing lesson : Half day : 180 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM 30/12/2019 |
Souksakhone Guesthouse
Souksakhone Guesthouse: Nice room - Clean - Good view - With a common terrace : 120 000 LAK 30/12/2019 |
Sae Lao
Sae Lao: Association - 100 % of earnings are investing in goods for kids at school - Good local food - Peaceful place : 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM 30/12/2019 |
Rent a bicycle is enough to go around and visit the caves, viewpoints and the blue lagoon in one day.
There is two bridges to cross the river Nam Song, one is free (even by bike or scooter) and the other one has fee (even by foot).
(by Show Me The Road)
Vientiane:
Vientiane is the capital of Laos. We were pleasantly surprised by this city which is neither too noisy nor too polluted or traffic-jammed. It is a human size town. It is easy to go around and to do all the visits by walk, except few places far away like the Buddha Park.
Sisaket Temple
Sisaket Temple
: Oldest Temple - Thousands of small statues of Buddha : 10 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
That Dam Stupa
That Dam Stupa: Ancient Pagoda - Called "Black Stupa" : Free 02/01/2020 |
Patuxay Monument
Patuxay Monument: Landmark arch - War memorial : 3 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
COPE Visitor Centre
COPE Visitor Centre: Museum - History of Laos' bombardment : Free - Donation box : 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
King Anouvong Statue
King Anouvong Statue: Statue of the King of Laos : Free 02/01/2020 |
Famous Temples
Famous Temples: Wat Si Muang - Wat That Khao - Wat That Phoun - Wat Mixai - Wat Inpeng : Free 02/01/2020 |
Morning Market
Morning Market: Fresh food - Local items : Free : 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
Khua Din Market
Khua Din Market: Fresh food - Local items : Free : 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
Night Market
Night Market: Homemade items - Imported accessories : Free 02/01/2020 |
Kaysone Phomvihane Museum
Kaysone Phomvihane Museum: 5 000 LAK : Closed on Monday - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
Hophakaew Museum
Hophakaew Museum: Buddhist Temple - Museum - Historical items : 10 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
Buddha Park
Buddha Park: Sculture Park - 24 km Southeast of Vientiane : 15 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
French Institute
French Institute: Cultural Center : Free : Closed on Sunday - 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM 02/01/2020 |
Saysouly Guest House
Saysouly Guest House: Nice room - With a common rooftop : 130 000 – 150 000 LAK 02/01/2020 |
Champa Boutique hotel
Champa Boutique hotel: Luxurious room - With a swimming pool - Breakfast included : 250 000 – 300 000 LAK 02/01/2020 |
Ban Lao Beer Garden
Ban Lao Beer Garden: Local, good and cheap food : 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
Nem Nueng Sihom
Nem Nueng Sihom: Vietnamese restaurant - Tasty food : 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM 02/01/2020 |
Ka-Tib-Khao
Ka-Tib-Khao: Nice restaurant - Good coffee - With rooftop 02/01/2020 |
We advise you to visit the COPE association. This centre will explain you the story of the two million tons of bombs dropped on Laos and the consequences of this tragedy.
(by Show Me The Road)
Phonsavan:
Phonsavan is the new capital of the north-east region. The old one has been bombarded at the end of the Vietnam War. It is a new city in development and a good base for tourists who want to discover the plain of Jars. We really appreciate to discover the countryside. Phonsavan is a quiet city, without particular charm but nevertheless a nice place to stay for few days and visit the different sites of the Plain of Jars.
Plain of Jars
Plain of Jars
: The three of them are impressive, different and worth it : Site 1 : 15 000 LAK - Site 2 : 10 000 LAK - Site 3 : 10 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
Phu Keng Jar Quarry
Phu Keng Jar Quarry
: Hiking (35 min) - Viewpoint 1 and 2 - Secret tunnel : 10 000 LAK - Motorbike : 3 000 LAK : 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
MAG Visitor Centre
MAG Visitor Centre: Cultural Center - Museum : Free - Donation Box : 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
Muang Khoun
Muang Khoun
: Ancient capital of Northest - Ruin of French Colonial Buildings - That Foun - Wat Phia Wat : Free - Free - 10 000 LAK - 10 000 LAK 09/01/2020 |
Xiang Khuan Mountain
Xiang Khuan Mountain Viewpoint
: Simple Viewpoint - Beautiful coutryside : Free 09/01/2020 |
UXO Information Centre
UXO Information Centre: Free : Mond-Frid : 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM - Sat-Sun : 12:00 AM to 8:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
Laos War Memorial
Laos War Memorial: Monument : Free : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
Xiengkhoung Provincial Museum
Xiengkhoung Provincial Museum: Free : Closed on Monday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
Monument de Guerre Vietnamien
Monument de Guerre Vietnamien: Vietnamese War Monument : Free : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
Sipanya Guesthouse
Sipanya Guesthouse: Nice and clean room - Friendly host - Free coffee - AC or Fan : 80 000 – 120 000 LAK 09/01/2020 |
Simmaly
Simmaly: Very good local food - 3 restaurants in the city : 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
Phonsavan Market
Phonsavan Market: Many stands inside the covered market : 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
| Phonsavan Night Market |
Phonekeo Restaurant
Phonekeo Restaurant: Best "Laarp" we have tried in Laos : 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM 09/01/2020 |
Rent a scooter for the day (100 000 LAK/ 80 000 LAK) or rent a bicycle. Some guided tours exist also, to visit the different sites in one day (100 000 LAK /person - up to 6 people).
The site « Phu Keng Jar Quarry » is less known by tourists but its two viewpoints and the underground tunnel worth the detour.
You can easily reach Vinh or Ha Noi in Vietnam from Phonsavan by bus. You can find more information at the Xiengkhouang Bus Station, in an agency or on our road map (the line between Phonsavan and Vinh).
(by Show Me The Road)
Other cities in North of Laos:
|
Oudom Xai
: Phu That Peak and Golden Buddha (at sunset) - Oudomxai Museum (Monday to Friday – 5 000 LAK) 14/12/2019 |