Laos · Beyond Luang Prabang
Laos's far north: Luang Namtha, Phongsali and Nam Et-Phou Louey
Treks and homestays, almost Himalayan mountains, historic caves: northern Laos far from the tourist trail.
Luang Namtha
Treks and jungle
Phongsali
Mountains and tea
Vieng Xai
Historic caves
For whom
Travellers with time
Far from the main tourist routes, northern Laos shows another side of the country: wilder, more authentic, sometimes more isolated. Between history, treks in nature and remote villages, here are the destinations of the far north.
The far north
Luang Namtha · Phongsali · Vieng Xai · Nam Et-Phou Louey
Luang Namtha is in the north-west, near China. Phongsali is in the far north, in the high mountains. Vieng Xai and Nam Et-Phou Louey park are in the north-east, near Sam Neua. Roads are long: allow plenty of time.
“Three destinations to discover a wilder, more authentic Laos.”
Practical info
- Roads: long and winding, expect long days
- Treks: always with a local guide
- Climate: cooler in the mountains, especially in Phongsali
- Money: kip in cash, few ATMs
01
The destinations of the far north
Luang Namtha
The adventure base: jungle, treks in the Nam Ha protected area, homestays in Akha, Lanten or Khmu villages.
The Nam Tha
Kayaking on the river, or a scooter loop around Luang Namtha.
Phongsali
Almost Himalayan: very high mountains, mist, old tea plantations and very few tourists.
Vieng Xai
Historic caves where thousands of people lived during the war.
Nam Et-Phou Louey
A national park, near Sam Neua, for wild nature.
Do
- Trek with a local guide
- Pack warm clothes for Phongsali
- Leave slack in your schedule
Avoid
- Trying to do it all in a week
- Leaving the trails without a guide
- Arriving without cash
Start in Luang Prabang
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Luang Namtha?
Treks of one or more days in the Nam Ha area, with homestays, kayaking and scooter loops.
Is Phongsali worth the trip?
Yes for the mountains, the tea and the remoteness, if you have time: roads are long.
What is in Vieng Xai?
Historic caves where thousands of people lived during the war.
Do I need a guide for treks?
Yes, always a local guide: they know the villages, the language and the safe paths.
A question about northern Laos?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
Ask a question