Must-see attractions in Northern Laos

  • UXO Information Centre (MAG)

    Northern Laos

    Decades after America's Secret War on Laos, unexploded bombs and mines remain a devastating problem throughout this region. Visit the thought-provoking…

  • Nam Ha NPA

    Northern Laos

    The 2224-sq-km Nam Ha NPA is one of Laos' most accessible natural preserves and home to clouded leopards and possibly a few remaining tigers. Both around…

  • Vieng Xai Caves

    Northern Laos

    Joining a truly fascinating 18-point tour is the only way to see Vieng Xai's seven most important war-shelter cave complexes, set in beautiful gardens…

  • Hintang Archaeological Park

    Northern Laos

    Almost as mysterious as Xieng Khuang's more famous jars, this unique, unfenced collection of standing stones is thought to be at least 1500 years old…

  • lao lao rice whiskey with snakes and centipedes

    Morning Market

    Northern Laos

    A real treat for the early bird, here you can find all manner of things from quail eggs to freshly butchered meat, seasonal produce to utensils, and even…

  • Ban Komean

    Northern Laos

    Phongsali's famous tea village, Ban Komean, lies 14km out of town and commands stupendous valley views that sweep nearly 360 degrees when you stand on the…

  • Ban Nam Di

    Northern Laos

    Barely 3km out of Luang Namtha, this hamlet is populated by Lao Huay (Lenten) people; the women wear traditional indigo tunics with purple sash-belts and…

  • Tham Nok Ann

    Northern Laos

    Tham Nok Ann is a soaring, well-lit cavern through which a river passes beneath awesome rock formations. It's dripping, creepy and very atmospheric, with…

  • Kao Rao Caves

    Northern Laos

    Well-signed beside Rte 3, 1.5km east of Nam Eng village, is this extensive, accessible cave system, which has a 700m section open to visitors. The main…

  • Wat Sibounheuang

    Northern Laos

    Wat Sibounheuang, the town's most evocative monastery, sports a lopsided gilded stupa and reclining Buddha in a delightful garden setting where the bare…

  • That Phum Phuk

    Northern Laos

    The red-gold stupa you see when first approaching the small and historic That Phum Phuk is a 2003 replica. Right beside it lies the brick-and-stucco…

  • Sleeping Woman Viewpoint

    Nong Khiaw

    This viewpoint rivals that of Pha Daeng Peak Viewpoint for its widescreen drama of surging karsts and mountains, with the boats on the river far below…

  • Phanoy Cave & Viewpoint

    Northern Laos

    Well-signposted from the northern end of the main strip, the Phanoy Cave is a cool relief on a hot day. The cave lies about halfway up a steep track that…

  • Nam Tien

    Northern Laos

    To fully appreciate the charm of Sainyabuli's setting, drive 9km southwest to Nam Tien lake, access point for the Elephant Conservation Center. A…

  • Pha Daeng Peak Viewpoint

    Nong Khiaw

    Reached by a testing though thoroughly doable 1½-hour walk on a decent path up Pha Daeng mountain, directly above the town, this viewpoint offers an…

  • Wat Namkeo Luang

    Northern Laos

    Wat Namkeo Luang is one of the most visually striking monastic buildings in Muang Sing. It features an entry porch with red-tongued golden naga (river…

  • Xieng Khouang Provincial Museum

    Northern Laos

    One of the most interesting provincial museums in Laos, Xieng Khouang Provincial Museum was funded with help from the German government. Downstairs are…

  • Tham Piu

    Northern Laos

    Tham Piu, where villagers sought protection from American bombers during the Indochina war, saw hundreds die on 24 November 1968 when a US fighter plane…

  • That Xieng Tung

    Northern Laos

    Around 6km southeast of Muang Sing, That Xieng Tung sits on a grassy plateau dotted with sacred trees, 1km up a rough access track that branches south off…

  • Singkham Cave

    Northern Laos

    The Singkham Cave, where the famous Pra Singkham Buddha statue once rested, is 3.7km west of Ban Samakisai. In Samakisai ask 'Khor kajeh tham noy?' ('May…

  • Phu Den Din NPA

    Northern Laos

    This vast area of partly unexplored, relatively pristine forest is layered across inaccessible mountains that climax at almost 2000m near the Vietnamese…

  • Wat Simungkhun

    Northern Laos

    The most characterful of Hongsa's several monasteries is Wat Simungkhun. Its hang song pa (initiation pavilion) is fashioned in attractive naive style…

  • Market

    Northern Laos

    Make a dawn visit to the earthy wet market (camera in hand) and thread through the labyrinthine collection of rickety stalls, with all manner of…

  • Tham Pha Thok

    Nong Khiaw

    Around 2km east along Rte 1C, Tham Pha Thok is a series of caves in a limestone cliff where villagers and Pathet Lao eluded bombing during the Second…

  • Bomb Village

    Northern Laos

    The Hmong double-village of Ban Tha Jok/Na Kam Peng has recycled old war junk into practical objects, hence the nickname 'Bomb Village', with cluster-bomb…

  • Museum of Tribes

    Northern Laos

    This museum gives you a chance to deepen your understanding of the ethnic peoples of Phongsali Province. It contains a wealth of cultural information on…

  • PMC

    Northern Laos

    PMC is a small exhibition room and shop introducing local fibres such as jungle vine, and selling handmade paper products, bags and local essences. If you…

  • Phu Fa

    Northern Laos

    For great views across town climb to the stupa-topped peak of Phu Fa (1625m); it's a punishing, tree-shaded climb of more than 400 stone steps. A ticket…

  • Wat Sin Jong Jaeng

    Northern Laos

    Overlooking the Mekong, archaic little Wat Sin Jong Jaeng dates back to the early colonial period. Although its eaves have been entirely repainted, an old…

  • Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument

    Northern Laos

    At the town's central junction stands the bizarre Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument. Four hooked concrete pincers hold aloft a glittery disco ball that is…

  • Pra Singkham Buddha

    Northern Laos

    Want to get rich? Afraid you might be infertile? Don't worry, just ask the Pra Singkham Buddha and your wish will be granted. Legend claims it was cast in…

  • Tat Saloei

    Northern Laos

    This impressive series of cascades forms a combined drop of almost 100m. It's briefly visible from eastbound Rte 6 roughly 1km after Km 55 (ie 36km from…

  • Fresh Food Market

    Northern Laos

    This market stocks exotic fruits you won't typically see elsewhere in Laos, such as Chinese pear. Other local delicacies include nok ąen dąwng (swallows…

  • Food Market

    Northern Laos

    The fascinating food market is well-stocked with fresh vegetables and meats, some rather startling. Field rats are displayed cut open to show the…

  • Banjeng Temple

    Northern Laos

    Udomxai's foremost monastery is Banjeng Temple, which is modest but very attractively set on a riverside knoll. The most notable feature here is an…

  • Mulberries

    Northern Laos

    This is a fair-trade silk farm that offers interesting free visits including a complete introduction to the silk-weaving process from cocoon to colourful…

  • Museum

    Northern Laos

    Stairways lead up from the main road to the town's two-storey museum, featuring colonial-style shutters and Asian gables. Inside, much of it is dedicated…

  • Hot Springs

    Northern Laos

    Wander down to the river to discover Muang La's modest hot spring that bubbles into the river when water levels are high. When levels are low, a flimsy…

  • Wat Thadsuvanna Phakham

    Northern Laos

    Commanding the rise directly above the speedboat landing, 3km south of the central area, Wat Thadsuvanna Phakham is a colourful temple featuring a row of…

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