Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the main city in northern Laos. Travelers arriving from northern Vietnam or northern Thailand generally pass there. The Mekong runs alongside the city and the mountains all around give a very nice atmosphere. The architecture is different from anything I have seen in Thailand with lots of wooden houses, some in colonial style.
- What to do in Luang Prabang ?
- Where to sleep in Luang Prabang ?
- Where to eat in Luang Prabang ?
Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoy
Nong Khiaw is a small village surrounded by big mountains. The view from the bridge of the city is clearly the most impressive view I have seen since I left.
Northern treks in mountain tribes
4 days trek through mountain tribes villages, sleeping and eating like locals. It was a very rustic and bad organized trip but we had a unique chance to see how this remote and poor local tribes live, far away from everything and with almost nothing. The landscape is quit dry, not green like northern Thailand. I would not recommend the one we did starting from Boun Tai but for sure you can find different treks if you are interested in this kind of experience.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a small town surrounded by karst mountains and crossed by the Mekong. In terms of nature it is truly magnificent. The town center is small but there are many activities offered (hot air ballooning, zip lines, buggies, visits to caves, lagoons, cellars, etc.).
- What to do in Vang Vieng ?
Vientiane
Thakek
Very famous for 3 days scooter loop, most of backpackers stop here to do it. Their is literally nothing else to do in the city, but people keep a very good experience from the loop (I skipped it).
- Tips :
- Book a scooter as soon as you arrive
- You can skip the 120 boring kilometers (sandy road from Vientiane) by turning during the loop and ultimately don’t do a real loop but it makes a lot more sense.
Don Det – 4000 islands
4000 islands is the last stop when you travel from north to south in Laos. It’s definitely my favorite place in Laos. Both locals and travelers are in this chill island vibe. Everything is slow, relax, beautiful, peaceful 🙂 I could finally see a majority of smiling and welcoming people. Everything is cheaper but it’s very hot and the comfort of accommodation is basic. Don’t book anything before you arrive, relax and ask their 😉