Northern Laos loop from Luang Prabang

Departing from the charming historic city of Luang Prabang, we offer you a fantastic loop in one of the wildest and most preserved regions of Laos. A loop that will allow you to discover some of the most beautiful natural jewels of the country, delve into the meanders of the country's recent history and discover one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

Departure from Luang Prabang, the pearl of Laos

Every traveler always leaves Luang Prabang, the pearl of Laos, with regret. This charming city, a former royal capital classified as a UNESCO heritage site, indeed exudes a captivating charm, a unique atmosphere, and a delicious elegance. Bathed by the waters of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River, the Luang Prabang Peninsula is home to an exceptional religious and architectural heritage, a remarkable fusion.

If Luang Prabang seduces the traveler so much, it is also for its surroundings which conceal many treasures to discover. Meeting with elephants, swimming in spectacular waterfalls, initiation to rice growing, discovery of local crafts, hiking to the villages of mountain ethnic groups, etc. are all pretexts to run through the smiling countryside.

Nong Khiaw, the natural jewel of Northern Laos

During a trip to Laos, from Luang Prabang, we head due North towards Nong Khiaw. After about thirty kilometers, take a short detour to discover the famous Pak Ou caves. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Ou River, these two caves embedded in a limestone rock face are home to thousands of Buddha statues of all sizes. After exploring this Buddhist sanctuary, take a superb road following the graceful curves of the Nam Ou River, winding through massive jungle-covered mountains. After about 3 hours of a magnificent journey, you will arrive at the river town of Nong Khiaw, which stretches nonchalantly along the banks of the Nam Ou, overlooked by imposing sugar loaves covered in lush vegetation. Nong Khiaw is a stopover that is both relaxing and invigorating. Leave the embrace of the hammock swinging in front of the river to explore on foot the villages of the Hmong and Khamu ethnic groups, explore the many caves, and sail by kayak or boat on the indolent Nam Ou. At the end of the day, climb one of the many karst peaks to enjoy an exceptional panorama of this natural jewel of northern Laos at sunset. 

Encounter with wildlife

Still dazzled by your stopover in Nong Khiaw, you retake the road towards the North-East. You enter a wild territory, with a pronounced relief, where the dense forest hides small hamlets and remarkable wildlife. Moreover, we suggest you go to meet it during a night safari. Near the village of Vieng Thong, you embark at the end of the afternoon on a motorized pirogue to go up the Nerm River. You are dropped off on the shore at the edge of the river to enjoy an authentic Laotian picnic dinner. Then, once night has fallen on this thick jungle, you go back down the river in a pirogue, engine off, in the company of a ranger to observe the rich wildlife that takes advantage of the darkness to hunt and quench its thirst. A truly unforgettable experience especially if you are lucky enough to be able to observe a tiger!

Vieng Xai and the remains of the Pathet Lao

Back on the road that crosses the Phou Louey National Park and embraces mountainous scenery where nature reigns in majesty. Stop at Vieng Xai or "city of victory", known for its network of caves that served as a shelter for revolutionary communist officers of the Pathet Lao during the Vietnam War in order to prepare the opposition to the royalist government supported by the United States. The countryside, bristling with limestone peaks, is simply magnificent and it is a real treat to walk there!

Discovery of the mysterious Plain of Jars

After diving into the cavities of Laos' revolutionary history, you will discover one of the most mysterious sites in the country. The archaeological site of the Plain of Jars recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, raises a multitude of questions. What are the meaning, usefulness and origin of these 2,100 megalithic stone jars scattered across the Xieng Khouang countryside? A magnificent countryside full of caves and waterfalls but it was one of the regions most bombed by the American air force during the Vietnam War. Don't miss visiting the UXO information center to understand the extent of the bombings that Laos suffered during this secret war led by the CIA and their tragic consequences for the population, even today! Return to Luang Prabang by a sumptuous mountain road, your head full of magnificent memories of this loop in the Northeast of Laos.

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