Top 5 of the most beautiful trekking regions in Laos

A landlocked country in the heart of the Indochinese peninsula, Laos offers travelers an incredible natural heritage. A very mountainous country, covered with more than 70% mountains, some of which reach more than 2000 meters in altitude and plateaus, Laos has quickly established itself as an essential trekking destination in Southeast Asia. A day hike, over several days with nights in local homes or for just a few hours, Laos can meet all your walking desires. Discover the most beautiful regions to make your trek in Laos successful, where walking and meeting people combine perfectly.

The Luang Namtha region

The Luang Namtha region located in the far Northwest of Laos is one of the most beautiful regions in Laos for trekking. This vast territory, largely classified as a protected natural area, is one of the richest in nature, culture and adventure. The Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area created in 1993 is 90% forest cover. This extraordinary forest cover is the habitat of more than 30 species of mammals including Asian elephants, leopards, panthers, bears, and gibbons, as well as 288 species of birds. Over one or more days, set off on foot to discover this natural sanctuary which is home to a great floral diversity.

The hike will allow you to reach the small hidden villages of the Lanten, Kamu, Hmong, Akha or Yao ethnic groups via small paths. The night at the locals' house will conclude your beautiful day of walking through grandiose jungle settings and learning more about the traditional lifestyles of the ethnic minorities who populate these wild territories. In this region crossed by the Nam Tha River, it is possible to combine trekking and kayaking to discover this exceptional region even more in-depth.

The Phongsaly region

The Phongsaly region located in the far North of Laos, neighboring Yunnan in China and Vietnam, is the most remote and most difficult-to-access region in the country. This region at the end of the world is designed for travelers wishing to hike in the wildest areas of Laos. The effort required to go to this isolated province is largely rewarded by the natural settings offered by the Phongsaly region. This very mountainous region, mainly covered in forests, is home to no less than 23 ethnic minorities who live on a steep territory in complete harmony.

Walking will allow you to reach these remote villages out of time where age-old traditions are still deeply rooted in the daily lives of these mountain tribes with legendary hospitality. Walkers can also enjoy the beautiful nature within the Phou Den Din Important Bird Area (IBA) and the Nam Lan Conservation Area which covers dense forests at an altitude of 600 to 1,850 meters.

The Luang Prabang region

While Luang Prabang, known as the cultural capital of Laos, is mainly visited for the beauty of its temples, few travelers know that the UNESCO-listed city is the starting point for several beautiful hiking trails. Easy to do, this pleasant stage of your trip to Laos leads to the famous Khouang Si Falls. It’s a walk of a few hours starting from a pretty little Hmong village which through a beautiful vegetation cover leads above the falls to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. For those who like walking and want to discover the authentic life of small villages by sleeping in local homes, the Luang Prabang region offers beautiful trekking routes over two or three days with a night in the village in conditions of comfort that are certainly basic but which allow you to be in direct contact with the traditions of the villagers.

The Khammouane region

The Khammouane region is renowned for its fantastic landscape sites which contain surprising karst formations in the middle of five national protected areas and a huge area classified as a national biodiversity conservation area. Hiking in these nature reserves will allow you to take the full measure of the gigantism of these exceptional limestone landscapes.

This is the opportunity to explore the many caves in the region including the famous Kong Lor cave where the turquoise water of the Hin Bun River flows peacefully for about 7.5km. A community project with an ecotourism vocation will allow you to stop in villages and spend the night with the locals where great moments of conviviality and sharing are in the spotlight.

The Boloven Plateau

At over 1000 meters above sea level, the Boloven Plateau offers magnificent landscapes of primary forests to discover on foot. Walking remains the best way to discover a still well-preserved nature and to meet the ethnic minorities who populate this sublime region.

Hiking will allow you to discover the tea and especially coffee plantations that have made the reputation of this region with its temperate climate. The days of walking always end with a nice refreshing bath in one of the many waterfalls of the Boloven Plateau.

Enjoy your trip!

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