Luang Prabang & Pakse Adventure

Luang Prabang is a small but vibrant town in the heart of northern Laos. It is adorably picturesque with glittering temples, a mix of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture, colorful markets and quaint streets famous for the daily sunrise alms giving ritual where food is offered to the monks. Luang Prabang’s picture postcard image includes French-style cafés, bakeries, restaurants and former French villas with green shutters, the town is a fascinating legacy to when Laos was part of French Indochina. This town is one of the most favorite destinations in Laos, this place has a lot to offer, from dozens of temples, stunning waterfalls, French colonial architecture, bustling night markets to river cruises. On the outskirts are vibrant rice fields and traditional local villages. Luang Prabang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, and it is also the birthplace of numerous Laotian rituals.

Located on the Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw is an explorer’s paradise offering incredible scenery and outdoor activities. It is considered one of the most picturesque spots in Laos due to its outstanding natural beauty. The surrounding mountains are riddled with caves where villagers sheltered from American bombing in the 1960s and 1970s, and the area is now ideal for hiking, exploring to waterfalls, biking, kayaking, caving, and visiting local Khmer minority villages famous for bamboo and rattan weaving. For a more gentle and relaxing time, opt to stroll around the visit its historic temple in the center, or have a blissful massage or herbal steam bath at one of the small local spas.

Sitting on the banks of Nam Ou River, Muang Ngoy (Muang Ngoi Neua) is an idyllic village. Only reachable by boat since 2013, this village, against a backdrop of majestic karst limestone mountains, has witnessed some rapid development due to the influx of tourism, yet has managed to retain its rural quaintness. There is plenty to do in and around Muang Ngoi, from hiking to admiring great panoramic views, enchanting caves, beautiful waterfalls and local villages to kayaking on Nam Ou River, exploring beaches and small islands downstream. For a more in depth understanding of local Lao culture and agritourism, a visit to Yensabai Organic Farm is highly recommended. Located on the way to Tad Mook waterfalls, hidden between beautiful rice fields, this farm focuses on sustainable living in all its forms. The best time to visit Muang Ngoi Neau is from November to March. Outside these months, it can get very hot and wet. Northern Laos can receive up to 600 ml of water per square meter in July and August every year.

As Laos's second-largest city, Pakse lies in the south in Champasak Province, far from Luang Prabang and Vientiane. It is known for its proximity to the Bolaven Plateau, one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive coffee-growing areas, graced with a remarkable mountainous terrain and stunning waterfalls. Travel another 46 km south of Pakse to Vat Phou, one of the most important sights in Laos. Literally meaning “Mountain Temple,” Vat Phou is a multi-level structure built on the slopes of the adjacent mountain, dating back to the Angkor period from the 9th to 13th centuries CE. The upper platform of the temple affords a wonderful view of the Mekong. Much like southern Laos itself, Pakse is characterized by a feeling that time has passed it by. This compact small town is easy to explore on foot. A visit to the famous Dao Heuang market and a sunset view on the Mekong River should not be missed.

Most of the 60,000 that live here depend on subsistence farming and fishing and the interior is almost entirely given over to rice cultivation and hilly forest.

The Bolaven Plateau is a high area in southern Laos. The plateau is mostly located in Laos' Champasak Province, although its fringes may also be found in Salavan, Sekong, and Attapeu Provinces. It is located between the Annamite Mountain Range, which forms Laos' eastern border with Vietnam, and the Mekong River to the west, at around 15°N 106°E. It is traversed by various rivers and features numerous spectacular waterfalls. The name Bolaven refers to the Laven ethnic group, which has historically ruled the region. However, domestic migrations by the Lao ethnic group (which constitutes around 50 to 60 percent of the population of Laos) have resulted in significant interethnic marriage, thereby changing the ethnic composition of the area.