Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled Laos itinerary

Nov 4, 2009 1:51:44 AM

Tony Wheeler
Lonely Planet Author

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Luang Prabang makes a wonderful introduction to Laos, and with increasing numbers of direct flights from Vientiane, Bangkok and other centres, more travellers are making this their starting point for an exploration of northern Laos. Relax in one of the town’s eclectic collection of guesthouses and hotels, wine and dine at the excellent restaurants and bars, enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Mekong, explore the superb collection of Buddhist wats and then head off on some northern roads less travelled.

Tony-with-backpack

Nong Khiaw is an increasingly popular northern centre for trekking and exploration. The recently discovered 100 Waterfalls trek makes an interesting day trip, or you can overnight in the village guest house. Head upriver from Nong Khiaw to idyllic Muang Ngoi Neua, another riverside town with a wide variety of trekking and river activities. Another few hours up the river bring you to Muang Khua, a town with a frontier feel which may eventually become an important jumping off point for northern Vietnam.

Tony-with-motorbike

Take a bus to Udomxai and talk to the tourist office about arranging a visit to another recently discovered attraction, the amazing Chong Ong caves. Another bus trip brings you to Luang Nam Tha, the jumping off point for hill tribe treks or mountain bike explorations of the amazing Nam Ha National Protected Area.

Tony-on-footbridge

Finally, if it’s not too far into the dry season (when low river levels can make travel impossible), take a riverboat south to Huay Xai from where it’s only a few minutes across the Mekong to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Next stops: Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

buffalo

Tony Wheeler travelled to Laos on assignment for Lonely Planet. You can follow his adventures on Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled, screening internationally on National Geographic.

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Comments

25 January 2010 11:52PM emms_182 Report this comment
Are you able to give me more information about the 3 hour kayak trip you did up the Mekong River and also the village you stayed at near the waterfall? It looked amazing and i would really love to add it to my itinerary however I cant seem to find the info online. Many Thanks
3 June 2011 12:03PM toptuan Report this comment
Just watched your "Roads Less Traveled--Laos" on Nat Geo Channel/Asia. A couple of comments. 1) In your jungle hikes, do you notice you're the only one in your group wearing shorts? You should learn from your native hosts! Two words: insects & snakes. 2) You take quite a few anti-American swipes as you cover your territory in Laos. The Laotians are successfully moving beyond their past and you should get over it too. The Lao I know are currently embracing Americans in their midst who are making a difference in improving their livelihoods: NGO contributions, language schools, agricultural technical assistance, etc. We botice you didn't touch on any of those positive impacts.