Must-see attractions in Northern Laos

  • Yunnanese Shophouses

    Northern Laos

    These atmospheric one-storey wooden houses make you feel, as you peer into their Chinese-decorated interiors, that you are no longer in Laos but already…

  • Phu That Stupa

    Northern Laos

    Pretty little Phu That Stupa, a historic structure that was totally rebuilt after wartime destruction, is accessed via stairways from the main road…

  • Wat Phu That

    Northern Laos

    This attractive hilltop temple is one of the best spots to head to for cooler air and fabulous sunset views of the valley below. The 15m-tall gold Buddha…

  • Chinese Temple

    Northern Laos

    This Chinese temple, with its red roofs animated with myriad green and blue dragons, enjoys pretty views over a nearby pond crowded with old Yunnan houses.

  • Wat Sisavang

    Northern Laos

    Wat Sisavang sports some older monks' quarters as well as a gaudily ornate new bell tower and gateway.

  • Wat

    Northern Laos

    This peaceful temple is worth a visit given the limited sightseeing options in town.

  • Main Market

    Northern Laos

    Tucked in the valley behind Fort Carnot is Huay Xai's vibrant main market.

  • lao lao rice whiskey with snakes and centipedes

    Morning Market

    Northern Laos

    A real treat for the early bird, here you can find all manner of things from quail eggs to freshly butchered meat, seasonal produce to utensils, and even…

  • Market

    Northern Laos

    Make a dawn visit to the earthy wet market (camera in hand) and thread through the labyrinthine collection of rickety stalls, with all manner of…

  • Wat Sin Jong Jaeng

    Northern Laos

    Overlooking the Mekong, archaic little Wat Sin Jong Jaeng dates back to the early colonial period. Although its eaves have been entirely repainted, an old…

  • Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument

    Northern Laos

    At the town's central junction stands the bizarre Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument. Four hooked concrete pincers hold aloft a glittery disco ball that is…

  • Museum

    Northern Laos

    Stairways lead up from the main road to the town's two-storey museum, featuring colonial-style shutters and Asian gables. Inside, much of it is dedicated…

  • Hot Springs

    Northern Laos

    Wander down to the river to discover Muang La's modest hot spring that bubbles into the river when water levels are high. When levels are low, a flimsy…

  • Wat Thadsuvanna Phakham

    Northern Laos

    Commanding the rise directly above the speedboat landing, 3km south of the central area, Wat Thadsuvanna Phakham is a colourful temple featuring a row of…

  • Old Market

    Northern Laos

    The old market is in a rather sorry state and feels all but abandoned, but a new market has been built behind the old structure. Head to the right side of…

  • Main Market

    Northern Laos

    The main market is predominantly stocked with Chinese and Vietnamese consumer goods. However, some fabric stalls here carry regional textiles, and…

  • Wat Keophone Savanthanaram

    Northern Laos

    Wat Keophone Savanthanaram features murals of gruesome torture scenes on the north wall of the sǐm (ordination hall), while on the slope above a long…

  • Suspension Bridge

    Northern Laos

    Enchanting river scenes are visible from this bike-and-pedestrian suspension bridge. To find it, turn right down the tiny lane in front of the jumbo-sized…

  • Wat Sisavangvong

    Northern Laos

    More central than the other wats in Sainyabuli, Wat Sisavangvong was reportedly built by King Sisavang Vong on an older temple site.

  • Wat Khonekeo Xaiyaram

    Northern Laos

    Wat Khonekeo Xaiyaram, in Ban Khonekeo, has a lavish frontage with dazzling red, gold and green pillars and doors.

  • Wat Jom Khao Manilat

    Northern Laos

    One of the principal Buddhist temples in town; stairs lead up to its hilltop summit from the centre of town.

  • Wat Keo

    Northern Laos

    This modest Buddhist temple is more memorable for its petang-playing monks than its architecture.