The northern part of Laos is a remote region where a craggy and mountainous landscape has kept the modern world at bay, protecting isolated minority villages perched on sheer hillsides and hidden in remote valleys.
Heading north from the Thai border towards China, the town of Luang Nam Tha is the gateway to the Nam Ha National Park, with countless opportunities to explore on foot, by kayak or by mountain bike. Further south, you will stumble upon the picturesque area of Muang La and the dramatic valley of Nong Khiaw before arriving by road or boat at the cultural centre of Luang Prabang. Improved road conditions mean it is now at least possible to travel through this previously remote area but, with the exception of the Muang La Resort, accommodation is certainly simple.
Another emerging destination in this part of Laos is Vieng Xai. Set amongst beautiful limestone karst, the typical mountains of the northeast, this is best known as the home of the ‘secret city’, the cave system used during the Vietnam War as part of the Pathet Lao’s headquarters, that has now been opened to visitors.