LAOS -NORTHERN HERITAGE

NORTHERN HERITAGE

THE NORTHERN HERITAGE ROUTE

PROVINCES

HOUAPHANH, LUANG PRABANG, SAYABOURY, XENG KHOUANG

PEOPLE & PLACES

Lao’s lower northern part is famous for its historical town centers and important historical sites. Luang Prabang town, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, is a center of Lao traditional arts and national history,with its exquisite Buddhist pagodas, grand colonial architecture and royal palaces of the Lane Xang Kingdom .Other important historical sites are the Viengxay Caves in Houaphan (the first politic administrative center of the Neo Lao Hakasd).In Xieng Khouang Province is the Plain of Jars, with mysterious 2000 year old giant stone jars and the historic town of Muang Khoun. This area is also well known as having been an important strategic military location during the second Indochina War.

The north is also famous for its silk weaving –most notable are the intricate designs produced in Houaphan Province.The region’s colouful festivals include the Hmong New Year festival held in December /January and the Buddhist lent opening (June/July) and closing ceremonies( October ) in Luang Prabang.

GEOGRAPHY & NATURE

The lower part of Northern Laos shares borders with Thailand in the west and Vietnam in the east. It is a mountainous region shaped by Karst Mountains, plateaus, meandering rivers and biologically rich forests. The Xieng Khouang Plateau is known for its mountains, peaks and pine tree forests.Huaphan has beautiful karst mountains with an extended network of caves .And in Sayaboury are expansive teak tree forests, which can be explored by riding elephants or walking.

INTERNATIONAL BORDER CROSSINGS

-Luang Prabang International Airport

-Houaphan Province (Nam Soy )-Vietnam( Na Meo)

-Xieng Khouang 9Nong Haet) –Vietnam (Nakeng –Loei)

-Sayabouly Province(Kaenthao) –Thailand (Nakaxeng –Loei)

- Sayabouly Province ( Nam Ngeun)- Thailand (Houy Konl,Nam)

Suggested routes:

Typial (1-2 weeks)

Sayabouly –Luang Prabang –Xieng Khoung – Houaphan –Vientiane or Vietnam

OFF –THE-BEATEN TRACK (2-3 WEEKS)

Sayaboury –Oudomxay –Luang Prabang –Xiengkhouang-Houaphan –Vietnam or Vientiane

North to South ( 4 weeks)

Huay Xai- uang Namtha- Oudomxay –Sayabouly –Luang Parbang –Xieng Khouang –Vientiane –Khammouane-Champasak