NORTHERN MOUNTAINS
TRAVEL THROUGH A SEA OF CLOUDS AND
ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN LAOS
PROVINCES
BOKEO, LUANG NAMTHA, OUDOMXAY,
PHONGSALY
PEOPLE &PLACES
LAO’S upper northern region is
known for its rugged mountains and diverse ethnic cultures.The region is home
to more than 30 distinct ethnic groups,representing a colourful mix of
Tibeto-Burman,Mon-Khmer ,Yao-Mien and Tai Lao origins. Handmade products made
by ethnic minorities include mulberry bark and bamboo paper , Khmu basketry and
Hmong embroidery .The region’s colourful festivals include the Hmong New Year festival
held in December /January.
GEOGRAPHY & NATURE
Northern Laos is situated in the
heart of Southeast Asia and makes up part of the famous “Golden Triangle ,”
surrounded most popular trekking area and offers a range of trails through
green jungle to remote ethnic minority villages.The region’s broad expanse of
forest habitats supports a range of globally and regionally endangered wildlife
species, including gibbons in the Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) and
Bokeo Nature Reserve and tigers in Phou Den Din NPA .The north’s river network
offers scenic journeys to secluded locations by longboat and challenging rapids
for rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. Major rivers include the Mekong, Nam Ou,
Nam Seuang ,Nam Tha and Nam Fa.
INTERNATIOON BORDER CROSSINGS
LUANG NAMTHA PROVINCE (BOTEN)
–CHINA (MOHAN)
BOKEO PROVINCE (HUEYXAY)-THAILAND
(CHIANG KHONG)
XIENGKOU RIVERPORT ON MEKONG RIVER
IN LUANG NAMTHA PROVNCE (NO VISA ON ARRIVAL)
PHONGSALY PROVINCE (PANG HOK)
–VIETNAM (TAICHANG LAICHAU)( NO VISA ON ARRIVAL)
SUGGESTED ROUTES
TYPICAL (1-2 WEEKS)
HOUAY XAY –LUANG NAMTHA- OUDOMXAY
–LUANG PRABANG-VIENTIANE
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK ( 2-3 WEEKS)
:
HOUAY XAY –LUANG NAMTHA –OUDOMXAY
–PHONGSALY –LUANG PRABANG –HUAPHANH –XIENG KHOUANG –VIENTIANE OR VIETNAM
NORTH TO SOUTH ( 4 WEEKS)
HOUAY XAY –LUANG NAMTHA-OUDOMXAY
–LUANG PRABANG –HUAPHANH-XIENG KHOUANG-VIENTIANE0 KHAMMOUANE –CHAMPASAK
