Phongsali province the most remote in northern Laos is surrounded on three sides by China and Vietnam.    The Phu Den Din National Biodiversity Conservation Area along the Vietnamese border with mountains as high as 1950m with over 70% forest cover is home to the asiatic black bear, bantang, clouded leopard, elephant, guar and tiger.

The capital Phongsali, can be reached from Muang Xai with buses leaving once a day.  Phongsali has a year round cool climate with temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celcius at night.  Rain can be heavy - bring a jacket and warm clothes.

Muang Khoa is a small town situated on the junction of Route 4 and the Nam Ou river.  The journey to Muang Khoa along route 4 from Udomxai takes about four hours.  It is possible to travel up river to Phongsali from here, or down to Luang Prabang.

Laos has rich vegetation, mainly monsoon forest. Monsoon forest consists of a top canopy of hardwood trees like dipterocarps that can reach 30m high. The middle canopy consists of smaller trees such as teak and Asian rosewood. The undergrowth is bamboo, smaller trees, shrubs and grasses. Tropical palms and orchids are common, as are a variety of tropical fruit trees.

Parts of the Annamite chain are covered with tropical evergreen forest, where rainfall is highest and in the south, tropical pine forests can be found.

Laos has a large number of animal species, including as many as 500 different birds. Reptiles include many snakes, including king cobras. There are a large number of lizards, from the small ghekos to 2m long monitor lizards. Mammals include wild cats, bears, leopards and tigers. There are up to 500 wild elephants in Laos, although more than twice that number are in captivity.  There are a number of rare species in Laos which which include rhinos and wild cattle.

Located in the northern part of Laos, Luang Namtha shares its northwestern border with Myanmar and its northeastern border with China.  The province is mountainous, home to large numbers of minorities.

The Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area is located in the southwest of Luang Namtha - a pristine habitat of dense tropical rainforest covering almost all of the protected area.

UNESCO are funding a ecotourism project in Luang Namtha that will be capable of sustaining sustainable development in the province.  The concept of the project is to provide education, conservation, management and sustainable economic benefits for the local population.

The province is home to a 39 minorities the largest number in the country.

Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital city of Laos and its seat of government. As a former French Indochinese state, Vientiane has a compelling history of colonial domination and internal conflicts that have ravaged the country in the past. Despite this, the pace of life in the capital is surprisingly slow and laid-back. Vientiane (pronounced 'Wieng Chan' by the locals) houses several interesting Buddhist monasteries as well as bustling markets.

Luang Prabang
This ancient city has become the centerpiece of tourism in Laos, a city of majestic buildings and serene natural surroundings that has survived decades of war and revolution. UNESCO has declared Luang Prabang a World Heritage site

Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars archaeological site is believed to be over 2,000 years old. Huge jars of mysterious origin are arranged haphazardly in over a dozen different groupings, including several hundred in five major groups. Each jar weighs about 6.6 tons and is fashioned from solid stone that does not appear to come from the area. Archaeologists believe the jars were used for burial purposes.

Ho Chi Minh Trail
Students of war history will want to visit the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which played a prominent role in two wars ?it was used by the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War and by the Viet Minh in the war against the French in the fifties. The trail runs parallel to the Vietnam-Laos border and consists of a network of gravel roads and dirt paths.

Pha That Luang
The most revered national monument in Laos is a fitting representation of Buddhist religion and the country sovereignty. It is surrounded by a series of high walls with windows, said to be erected by King Anouvong in the early 19th century as a defense against invaders.

Khone Phapheng
It is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

How to Get There
National carrier Lao Airlines, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways have regular flights to the international airports at Vientiane and Luang Prabang. It actually cheaper to fly to Udon Thani in Thailand and travel via shuttle service to Vientiane, which is just 17 km away.

Tourists can also enter or exit Laos by land from/to Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam, but not from/to Myanmar. The most popular tourist crossing is the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong between Nong Khai (Thailand) and Vientiane.

Traveling Around
Traveling around Laos by air, road or river is a rewarding experience. Lao Airlines has a monopoly on domestic flights. The common ways to travel on land are by minibus, converted pickup truck, converted Soviet truck and motorized three-wheelers. Minibuses are quicker and more expensive but not necessarily better. Boats are used only as shortcuts to avoid horrible roads.

Bokeo province is the smallest province in the country and borders Thailand and Myanmar.   This is the Lao side of the 'Golden Triangle'.  The province has 34 ethnic groups, the second most ethnically diverse province in Laos.  The photo shows a group of Akha (Ikaw or Kaw) people from the Golden Triangle area taken in 1900.

Huay Xai is the border town with Thailand, the city is busy and prosperous.

Located in the center of Huay Xay is Chomkao Manilat temple. The view from the the temple hill over Houy Xay city,the Mekong river and surrounding mountains is a definite reward for making it up the many steps.

Luang Prabang is the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.  The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains at the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan river.  In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang is a city where time seems to stand still.  As part of the UNESCO plan, new buildings have been limited and development must be in keeping with this magical place.

Luang Prabang is small, and just about everywhere can be reached by foot.  Walking and travelling by bicycle is the best way to see this tiny city.

Read stories about Luang Prabang in the news section or click here to go directly to Michael Buckley's piece entitled Jewel of the Mekong

Located in the northern part of Laos. This mountainous province has 23 ethnic groups each with it own distinct culture, religion, language and colourful style of dress. The provincial capital , Muang Xay lies between two strings of Hmong villages.

Lao Aviation flies to Oudomxai from Vientiane - for flight information, please click here for Lao Aviation's flight schedule.

Oudomxai can be reached overland from Luang Prabang. Oudomxay is also accessible from Bokeo and Luang Namtha Provinces.  Oudomxay is an ideal base for excursions and trekking to varied sights and attractions as well as destination in its own right.  Muang Xai, has one of the best produce markets in the area.

Near Muang Xai, there is a waterfall, Lak Sip – Et ( located at km No 11) and hot springs near Muang La.

Houa Phan province is situated in the northeast of Laos and was the base of the Lao People's Revolutionary Army activities. There are over 100 caves in the Vieng Xai district of Houa Phanh many of which were used as hideouts and bunkers during the Indochina war.

Lao Aviation flies daily to the capital Xam Neua from Vientiane - for flight information, please click here for Lao Aviation's flight schedule.

The most famous caves in the area are:

Tham Than Souphanouvong: formerly known as Tham Phapount. In 1964, Prince Souphanouvong set up his residence in this cave.  Tham Than Kaysone: formerly known as Tham Yonesong, was established for the residence of Mr. Kaysone Phomvihane.  Tham Than Khamtay: was the residence of Mr. Khamtay Siphandone, consisting of many area, such as a meeting room, reception room and research room.

Other attractions include Keo Nong Vay Temple located in Xam Neua district.

Hot springs in Xam Tay district are located about 154 km away from Xam Neua the waters reach a temperature of around 40 degrees Celcius.  Xam Tay waterfall is located Xam Tay district.

Saleu and Nasala villages, well known for their weaving activities, located in Xieng Kor district on the road No: 6 to Xieng Khouang province 125 km away from Xam Neua.

Sayabouri province is quite close to Vientiane, but being quite mountainous is quite remote.   The province shares its borders with six Thai provinces.

The capital of the province, Sayabouri is on the banks of the Nam Hung, a tributary of the Mekong.

The province houses the Nam Phoun National Biodiversity Conservation Area which is 1150 sq km of forested hills that contain Asiatic black bear, dhole, elephant, guar, gibbon, Malayan sun bear and Sumatran rhino.

The southern part of the province has many scenic waterfalls, but getting around this part of the province is very difficult.

Xieng Khouang province is situated in the north of Laos, a province of green montains and karst limestone.Much of the province was heavily bombed during the Vietnam war and old war scrap is used in building houses throughout the province. 

The capital of Xieng Khouang is Phonsavan. Situated at an altitude of 1,200m is an excellent climate.  Decmber and January can be chilly so bring a light jacket or fleece for cool evenings and mornings.

Vientiane, capital of Laos is Asia's biggest village.  Busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia.  Vientiane, as all of Lao's major cities, is situated on the Mekong river which forms the lifeline of the country.  Vientiane is the hub for all travel in the country.  The city has a population of 450,000, about 10% of the country.

Vientiane is a city full of surprises.  Here you can find fields of rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues.  French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples.  Freshly baked French bread is served next to shops selling noodle soup.

There is little modern in Vientiane.  Old French colonial houses are being restored as offices and as restaurants and hotels. There are only a handful of modern buildings which sometimes look remarkably out of place in this quiet capital.

Bolikhamsai province contains part of the wilderness area known as the  Nakai - Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area the largest conservation area in the country at 3700 sq km.  The area is home to over a dozen threatened species including Asiatic black bear, clouded leopard, elephant, giant muntjac, guar, Malayan sun bear, and tiger.

The saola (spindlehorn) or Vu Quang Ox - Pseudoryx nghetinhensis was discovered in neighbouring Vietnam in 1992 and sighted since then in Laos in the conservation area.  Only two other land mammals have been classified with their own genus this century.  The first live saola was captured in neighbouring Khammouane province in 1996.

The capital of Bolikhamsai is Paxxan, which can be reached from Vietntiane by bus in about three hours.

Khammouane province contains two vast wilderness areas known as the Khammuane Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area and the Nakai - Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area.

The Kahmmuane Limestone is a maze of limestone karst peaks forming a stone forest of caves, rivers and pristine jungle.  For most of the wet season, the area is not accessible by road - most 'roads' being tracks with log bridges across deeps streams.  These tracks are often routes across rice paddies near the river banks - during the rainy season, the only way to get around is by boat.

Savannakhet town is situated on the banks of the   Mekong river opposite Mukdahan in Thailand.  The province bridges the country between Thailand and Vietnam and the town is a very active junction for trade between the two countries.  The town itself can be easily explored by foot and has a number of interesting temples, including Vietnamese temple and school and a large Catholic church. Much of the town's architecture is French Colonial.

Salavan Province is best known for the Bolaven Plateau, which also extends into Attapeu, Champassak and Sekong provinces.  The Bolaven Plateau is covered in the Champassak section. Click Here to find out about the Bolaven Plateau.  The plateau is best accessed from Pakse, in Champassak province.

Salavan province is home to the Phu Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area, covering nearly 1,000 sq km in the western part of the province next to the Mekong river.  It is thought that asiatic black bear, banteng, clouded leopard, Douc langur, elephant, gibbon, guar, Siamese crocodile and tiger and inhabit this area.

Khammouane province contains two vast wilderness areas known as the Khammuane Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area and the Nakai - Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area.

The Kahmmuane Limestone is a maze of limestone karst peaks forming a stone forest of caves, rivers and pristine jungle.For most of the wet season, the area is not accessible by road - most 'roads' being tracks with log bridges across deeps streams.  These tracks are often routes across rice paddies near the river banks - during the rainy season, the only way to get around is by boat.

The National Tourism Authority of Lao PDR is currently investigating ecotourism projects in this beautiful region.

The capital of Khammouane province is Tha Kek, situated across the Mekong from Nakorn Phanom in Thailand.

Sekong Province is best known for the Bolaven Plateau, which also extends into Attapeu, Champassak and Salavan and provinces.The Bolaven Plateau is covered in the Champassak section.Click Here to find out about the Bolaven Plateau.The plateau is best accessed from Pakse, in Champassak province.

Sekong province is rugged,wild and very scenic, but transportation is very difficult, especially by land in the rainy season.

The province of Champassak is home to one of Asia's great, but least visited temples, Wat Phu.Pakse, the capital is situated at the confluence of the Se river and the Mekong (Pakse means 'mouth of the Se') and is a busy trading town.  The province also houses much of the Bolaven Plateau, an area that is home to a number of ethnic minorities.To the south is Si Pan Don (four thousand islands), where the Mekong reaches up to 14km wide during the rainy season and the Khone Phapeng Falls.

Pakse has a number of comfortable places to stay and is a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.The town has one of the largest markets in the region.  Within Pakse is the Champassak Museum where you can see relics from Wat Phu as well as from the Bolaven Plateau.