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Northern Laos Travel Guide
Nature's raw splendor and Laos' cultural heart both lie in the country's northern territory. The majestic mounts, emerald forests and snaking rivers in the area make the region a backpacker's version of an amusement park. Northern Laos also houses some of the country's most baffling archaeological sites that attract not only tourists, but also anthropologists. In the midst of all that bounty are tribal villages that have kept the majority of their age-old traditions, while acquiring influences from the nearby Vietnam and China.
An ideal way to start roaming the northern region is by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang, with its well-preserved historical and religious architecture. Considered as one of the world's most beautiful cities, Luang Prabang used to be the royal capital and the seat of power of the Lao Kingdom. Another archaeological wonder is found in the Hua Phan Province, Vieng Xai. Vieng Xai features a series of caves that once served as the revolutionary group Pathet Lao (PL) headquarters. The numerous caverns were used as hospitals, sleeping quarters, and even meeting rooms. Today, only a few of the caves are open for tourists to explore.
Those who fancy a more baffling site can go to the Plain of Jars, whose name is pretty self-explanatory. Located near Phonsavan, the large undulating plateau has groups of large stone jars that seem to have been mounted on the ground. Origins of the jars and even their true purpose are still a mystery, and the stories that try to explain wildly differ. A word of caution to tourists is to take extra precaution in roaming the plain as there are still unexploded mines around the area. It will be wise to tag along a trusted guide and never to stray from the walkways.
Hunters for trinkets and souvenirs needn't go far from the province to find good finds. Hua Phan's prime city Sam Neua takes pride on its high-quality textiles, appealing crafts, and other products which show a strain of the Vietnamese culture. The numerous tribal villages such as Thai Dam and Vieng Phoukha are also worth a visit, as the natives offer genuine Laotian hospitality and if lucky, treat tired tourists to some of their fresh produce and a cup of tea.
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