Northern Laos Itinerary: A Complete Guide to Offbeat Travel

Q: Is Northern Laos Worth Visiting?

Absolutely , Northern Laos is definitely worth visiting. It’s one of those places that offers something for every type of traveler, from stunning landscapes of limestone mountains and winding rivers to rich cultural experiences in quiet villages . The pace is slow, the people are incredibly warm, and there’s a real sense of escape from the usual tourist crowds. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience that feels authentic and unhurried, Northern Laos should be high on your list.

Planning a trip to Laos but not sure if Northern Laos is worth it? Trust us – it absolutely is. After spending nearly three weeks exploring the region, it became one of the highlights of our time in Southeast Asia.

What makes Northern Laos so special is its unhurried pace of life.

You can sip a (strong) coffee by the Mekong, trek to remote villages with local guides, or lose yourself in the breathtaking karst landscapes that surround every town.

In this itinerary, we’ll share the best places to visit in Northern Laos on a budget – mixing well-known favorites like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng with hidden gems most backpackers skip.

From unforgettable hikes to unique homestays and charming riverside towns, here’s everything that made us fall in love with Northern Laos (and why it should be on your route too).

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book or buy something through them – at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’d actually use ourselves. Read more in our Privacy Policy.

Our Northern Laos Itinerary

Your Northern Laos itinerary can be as long or as short as you like! Here are the destinations we visited during our stay:

Huay Xai
Luang Namtha
Nong Khiaw
Muang Ngoi
Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng

👉 Undecided between Laos and Vietnam on your backpacking trip? Read our comparison post here.

A Brief Stopover in Huay Xai

A local woman walking with a shopping bag into the shadows of two buildings toward the sunset over the river. This is the first stop after the Chiang Rai to Huay Xai border crossing.

Huay Xai is a quiet border town, often treated as a brief stopover for travelers passing through. However, there’s still a bit of adventure to uncover here.

Things to Do in Huay Xai

The Gibbon Experience is a must! The unique eco-tourism adventure is Huay Xai’s biggest draw. This surreal jungle experience books out months in advance – some people plan their entire trip around this!!

Catch views over the Mekong River from Wat That Suvanna Pakham. You can also stroll along the riverbank, watch the slowboats, and stick around for the sunset.

A girl is smiling at the camera whilst sat at a table in Huay Xai, Northern Laos. THere are two cans of Beer Lao on the table

Where to Stay in Huay Xai

Over the Moon Hostel – WE STAYED HERE – the room was clean, the showers were hot, and there was even a lovely terrace overlooking the Mekong River. The owner will help you with onward travel.

Where to Eat in Huay Xai

Mae Da Restaurant – a lovely spot on the main street to people watch, and enjoy a Beer Lao to celebrate your arrival in Northern Laos.

Jungle Trekking in Luang Namtha

A girl with a green hat and yellow backback following a small dirt track through the jungle in Laos

Luang Namtha is home to the jungles of Northern Laos. It’s a peaceful town filled with natural beauty and local culture.

Things to Do in Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha is the place to be for trekking in Northern Laos. We chose a Jungle Trek with The Hiker.

We spent two days trekking through the jungle, and the trip included a night’s stay eating, dancing and learning from the locals in the village.

After you’ve finished your trek, relax in a local herbal sauna at Phon Herbal Sauna. Once you’re re-energized, check out the Golden Stupa (Samakkhixay Stupa) for city and mountain views at sunset.

About 3 km from Luang Namtha, you’ll find Ban Nam Di Village where you can learn how to make paper from bamboo.

You can take the papermaking workshop or just browse the already made handicrafts to take home.

A lunch made from local Lao food is served to a hiking group on banana leaves in Nam Ha National Protected Area in Luang Namtha, Laos. The lunch consists of fish cooked on a fire, sticky rice, local greens, tomato tofu and papaya salad.

Where to Stay in Luang Namtha

Phou lu III Bungalows – WE STAYED HERE – kick back on the balcony of your bungalow. Eat freshly prepared breakfast surrounded by the lush jungle.

Where to Eat in Luang Namtha

Night Market – take your pick of food options. We recommend heading to the back of the market to a busy stall for a delicious bowl of noodle soup.

Viewpoints for Days in Nong Khiaw

The sun setting between two mountains with a view of the Nam Ou river at Nong Khiaw viewpoint

Nong Khiaw is a quiet gem, surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and a laid-back vibe, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Things to Do in Nong Khiaw

When we arrived in Nong Khiaw on the bus, we were immediately struck by the stunning mountain scenery that surrounded us. Hike up to a viewpoint for sunset – Som Nang Viewpoint is a great choice.

If you’re up for more adventure, set off on another jungle trek or perhaps combine it with a kayaking tour down Nam Ou River.

If you prefer a more relaxed stay, follow our lead. We took a leisurely 3-4 km walk to the Ban Pha Toke Community Museum, which highlights the area’s history and impact during the Vietnam War.

Treat yourself to a Lao massage and a hair wash! For just $4 USD, we enjoyed a soothing massage followed by an intense 40-minute scalp scrub, hair wash, and blow dry.

Read our full list of things to do in Nong Khiaw

A view of the mountains in Nong Khiaw from the window of Bamboo guesthouse

Where to Stay in Nong Khiaw

Eco Farm Stay and Hostel – a peaceful retreat with cozy bamboo bungalows, stunning mountain views, and a focus on sustainable living.

Where to Eat in Nong Khiaw

Mama Alex’s – we ate here multiple nights! Order the Lao sausage with a delicious eggplant dip.

Village Life in Muang Ngoi

A longboat on a river in the morning waiting for the public boat from Muang Ngoi. There is fog covering the mountains

Muang Ngoi is a village up the river from Nong Khiaw that is only accessible by boat. You can visit for the day or stick to Nong Khiaw’s naturally slow pace and stay overnight.

Things to Do in Muang Ngoi

We opted for a chill afternoon, only wandering around and enjoying the view from our balcony. There are a number of activities to try.

You can enjoy a day hike to Tad Mok Waterfall and go for a swim if you’re there during rainy season. Make sure you follow the big path signposted “waterfall 400m” rather than follow the Google Maps pin.

Back in town, you can take a weaving class at the textile shop Wonder’s Hut. In the evening, challenge yourself to the climb up to Pha Boom Viewpoint for sunset.

Muang Ngoi village near Nong Khiaw. The picture shows the street with the guesthouses and restaurants with a mountain in thebackground

Where to Stay in Muang Ngoi

Suan Phao Guesthouse – WE STAYED HERE – located at the far side of the village offering beautiful vistas. We advise booking in advance as we noticed many walk-ins were being turned away during our stay.

Where to Eat in Muang Ngoi

Chez Lola – turn off the main road to this hidden gem. Try one of the suzy dishes, a unique tomato based meal that we couldn’t find anywhere else in Laos.

City Life in Luang Prabang

A misty sunrise over the river in Luang Prabang, Laos. The mountains can be seen across the river and there are pink flowers in the foreground.

Luang Prabang is a magical mix of serene temples, lush nature, and riverside charm, offering a slower pace and a glimpse into Laos’ rich cultural heart.

Things to Do in Luang Prabang

Spend time exploring the beautiful temples of Luang Prabang. Vat Visounnalath and Haw Pha Bang were our favorites.

There’s plenty more to choose from. We just searched “wats” on Google Maps and spent the day wat-hopping through Luang Prabang.

During the evenings, grab drinks at a riverside sunset bar and if you’re feeling energetic, go for a game of tenpin bowling – a backpacker right of passage.

Head out for a day trip to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls. Take a dip in the turquoise pools, hike the surrounding trails, and stop by the bear sanctuary.

Don’t miss a traditional Laotian performance by Garavek Story Telling. Make sure you wake up early to witness the peaceful alms-giving ceremony as monks line the streets to collect food offerings from locals.

A sunset view over the river in Luang Prabang. People can be seen painting on the river edge against the pink setting sun.

Where to Stay in Luang Prabang

Funny Riverside Backpackers – WE STAYED HERE – this remains one of our all-time favorite hostels. It is the perfect balance of relaxed and social, and the owners are not only amazing but also personable and entertaining.

🇱🇦 Looking for more budget options? Or want to splurge on a resort? These are our top accommodation picks in Luang Prabang for every budget.

Where to Eat in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Night Market – we ate here almost every night, sampling a different stall each time. It’s always bustling with activity. Our top recommendation is the garlic pork dish from one of the vendors.

Adventure Sports in Vang Vieng

Blue Lagoon 3 in Vang Vieng is shown with blue water and green mountains below. This is a great stop if you have one week in Laos.

Vang Vieng may have a party reputation, but beyond the crowds, it’s a stunning landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and plenty of peaceful spots to explore.

Things to Do in Vang Vieng

Wake up early for sunrise one day for a hot air balloon ride with Above Laos. For more adventure, try paragliding or boozy tubing down the Mekong.

Don’t miss the blue lagoons just outside of town. You can float in the natural wonders of Blue Lagoon 1, 2 or 3. Our favorite was 3 as it had lots of shade and it was fun watching people ride the rope swing.

Spend one evening watching the sunset from Nam Xay Viewpoint.

Green chairs lined up in a field with people sat drinking, watching the sunset over the mountains in Laos

Where to Stay in Vang Vieng

Dok Champa Resort – Dok Champa Resort is an absolute bargain for the service you receive.

Clean rooms with mountain views, a fantastic breakfast included in the room price, and a super central, but still quiet location is as much as you could ask for.

👉 If you want comfort, great service, and mountain views without the high price tag, check current rates at Dok Champa Resort.

Where to Eat in Vang Vieng

Peeping Som’s – order the Korean bbq for a unique experience.

The Best Places to Visit in Northern Laos

If you’re on limited time, our favorite places in Northern Laos that you shouldn’t miss are:

Luang Namtha – this is a must-do if you want to go jungle trekking in Laos
Nong Khiaw – the natural beauty in the town is honestly breathtaking
Luang Prabang – the popular city is the perfect mix of adventure and culture

Must-Do Tours in Northern Laos

To truly make the most of your time, the experiences below are memorable, and worth the money in our opinion. Tours that you can take on this Northern Laos itinerary are:

Gibbon Experience in Huay Xai

If sleeping in a treehouse high above the Laotian jungle, waking to the sound of gibbons singing in the trees, and soaring across zip lines through the canopy excites you, then make sure you do this tour.

Their office is located in Huay Xai, and they offer a variety of packages to suit different schedules. We hadn’t heard about this activity before arriving in Laos, but it’s definitely on our list for the next time we visit.

Jungle Trekking in Luang Namtha

A local village elder is sitting by the fire during a chilly morning in Nam Ha National Protected Area in Luang Namtha, Laos. The houses surrounding the woman are made of bamboo and thatched roofs and she's wearing a bright pink bandana and a black sweater. The green of the mountains surrounding the village are in the background.

There are lots of tour agencies in town ready to take you on your hiking adventure. We had a great time exploring the jungles over 2 days on this tour with The Hiker.

This tour was a highlight of our time backpacking in Southeast Asia.

Camping Above the Clouds in Nong Khiaw

You’ve likely come across it on Instagram – the trek up a mountainside to greet the morning from above the clouds. That’s Pha Dang Viewpoint.

The hike starts in the afternoon, so you’ll arrive just in time for a stunning sunset. Spend the night at the top and wake up to a surreal view, surrounded by clouds – an experience you won’t soon forget!

Kuang Si Waterfalls in Luang Prabang

A cascading waterfall in Luang Prabang Northern Laos. Kuang Si Falls sits on limestone rocks creating a yellow colour, and making the water appear a bright blue. A must do when deciding where to go in Laos

Many hostels and guest houses offer tours to the picturesque waterfalls. If you’d like to book in advance, this tour is a great option as it is combined with Pak Ou Caves.

Make sure you take the longer walking route to the falls so that you can see the cute bears in the sanctuary.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Vang Vieng

Above Laos is a highly reputable company to take a hot air balloon ride with. Safety is a top priority.

Although it is way more expensive than the other tour agencies, you’ll be in smaller groups on board and you’ll have the reassurance that all health and safety measures are being adhered to.

🎈 Interested in hot air ballooning? Read about our experience with Above Laos + all the tips you need to know for your hot air balloon ride!

Northern Laos: Entry Points & Transport Options

Popular Entry Points into Northern Laos

From Thailand: Most travelers will enter from Chiang Khong at the Huay Xai border crossing. Read how we traveled from Chiang Rai to Huay Xai.
From China: With the development of China-Laos Railway, this is becoming a popular option with easy access from border train stations like Boten in China.

Transit Options in Northern Laos

Minivan/Bus: This is the most convenient way to travel, with well connected routes around northern Laos bookable through your accommodation.
Train: The high-speed train can get you from Nateuy (37km north of Luang Namtha) to Luang Prabang.
Boat: The famous slow-boat travels from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, from there you can easily connect to Nong Khiaw, Muang Ngoi and Vang Vieng.
Air: Major airports in Luang Prabang and Vientiane act as a gateway into northern Laos.

When is the Best Time to Visit Northern Laos?

The best time to visit Northern Laos will depend on your priorities. If swimming in the waterfalls is a must-do then rainy season from June to September will provide ample swimming opportunities.

Hiking wise, you should visit between November and February or early March. This is dry season and the full tree canopy means the trails are shaded from the heat of the day.

Jungle treks during wet season time are not ideal for beginners due to mudslides.

Boats in the river in Nong Khiaw with green mountains in the background

Is Northern Laos Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Northern Laos is definitely worth visiting.

It’s one of those places that offers something for every type of traveler, from stunning landscapes of limestone mountains and winding rivers to rich cultural experiences in quiet villages.

The pace is slow, the people are incredibly warm, and there’s a real sense of escape from the usual tourist crowds.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience that feels authentic and unhurried, Northern Laos should be high on your list.

Want more of the juicy details on Northern Laos?
🌄 Find all the best viewpoints in Nong Khiaw
🌿 Learn what to expect from a jungle trek in Luang Namtha