Asia

Sabai dee and welcome to this guide to Travel in Laos. Laos is a small country in South-East Asia, somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours Thailand and Cambodia, which has managed to develop without becoming tourism-dependent. This doesn’t in any way mean that it’s not worth visiting! Picture a landscape of rice paddies as far as the eye can see, where it’s not unusual to see water buffalo working the land. It’s a country where the beauty of the stormy skies mingles perfectly with the waters of the rivers. The people are unbelievably kind. Buddhism is omnipresent and governs every stage of life. It’s a country where you can switch off from normal life, chill out, take your time and just listen to the rice grow. It’s a country that’s simply a delight to travel in. You’re not imagining it: a stay in Laos is an exquisite and timeless experience. You will be charmed by the sublime Luang Prabang. The former capital houses magnificent temples and monasteries, interspersed with a wonderful natural landscape of hills and the waters of the Mekong. The Mekong, or ‘mother of water’ is sure to be the common thread that runs through your trip to Laos, as you follow its winding course by bus, by car and above all by boat, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the ancient kingdom of a million elephants…

Laos

Xiengkhouang

Being on the other side of the Mekong than Pakse, it's a great departure point if you're heading to Wat Phou Champassak. The village itself is not void of interest, and you'll be enchanted by a short stay here.

Champassak

Khong

Muang Sing is a pretty village miles from anywhere, about 2 hours from Luang Nam Tha and lost in the countryside of northern Laos. 

Muang Sing

 The Nam Ou is a tributary of the Mekong in the north of Laos. It joins the river to the north of Luang Prabang, north Laos' main town, and is a navigable waterway that is surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery.

Nam Ou

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<a href="/laos/">During your trip to Laos</a>, I encourage you to explore the Nam Ou's beautiful surroundings, whether you are coming from the north of the country, for example from Muang Khua towards Nong Khiaw, or whether you are going upriver from Luang Prabang. Nam Ou is overlooked by some impressive cliffs, and I took the opportunity to go and explore the hundreds of statues of Buddha you can find in Pak Ou cave, north of Luang Prabang. I also enjoyed spending a few days in Nong Khiaw, and also the even more peaceful village of Muong Ngoy. On the way, the pirogues coming and going, little fishing boats and the magnificent sun sets over the mountains have left me with some wonderful memories...

The Nam Ou is a tributary of the Mekong in the north of Laos. It joins the river to the north of Luang Prabang, north Laos' main town, and is a navigable waterway that is surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery.

Travelling down the River Nam Ou during summer was a highlight of <a href="/laos/">my trip to Laos</a>. You're plunged straight into a magnificent, savage paradise. The river is bordered by jungle and mountains, home to numerous ethnic communities such as the O'Pa and Si La. If the boat stops en-route, take the time to visit some of the villages. Laotians are very welcoming and curious to meet foreigners. I do advise you to remain respectful of the villagers and their customs. Don't be intrusive and only strike up a conversation if they show interest.  Going down the rapids on the river involves getting soaked and you may need to get off the boat if the water level's low...but the adventure's well worth it!

The Nam Ou is a river that stretches across the north of Laos and hooks up with the Mekong. A boat trip will give you the chance to travel through some stunning scenery!

Nam Ou Vacations

Nam Ou: How to get there?

Nam Ou: See when to go ?

Nam Ou: For how long?

Nam Ou: What to see nearby?