Laos in November

The destinations visited (Laos, Cambodia) were different but very welcoming. We saw a variety of landscapes and people, and feel we were given a good insight to these countries. Makes us want to return to explore further.

I started my trip through Laos in the North at the border to Thailand (near Chiang Rai) and travelled by boat down the Mekong River, then overland to Oudomxay and further to Luang Prabang where I stayed a few days. From Luang Prabang I travelled overland to Plain of Jars, and then further to Vang Vieng and Vientiane. The first part of my trip from the Thai border to Vang Vieng was the most spectacular and I would highly recommend doing some of the boat and overland travelling through the mountains of Northern Laos. Plain of Jars was nice and very interesting, but not an absolute must for people with less time. From Vientiane I travelled further overland to Kong Lor cave, another highlight for me, and then on to Champasak (near Pakse) where I stayed for the last few days. From there I did day trips to Vat Phou, the Bolaven plateau and 4000 islands. Generally I think that the South of Laos is much less spectacular than the North, but it’s a nice place to relax.

We flew into Pakse and spent a week in the South exploring the 4000 islands and the Bolaven Plateau. We then travelled overland to Kong Lor cave, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, the Plain of Jars and the caves at Vieng Xai. Next we took a night safari into the jungle followed by a cruise on the Nam Ou River through amazing karst scenery. Finally we explored some of the minority villages around Luang Namtha before crossing into Thailand at Houay Xia.