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Laos
Photo: Pakopakopapa, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Northern Laos is a mountainous region of Laos. It shares borders with Thailand, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. The region encompasses the provinces of (from north to south) Phongsali, Oudomxai, Luang Namtha, Bokeo and Sainyabuli.
By road
Highway 13 connects the region via Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and Vientiane in Central Laos. Bus journeys along this road are well known for being uncomfortable and windy.
By train
The new Chinese-built train line is now fully operational between Vientiane and Boten, taking only 3 hours to travel the entire 414 km length.
Buses from the northern bus station travel in Vientiane travel along the Mekong River to Sanakhan (the Lao town opposite Thailand's Chiang Khan), then through the mountains to Pak Lai.
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Luang Phabang · International · LPQ
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near the Thailand border crossing, and the departure point for the Gibbon Experience in Bokeo Nature Reserve
famed cultural town and former capital
capital of Luang Namtha Province
Muang Long is a city in Northern Laos.
Muang Ngeun is a town in Northern Laos.
in Luang Namtha Province
capital of Oudomxai Province
halfway point on the Mekong boat trip from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, in Oudomxay Province
Sayabouly ((ໄຊຍະບູລີ)) is a city in Northern Laos.
in Luang Namtha Province
Muang Khua is a small town in Phongsali Province of northern Laos. Most people use it as a transit town (the halfway point between several other places), but it has its own charm.
a riverside village in Luang Prabang province. Only accessible by boat.
a riverside village in Luang Prabang province.
Articles and travel topics about Northern Laos and Laos.
Nature & adventureGuide to the top natural destinations in Laos covering Kuang Si Falls, the limestone peaks of Vang Vieng, Nong Khiaw gorges, and Si Phan Don.
7 min read
Culture & historyExplore Luang Prabang with this comprehensive travel guide covering morning alms etiquette, historic Buddhist temples, sunset cruises, and daily costs.
6 min read
Travel tipsComplete Laos travel budget covering Lao Kip currency dynamics, train fares on the Laos-China Railway, hotel price tiers, food costs, and daily breakdowns.
6 min read
ItinerariesBan Nalan Trail is a two-day trekking experience in Northern Laos, in Luang Namtha Province. The trail passes through forested hills and remote villages and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the natural…
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