Things to see and do North

This 18-metre golden stupa, rebuilt after its destruction during the Vietnam War, is the city's holiest religious site. It is located at the top of the stairs overlooking the city. About thirty monks and novices live in the adjacent monastery. You will also see a 15-metre high Buddha statue built in 2010. The view of Oudomxay is really superb as the sun sets. To get there from the main street, take the stairs up the hill. It takes about 10 minutes to walk up the hill.

Local people used to go to this area to collect food and firewood for their daily consumption. During the Indochina war the cave was used as a shelter from bombing. People who took shelter in the cave prayed for protection that would deflect the bombs. Even today, when visiting the cave, you can ask for protection or any other wish.

28 km from Oudom Xai, near the village of Muang La on the Phongsaly road. To access the hot springs, it is a two-minute walk south along a trail along the river. The water reaches temperatures around 45°C. The villagers bathe there mainly in winter, so as not to have to heat water and thus save money.

This site will be able to be the object of a one day walk in the surroundings of Oudomxay. Several small waterfalls are scattered along the route, with rivers to cross with the help of various suspension bridges to finally reach the platform in front of Tad Nam Kat. The visit of the waterfalls is organized in partnership with the Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort (inquire on the spot or on the website). Many other activities are proposed in this beautiful forest: zip line, treks, camping and many other sports activities.

If you make a stopover in Luang Namtha for several days, it is probably to make a trek in the Nam Ha National Park, declared a national protected area in 1993 by the government, covering an area of 2,210 km2. It is one of the largest reserves in the country. Mainly covered by the jungle, three rivers cross it: Nam Tha, Nam Fa and Nam Long. There are more than 288 species of birds and 33 species of mammals. However, it has been many years since tigers and elephants have been seen here, as these species are primarily a threat to crops and the safety of local people. The Nam Ha protected area is home to many villages of more than 40 different ethnicities. Numerous ecotourism projects involving local people are set up to preserve this exceptional fauna and flora, allowing them to earn an income while becoming aware of the need to protect the environment.

Chang, a wildlife drama, a silent black and white documentary film made in 1927 by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack (directors who collaborated on King Kong's film). It follows the life of Kru, a peasant farmer living in the middle of the jungle of Nam Ha and having to fight every day, between tigers and elephants, for the survival of his family. The film was made without faking, in a natural environment, and the close-ups of the animals are exceptional. To be seen.

This mountain culminates at 1,625 metres with a stupa at its summit. Before the ascent, you will have to pay the entrance fee at the toll booth located at the picnic area. The climb is quite tough, with hundreds of steps in the shade of tree branches, but you will be rewarded with a superb view! To take pictures, you have to pay a small additional fee. Allow about an hour and a half for the visit. Possibility to go down by another path that will take you 2 km east of the town.

Six kilometers west of Vieng Xai. To get there, take a songtheo and ask the driver to stop you at the bridge. Then walk a good 10 minutes to reach the waterfall, almost a hundred meters high, located in the heart of a site whose biodiversity is perfectly preserved. Possibility to swim in the natural pools at the foot of the falls, when the water level is high enough (after the rainy season). Beware of leeches! Before 3:30 pm, it is possible to take a songtheo to Vieng Xai or Sam Neua.

Nam Oung's hot water source is a nice ride if you have a bike.

14 km from there, on the left, is the waterfall of Phone Xai.

During the war, this cave served as a refuge for the population of a whole village, to escape the incessant bombing. Hot springs are nearby. Water possèderait therapeutic effects. To visit Tham Piou and its surroundings, negotiate with local taxis (package on the basis of US $ 30 to US $ 40).

After That Xieng Tung, you can continue your walk to the Nam Keo falls, 2 km from the sacred stupa. Located in the forest, the falls are narrow and steep, and form a small basin surrounded by rocks. If it is possible to venture there alone, please bring a map. If not, you can hire a local guide. Treks are organized to visit both sites, with a traditional Akha picnic. Ask around town at the tourist office or at one of the many agencies.

This lake is located 8 km southwest of the city. It can be the object of a day trip outside Sayaboury. Picnicking and canoeing are possible on site. There is also a restaurant on the site, above the dam. It is also possible to stay on site. From there, you can take a boat (10 minutes) to the Elephant Conservation Center. The opportunity to see the elephants bathing and to walk beside them (not on them).

48 km from Oudomxay, in karst mountains, caves extend over 15 km and can reach up to 40 m high. Two passages are possible: one with a river, the other drier. They contain stalactites. You will have to be accompanied by a guide. The nearest village is Ban Chom Ong, an hour's walk away. The best is to schedule the visit from Oudomxay, because there you will certainly have communication problems, as the villagers do not speak English. Bring a flashlight.

A visit to this cave located 35 km south of the city is a good idea for a walk. Take the road to Pak Lai and then turn left at the junction at Ban Houaykeng. Stop for lunch in Ban Nathang and embark on a two-hour walk through rice fields, wooded hills, and rock formations. On the way, visit the cave with its impressive karst formations and, for the more adventurous, follow the stream that runs for several kilometres through the vast cave system.

To reach the Tad Jao Falls, drive one hour to Tha Deua and then turn left just before the new bridge leading to Luang Prabang. These beautiful 20 meters high falls attracted the royalty of Lane Xang and the Thai princess Prathep! Legend has it that bathing or drinking in these waters is supposed to bring good health and counteract bad luck. Steps built for the Thai princess' visit in 1990 lead to a picnic area on the Mekong River and a view of the waterfall.

This cave is located 3 km from Nong Tang, near the Nong Tang Lake. It shelters hundreds of statues of Buddha hidden there at the time of the Chinese invasions, during the second half of the 19th century. At the entrance, a large Buddha is said to be over 1,200 years old. During the Vietnam War, the upper cave was used by the Vietnamese army as a dispensary. The cave is illuminated, so it is possible to take a guide for the visit. A short distance away is the Water Cave, and the Stupa Cave which contains the ruins of an old stupa.

This national park is a must for nature lovers. It has an incredible biodiversity. Bears, gibbons, leopards... It is also the last place in Laos where tigers can be observed. The Vieng Thong Visitors Centre organises overnight hikes in huts in the middle of nature for an immersive experience. Some stays will take the visitor to meet the Khmu ethnic group to learn more about their way of life.

This village of weavers is the right place to buy quality fabric at low prices. If you take the bus linking Phonsavan and Sam Neua (2 hours and 4 hours from the village), or the bus to Nong Khiaw (6 hours), this place is a quick stop to eat and buy some handicrafts. If you miss your connection, Nam Neun has a restaurant and a guesthouse, very basic but at least it helps. The next day to leave, get up early because bus and songtheo are few.

This project was initiated by the travel agency Exotissimo and the German GTZ organization to create an ecotourism programme managed by the Akha community.

You can discover the daily life of this community and its environment. The groups are limited to 8 people. A joint fund has been set up to create a solidarity fund for the development of the village and a percentage of the towers are paid.

Contact the tourist office or the Exotissimo tour operator (tel (021) 252 382 - [email protected]).

With that of Muang Sing, the Luang Nam Tha tourism office is one of the best in Laos. English speaking Staff organizes ecotourism outings from 1 to 4 days. Departures occur several times in the week, provided that enough people are gathered.

You'll have the choice between trekking, T.T.T… Écoguides are locally trained under the Nam Ha Ecotourism Project. If there is no departure, you can always take advantage of the courses in the surroundings, some are feasible for bicycle or walking.

Many panels explain the lives of the different ethnic groups living around. According to the days of the week, the office and its guides organise outings from 1 to 3 days. The groups are limited to 8 people. This organization allows to meet many ethnicities and ways of living, while participating in their protection.