The Boat Landing Guest House - Luang Namtha

Somphou - Laos Online Travel Consultant

My favorite destination in Laos is Phonsavanh, the capital city of Xieng Khouang. I discovered Phonsavanh in 2006 by travelling overland. It was the very nice trip and beautiful memory for me!

I drove along the road n0 10, stopping at Ban Kheun village to see salt extraction. I also stopped at Nam Ngum Lake and embarked on a boat for around one hour tour on the lake among the small islands and had lunch in a local restaurant by the lake.

On the way to Phonsavanh, I stopped overnight at Vang Vieng. Here I visited Tham Chang cave with its stunning view over the valley and I also took a small boat on Nam Song River amid beautiful scenery.

Between Vang Vieng and Phonsavanh I made a stop at Pathang (17km north of Vang Vieng). From the village temple I got an outstanding view over the mountains. I continued by a mountainous and windy road with breathtaking views and passed numerous Hmongs villages. The mountains disappeared giving way to small hills and peaceful countryside.

In Xieng Khuang, I started my visit with the local market right in the city center then visited Plain of Jars site number 1 close to the city. Drove to site number3 surrounded by rice fields and proceed to site number2 a few minutes from there with nice landscape. The site number2 has the biggest jar (2.7 m long). On the way I stopped at Khang Ngao village with its nice traditional houses.

After, I drove to Muang Khoune (30 km from the city center) and visited the ruins of the old city: Vat Phiyawat, Taht Foun and took a short walk (5minutes) to Ban Vieng Xi, a Tai Dam village where women still weave traditional head dresses.