Dan and I spent our last few days in Laos traveling through Udomxai, Luang Namtha, and Mueang Sing. We rented a motorbike to explore some villages and surrounding countryside, went hiking in the jungle, and chased lots of waterfalls.
Maybe not our fanciest meal in Laos.
Travel to Udomxai, Laos
Udomxai was by far the strangest place we visited in Laos. A major Laos-China trade center, it isn’t any sort of tourist destination – just a fairly ugly town peppered with elaborate mansions in some… interesting location choices.
Travel to Huay Xai Border, Laos
We ended our trip in Huay Xai on the Laos-Thai border, where Dan’s mother arrived from England to travel with Dan around Laos and Cambodia for a few weeks and, after a sad goodbye, I went back into Thailand to return to Chiang Mai for a couple weeks before heading off to Iran.
I’ve never been treated so kindly by immigration officers as I was crossing from Laos to Thailand, and I’m thinking I should maybe start crying my way through all border crossings. I mean, I’ve heard that the visa on arrival process in Iran can be a bit hairy, so maybe some tears will help?
We didn’t visit the Nam Ha National Protected area near Luang Namtha, however we did talk to some other travelers who did.
Going with a guide is mandatory, and they had gone with a tour agency that had been recommended by TripAdvisor, however they told us that the guide ended up taking them to a small strip of jungle outside of the protected area.
A couple from New Zealand who live in Luang Namtha explained to us all that many tour agencies do this to save on the park entry fees, and that it’s safest to organize Nam Ha National Park tours through Forest Retreat instead of smaller, cheaper tour companies.
Tricia says
Pretty pictures! I would love to see Laos…
Silvia says
Yeah, I’d definitely recommend it if you’re doing a Southeast Asia trip!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) says
Looks absolutely beautiful (well, not Udomxai…) and a wonderful adventure. I love the photo of you silhouetted by the arch with the Lao countryside in the background. Not sure that we’ll make it that far north, so it was nice to see it through your eyes at least!
Silvia says
Haha yeah, Udomxai wasn’t so beautiful. Glad you enjoyed reading about it- hopefully you can make up north on your next trip to Laos!
J in Beijing says
Your photos are gorgeous! I think I’ll pass on the fried crazy sea blood though… I can confirm that crying can also help at the airport when you have overweight luggage, you already converted your money back to GBP so have no cash to pay and you have no money left on your credit card… Well, it once worked for me many years ago anyway! I wouldn’t rely on it though 🙂
Silvia says
Haha that is awesome, I’ll keep that in mind! I’m in transit in Oman now, and definitely working up those tears just in case, ha.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates says
Hi Silvia , I’m yet to make it to Laos and thanks for virtually taking me to your road trip. Looks lovely in there. Food seems yummy but not sure about the fried crazy sea blood. You’re going to Iran?? Goodluck my dear. I’m excited to hear about it. But please be safe.
Silvia says
Thanks, I will definitely be on my best cautious behavior there, no worries!
cherishka says
Can’t wait to read your stories about Iran!
Silvia says
I just arrived in Tehran and have already fallen hard for the city. Excited to start making stories to share!
Agness says
Never been to Northern Laos, but it looks truly amazing. The landscape can take your breath away, seriously. Beautiful gallery!
Silvia says
Thanks, Agness! I really did leave a bit of my heart in Laos – so beautiful and tranquil.
Corinne says
Silvia, Love your photos…and isn’t it weird that the place you didn’t really plan to stop is one of the most memorable…at least food-wise!