Laos
ATTAPEU
Attapeu Province is in a large picturesque valley surrounded by the mountains and well -known for the Bolaven Plateau. It shares borders with Sekong in the North, Champasak in the West, Vietnam in the East and Cambodia in the South. The area offers off-the-beaten track travel to many natural and cultural attractions including unique treks to waterfalls, national protected areas and ethnic villages.
What to do?
Attapeu is bordered to the east and south by the Sekong River. The southern stretch is where you'll find the riverside restaurants, the hospital, some places to stay, and the ferry to Ban Sekhaman. To the east you'll find the market and the bridge to Xaysettha. There isn't much to see or do to the north and west of the Attapeu Palace, with the exception of the bus station and the road to Sanamxai, 3km from the town center along the main road.
Within reach of the town are a range of natural sights -- including the Dong Ampham Forest and Xepiane Forest -- a portion of the historically important Ho Chi Minh trail, cultural items of interest and treks to villages, home to many ethnic groups, including the Oye, Tallang, Yae, Lavenh, Yaheune, Lavae, Cheng, Ta Oy, Hmong and Lao Lum.
Its main attractions are the numerous beautiful gardens, which made the city known as the "garden village". At Xaisintha everyone seems to spend all day long lolling around in the river, fishing, swimming and chatting and it is only around 12 km and 20 minutes away. Or, guided day tours to Nong Fa Lake (a 3-day walk from Sanxay District in the northeast of Attapeu), Tad Phok (25 kilometers from Samakkhixay District), Tad Saepha and Tad Samongphak Waterfall (inside the Xe Pian National Protected Area)
Travel Tips
Two main impediments have stymied tourism development in the region: unexploded ordnance (UXO) and poor public transport. Considerable clearance of UXO has been undertaken but as you'd expect in one of the most heavily bombed nations on earth, plenty remain and unescorted bush-bashing is strongly discouraged. Established tracks are considered safe and exploration with a guide is not enforced but prudent.
To prepare for trekking, wear suitable teva-type sandals or amphibious shoes as you will cross many streams, go through mud and take your shoes off and on when visiting the local houses. Also, in rainy seasons, nylon stockings are recommended as a barrier that leeches cannot penetrate. Dress conservatively and take adequate sun protection, water and mosquito repellent.
BAN NA
Ban Na is a small and peaceful village on the outside of Phou Khao Khouay, known as the Elephant Village. Existing since 1948, Ban Na offers guided trekking and a great opportunity to watch wild elephants from the observation tower. This friendly village is a good place to learn more about the genuine lifestyle of the Lao Loum people.
What to do?
Highlights of visits to Ban Na village are thrilling experience on the elephant observation tower to watch group of elephants as well as other wild animals bathing, adventurous overnight stay with the villagers while exploring their culture and lifestyle and rewarding longer treks to more distant places such as Nam Hi, Tad Lung waterfall, or Tad Fa, a 40-meter high cliff. During the dry season, 2-to-3-day trekking can also be organized from Ban Na to Tad Leuk. It is also worthwhile paying a visit to the nearby Wat Phabath, one of the more important pilgrim sites of Laos because of its well-known Buddha footprint.
When to go?
The best time to visit overall is the cool season, between November and February. Don't forget to bring warm clothes as it does get a wee chilly. The rainy season begins in May and ends in October. It is a beautiful time of the year to visit with every thing so lush and green. However, it does make travel a bit uncomfortable with muddy roads and land leeches.
Travel Tips
To prepare for trekking, wear suitable teva-type sandals or amphibious shoes as you will cross many streams, go through mud and take your shoes off and on when visiting the local houses. Also, in rainy seasons, nylon stockings are recommended as a barrier that leeches cannot penetrate.
Watching wild elephants, with a bit of luck, you can watch elephants visiting the area around the tower, usually in the evening hours. No guarantee, though, can be given to see the animals! They're wild animals with their own schedule and free will. Because you're in the midst of the elephant territory, it is very important to observe rules for your own safety. To minimize the possibility of an accident, the number of visitors is restricted and the instructions of the guides have to be followed strictly at any time. Thus, no self-guided tours are allowed.
Accommodation in Ban Na village is typical village houses. It is traditional wooden pillar houses and participates in local family life. The home-stay in Ban Na are basic, but clean and are equipped with mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, bed linen, French toilets and village showers
BOLAVEN PLATEAU
Situated on the north east of Champasak province, Bolaven Plateau covers parts of Salavan, Attapeu and Sekong provinces and specialising in coffee, tea, cardamom and fruit. The plateau is crossed by several rivers and has many scenic waterfalls
What to do?
This part of the Bolaven Plateau is becoming more and more a sort of "waterfalls road". You may wish to visit some of them, such as:
- Tat Nyeuang Falls: located at village km 40 (Ban Lak Seesip), a few kilometers before the town of Paksong. This cascade is spectacular and here you can find few stalls selling cold drinks and some nicely located benches where it is possible to relax while looking at the surroundings. A natural pool under the waterfall is perfect for a refreshing swim.
- Tat Fan Falls: located a little before the Tat Nyeuang waterfall.
- Nongluang Falls: located at about 13 km from Paksong town. It is a recently open area inside the Dong Hua Sao NBCA and the local villagers, under the name of "The Nature's Heritage Conservation for Sustainable Development Group". This area is fascinating as you will find yourself immersed in a pristine forest on top of a mountain from where, on clear days, it is possible to see the shining Mekong river. Although walking to the waterfall (which runs through several stages) that is hidden deep in the forest is still a task for healthy people, most probably in the near future a more accommodating path will be built. Along the way you can see big rock formations shaped like a mushroom or, depending by the point of view, like a mythical Naga Head.
Accommodation on the plateau is limited, but Tad Lo Waterfall has a number of bungalows where you can enjoy trekking and elephant rides. dequate sun protection, water and mosquito repellent.
CHAMPASAK
Champasak is a province in the south-west of Laos, at the boundary to Thailand and Cambodia. The capital of the province is Pakse, but the province takes its name from the former capital of the Kingdom of Champasak. You probably would not go to Champasak if it was not for Wat Phou but the town more a village has a subtle charm that will hold you for a couple of days.
What to do?
The main attraction of Champasak province is Wat Phou complex, one of the grandest Khmer ruins outside Cambodia. Visit during the Wat Phou Festival, on the full moon of the third lunar month (usually early February) to enjoy elephant races, traditional music and dance. Besides, there are most visited sites in the area including the Bolaven plateau, a highland area with plantations, waterfalls and lots of scenery and the 4000 islands region (Si Phan Don) to the south.
When to go?
The best time to visit overall is the cool season, between November and February. Don't forget to bring warm clothes as it does get a wee chilly. The rainy season begins in May and ends in October. It is a beautiful time of the year to visit with every thing so lush and green. However, it does make travel a bit uncomfortable with muddy roads and land leeches.
Getting There
Champasak can be reached from Thailand through the Chong Mek border crossing, at Vang Tao, from where the highway leads east towards the city of Pakse.
HOUEI XAI
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Houei Xai is a prosperous district of Bokeo Province along the border intersection of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. It lies on the banks of the Mekong River, forms the border to Thailand and is home to many ethnic groups, each with own lifestyles and customs.
What to do?
There is not much to see in this small town. You can walk the main street and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong River from a riverside restaurant. Located in the center of Huay Xay, near the border crossing is Chomkao Manilat temple. The view from the temple hill over Houy Xay city, the Mekong River and surrounding mountains is a definite reward for making it up the many steps. At Ban Namkeung Kout, Ban Namkeung Mai and Ban Done Deng, it's 26 km far from the center of Houei Xai town to the north where you can visit the traditional Lu village, who came originally from Muang Sing, Luang Namtha. The villages can be reached by boat trip, upstream from Houei Xai.
Getting There
Slow boats travel between Luang Prabang and Huay Xay via Pakbeng takes two nights. Taking a slow boat is an adventure for seasoned travellers only. Expect no toilets, no comfort and expect to take your time. This is the real way to see old Indochina. Speed boats run on the same routes but will take just a few hours - you will pay accordingly. The journey is fast and furious and not for the faint of heart. There are also buses run between Huay Xay, Luang Prabang, Udomxai and Luang Namtha. From Thailand, Huay Xay is reached by ferry from Chiang Khong border. But this border entry point does not currently issue visas on entry unless you are travelling with a pre-arranged tour
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