Adventure through northern Laos & Vietnam—mountains, culture, history & hidden villages await in this immersive cross-border journey.
Adventure through the heart of northern Laos and northwest Vietnam, where dramatic mountain scenery, vibrant ethnic cultures, and untold stories await at every turn.
Start your adventure in Muang Xai, capital of Laos’ Oudomxai Province. After arriving by train, explore the peaceful town, beginning with the 14th-century Phou That Stupa, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views. Afterwards, dive into the heritage of local ethnic groups—Khmu, Hmong, and lowland Lao—through engaging exhibits that highlight the region’s diversity.
Continue through the lush countryside to Muang La, where sacred temples, natural hot springs, and a working salt mine offer a glimpse into both spiritual and rural life. As the road winds deeper into the hills, pass through traditional Akha & Hmong villages, where terraced farms and bamboo homes cling to the slopes. Meet locals, learn about traditional weaving, their customs and way of life.
Crossing the border into Vietnam, arrive in Dien Bien Phu, a town steeped in military history. Explore the key sites of the 1954 battle that reshaped Vietnam’s future, including A1 and C1 hills, Colonel de Castries’ bunker, and the Muong Thanh airfield. These powerful locations bring the past to life with haunting clarity.
The journey continues through the rugged highlands of northwest Vietnam, passing by Tuan Giao and across the breathtaking Pha Dinh Pass, where clouds drift over remote villages and rice terraces stretch into the horizon. Continue through Muong Lay (formerly Lai Chau) and Phong Tho, surrounded by untouched nature, a quiet provincial town nestled amid towering peaks. Along the way, encounter communities of Red Hmong, White Hmong, and Dao Ao Dai, whose rich traditions and colorful clothing reflect centuries of resilience and connection to the land.
Drive to your final destination through the Hoang Lien Pass, a dramatic mountain route that marks the natural boundary between Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces. As the road unfolds through mist-covered peaks and terraced hillsides, you’ll arrive in the enchanting highland town of Sapa. Nestled in the clouds at the base of Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s tallest peak, Sapa is a captivating blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Home to a mosaic of ethnic communities—to name a few, the Hmong, Zao, Tay, and Giay—the town comes alive with colorful markets, traditional dress, and mountain villages that offer an authentic glimpse into the region’s enduring heritage.
If you’re eager to explore the cultural and natural richness of two distinct yet connected countries, and to discover both their contrasts and shared heritage, this journey is made for you. Contact us at sales.laos@khiri.com.
Greater Mekong Subregion 2030 – Official Launch Video | Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
Developed by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), the GMS 2030 Strategy highlights how Cambodia, China (Yunnan & Guangxi), Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are working together. For more information, please visit https://mekongtourism.org/.