Laos is famed for its incredible scenery, so why not get out into nature and experience it first hand? We have created a list of some of the best nature based experiences in Laos to inspire you to disconnect from the online so you can reconnect with yourself. Get off the beaten track and into nature so you can Discover Laos Today.
Nam Kat Yorla Pa
Nam Kat Yorla Pa is Lao’s most popular eco-resort. Located in Oudomxay province in the north of the country, the resort is a short drive from the provincial capital of Muang Xai. All the rooms in the resort look out over the Nam Kat River and the facilities are designed to take full advantage of their natural surroundings, immersing guests in nature.
Nam Kat Yorla Pa also has an extensive range of activities to let guests explore the forest surrounding their resort. Hike through a forest of giant trees, explore secluded waterfalls, cross skybridges spanning rivers and gorges. For the more adventurous spirits there are also a range of high adrenaline activities including zip lines and ATVs. For those wanting to immerse themselves deeper into nature there are overnight hiking trips where guests can camp out under the stars atop a nearby mountain.
For travellers who want to experience a unique blend of nature and luxury accommodation, Nam Kat Yorla Pa is the ultimate destination. Combining traditional elements and materials with contemporary sensibilities, it is the best choice for a nature retreat that emphasises both comfort and immersion.
Muang Xai is accessible via plane from Vientiane or by bus and minivan from any major city in Laos. Nam Kat Yorla Pa offers guests a free shuttle service from the local airport and bus station.
Treetop Explorer
Deep in the jungle of the Dong Hua Sao National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area an off-grid adventure awaits the intrepid explorer. In the far south of Laos, high on the Bolaven Plateau travellers are encouraged to venture far away from the bustle of modern life and explore a more simple existence. Ziplines hundreds of meters long criss-cross tumbling waterfalls, revealing incredible views of the valley below.
A series of ziplines and abseils leads adventurous deep into the jungle to a collection of tree houses secluded away at the base of two waterfalls. Here guests will find hot showers, powered by the flow of the river, solar powered lights and an incredible peace. The open dining area looks out to an breath-taking view of a waterfall, and the accommodations are nestled amongst the trees. It is a stunning place to escape and a fantastic place to unwind after the thrill of the ziplines.
The trip out of the jungle is just as adventurous with a via ferratta up a vertical rock face leading to the top of huge waterfall and incredible view. A hike out through the jungle takes adventurers back to civilisation where the waiting bus will take explorers back to Pakse.
The Treetop Explorer offers two and three day adventures, with all trips starting and returning from Pakse, the capital of Champasak Province. Pakse is accessible by plane from Vientiane or Bangkok or by bus from any major bus station. It is also a few hours’ drive from the Thai and Cambodian borders.
The Rock Viewpoint
For explorers looking for a shorter adventure the Rock Viewpoint at Phou Pa Marn is the perfect choice. Built into the limestone forest in the north of Khammoune Province, this is a great way to explore this unique landscape.
Zipline across deep limestone gorges, scale sheer cliffs with a via ferratta, cross suspended rope bridges and spider-web nets, exploring this fascinating landscape from high above. The circuit of ziplines takes around one and half to two hours to complete and provides plenty of opportunities for captivating photos, selfies and landscapes alike.
For the less adventurous there is a small restaurant offering some of the best coffee in Khammoune, with a view to match. The eagle eyed amongst you might even be lucky enough to spot a troop of the endangered Laotion Langur, a small primate that is only found in this area.
Conveniently located on the northern edge of the Thakek Loop on Route 8, the Rock Viewpoint is a great way to break up a drive and a have a high adrenaline adventure. The relatively low price of $30 makes it affordable for most travellers and an investment you won’t regret.
Kong Lor Cave
A river running underneath a mountain has carved out a huge cave that has become one of Lao’s most popular natural attractions. Running for over seven kilometers underground, this cave can be explored by hiring a local long tail boat expertly piloted by locals who know the river like the back of their hand. The boat trip takes you under the mountain and up the river to explore the huge caverns, while a well lit walking track in the middle of the cave dramatically highlights some of the incredible limestone formations created over millions of years. Once you exit the cave you arrive at a small village where there are some locally made handicrafts for sale and some information signs about the local area. After a short break you return back through the darkness of the cave and back to your starting location. The trip is about 20 minutes each way by motorboat.
Kong Lor is located in Khammoune Province. There is a small town near the entrance to the cave which is accessible by public bus to Nahin and then a songteow. Buses to Nahin are available from most major bus stations.
Nam Nerm Night Safari
Northern Laos is home to an innovative model of ecotourism, the Nam Nerm Night Safari, winner of the Sustainable Travel Awards Best Ecotourism Product. Working in partnership with the local community the Wildlife Conservation Society has retrained poachers and hunters to work as ecotourism guides, using their expertise to help spot animals hiding deep within the Nam Et Phou Louey National Park. By providing these experts with payment based on animals spotted on tours they are creating strong incentives not to hunt, which has allowed many of the animal populations to bounce back. This innovative model has proved highly successful and is now being piloted in other parts of the world.
Travel up the Nam Nerm River with local experts into the heart of a heavily protected national park. Spend the day learning about the history of the area and the work of the WCS in Laos, as well as some of the animals you might be lucky enough to see. Go for a short walk with your local guide who can point out many different plants that can be used for traditional medicine or recipes. In the evening travel further upstream for a riverside dinner in the heart of the park, before floating silently downstream at night using head torches to spot wildlife.
It is a truly unique experience, both immersive and captivating, exhilarating and restive. Operating as a non-profit venture with a strong emphasis on conservation and backed by world leader in conservation you know that your money is going to a good cause and directly supporting the community.
The Night Safari is a little more off the beaten track than some other experiences. To get there you will need to take a local bus from Sam Neua, Phonsavan, Luang Prabang or Nong Khiaw. You can also take your own car or motorbike as the road is in good condition. You should travel the day before your tour so you can start early the next morning. There is overnight accommodation in guesthouses in Muang Hiam, the district capital, or you can do an overnight homestay in the village of Ban Son Koua.
Irrawaddy Dolphins
Deep in the south of Laos, just above the Cambodian border there is a small population of critically endangered fresh water dolphins. Despite their small numbers these dolphins are quite easy to spot as they only live in a very small section of river. However their population in Laos is shrinking and they may not exists here for much longer. Seeing such a rare animal in its natural environment is a special opportunity, one that can focus the mind on the impacts of climate change and ecological disaster. It is a sobering experience, but not one that should be shied away from.
The dolphins live in a small section of river that is easily accessible by motor boat or kayak. Trips can be easily organised from the 4000 Islands. The 4000 Islands are accessible only by boat after taking a bus from Pakse.
Kayaking through a flooded forrest
Explore a hauntingly beautiful landscape on the Nam Theun Resevoir. Discover hidden wonders by kayaking through this almost alien world of flooded trees, sticking up out of the still lake. Enjoy the mist rolling of the lake on a cool morning, or warm yourself in the midday sun on the bank of a secluded island. For a more immersive experience; hire a local guide and travel deep into the Nakai Nam Theun National Park and camp on the side of the Nam Xot River. Relax by the campfire at night and watch the stars cross the sky as the tranquil sounds of nature lull you into a deep calm. The next day you can kayak back down the river and across the lake, weaving your kayak through the drowned trees.
Nam Theun Resevoir can be accessed from the towns of Nakai and Thalang, but the national park can only be accessed from Thalang with the accompaniment of a licensed tour guide. Both towns can be accessed by local buses from Thakek and both towns are on the same stretch of Route 1E, on the popular Thakek Loop. Kayaks and guided tours can be organised through Phosy Thalang Guesthouse of Phosy Restaurant.
That’s just some of the great ways you can get out and experience the nature of Laos. We know there’s many more and we’d love to hear your thoughts on what the best experiences you’ve had in Laos. Share your adventures with us on Instagram and Facebook by using the hashtag discoverlaostoday so we can see all the cool stuff you’re getting up to.
For now, get out there, get outside and Discover Laos Today!
