An utterly pristine region of richly forested hills and undisturbed river valleys, isolated hill tribes and time-honoured traditions, a journey into northern Laos promises a magical adventure well off the beaten path.

Away from the mighty temples of Luang Prabang and the tiny capital of Vientiane, the enchanting landscapes of northern Laos still feel remarkably untouched.

Scattered about these green hills and luxuriant forests lie sleepy farming villages like Muang La, a small community on the banks of the pretty Nam Pak River just north of Oudomxay. A stay here offers a unique window into Laotian rural life, from silk weaving and sacred ceremonies to crafting houses from woven bamboo. You’ll even be able to see how salt is extracted from the Nam Pak River, and learn about the uses of forest plants in both food and healing.