Chiang Saen, set along a serene bend of the Mekong River, is one of northern Thailand’s oldest and most atmospheric towns. Once a major stronghold of the Lanna Kingdom, it retains an elegant sense of antiquity, with remnants of ancient city walls, moats and ivy-covered stupas scattered throughout its quiet lanes. The riverside promenade offers tranquil views across Laos, best enjoyed at sunset when the Mekong glows in soft gold. Within town, the Chiang Saen National Museum and a collection of centuries-old temples, including Wat Pa Sak and Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, provide insight into the region’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. Beyond its historical depth, Chiang Saen is a gateway to the Golden Triangle and the surrounding countryside, where verdant hills, riverfront villages and gentle rural life unfold at a peaceful pace. Blending archaeological intrigue, cultural character and sweeping river landscapes, Chiang Saen offers a refined and quietly captivating northern Thai experience.
Ban Houayxay—also spelled Huay Xai or Houeisay—rests on Laos’ northeastern border with Thailand and is often treated as a simple transit stop, though it offers much more to those who pause and explore. Highlights include the lively Muang Keo Morning Market in Ban Muang Keo, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, local delicacies and handmade goods, as well as the atmospheric French-colonial ruins of Fort Carnot. Nature enthusiasts can venture into the nearby Bokeo Nature Reserve via The Gibbon Experience, an immersive conservation project allowing visitors to traverse forest canopy walkways and spot wildlife. For a deeper cultural connection, Daauw Village provides opportunities to engage with traditional Lao life through community-run programmes, with all contributions supporting local development. Ban Houayxay rewards curious travellers with authentic culture, history and nature in equal measure.
The small but charming village of Pakbeng sits at the midpoint between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, where the Nam Beng River meets the Mekong, making it the quintessential stopover for travellers taking the scenic slow-boat journey through northern Laos. Quiet and unhurried, the village offers a handful of simple pleasures: a local market for basic supplies and a glimpse of daily life, a few modest temples, and a main street lined with thatch-roofed shops selling handmade trinkets and eateries serving traditional Lao dishes. Nearby, an elephant camp provides opportunities for respectful, close-up encounters with these gentle Asian giants. With its riverside setting and laid-back charm, Pakbeng offers a delightful pause between Mekong journeys.
A charming town with elegant historical architecture and a distinctly French flavour, Luang Prabang in northern Laos is filled with interesting museums, bustling markets and traditional shops. 33 Buddhist temples dot the city.; the Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong temple give travellers some background on and history of the Laotian people. Beyond the city, breathtaking nature and ancient sites await. Those who visit the Pak Ou Caves can see hundreds of Buddha statues accumulated there through the ages. The 180-foot Kuang Si Waterfalls, an hour’s drive out of the city, is one of the region’s natural highlights, with its layer upon cascading layer of turquoise pools and torrents.
