The North
Hill Tribe Exploration
Wedged between Burma and Yunnan, this remote region of Laos is
notable for its abundance of ethnic minority peoples and its rugged
natural beauty. Among the colorful and unspoiled tribes are Hmong,
Akha, Yao, Khamu, Lao Huay, Shan, Black Thai and Thai Lu.
These unique pockets of humanity may well be some of the last
holdouts against the tide of cultural homogenization in Asia. As
modern means of transportation, satellite television and the Web
converge to form an irrepressible wave of global culture that
washes over our world, visiting these tribes represents what is
surely a fading opportunity to witness a way of life that has
existed in these mountains for millennia.
Muang Sing
Using the little town of Muang Sing as a base, make day-trips
(by 4WD and on foot) into seldom-visited villages. The people in
this area are influenced by the neighboring villages in China to
the north, and strong Chinese cultural overtones make for
fascinating insights into the similarities and differerences with
the Lao people to the south.
Luang Nam Tha
Stay at a lovely eco-lodge run by friends of ours for a
one-of-a-kind Laos vacation experience. By day access surrounding
tribal villages, and return in the evening to enjoy authentic
gourmet cuisine in the open-air restaurant while watching life by
the river.
Muang La
This village is highly recommended for those who yearn to stray
far from the tourist ruts into the traditional culture of ancient
Laos, yet savor fine accommodations and delicious, authentic
cuisine. Of of Asia's hidden jewels (mums the word, this is our
find), it is an oasis of tranquility, tradtional tribal cultures
and lush fields. It is best explored on a 4 day/3 night boat trip
from Luang Prabang on the gorgeous Nam Ou River which, at points
along the way, features stunning scenary of limestone karst that
juts 2,000 feet into the air from the river's edge. Our all-time
favorite route begins in Luang Prabang, then heads to northeast to
Nong Khiaw by private boat. From there it's over to Muang Khua then
on to Muang La for an idyllic two-night stay. Return to Luang
Prabang by private car.