Ou tai, Phongsali
A small village located on the banks of a river in a fertile valley, close to the Chinese border. Ou tai is very ethnically mixed and you are likely to encounter visiting hill tribes as well as Chinese migrants. Rice harvest is a particularly interesting time to visit. There’s also an old and distinctive wooden temple. Difficulty in reaching: 3/5
Tahoy, Salavan
A great sense of relief is felt upon arriving in this small town. No public transport and a terrible road means very few visitors manage to reach this once important marker on the HCM Trail. Little to see or do here apart from observing the children fishing in the local rapids and glow in your sense of self-achievement. Difficulty in reaching: 6/5
Hongsa, Sainyabuli
This small market town comes alive during its annual Elephant Festival although working animals can be seen throughout the year. It is a major centre for Thai Lü culture and has several local temples built in this style. The roads to and from Hongsa like most in this province are extremely bad during the wet season. Difficulty in reaching: 4/5
Pa am, Attapeu
Deep in the south-east corner of Laos, this small Alak village is a pleasant ride from the provincial capital. Pass through the long village and then cross the shallow river to see the remaining Russian surface-to-air missile (SAM) launcher. Alak textiles can also be purchased directly from women weaving in their homes. Difficulty in reaching: 3/5
Tham Lot Kong Lo, Khammuan
Although now very much part of The Loop, this cave and the motorbike ride to the nearby Ban Kong Lo make for a rewarding inland detour. The cave is one of the natural wonders of Laos and the boat trip through it the highlight of the whole loop circuit. Spend the night in a local homestay to experience Lao family life. Difficulty in reaching: 3/5
