Recommendations for northern Laos?

Hello!

We are currently in Laos and would like to spend some time in the north of the country.

We're taking a bus up to Vientiane from Pakse.
Then we go to Vang Vieng for New Year - 2 days. (yes- we know it's a backpacker haven, but we want to check out the tubing and the scenery for ourselves!)
Then onto Luang Prabang - 4 days.

Then we would like to see some more of this beautiful country in the north for a few days. We are thinking of doing some trekking from Luang Nam Tha or Vieng Phukha...

My question is:
- How does the trekking/scenery in northern Laos compare to that around Chiang Mai, as we'll be moving on to Thailand next?
- We like the sound of doing perhaps a one/two day trek that combines visiting ethnic villages and trekking in the Nam Ha national park. Can anyone recommend any treks?
- Is it best to do the treks from Vieng Phukha, Luang Nam Tha or Muang Sing?
- Or can someone recommend somewhere else in northern Laos to see some beautiful scenery (not necessarily just trekking)?

Thanks so much for your help!

Cheekyvee

Hello Varsha-

Exactly 2 years ago I traveled through Laos- likely similar to you, I came from Cambodia and headed northward- Don Det, Pakse, Ventiene, Vangvieng. From there I went to Phonsovan to see the Plain of Jars- which was kinda cool for a day if you have the time, and there are buses that go from V V and from there you can easily bus to Luang Prabang.

As far as further north, I took a boat trip up to Nong Kiaw from Luang Prabang- some of the most incredible scenery I had seen on my trip- truly worth it.Definitely recommended!!!
From NongKiaw I went further up river to Muang Ngoi- an amazing little backpachers "haven" with lots of little guest houses, and some greak places for hiking opportunities. ( If you decide to go this way- I stayed in a guest house with the most friendly owner I met on my trip).

From there I headed to Luang Namtha- also easily reached by bus after heading back to Nongkiaw -- and did a 3 day trek . I had previously done some trekking a few years ago in northern Thailand, and personally I preferred Laos- but that is totally a personal preference- not drastically different, but maybe I was with a better trekking group- It is easy to arrange treks of varying length from Luang Namtha at the tourist office.

I hope that helps.