A Week in Laos

Laos is the most idyllic landlocked Southeast Asian country, and with its highlights neatly compacted within its borders, its very easy to spend a week here experiencing the very best it has to offer. Laos works perfectly in conjunction with a trip to other Southeast Asian countries, and this twin centre itinerary enables you to see highlights of northern and southern Laos at a restful pace.

Experience unblemished Buddhist culture, buzzing markets, crimson sunsets, stunning waterfalls and great food in Luang Prabang before flying down to 4,000 islands in southern Laos for river cruising, beautiful natural scenery and the country's most impressive temple complex, Wat Phou.

Luang Prabang may be a well-visited spot these days, but it has by no means lost its charm. Laos has learnt lessons from neighbouring Thailand, and subtly shaped the culture of the town so that it doesn't become another backpacker dive. Restaurants close relatively early and there are no drinking dens, and the Buddhist traditions of morning alms-giving and evening prayers of the saffron-robed monks are some of the most colourful sights and sounds. Soak up the beauty of small temples like Wat Xiengthong that exist in harmony with charming old French colonial buildings. Beyond the town, spend an afternoon at Kuang Si falls, one of the most enchanting in all of Asia, visit a bear sanctuary, or head out into the countryside to experience the way of life on an organic rice farm.

After a relaxing three days in Luang Prabang fly south to Pakse, gateway to the Champasak area otherwise known as 4,000 islands. Experience the unspoilt beauty and relaxed rural lifestyle of the locals on Don Daeng Island, and take a river cruise on the Mekong to explore Wat Phou, the most impressive and Indiana Jones-esque temple complex in Laos. 

This holiday is purely a suggested itinerary. It can be booked as it is, or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own perfect tailor-made tour to Laos.

We'd recommend booking this trip in either January, February, April, October or December as this is the best time to experience all that Laos has to offer. If you'd like to see some similar itineraries, take a look at our Active, Family, Honeymoon or Luxury Villa collections.