LAOS Vang Vien Huts On The River

Be blown away by the staggeringly beautiful karst hill landscapes of Vang Vieng.

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Experience an early morning alms giving ceremony in Luang Prabang, an ancient Buddhist tradition. As the sun rises, stand alongside locals as they line the streets donating food to orange-robed monks.

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LAOS Luang Prabang Golden Temple

Marvel at Luang Prabang's Golden Temple, Wat Xieng Thongm, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Laos.

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Gaze at the intricately gilded bas-relief facade of Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, or Wat Mai, the largest temple in Luang Prabang.

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LAOS Luang Prabang Bridseye View

Climb to the top of Mount Phu Si in Luang Prabang for impressive birdseye views of the city.

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LAOS Muang La Massage

Relax with a traditional massage at Muang La Lodge, an idylic rural boutique hotel.

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LAOS Muang La Woman In Traditional Garb

Discover Laos's many indigenous hill tribes from your base at Muang La Resort, located in the north of the country.

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A large part of Laos' charm is her rural hinterlands which boast some utterly ravishing nature and friendly local villages like this, which surrounds Muang La Lodge.

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Laos La Residence

Located just outside Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao has an infinity pool to die for with awesome views over the surrounding landscape.

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LAOS Boats On The Mekong River

Cruise along the Mekong River in a long tail boat, the traditional sailing vessel of the region.

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LAOS Villa Maly Nightmarket

Go to town at one of Luang Prabang's many night markets, famous for local textiles and intricate jewellery.

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LAOS Vientiane Temple

While in Vientiane, Laos's capital city, visit Si Saket Temple, a fine example of Siamese Buddhist architecture and the oldest temple in the city.

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LAOS Best Vang Vien River Sunset

Gaze out over the calming and picturesque Nam Song river in Vang Vieng. 

 

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Laos Luang Prabang Temple Monks Palms

Explore Luang Prabang's many UNESCO World Heritage temples, especially those within the Royal Palace complex.

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LAOS Luang Prabang Market Chilis

Feast on an array of chillies and local vegetables at one of Luang Prabang's many colourful street markets.

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LAOS Kuangsi Falls Luang Prabang

Explore the picture-perfect Kuang Si Falls, just a few miles from Luang Prabang.

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Go for a refreshing dip in the many pools that gather below the Kuang Si Falls.

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LAOS Amataka Swimming Pool

There is nowhere nicer in Luang Prabang to while away an afternoon than by the poolside at Amantaka, the city's most exclsuive hotel.

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LAOS Amantaka Khan Suite Pool

Stay in one of Amantaka's Khan Pool Suites in Luang Prabang. With their own private pools and outdoor lounge areas, you can be guaranteed a perfect stay.

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LAOS Amantaka Khan Pool

Admire one of Luang Prabang's spectacular sunsets from your base at Amantaka.

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LAOS 3 Nagas Exterior Dusk

Nestled in the heart of leafy Luang Prabang, the Three Nagas is a charming boutique hotel. Stay in one of the hotel's three UNESCO World Heritage Buildings, all of which are over a century old.

 

 

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If you have a spirit for adventure, we couldn't recommend a stay at Rosewood Luang Prabang more. This tented eco-lodge offers luxury camping at its finest.

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Rosewood Luang Prabang's tents show the acclaimed designer Bill Bensley's inventive vision to its full effect. 

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Rest poolside at La FolieSi Phan Don with a cooling drink in hand. As the day winds to an end, you can enjoy a striking sunset reflecting over the Mekong river here.

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Treat yourself to a relaxing massage while staying at one of our favourite hotels, Settha Palace in Vientiane.

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Welcome to Laos

Land-locked and utterly alluring, Laos has a laid-back pace and some of the friendliest and welcoming people you will meet in Asia. In Luang Prabang, ribbons of orange-robed monks receive alms at dawn whilst the far south centres around the mighty Mekong Delta with its remote fishing communities and dense jungle, disturbed occasionally by crashing elephants and trilling birds.

Only open to foreigners since 1990, the small nation of Laos is one of the most charming countries in South East Asia. Much of the country is made up of rugged highland areas home to ethnic hill tribes living a very simple way, with most of the population based in river valleys and towns that have sprung up here. The Mekong river is the country's lifeline and is a popular way of entering Laos from northern Thailand as well as exploring the Four Thousand Islands (Si Phan Don) area of islets, rocks and sandbars to the far south of the country, near the border with Cambodia. The most evocative Khmer ruin outside Cambodia, Wat Phou, is also along the southern banks of the Mekong. Within this southern region, you’ll find the sleepy Mekong-side towns of Champasak, Pakse, and Savannakhet, all atmospheric and full of charming French-inspired buildings sitting comfortably alongside Buddhist temples. In central Laos overlooking the Mekong and Thailand to the otherside, Vientiane is possibly the most modest and laid back of the South East Asian capitals and has numerous beautifully decorated Wats (temples) bustling local markets, as well as grand French colonial buildings, wide leafy avenues, and Patuxai - Laos’ Arc de Triomphe. Vang Vieng, once the party capital of Indochina for young travellers, is now focused more on eco and adventure tourism where you can spend days on the river gazing up in amazement at the limestone karsts jutting from the valleys. The mysterious Plain of Jars out in the east of Laos have just won UNESCO World Heritage status. Further north, the enchanting former royal capital of Luang Prabang, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is packed full of gilded temples, elegant monasteries, inviting markets, French colonial houses and saffron robed monks collecting alms. Tucked into a loop of the Mekong, surrounded by hills, Luang Prabang is the perfect place from which to explore off the beaten track ethnic hill tribe villages, to haggle in local markets, take a boat trip on the Mekong or just sit in a cafe and watch the world stroll by. Getting off-the-beaten-path in Laos is easy: just head north by boat along the Nam Ou river, often cited as one of the most picturesque waterways in Laos, and stay in a small town surrounding by towering mountains, or visit one of the lush biodiversity conservation areas - enjoy a simpler way of living and a slower pace of life.

Sitting next to the Mekong river, with some deliciously aromatic Lao food, a Beer Lao or a Lao coffee, hearing the welcoming sound of a local calling out “sabaidee” (hello), as the warm glow of the tropical sun shines through the lush green vegetation, and bounces off the charming French villas and the gilded roofs of the beautiful Buddhist temples, you’ll realise why you travelled here.

If you are seeking a laidback atmosphere, then a tailormade tour of Laos is for you.


Our suggested tours in Laos

A Week in Laos

LAOS Luang Prabang Bridseye View

8 days from £4,500 for 2024

Explore the charming highlights of northern and southern Laos at a restful pace on this perfect seven day introductory itinerary...

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The Historical Treasures & Natural Wonders of Laos

LAOS Luang Prabang Golden Temple

14 days from £8,260 for 2024

Uncover the charm and cultural gems of this utterly alluring country on this perfect introductory tailor-made itinerary. Travel from south...

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Laid-back Luxury... From Laos to Cambodia's Angkor Temples & Song Saa Private Island Resort

Song Saa Song Saa Private Island Cambodia X 400

10 days from £8,870 for 2024

In less than two weeks combine Laos and Cambodia to experience the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, the awe-inspiring...

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Meandering Down the Mekong... Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

Meandering Down The Mekong Itinerary

21 days from £11,200 for 2024

This is our ‘super luxe’ Mekong itinerary. Sleeping both on the boat and in hotels, you will experience four countries...

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Travel East Asia in Luxurious Style with Aman Resorts

Aman SEA Tour VIETNAM Amanoi Vinh Hy Bay Vietnam 2

17 days from £15,770 for 2024

Experience the beauty of Southeast Asia on this 18 day tour while staying exclusively at Aman proprieties. Observe the brand’s...

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Luxury Indochina… Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia

Luxury Indochina Itinerary 23

15 days from £9,120 for 2024

This trip gives you the most luxurious taste of Indochina. Enjoy Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia’s best boutique hotels, including one...

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The Best of Laos... Mountains & Mekong Tour

Mountains And Mekong Itinerary

10 days from £6,750 for 2024

This is a great trip if you are perhaps on your second trip to Laos and want to get under...

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The Ultimate Laos Adventure Tour

The Ultimate Laos Adventure Itinerary 2

16 days from £8,130 for 2024

This is the ultimate way to experience Laos – ideal for people who have already begun their love affair with...

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The Cultural Gems of Indochina... Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia

The Gems Of Indochina Itinerary 3

9 days from £5,920 for 2024

This trip gives you the perfect taste of Indochina in under two weeks. Despite travelling through three countries – Vietnam,...

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Exploring Southern Laos

The River Resort Champasak Laos 17

8 days from £4,730 for 2024

Follow a leisurely meandering route through old French colonial towns and little villages in the pristine Laos countryside, down to...

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Northern Laos in Style

Nong Khiaw Laos 1

8 days from £4,960 for 2024

Northern Laos is dotted with charming little villages and stunning backdrops of river and lime karst scenery. Explore by boat...

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Some of our favourite hotels in Laos

The River Resort ,
Pakse

The River Resort Champasak Laos 4

A series of eco-friendly riverside lodges on the banks of the Mekong River, this resort offers guests a 5 star...

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Amantaka ,
Luang Prabang

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A quiet hit with peace-seeking Aman lovers, Amantaka is set on a garden estate and housed in graceful 19th century...

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Muang La Lodge ,
Muang La

Muang La Resort Muang La Laos (1)

  Muang La Lodge is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Eco Retreats. The delightful and intimate lodge has just 8 spacious...

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Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao ,
Luang Prabang

La Residence Phou Vao Luang Prabang Laos 5

  La Residence Phou Vao has one of Ampersand's Top 10 Swimming Pools Perched high on the Hill of Kites, this...

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Rosewood Luang Prabang ,
Luang Prabang

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When it comes to sophisticated secluded retreats, the long-awaited Rosewood Hotel in Luang Prabang is heaven. Located within an atmospheric...

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Some of our favourite places of interest in Laos

Si Phan Don

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Also known as ‘Four Thousand Islands’, Si Phan Don is a beautiful yet often overlooked region where the mighty Mekong...

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Pakbeng

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Pakbeng is a tranquil village along the Mekong, lying halfway between the Thai and Lao border crossing at Huay Xai...

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Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw Laos 2

Surrounded by limestone peaks and mountains, Nong Khiaw is beautifully located in the north of Laos. This delightful village lies...

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Tad Lo

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The charming village of Tad Lo, located in southern Laos on the Bolevan Plateau, is a charming rural setting for...

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Phonsavan (Plain of Jars)

Phonsavan (1).jpg

Located in the eastern province of Xieng Khouang, Phonsavan is mostly known for being home to the mysterious ‘Plain of...

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Luang Prabang

LAOS Luang Prabang Golden Temple

This enchanting former royal capital lies within a particularly scenic spot: a verdant valley shaped by lush, green mountains on...

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Client Testimonials

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

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