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.
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Our suggested tours in Laos
A Week in Laos
Explore the charming highlights of northern and southern Laos at a restful pace on this perfect seven day introductory itinerary...
View hereThe Historical Treasures & Natural Wonders of Laos
Uncover the charm and cultural gems of this utterly alluring country on this perfect introductory tailor-made itinerary. Travel from south...
View hereLaid-back Luxury... From Laos to Cambodia's Angkor Temples & Song Saa Private Island Resort
In less than two weeks combine Laos and Cambodia to experience the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, the awe-inspiring...
View hereMeandering Down the Mekong... Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam
- Chiang Rai
- Luang Prabang
- Vientiane
- Si Phan Don
- Pakse
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Phnom Penh
- Mekong Delta
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
This is our ‘super luxe’ Mekong itinerary. Sleeping both on the boat and in hotels, you will experience four countries...
View hereTravel East Asia in Luxurious Style with Aman Resorts
Experience the beauty of Southeast Asia on this 18 day tour while staying exclusively at Aman proprieties. Observe the brand’s...
View hereLuxury Indochina… Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
This trip gives you the most luxurious taste of Indochina. Enjoy Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia’s best boutique hotels, including one...
View hereThe Best of Laos... Mountains & Mekong Tour
This is a great trip if you are perhaps on your second trip to Laos and want to get under...
View hereThe Ultimate Laos Adventure Tour
This is the ultimate way to experience Laos – ideal for people who have already begun their love affair with...
View hereThe Cultural Gems of Indochina... Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
This trip gives you the perfect taste of Indochina in under two weeks. Despite travelling through three countries – Vietnam,...
View hereNorthern Laos in Style
Northern Laos is dotted with charming little villages and stunning backdrops of river and lime karst scenery. Explore by boat...
View hereSome of our favourite hotels in Laos
The River Resort ,
Pakse
A series of eco-friendly riverside lodges on the banks of the Mekong River, this resort offers guests a 5 star...
View here Amantaka ,
Luang Prabang
A quiet hit with peace-seeking Aman lovers, Amantaka is set on a garden estate and housed in graceful 19th century...
View here Muang La Lodge ,
Muang La
Muang La Lodge is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Eco Retreats. The delightful and intimate lodge has just 8 spacious...
View here Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao ,
Luang Prabang
La Residence Phou Vao has one of Ampersand's Top 10 Swimming Pools Perched high on the Hill of Kites, this...
View here Rosewood Luang Prabang ,
Luang Prabang
When it comes to sophisticated secluded retreats, the long-awaited Rosewood Hotel in Luang Prabang is heaven. Located within an atmospheric...
View hereSome of our favourite places of interest in Laos
Si Phan Don
Also known as ‘Four Thousand Islands’, Si Phan Don is a beautiful yet often overlooked region where the mighty Mekong...
View herePakbeng
Pakbeng is a tranquil village along the Mekong, lying halfway between the Thai and Lao border crossing at Huay Xai...
View hereNong Khiaw
Surrounded by limestone peaks and mountains, Nong Khiaw is beautifully located in the north of Laos. This delightful village lies...
View hereTad Lo
The charming village of Tad Lo, located in southern Laos on the Bolevan Plateau, is a charming rural setting for...
View herePhonsavan (Plain of Jars)
Located in the eastern province of Xieng Khouang, Phonsavan is mostly known for being home to the mysterious ‘Plain of...
View hereLuang Prabang
This enchanting former royal capital lies within a particularly scenic spot: a verdant valley shaped by lush, green mountains on...
View here