Perhaps due to its status as the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia (it is encircled by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar), Laos often gets less notice than its more famous neighbors. We view this low profile in another light: this beautiful Buddhist land is one of the continent’s best-kept secrets, although it is increasingly on the radar of savvy luxury and adventure travelers alike. Together with Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos made up the triumvirate colonies of French Indochina, and significant pockets of Old World charm remain.
Laos’s understated crown jewel is the ancient capital of Luang Prabang, whose fusion of Lao and European architecture UNESCO called a “key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.” Vientiane is the region’s most relaxed capital, while the Bolaven Plateau beckons with dramatic waterfalls and superb coffee plantations. For travelers willing to forgo five-star hotels to focus on remote rural encounters, the northern hill-tribe peoples in Luang Namtha and Muang Sing (Black Tai, Hmong, Lanten, Akha and many more) and the unspoiled “4,000 Islands” stretch of the lower Mekong, home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, are itinerary highlights. Champasak province, meanwhile, offers the impressive Khmer ruins of Wat Phu, architectural forebear of Angkor.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Travel Laos from north to south on this classic 8-day journey that will take you to the country’s must-see spots. Visit charming Luang Prabang, swim in gem-colored waterfalls, shop boutiques in the capital and countryside, bike around villages in Champasak, and kayak in Don Khone.
Discover Southeast Asia is an in-depth two-week cultural journey through the heart of a compelling and diverse region.
Discover Southeast Asia is an in-depth two-week cultural journey through the heart of a compelling and diverse region.
Discover Southeast Asia is an in-depth two-week cultural journey through the heart of a compelling and diverse region.
Laos’ colorful history is only a holiday away on this 9-day luxury tour. Discover the ancient capital of the country as you stroll through old-world Luang Prabang and compare it to the country’s more modern capital of Vientiane. This French-Asian fusion culture is a historical, culinary and architectural treat.
Be captivated by Northern Laos on this 8-day luxury voyage. You’ll stay in a comfortable eco-lodge and luxury accommodation, hike steep mountains, interact with locals in a remote village, trek through thick jungles, and ride an elephant along the mighty Mekong river in charming Luang Prabang.
Spend 7 days in Laos’ stunning Northern region, where you’ll visit ancient UNESCO-listed temples, hike a mountain, kayak down a river keeping an eye out for exotic wildlife, and sit down to a traditional village dinner, all while staying in some of the best hotels in Laos, like Luang Prabang’s Amantaka.
Take in the stunning scenery and encounter friendly locals on this whirlwind 5-day adventure through Northern Laos. You’ll sleep in luxury along the banks of the Mekong river, ride an elephant bareback, and explore the cultural wonders of charming Luang Prabang, where you’ll stay in one of Laos’ best hotels.
This 20-day classic journey to Southeast Asia is a great way to experience the best of what this diverse region has to offer. With an extended trip, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the cities, villages, and beaches of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Start in the UNESCO Heritage City of Luang Prabang, drift down the river after dark on an intrepid night safari in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park, then end your trip at the historic and mysterious Plain of Jars.
Overlooking the pretty Northern Laotian town of Phongsali, this basic guesthouse provides simple rooms - good for a few nights of resting after exploring the region. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum (don’t expect any lavish swimming pools or 24-hour room service), the guesthouse does provide hot water, and some of the more modern room are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences. The real draw here is the location: shared balconies afford some nice views of the town towards the front, and windows at the back face the rolling green mountains in the distance. The quiet yet ever-so-quaint town of Phongsali is the highest in the whole country, situated around 4,500 feet above sea level.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
The best time to visit Laos is between October and April when there is no rain and the temperature is cooler.
Multi-Country Specialists
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