Laos

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.  

Laos Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Laos Itineraries

Classic Laos

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.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,700
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Ancient Laos: A Journey Back in Time

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. 

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,700
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Behind the Scenes in Northern Laos

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. 

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,200
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Beyond Luang Prabang: Exploring Northern Laos

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.

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,400
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Capital to Ancient Capital: A Glimpse of Northern Laos

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.

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,300
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Classic Southeast Asia

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.

Duration
20 days / 19 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,000
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Hidden Gems of Northern Laos: Luang Namtha & Muang Sing

Skip the well-worn backpacker trail and unearth some of Laos’ best kept secrets. This five-day trip takes you from Vientiane, to the charming town of Luang Namtha near to the Chinese border. Uncover hilltop tribes along the way, passing some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. 

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,300
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Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

On this 12-day luxury private jet adventure, stroll the streets of emperors in Vietnam, visit old-word temples scattered across Southeast Asia, and try your hand at bargaining with the locals at different fresh markets. This trip hits all of Southeast Asia’s must-see destinations, traveling from Thailand to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. See isolated cities and towns not frequented by the average traveler, made accessible by a private jet.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $93,100
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Amantaka
Preferred Hotel

Amantaka

Luang Prabang, Laos

Amantaka is set south of Phousi Mountain and close to the banks of the Mekong River and the Luang Prabang Night Market. The resort, an old French colonial building, is surrounded by a spacious courtyard, and has 24 suites – eight deluxe suites, four pool suites, eight Khan suites, two Mekong suites and two Amantaka suites, all with spacious interior and exterior living areas. Facilities include a spa, a fitness center, a library and a boutique art gallery. Amantaka is...
La Folie Lodge
Preferred Hotel

La Folie Lodge

Champasak, Laos

Located on the island of Don Daeng not far from Champasak and Wat Phou, La Folie is a French-run lodge situated on the banks of the Mekong. Guests arrive by boat onto a sandy beach. The lodge consists of 24 rooms housed in 12 charming wooden bungalows, all with balconies offering magnificent river views and equipped with air conditioning, TV, WiFi and en-suite bathrooms. The poolside restaurant, open-aired but sheltered by a graceful wooden roof, offers continental cuisine and Asian...
Muang La Lodge
Preferred Hotel

Muang La Lodge

Muang La, Laos

This boutique lodge offers a private and authentic Laos experience with only five wooden villas and 10 bedrooms, designed with traditional architectural features and created to be a retreat away from it all within a lush tropical landscape. Tropical gardens, rivers, rice fields, numerous and varied local tribes, butterflies, incredible rich fauna and flora, this secluded hideaway offers the best in rest and relaxation. With a natural hot spring, a beautiful flowing river and private corners at every turn, leave...
Rosewood Luang Prabang
Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos

Located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Nam Kham and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries, preserved traditional architecture, and remaining vestiges of Laos’ French colonial period. These elements earned it the distinction of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The city of just under 60,000 continues to inspire awe in tourists to this day, and with the opening of the Rosewood Luang Prabang, luxury travelers have the...
Settha Palace Hotel
Preferred Hotel

Settha Palace Hotel

Vientiane, Laos

The historic Settha Palace Hotel is centrally located in Vientiane within walking distance of the Mekong River, Thatluang Stupa, Namphu Fountain, and other cultural highlights. Built in French colonial style circa 1932 and restored and reopened in 1999, the hotel has 22 rooms and three suites, all featuring rosewood four-poster beds and armoires, and WiFi connectivity. For dining, La Belle Epoque offers French cuisine, and the Sidewalk Café is a pleasant open-air venue offering Asian and international dishes. Amenities include...
Sofitel Luang Prabang
Preferred Hotel

Sofitel Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos

Sofitel Luang Prabang, located in a refurbished French colonial fort, is one of Luang Prabang's most historic luxury hotels. Formerly known as Hotel de la Paix, Sofitel Luang Prabang consists of 25 suites, including the Signature Governor's Residence, all designed in contemporary style with a bathtub, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, DVD player and iPod, as well as a private terrace/garden area. An all-day dining restaurant serves classic Lao cuisine, and the colonial-style bar is a great spot to enjoy a...
Sannaly Guest House

Sannaly Guest House

Phongsali, Laos

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. 

Amari Vang Vieng

Amari Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng, Laos

Centrally located in town just steps away from the Post Office, the Amari Vang Vieng brings a touch of luxury to this quiet town. Smartly-dressed suites are fitted with air conditioning, mini bar, fridge, kettle, wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. Some rooms come with sun terrace. Facilities at the hotel include in-house restaurant and bar, private parking, outdoor swiming pool, fitness center, and 24-hour front desk.
Champasak Grand Hotel

Champasak Grand Hotel

Pakse, Laos

The most modern hotel in Pakse, the four-star Champasak Grand is located on the banks of the Mekong and the perfect base for exploring the city, as well as the beautiful surrounding countryside. The property's 214 guest rooms and suites come with a king-size bed or two queen-size beds for twin occupancy. All rooms are tastefully furnished and are appointed with standard modern amenities. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with river views, a gym, and a business center. For dining, guests can choose from The Grand Coffee Shop for Lao and international cuisines, the Lobby Lounge for drinks and pastries (try freshly-brewed coffee from the Bolaven Plateau), Sa La Gang Kong for seafood on the Mekong, and Zhong Hua Lou for Chinese dishes. Champasak Grand Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Pakse International Airport.
Champasak Palace Hotel

Champasak Palace Hotel

Pakse, Laos

Originally built as a palace for the last king of Laos, this three-star hotel features unique hand-painted art-deco tiles and hand-carved motifs. The property is also home to the only glass lift in Laos. There are 115 guest rooms divided between six different room categories, all with high ceilings; though befitting the building's history, no two rooms are the same. Hotel facilities include a gift shop, business center, and sauna. For dining, there is a restaurant and coffee shop that serves European cuisine. Champasak Palace Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Pakse International Airport.
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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Laos

The best time to visit Laos is between October and April when there is no rain and the temperature is cooler.

  • The weather in Laos is primarily hot and humid with some seasonal variance.
  • There are three primary seasons: November to March, which is the “cool” season, with temperatures hovering around 70° to 80°F (21° to 27°C), lower humidity, and sunny skies, though it does get cold in the mountains.
  • April through May is the hot season in which temperatures can rise over 100°F (38°C) and it can be very hazy.
  • The rainy season lasts from June through September, with temperatures ranging from 70° to 80°F (21° to 27°C), high humidity, and heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August. Landscapes during this time of the year are especially lush and green.

Multi-Country Specialists

Laos Goes Well With

Travelogues

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