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Laos Holidays
Once the royal capital and still considered the spiritual heart of the country, Luang Prabang is a vibrant, colourful and charismatic old town with an astonishing depth of tradition. These traditions are still evident in everyday life; from the monks in their distinctive amber robes serenely collecting alms at dawn to the beautiful Baci (or 'calling of the soul') ceremonies which are integral part of Lao culture. Wandering the pretty streets of Luang Prabang you can find cosmopolitan cafes, quirky galleries, delightful architecture and learn about the town's fascinating history before finishing the day watching the sunset over the Mekong.
Beyond Luang Prabang lies an astonishing diversity of geography and culture. Cruise along the majestic Mekong or head north to discover untouched hill tribe communities, spectacular jungle-clad hills and excellent trekking. Travelling south you will encounter mysterious megaliths, jagged limestone mountains and winding rivers before reaching charming Vientiane, which still retains its laid-back atmosphere. Tranquil and serene, the islands in the far south of Laos are sparsely populated and are the perfect place to explore meandering waterways and ancient civilisations without the tourist crowds. There really is something for everybody.
Life here is all about taking your time so slow down your pace and soak up the vibrant kaleidoscope of colours and cultures Laos has to offer.
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Speak to a Laos Expert
020 7084 6504
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OUR HOLIDAYS TO LAOS
Treasures Of Laos
6 days / 5 nights
from £804
Luang Prabang Cruise to Pak Ou Caves Vientiene Traditional Baci ceremony
from £804
Secrets Of Southern Laos
6 days / 5 nights
from £848
Scenic Bolaven Plateau Majestic Wat Phou temple Cruise along the tranquil archipelago of Si Phan Don
from £848
Hill Tribes & Scenic Rivers
4 days / 3 nights
from £1,178
Stunning remote lodge Colourful hill tribe communities Beautiful mountain landscape Scenic river cruise
from £1,178
Highlights of Indochina
15 days / 14 nights
from £2,136
Luang Prabang Hanoi Halong Bay Hoi An Temples of Angkor
from £2,136
Highlights of the North: Thailand to Laos
10 days / 9 nights
from £1,754
Chiang Mai The Golden Triangle Luang Say Cruise Luang Prabang
from £1,754
Cycling in Laos
14 days / 13 nights
from £1,939
Ride the beautiful hills of cultural North Thailand Cross the border to rural Laos Enjoy a relaxing river cruise Challenge yourself on some hilly terrain Thrilling descents amongst the limestone hills Interact with local farmers & villagers
from £1,939
WHERE TO GO IN LAOS
Vientiane
Much changed over the last decade, Laos’ capital
Vientiane has shed its backwater feel and although the
skyline is rising, evidence of its French-ruled past can still
be seen in the faded colonial architecture and Laos’ own
Arc de Triomphe, the central Patuxai monument. The
city offers a handful of interesting temples, a riverside
night market and some excellent local restaurants and
craft shops.
Vang Vieng
Set between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, this small
town enjoys a stunning setting on the banks of the Nam
Song River surrounded by some of the most spectacular
scenery in Indochina. Jagged limestone rock formations
peppered with caves rise behind vivid green paddy
fields in this picturesque spot. Vang Vieng was for years
renowned as a popular stop on the backpacker trail but is
now reinventing itself as a haven for outdoor pursuits with
growing opportunities for cycling, trekking and kayaking.
Plain of Jars
Near the city of Phonsavan in a remote part of eastern
Laos, hundreds of huge stone jar-shaped vessels lie
scattered over the countryside. Thought to be around
2,000 years old, their original significance and even who
placed them there remains a mystery, adding to their
enigmatic charm. This area was also heavily bombed
during the Indochina wars with craters visible today
and you can learn about continuing efforts to clear
the ground of unexploded ordinances and landmines
Southern Laos
Boasting impressive waterfalls and sweeping plains,
little visited southern Laos offers stunning scenery and
a laidback atmosphere. Using sleepy Champasak as your
base, discover tea and coffee plantations on the fertile
Bolaven Plateau and ancient temple ruins at Wat Phou.
Further south lies the tranquil region known as Si Phan
Don, where the Mekong River stretches miles wide
with thousands of islands between its banks and where
rare Irrawaddy dolphins can occasionally be spotted.
The Mekong River
One of the world’s great rivers, the mighty Mekong
snakes through Laos from the northern border with
Thailand, through Luang Prabang and Vientiane before
once again following the country’s western border to
the far south. Whether you choose a two day journey
along the river from Thailand, a dinner cruise in Luang
Prabang or simply enjoy one of the many riverside café
terraces, the Mekong River is sure to be a highlight of
a trip to Laos.
Luang Prabang
With a wealth of history, a beautiful riverside setting and
a tranquil laidback charm, this UNESCO listed former
royal capital is an enchanting place to spend a few days.
Considered the spiritual heart of the country, it boasts
a host of gilded temples scattered amid charming
colonial buildings. At dawn saffron-robed monks can be
seen passing through the streets to collect alms, while
after dusk the town comes alive with an extensive night
market offering a wide range of handicrafts.
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN LAOS
Sofitel Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Restaurant & bar Pool Spa Free wi-fi
Maison Dalabua
Luang Prabang
from £41
Restaurant & bar Pool Spa • Free bike hire
from £41
Kamu Lodge
Luang Prabang
Restaurant & bar Small riverside spa
Muang La Resort
Muang La
Restaurant & bar Outdoor pool Spa Natural hot springs
Ansara Hotel
Vientiane
from £114
from £114
La Folie Lodge
Champasak
Restaurant & bar Spa Bike hire
THINGS TO DO IN LAOS
Luang Prabang by Bike
Approx 5 hours
from £75
Cycle to see the sights of Luang Prabang Royal Palace Wat Xieng Thong
from £75
Trek to Kuang Si Falls
Approx 8 hours
from £97
Kuang Si Waterfalls Trek through forests for spectacular scenery Visit the Asian Black Bear Rescue Centre
from £97
Spiritual Awakening in Luang Prabang
Approx 5 hours
from £132
Connect with the spiritual side of Laos Meet with monks to discuss Buddihism & meditation
from £132
Therapeutic Trek with Elephants
Approx 5.5 hours
from £109
Ethical elephant experience Watch the elephants bathe Learn about these majestic creatures from a dedicated professional mahout
from £109
Vientiane's Street Food by Night
Approx 3 hours
from £64
Sunset experience Sample street food Vibrant markets
from £64
Vang Vieng Caves & Kayaking
Approx 8 hours
from £79
Beautiful karst scenery Kayak the Nam Song River Explore Tham Sim Cave
from £79
When is the best time to visit Laos?
Laos Climate Guide
Luang Prabang
JAN
false
27
6h
2cm
FEB
false
30
7h
2cm
MAR
false
32
7h
3cm
APR
false
33
7h
11cm
MAY
false
33
6h
16cm
JUN
false
32
5h
26cm
JUL
false
31
4h
24cm
AUG
false
31
5h
30cm
SEP
false
31
6h
18cm
OCT
false
30
6h
12cm
NOV
false
28
6h
4cm
DEC
false
26
6h
1cm
Vientiane
JAN
false
29
8h
1cm
FEB
false
32
8h
1cm
MAR
false
35
8h
3cm
APR
false
36
8h
9cm
MAY
false
34
7h
24cm
JUN
false
33
5h
27cm
JUL
false
32
5h
24cm
AUG
false
32
5h
33cm
SEP
false
32
5h
28cm
OCT
false
31
8h
8cm
NOV
false
30
8h
1cm
DEC
false
29
8h
0cm
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Laos Fast Facts
Visa information given is given for
British
citizens holding a valid
UK
passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. Immunisation guidelines assume routine
UK
childhood immunisation has been given and will not apply to all situations. Medical advice should be
sought. Your Trailfinders consultant will advise you of the specific visa and immunisation
requirements for your trip.
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