Why should you holiday in Laos?

Situated between five Asian destinations, including Thailand and Vietnam, lies Laos. Laos is the only landlocked country in South-east Asia. The country’s lifeline is the Mekong River, which runs through the entire country, contributing to its lush nature.

In Laos, you will experience something completely different from other destinations in Asia. This is traditional Asia, with fairytale landscapes and diverse populations that exude a honourable calm and hospitality the like of which is not found find in many other places.

Our holiday in Laos

Below you can read about some of the highlights you can experience on our holidays in Laos.

Luang Prabang

In northern Laos, along the Mekong River, lies the former royal city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-protected city, which offers a unique blend of traditional Laotian architecture and French colonial charm.

You won’t find modern buildings in Luang Prabang, but French colonial villas side by side active temples in the old streets.

The city’s rhythm is a chapter in itself, where life is lived quietly and with a dignity rarely seen. Every morning, several thousand monks proceed silently through the streets of the city to collect alms. You cannot fail to be amazed by the respectful silence and great dignity with which this daily ritual takes place.

In the evening, the main street transforms into a large night market where tribal people from neighbouring villages come to sell their wares. You will find a wide selection of traditional handicrafts, with stalls selling all manner of colourful textiles, ceramics and even Beer Lao T-shirts.

Other things to see and do in and around Luang Prabang

• Explore Luang Prabang on two wheels and see monks in their traditional orange dress, the iconic temple of Wat Xieng Thong, and climb to the top of the Phousi Hill, which affords excellent views of the city and the river.

• South of Luang Prabang, in the heart of the jungle, lie the scenic Kuang Si Falls. Swim in the natural pools, or visit the centre for Malay bears, which works to protect the highly endangered bear.

Combine with…

Our tours to Laos can be combined with other Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Cambodia or Cambodia and Thailand. Discover more about what you can experience in these countries below.

Thailand

In Thailand, you’ll experience the country’s second-largest city, Chiang Mai, located in the north.

This city is renowned for its vibrant culture, intriguing history, and breathtaking landscapes:

For example, you can enjoy:

• A cycling tour through the city where you can explore some of Chiang Mai’s beautiful temples and monuments on two wheels. This includes sights such as the ancient city wall, Tha Phae Gate, the Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang temple, and Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man.

• Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest mountain, offers an extraordinary natural experience with fascinating views of the northern Thai mountain landscapes.

• The majestic elephants at the ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary, just outside Chiang Mai. Here, you get an incredible opportunity to see elephants ethically and responsibly.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a hugely popular travel destination, offering everything from interesting, historic cities to magnificent, UNESCO protected nature.

Discover sights such as:

• Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Discover a city of contrasts with its mix of colonial history and modern-day buzz. Visit, for example, the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ngoc Son Temple.

• Ha Long Bay on a mini cruise and get right up close to one of Vietnam’s most distinctive areas of natural beauty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The colonial city of Hoi An, which used to be one of the most important ports in South East Asia. Visit the old town, which testifies to Japanese, Chinese and Indian influences.

Cambodia

Cambodia offers some of the world’s biggest sights.

Discover the legendary Angkor Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in South-east Asia.

The temple complex Angkor Wat, which is Cambodia’s biggest attraction. It was the most splendid of all the temples of the Khmer Empire, and an architectural masterpiece. It is said to have taken some 300,000 men and 6,000 elephants 37 years to build the complex.

Want to know more about Laos?

To obtain further information about the practicalities of travelling to Laos on our site, visit Practical information, where you can read more about the climate, vaccinations and visas.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about booking, our other tours to the Far East or something else entirely, our travel specialists are on hand to help you.

We look forward to sending you on the holiday of your lifetime.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller