Relatively untouched by tourism due to decades of isolation, laid-back Laos is truly a gem, blessed with many of Southeast Asia’s finest features.
Experience the traditional way of life that moves along at an unhurried pace, along with the warmth, kindness and amiably vague timekeeping of the Lao people. Hike through virgin forested mountains and pristine river valleys in this country known for its robust ecotourism initiatives.
Situated in a scenic valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the ancient capital of Luang Prabang offers a beautiful medley of rich cultural history and outdoor adventure with its nearby waterfalls and mountains. The tranquil capital city of Vientiane maintains a vintage charm with its faded French colonial architecture juxtaposed with ornate, gilded temples. The Lao countryside is just as intriguing, highlighted by the mysterious Plain of Jars and Champassak Province, home to ancient temples, coffee plantations and unspoilt natural landscapes.
| Capital City | Vientiane |
| Time Zone | UTC +7 |
| International Dial Code | +856 |
| Currency | Kip |
| Population | 7.6 million (July 2023) |
| Religion | Buddhism |
Experience the laid-back atmosphere and unchanged way of life of this peaceful country
A culinary odyssey through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam revealing distinctive cuisines and kitchen traditions. Hands-on experiences at key culinary destinations range from street food stalls to gastronomic restaurants, assisted by expert chefs, food gurus and in-the-know locals.
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A culinary odyssey through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam revealing distinctive cuisines and kitchen traditions. Hands-on experiences at key culinary destinations range from street food stalls to gastronomic restaurants, assisted by expert chefs, food gurus and in-the-know locals.
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Surrounded by beautiful vistas of mountains and rivers, the quaint town of Luang Prabang exudes an air of romance and serenity. Share a romantic adventure in the Huay Say Valley with trekking and elephant riding and complete your journey with a private sunset cruise on the Mekong.
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Adventure abounds on this all-action journey through some of Vietnam and southern Laos’ most naturally beautiful and fascinating areas – experienced by trekking, cycling, motorbiking, climbing and caving.
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Explore our Laos sample itineraries to inspire your travel planning. The itineraries can be easily customised and adapted to your personal interests and preferences.
Pakse - Champassak - 4,000 Islands - Ban Khiet Ngong
Embark on an action-packed journey in southern Laos, hiking, ziplining, and boating through its varied and beautiful landscapes. A week of adventure awaits, uncovering great natural wonders, stunning temples, and cosy wilderness retreats.
Pakse – Don Khong – Don Khone – Vientiane – Xiang Khouang – Phonsavan – Sam Neua – Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang
Explore unforgettable historic highlights in Laos, from the astounding ancient wonders of Plain of Jars and pre-Angkorian temples to modern-day history immortalised at Vieng Xai Caves, combined with Laotian cultural pursuits and a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty.
Luang Prabang – Vientiane
The diversity of landscapes and strong ties to local communities makes Laos an enchanting destination for families to enjoy educational and fun activities with opportunities to experience daily life ‘as a local.’
Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Adventure abounds on this action-packed journey through some of Laos’ most naturally beautiful and remote countryside and in amazing destinations, highlighted with thrilling activities of cycling, trekking, abseiling, ziplining, kayaking and rock-climbing.
Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Dien Bien Phu – Tay Trang/ Sop Hun Border – Muang La – Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang
Our adventurous cross-border journey covering Northern Vietnam and Northern Laos takes intrepid travellers through some of South-Asia’s most spectacular and remote regions of soaring mountains and lush river valleys, encountering ethnic minority villages and inspiring ancient capitals.
Luang Prabang – Muang La – Luang Namtha – Huay Xai/Chiang Khong – Chiang Rai
Head off-the-beaten track in the unspoiled, wildly beautiful parts of northern Laos and Thailand. On this enthralling cross-border adventure, explore remote mountains, rivers and diverse ethnic communities by way of kayak, bicycle and four-wheel drive.
Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Hue – Hoi An – Bach Ma – Hoi An – Siem Reap
Guided by local experts, experience prolific natural wonders, historic sites and cultural experiences on our extensive ‘cross border’ odyssey through old Indochina – Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – and some of their enchanting destinations.
Bangkok – Ubon Ratchathani – Ban Khiet Ngong – Vat Phou – Khong Island – Pakse
Our adventurous cross-border journey takes intrepid travellers from Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok, up to remote north-eastern lands continuing into Southern Laos. Memorable days are filled with experiencing stupendous natural wonders, ancient cultural sights, fascinating local encounters and diverse landscapes, guided by local expert.
Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong/Huay Xai Border – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang
Our adventurous cross-border journey takes intrepid travellers deep into the spectacular mountainous countryside of Northern Thailand and Northern Laos. This enthralling itinerary features several days cruising along the mighty Mekong River and engaging in authentic cultural experiences amid remote riverside communities.
Luang Prabang – Ban Khiet Ngong – Don Khong – Don Khone – Siem Reap – Koh Ker – Siem Reap
Guided by local experts, experience the most prolific natural wonders, ancient historic sites and memorable cultural experiences in two Indochina countries – Laos and Cambodia – on this action-packed and enthralling ‘cross border’ odyssey.
Bagan – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Hoi An
History and culture buffs will treasure this fascinating journey visiting Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. The tour not only explores key historic, spiritual and cultural sites but also the architectural and natural wonders as recognised by the esteemed UNESCO organisation
Bangkok – Udon Thani – Nong Khai – Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang – Muang La – Muang Khua – Dien Bien Phu – Phong Tho – Sapa – Hanoi – Haiphong – Lan Ha Bay
This extensive overland journey across Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam features days packed with the best adventure, culture, spiritual and historical experiences.
Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City – Hue – Hanoi
A culinary odyssey through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam revealing distinctive cuisines and kitchen traditions. Hands-on experiences at key culinary destinations range from street food stalls to gastronomic restaurants, assisted by expert chefs, food gurus and in-the-know locals.
Hanoi – Phong Nha – Ho Chi Minh City – Nam Cat Tien – Pakse – Ban Khiet Ngong – Don Daeng – Si Phan Don
Adventure abounds on this all-action journey through some of Vietnam and southern Laos' most naturally beautiful and fascinating areas – experienced by trekking, cycling, motorbiking, climbing and caving.
Select from our exciting range handcrafted tailored experiences to include in your customised journey.
Vientiane’s flat, tree-lined roads and light traffic make it an ideal city to explore by bicycle. Spend a pleasant half day cycling to some of Vientiane’s most historic sites, including: Wat Sisaket, famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha images; Wat Phra Keo, built in 1565 as the Lao royal family’s personal chapel with highlights including a magnificent 16th century lacquered door with Hindu carvings, numerous Khmer stone carvings and a variety of Buddha statues; the 44m (147ft) high gold-covered That Luang, Lao’s most revered monument; and the Patuxai Victory Monument, dedicated to those who fought in Laos’ struggle for independence from France. Notice its unmistakable resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but with Lao motifs.
Duration: 4hrs
Jungle-clad Phou Asa Mountain has long been an enigma, even to seasoned archaeologists. Spend the day uncovering the secrets of this scenic mountain and its enigmatic ruins comprised of 108 stacked stone pillars, each topped by a large flat rock.
Join a village guide to learn more about these mysterious pillars which some think were part of a jungle fort or perhaps an ancient Buddhist monastery to go along with the “Buddha’s footprint” carved into the rock face below. Summit the mountain for outstanding views of southern Laos. Along the way, walk along forest trails while learning how to spot signs of wildlife as well as indigenous medicinal plants. Lunch is included in this adventurous day trek.
Duration: 7hrs
Since 2006, Luang Prabang’s Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre has been devoted to helping people gain insight into the diversity and richness of Laos’ ethnic cultures. Spend an enjoyable half day at the centre, engaging with some of its excellent exhibitions showcasing traditional handmade clothing and textiles, reconstructions of domestic scenes, as well as ritual and religious artefacts.
Also participate in a workshop on H’mong embroidery and H’mong appliqué (ornamental needlework) led by an ethnic artisan. The H’mong are unique in that they still make their own clothes independently, typically weaving and embellishing the fabric themselves. Also enjoy a tasty lunch of ethnic foods at the centre’s own cafe.
Duration: 3.5hrs
Meaning “East Meets West” in Lao, Ock Pop Tok pairs social business with ethical fashion. The social enterprise aims to create economic value for hand-loomed textiles by providing competitive wages, opportunities for continued learning and professional development for the village weavers as well as educating visitors about the cultural and artistic value of the textiles through its store and workshop.
Spend a hands-on half day with a guide and weaver. Sitting at your own loom, apply basic techniques of Lao weaving to create a placemat-sized textile with a Lao motif which can be taken home as a souvenir.
Duration: 3hrs
While perhaps not as well-known as Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, the flavours of Laos are just as enchanting in their own right. Being mountainous and landlocked, Lao cuisine focuses on fresh, local ingredients and enjoys some similarities with Northern Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Spend an evening zipping around Vientiane by three-wheeled tuk-tuk on an adventurous dinner safari. Join the locals at a bustling evening food market to sample some Lao favourites accompanied by the staples of sticky rice and umami-rich padaek, a paste made from cured, fermented fish. Also visit pop-up stands that sell roadside desserts and drinks only in the evenings. End the night on a sweet note by sampling some traditional Lao sweets, many featuring coconut or sticky rice, and Lao-style roti with banana and coconut milk.
Duration: 3hrs
Spend a leisurely half day at the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, known for their turquoise blue pools formed by water cascading down in tiers from the hillside. Begin by visiting the organic farm of your instructor who is an author of the first English-language Lao cookbook. Her garden of herbs, medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables is situated in a wild jungle setting beside a river outlet of the Kuang Si Falls.
Gather ingredients from the garden for a cooking class with your host, showcasing some of Lao cuisine’s intriguing and perhaps unfamiliar flavours. After enjoying the lunch you helped prepare, explore the nearby Kuang Si Waterfalls with the opportunity to swim in the pools or hike to the top of the main waterfall featuring an impressive 60m (200ft) cascade.
Duration: 6.5hrs
In Lao tradition, baci ceremonies are held to celebrate special events including marriages, homecomings and births. An integral part of Lao culture, the purpose of the ceremony is to re-establish equilibrium by calling the “kwan”, or parts of the soul, back to the body. Take part in this ancient practice at a local family’s home.
Observe as a village elder officiates the ceremony by chanting an invocation to call the “kwan” and to strengthen the power of the blessing. A white cotton thread will be tied around your wrist, a symbol of peace, good fortune and continuity. Being able to participate in this age-old practice with emphasis on renewal, forgiveness and the strengthening of social and family bonds is truly a deep, contemplative experience not easily forgotten.
Duration: 1hr
Luang Prabang was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 for its exceptionally rich architecture and artistic heritage, a gorgeous fusing of traditional Lao structures and European colonial buildings.
Spend a fascinating hour with a UNESCO consultant as he shares some of his expertise in the cultural heritage of the country as well as an understanding of Lao history and people. After, set out on a walking tour with a local guide taking in the highlights of Luang Prabang’s distinct architecture, including well-preserved traditional wood houses, brick colonial-era buildings, stone temples and richly decorated pagodas.
Duration: 4hrs
One of Luang Prabang’s must-see sights is the incredible Kuang Si Waterfalls, known for their picturesque cascades of vibrant blue water. Approximately 29km (18mi) south of Luang Prabang, the jungle-clad waterfalls make for an excellent day of trekking, swimming and touring.
Climb to the top of the three-tiered falls for spectacular views. Along the way, learn some jungle survival skills from your expert guide as he teaches you how to identify herbs, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and other plants as well as how to fish the local way. Help prepare a traditional Lao jungle meal and enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the many natural pools. Also visit the Asian Bear Rescue Center, home to Sun Bears and Malayan Black Bears that have been rescued from bile farms or wildlife traffickers.
Duration: 6hrs
While Laos isn’t usually associated with cheese, it makes perfect sense in this land full of buffalo. So began Buffalo Dairy Farm, a socially-responsible enterprise that partners with local farmers to care for and milk their female buffalo to make high-quality products such as yoghurt, cheese and ice cream for local and overseas consumers.
Change into farm clothes and boots for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the commercial dairy and production facility, helping to wash, feed and hand-milk a buffalo. Join an Australian chef for a mozzarella-making class with the option to take home the cheese you make. Relax in the cafe and enjoy breakfast (mornings) or canapés and a glass of wine (evenings) and take home a gift of buffalo cookies.
Duration: 4hrs
The literacy rate of Laos falls short of most of its Southeast Asian neighbours at just over 70% and is often even lower in rural areas where children must walk long distances to reach the nearest school. Other factors that add to the problem include poor-quality classrooms, limited teacher training and a dearth of appropriate reading materials.
To help combat the issue, the Luang Prabang Public Library, in tandem with Cooperative Learning International, aims to bring books into the hands of children through its Lao Children’s Library Boats and Tuk-Tuk Library. Join the mobile library for an inspiring morning of visiting a village school with books, games and learning activities. See how hygiene is promoted through songs, stories and drama and help distribute a health bag containing soap, a toothbrush and other personal items or a learning bag with exercise books and pencils to the children.
Duration: 4-5hrs
All the elements that make Luang Prabang one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful towns also make it a photographer’s dream, including its valley location surrounded by scenic rivers, its diverse architecture marrying modern, colonial and traditional elements as well as its warm, friendly people.
Spend a full day with an award-winning photographer and filmmaker based in Luang Prabang. His hands-on workshop is designed for the beginner photographer with the aim of quickly achieving better results by applying tricks of the trade, including fundamental compositional rules. Visit some of the photographer’s favourite spots, including a temple and a local village, and learn about Luang Prabang’s culture and history while capturing stunning images under the instructor’s guidance. Other potential subject matter includes almsgiving to the monks, an early morning market and portrait or landscape photography.
Duration: 14hrs
The Mekong River touches the lives of millions as it flows some 4,500km (2,702mi), with at least one-third forming the international border between Laos and Thailand. Get to know the Mekong up close and personal as it flows through northern Laos on a two-day, one-night river cruise between Luang Prabang and Pakbeng, halfway to the Thai border.
Shore excursions include visiting a hill tribe village famed for producing lao-lao, a traditional whisky made from fermented rice, and the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, home to some 4,000 Buddha statues left over the centuries by devoted worshippers. In between stops, take in the natural beauty of the river in this particularly scenic stretch of the Mekong.
Duration: 2 days/1 night
Backed by mist-shrouded mountains, the picture-perfect banks of the river makes a serene spot to practice yoga. Especially in the late afternoon hours, with cooling river breezes and the sun’s dying golden rays cast across the water. In this secluded and tranquil riverbank section, participate in a private yoga session led by an experienced yoga teacher – either expatriate or Laotian. You will be instructed in a variety of yoga disciplines, with the teacher adapting the class to suit anyone from novices to yogis! Whatever your yoga level, this is a truly uplifting spiritual experience amid Lao’s nature.
Duration: 1-1.5hrs
Yoga and Buddhism share many similarities, including a common spiritual culture originating in India. Yoga prepares the body to be still, with postures and poses focused on creating a peaceful inner environment. Similarly, Buddhism promotes meditation as a way of being present and cultivating awareness.
Spend the morning experiencing how these two traditions overlap. Cross the Mekong River and climb some 60 steps to the temple of Wat Kok Phap where a certified meditation teacher will shed light on the connection between Buddhism and Lao meditation. Enjoy some quiet time to practise either close to the temple or in a secluded forest setting. Also meet some of the temple monks and present them with an offering of food, monk’s robes or a cash donation, depending on what is needed at the time of your visit.
Duration: 3.5hrs
Learn more about the unique characteristics and attractions of the cities that make up this enchanting country.
Explore a selection of our hotel offerings to complete your customised journey. The number of hotels and resorts throughout Southeast Asia are extensive and varied. Please contact us for more accommodation options.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos
Champasak, Laos
Upper Mekong River, Laos
View our current special offers to save on your customised journey to Laos.
Offer Detail: Get 1 time 60min spa treatment of choice for 2 pax + 1 dinner Lao set menu in hotel restaurant
Validity:
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Offer Detail: 25% discount bookings 90 days before arrival; 15% 45 days before arrival; 10% 30 days before arrival
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Trails of Indochina made our adventures in Thailand & Laos most memorable. Our guide Tajma was so knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited and went out of her way to ensure every detail was perfect! All the tours and hotels booked through Trails of Indochina were wonderful. I highly recommend them.
Sharon F. (06 Dec 2019)
This short note is intended to express our high satisfaction with your arrangements thus far. Special recognition must go to Mssrs. Zuy (driver) and Thang (guide). Over the past decade we have been with a few dozen guides on four continents and Thang was one of the very best! His local knowledge is encyclopedic...
Craig G., February 2017
You have made our experience in Luang Prabang very special. You are an excellent guide, and we loved learning about Lao history and culture as well as learning about you and your family history and traditions.
David W., February 2017
