Laos holidays

Laos Travel

Laos is a landlocked country in South-east Asia, bordered by Burma, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Isolated from the war for decades, tourism in Laos is still very much in its infancy here, so although the choice to travel to Laos is growing, it still has much of the tradition that has sadly starting to disappear in some other parts of the region. Trips to Laos are a popular choice thanks to the county's relaxed, friendly people and their shy hospitality, the contrast of the village life with the historic royal cities, and the pristine natural beauty of forested mountains, gothic limestone karsts and the mighty Mekong river.

The country's wilderness draws travellers looking for nature and adventure trips in Laos. Kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing, biking, community-based trekking are all available if you’re looking for adventure in Laos. You may choose to undertake an adventure tour in Laos where you could find yourself exploring the waterfalls and 4000 islands of the Mekong River and lush national parks, cycling through the peaceful countryside with its atmospheric temples and small colourful villages, or absorbing French-colonial architecture in the city of Luang Prabang while witnessing the unforgettable sight of hundreds of barefoot monks collecting alms at dawn.

Tours in Laos can range from five days to five weeks and may be catered for small or large groups. So with the country's warm and friendly people and fabulous sightseeing, Laos is a sleepy laid back destination, easy to explore yet difficult to leave.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a city located in north central Laos, where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong River. The city is also notable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site making Luang Prabang an essential stop for those who travel to Laos. Surrounded by forested mountains at the junction of the two rivers, colour is the first of Luang Prabang’s virtues to greet those who take a trip to Laos. Pearly frangipanis, river banks lined with overgrown trees and scarlet flowers, and the saffron robes of hundreds of monks and their novices. The scent of fresh coffee, river activity, produce markets and spicy food soon follows. Trips to Laos are popular thanks to Luang Prabang's crumbling French provincial architecture and Theravada Buddhist temples. Its unique, well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of the two distinct cultural traditions of Asia and Europe.

There are a number of tours in Laos available where you may find yourself watching the traditional Monks receiving of alms from local residents at dawn, visiting ancient royal temples, watching the sun set from the Mount Phousi, or browsing vibrant night markets and cultural performances. For a bit more adventure in Laos, Luang Prabang's surrounding lush valleys and stunning Kouang Si waterfalls provide you with the perfect opportunity for swimming, trekking, cycling, or cruising down the Mekong to the famous Pak Ou caves.

Adventure in Laos

With the country's rugged forested mountains fringed by waterfalls, its spectacular limestone karst scenery, its vast countryside and the mighty Mekong river with its 4000 islands, adventure in Laos is a popular holiday choice for trips to Laos. When planning your travel to Laos, there are a number of adventure tours in Laos you may want to consider including caving, kayaking, biking, trekking and cycling holidays in Laos. You may find yourself on a tour in Laos, exploring the Bolaven Plateau, staying overnight in the middle of the forest, swimming in the waterfalls, or floating down the Mekong to visit the Pak Ou Caves and authentic hill tribe villages. You may spend time driving through the remote mountains to mysterious archaeological sites and exploring stunning limestone karst scenery, or embarking on a kayaking trip to watch the sunset over the river.

Cycling in Laos is another great way to explore the remote corners of the country. There are a number of guided or self-guided cycling tours in Laos that take you through some of the most stunning landscapes and culturally significant parts of Laos. You may find yourself cycling along the banks of the Mekong river in the World Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang with its exquisite golden temples and waterfalls, or through forested scenery climbing up into the mountains stopping at remote mountain tribes and exploring the Buddha caves. Alternatively, you might spend time cycling leisurely through the vast peaceful countryside and rice paddies breaking it up with stops to small villages and markets. The options for adventure trips to Laos are endless.