Laos travel

Devoutly Buddhist and largely undeveloped, the Lao are a gentle and welcoming people whose relaxed pace of life makes for a pleasant change from the busier neighbouring countries of Thailand and Vietnam.

Spend time in Luang Prabang, a perfectly-preserved blend of rustic colonial architecture and gilded monasteries. Vientiane, the laid-back waterside capital, is one of Asia’s most atmospheric cities.

A quiet and elegant charm pervades both these cities and the naturally beautiful destinations further afield, from the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands to the mysterious Plain of Jars and the lush Mekong scenery apparent throughout the country.

When the French colonised Southeast Asia they had a saying - the Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao listen to the rice growing.

What to expect

A journey into Laos is a journey into an Asia long lost. Laos presents visitors with a beautiful travel experience, rich in atmosphere, natural beauty and culture.

Laos is the least developed and least populated of all Southeast Asian and Indochinese countries. Laos is a landlocked country, and its landscape is dominated by mountains and rivers. The Mekong River is the main waterway in the country and is the source of much fishing and farming activity, and village life. Your travels in the country will take in some of the gorgeous river and mountain scenery in the country, as well as two of the most intriguing towns in all Asia - the sleepy waterside capital of Vientiane, and the fabled monastery town of Luang Prabang. Laotian people are warm and welcoming to foreigners who are able to visit after several decades of relative isolation from much of the western world.

The travel industry is slowly developing in Laos. While the freshness and novelty of tourism in the country is why many people choose to visit Laos, it should be remembered that facilities and services do not always reach western standards. Travelling throughout more remote areas may involve bumpy road travel and the use of clean but basic accommodation.

Patience is something you must definitely bring with you when you come to Laos. Lack of development, education and infrastructure, coupled with the laid back customs and lifestyle of Laotian Buddhism means things move at a much slower pace here than Western nations, even neighbouring Asian nations. Expecting the same levels of services at hotels, restaurants and bars that you may receive back home will only leave you disappointed and frustrated. Patience and calmness is the best way to optimise your enjoyment of this magical country. Shows of emotion and anger are rare in Laos and considered taboo. It is this ‘laid-backness’ and care free attitude which makes Laos so unique and is one of the many distinctive lures which draws travellers from around the globe.

Our top 5 most popular Laos tours:

1.   Highlights of Laos - 6 days
2.   Laos Experience - 8 days
3.   Inside Laos - 17 days
4.   Laos & Cambodia Experience - 14 days
5.   Backroads of Laos - 10 days

View our full list of Laos tours.