Tailor-made Laos: Introduction

One of Asia’s most beautiful secrets, travellers to Laos find themselves captivated by the mist-veiled mountains and enigmatic plateaux, the rivers that run ghostlike through untouched forests, and the monks who trail along paths and alleys in search of their morning alms. Refreshingly, most of the country has not adapted itself to modern tourism and traditional ways of life continue in the face of our rapidly changing world.

Laos is not a place you simply see: it is more a country you feel and experience, as its quiet beauty works its magic. The Laotians themselves are very welcoming, allowing you an insight into their lives and country. Whilst neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam are rapidly developing their economies and infrastructure, the tranquil backwater of Laos remains relatively untouched. This is both caused by and reflected in the very nature of the Laotians themselves - to hurry is simply not the Lao way. You should not feel surprised to find yourself waiting at the Lao border, for example, without being entirely sure of the reason for your wait. Ask and you will simply be rewarded with a broad smile and be told they are waiting for “the right time”.

This is truly an opportunity to escape from the fastpaced lifestyle of the developed world and indulge in this gentle land’s timeless appeal.

Selected Highlights

Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”. Click here for more highlights

Visit Wat Phou in Champasak

The pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou are some of the region's best kept secrets; a fascinating introduction to the skills of the Khmer inhabitants...  [more]

Cruise along the Mekong from Luang Prabang

This relaxing cruise up the mighty Mekong to the Thai border provides arguably the most captivating river journey through this enchanting country....  [more]

Drift around the 4000 Islands at sunset

The Mekong is at its widest and most peaceful in the south of the country towards the Cambodian border. The pace of life here is even slower (if that...  [more]