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Take the road less travelled in Laos to discover a glorious UNESCO-listed former capital, dramatic verdant landscapes and unhurried traditional culture.
Landlocked Laos is one of South East Asia’s most captivating destinations, with breathtaking scenery and fascinating landmarks complemented by an enchanting back-in-time appeal. Soak up the slower pace of life in UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang, one of the highlights of ‘the land of a million elephants’. This engaging former royal capital, cocooned in jungle-draped mountains where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, is brimming with treasures. Wander the Old Town streets past ancient Buddhist temples and ochre-painted colonial houses, see saffron-robed monks collecting alms at dawn and enjoy the gentle bustle of the sprawling night market where Lao cuisine and crafts take centre stage.
Venture further with a laidback cruise along the palm-fringed Mekong, past sleepy hamlets and waterfront gardens to mysterious limestone caves packed with miniature wooden statues of Buddha. Head up the quieter reaches of the Ham Khan to discover a village where Lue artisans weave silk threads into colourful cloth and mulberry bush bark is turned into paper. A short drive away, hidden within the forest, there are more watery pleasures to savour at the Kuang Si Falls, where you can wander a network of nature trails between refreshing dips in crystal-clear pools.
If you like the sound of Laos and its under-the-radar attractions, talk to us about adding it to your perfect made-to-measure South East Asia holiday.
Laos Regions
Our recommendations for the best places to visit in Laos
Holidays in Laos
- Luang Prabang
- 4 Star
Stay in a former royal residence in Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-protected zone, with 1938 character, tropical gardens, and the old town close enough for relaxed exploring.
- Luang Prabang
- 3 Star
Check into the historic heart of Luang Prabang, with the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers either side, the night market close by, and temples, restaurants, and old-city streets ready whenever you are.
- Luang Prabang
- 5 Star
Stay in the old town with the Night Market across the road, the Mekong one street away, and temples, cafés, Phousi Hill, and the Royal Palace all close enough for easy exploring.
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Immerse yourself in the ‘land of a million elephants’ with cave excursions, village visits and swimming in waterfalls with a tour of Laos
Mekong River cruises, whiskey-making villages and mouth-watering cuisine – the highlights make Laos extremely captivating but difficult to leave. If you want to tread a path less travelled, this charming country is the perfect destination, and our Laos experiences ensure you get a deeper understanding of the culture, nature and history here. Choose from introductory or in-depth escorted tours through 'the land of a million elephants', as it’s poetically known as, with immersive activities ranging from trips to the mysterious caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, which house hundreds of Buddha statues; visiting the paper-making village of Ban Xang Khong; and swimming in the natural pools of Kuang Si Falls.
Our recommended Laos tours
Pak Ou Caves & Mekong Cultural Cruise
See Luang Prabang from a different perspective on a scenic cruise along the Mekong River. After a tuk-tuk transfer to the pier, board your boat and journey through picturesque countryside to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, nestled within limestone cliffs at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Along the way, stop at a local village to learn about traditional weaving and rice wine production, both important parts of daily life here.
Following lunch at a local restaurant near the caves, explore Tham Ting and Tham Theung, home to thousands of Buddha images and statues placed by devotees over centuries. On the return journey, visit Ban Xang Khong, a village renowned for its handmade paper and traditional handicrafts, before returning to Luang Prabang by boat and transferring back to your hotel by tuk-tuk.
• Duration: full day
• Timings: 9am to 4pm
• Private experience
Therapeutic Elephant Trek
Step into Laos' rich wildlife heritage with an unforgettable experience alongside rescued elephants. Once known as the 'Land of a Million Elephants', the country has long shared a special bond with these remarkable animals, and this experience offers the chance to see them thriving in a protected natural environment. Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides, walk through the forest alongside the herd as they forage, socialise and enjoy the freedom to behave as elephants should. Along the way, learn about their rescue stories, the role elephants have played in Lao culture and the conservation work helping to safeguard their future. It's a rewarding experience that offers a deeper understanding of these gentle giants while directly supporting their welfare and protection.
• Duration: half day
• Timings: 8am to 1pm
• Group experience
Good to know
As this outdoor experience involves walking along forest trails with uneven terrain, as well as natural inclines and declines, a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Luang Prabang Cooking Class
Discover the flavours of Laos on this hands-on cooking experience. After a tuk-tuk ride to meet your local chef, visit a vibrant fresh market to learn about the herbs, fruits and vegetables that bring Lao cuisine to life. Then, head to a farm-to-table restaurant, where you'll prepare authentic dishes using fresh organic ingredients grown on-site. Guided by your chef, you'll learn traditional recipes and techniques while gaining a deeper insight into Lao culture. After cooking, sit down to enjoy your homemade lunch before returning to your hotel.
• Duration: half day
• Timings: 8am to 1pm
• Group experience
Luang Prabang City Tour
Step into the charm heart of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed town where quaint streets are lined with beautifully preserved buildings, traditional wooden houses and golden temples. Explore its cultural highlights with a guide, including the ornate Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos' most revered temples, along with Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and Wat Mai. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll visit the former Royal Palace, now home to an impressive collection of royal artefacts, before climbing Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the Mekong river. As the sun sets, take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers bathed in a golden light.
• Duration: full day
• Timings: 8am to 4pm
• Private experience
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Escape into the countryside on a scenic drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls, one of Luang Prabang's most spectacular natural attractions. Cascading through three tiers before plunging 50 metres into a series of turquoise pools, the falls are a breathtaking sight and a popular spot for a refreshing swim.
While here, visit the nearby Bear Rescue Centre, run by the Free the Bears Foundation. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued Asiatic bears and offers an insight into the important conservation work being carried out to protect these threatened animals.
• Duration: half day
• Start times: 9am or 1pm
• Group experience
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