Custom travel to Laos

Laos is one of Southeast Asia's most authentic destinations — a peaceful, lightly touristed country where Theravada Buddhism reigns supreme and modernity is still distant. 7.5 million inhabitants, Southeast Asia's only landlocked country (between China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma). Luang Prabang (UNESCO 1995, former royal capital) is Asia's most enchanting city — 33 wats (Buddhist temples) in a preserved French colonial setting between Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, morning alms of saffron-robed monks at 5:30 am, Mount Phousi, Pak Ou (caves with 4,000 Buddha statues), turquoise Kuang Si waterfalls. Vientiane (capital, 750,000 inhabitants, one of the world's most peaceful capitals) with That Luang (golden stupa national symbol), Patuxai ('Lao Arc de Triomphe'), Wat Sisaket. Plain of Jars (UNESCO 2019, archaeological mystery of 90 sites with thousands of stone jars). 4000 Islands on the Mekong (Si Phan Don, in the south, Mekong at its widest, Irrawaddy dolphins). Vang Vieng (sublime karst landscapes, kayaking, hot air balloons). Fresh cuisine (laap, sticky rice, French-heritage baguettes). A timeless interlude, perfect for 10-14 days.

Highlights

  • Luang Prabang: former royal capital (UNESCO)
  • Morning alms of monks (Tak Bat)
  • Kuang Si Waterfalls (turquoise cascades)
  • Plain of Jars (UNESCO, archaeological mystery)
  • 4000 Islands on the Mekong (Si Phan Don)
  • Vang Vieng: sublime karst landscapes

Sample itineraries

Classic Laos: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Mekong

Duration : 10 days

Route : Vientiane (2 nights) → Luang Prabang flight (4 nights, Pak Ou + Kuang Si) → 2-day/1-night Mekong cruise → Vang Vieng (2 nights) → Vientiane (1 night)

Complete Laos: north, center, and 4000 Islands

Duration : 14 days

Route : Vientiane (2) → Luang Prabang (4, Mekong) → Phonsavan flight (2, Plain of Jars) → Pakse flight (2) → 4000 Islands (3) → return Vientiane flight (1)

Exclusive Luang Prabang: cruise and retreat

Duration : 8 days

Route : Vientiane (1 night) → Luang Prabang Amantaka flight (5 nights) → 2-day private Mekong cruise → return flight

When to go

November-February is the best period (cool dry season, 20-28 °C, low humidity). March-May very hot (35-40 °C). June-October rainy season (monsoon, but spectacular green landscapes).

  • Cool dry season (November – February) — All sites, festivals (Bun That Luang November)
  • Hot dry season (March – May) — Pii Mai (Lao New Year mid-April, water festivities)
  • Rainy season (early) (June – August) — Flooded rice paddies, swollen Mekong, spectacular Khone Phapheng
  • Rainy season (late) (September – October) — Boun Ok Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent, pirogue races)

Practical information

One of Asia's safest countries. Visa on arrival for French citizens ($40, 30 days, ID photo required). Cards accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants in Luang Prabang/Vientiane, elsewhere payment in kips or USD. Avoid tap water (bottled water). Covering attire in wats (shoulders and knees). UXO (unexploded Vietnam War bombs) is a real risk off-trail: never leave marked zones in certain provinces.

Frequently asked questions

When?

November-February (cool dry season, 20-28 °C). Avoid March-May (40 °C, fire haze) and June-October (monsoon).

How long?

10 days for Vientiane + Luang Prabang + Vang Vieng. 14 days to add the south (4000 Islands).

Budget?

€2,200-€3,000 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,600-€5,200. Flights: €800-€1,200.

Visa?

Yes, visa on arrival ($40, 30 days, ID photo). E-visa also possible.

Family?

Yes, from age 8. Total safety, warm welcome, but long flight.

How to get around?

Lao Airlines domestic flights (Vientiane-Luang Prabang 50 min). Winding roads, private car with driver. Mekong cruises.

Is morning alms reserved for locals?

No, respectful travelers can attend and even offer rice. Essential briefing: covering attire, kneeling, silence, no flash, locally bought rice.

UXO: real danger?

Yes off-trail in some provinces (Xieng Khouang). Stay in marked zones. Tourist sites are safe.

Combine?

Yes: Laos + Cambodia (Angkor), Laos + Vietnam (Luang Prabang-Hanoi flight), Laos + Thailand (Chiang Mai 1-h flight).

Tips?

Appreciated but not mandatory. 10% in upscale restaurants.