Laos made real

Highlights

• Indugle in Luang Prabang’s diversified and multicultural cuisine
• Meet locals and expats who work and live in Luang Prabang
• Enjoy an evening at local hangouts and hidden bars

Summary

Spend an evening on a culinary discovery of Luang Prabang’s food scene. First, enjoy local snacks while watching sunset over the Mekong River, then taste street food at the night market before indulging in Indochinese cuisine at a trendy outlet.

Highlights

• Discover Luang Prabang’s architectural heritage with an expert
• See how historical factors have influenced Laos’ architecture
• Gain unique insight in to Luang Prabang’s past

Summary

See Luang Prabang through an expert’s eyes, exploring the city with a specialist on Lao architecture. Learn how the buildings of Luang Prabang have evolved over time, influenced by various historical and cultural factors. Gain a deeper appreciation for Laos by understanding its heritage and customs during this informative walking tour.

Highlights

• Recently ACES Gold certified, come discover through the MEP the world of these gentle giants while supporting a noble cause.
• Go for a short hike in the forest to go meet the elephants and walk alongside them to the bathing spot.
• Learn about their history, habits, and personalities in this very up-close and privileged encounter.

Summary

The Mekong Elephant Park in Pakbeng, Laos is a sanctuary for Asian elephants that aims to protect and preserve these endangered animals. Located in the remote region of northern Laos, the park offers visitors the opportunity to interact with the elephants and learn about their natural habitats and behaviours. The park also works with local communities to educate them on the importance of elephant conservation and to promote sustainable tourism practices.

Highlights

• Gain insight into the process of crafting typical Lao textiles
• Use ancient techniques to dye Lao silk
• Learn to weave traditional Lao patterns on a local loom

Summary

Step into the world of Lao textiles to learn about their production and cultural significance. On the banks of the Mekong River, discover the methodology that has been used to dye and weave exquisite fabrics for centuries. Join local weavers for a hands-on course, resulting in one-of-a-kind, handmade souvenirs.

Highlights

• Prepare authentic Lao cuisine with a local chef
• Learn about Lao’s culinary culture and dining habits
• Cook over an open fire, the traditional Lao way

Summary

Lao cuisine relies heavily on the freshest produce and incorporates a range of intriguing flavors, many unfamiliar to the western palate. This late afternoon cooking course at a stunning lake side location is the perfect way to learn the secrets of Lao cuisine.

Highlights

• Discover the Mekong River’s 4000 Islands by boat and bike
• Seek out the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin
• Pedal around Don Khon Island for a taste of rural life

Summary

Bike and boat through southern Laos’ 4000 islands, getting in touch with the local culture and close to nature. Pedal through tranquil villages and past colourful farms on Don Khon Island. Drift down the Mekong River to the Lippi waterfalls and seek out the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin.

Highlights

• Receive wishes of good luck in a traditional Baci ceremony in Luang Prabang
• Visit the beautiful temple of Vat That Luang
• Connect to the spiritual side of Lao culture

Summary

Fusing Buddhist and animist beliefs, the Baci ceremony is one of the most revered traditions in Laos. Join locals at a serene hillside temple for a special, private Baci. Receive blessings of good luck and good will in this memorable, cultural encounter.

Highlights

• Cruise the Mekong River on an elegant riverboat
• Explore the awe-inspiring Pak Ou caves
• Enjoy a delicious lunch on the Nava Mekong riverboat

Summary

Explore the Mekong River in style. Relax aboard the Nava Mekong, an elegant wooden riverboat, while cruising upstream to the Pak Ou caves. Be enchanted by scenes of river life as they slowly drift by and soak in the tranquility of Laos’ most important waterway.

Highlights

• Explore the ancient customs and modern lifestyles Vientiane
• Witness the production of traditional Lao textiles
• Roam among the peculiar statues at ‘Buddha Park’

Summary

Vientiane is a city of intriguing contrasts. Delve into the capital city, exploring the old and the new, the traditional and the bizarre. The variety of sites and informative visits provide a better understanding of the city’s rich past and its modern lifestyles.

Highlights

• Cycle through Luang Prabang and its surroundings
• Explore the exotic items for sale at Phosi market
• Bike along the Mekong River to a silk-weaving workshop

Summary

The beauty of Luang Prabang is best experienced by bike, when the slower pace of travel allows the city to unveil its hidden charms. This full day Luang Prabang cycling adventure visits the main sites but is carefully planned to include hidden lanes, rural markets and other off-the-beaten-track places.

Highlights

• Interact with local families
• Explore a vast underground river
• Encounter Elephants in the Jungle
• Swim in cascading waterfalls
• Experience Lao culture

Summary

Travelling through Laos is an educational adventure for the entire family. Experience the local culture, meeting and interacting with friendly Lao families to better understand their lifestyles. Spend time in the great outdoors encountering Asian elephants and explore pristine landscapes unlike those found back home. 

Highlights

• Visit magnificent temples
• Explore natural wonders
• Cruise through the Mekong River
• Indulge in the finest Lao and French cuisines
• Experience ‘Baci’, an old Lao tradition

Summary

Laos exudes a graceful elegance worth of a luxury holiday. Experience the charms of this enchanting kingdom with private tours in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Soak in the tranquillity on a Mekong River cruise, try your hand at cooking with one of the country’s top chef and partake in timeless traditions unique to Laos. 

Highlights

• Trek to stunning waterfalls
• Walk through a Coffee Plantation
• Step back in time at Wat Phu
• Explore the Mekong’s Islands
• Spot elusive Irrawaddy dolphins

Summary

Southern Laos is a natural playground for the intrepid traveller, with hills and waterways prime for exploring. Trek to pristine waterfalls and through villages untouched by time, stopping to meet friendly locals on the way. Take a boat trip among the ‘4000 Islands’ of the southern Mekong River to seek out the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin.

Highlights

• In-depth Laos Holiday
• Laos from North to South
• Cruise the Mekong River
• Explore Kong Lor Cave
• Discover heritage and culture

Summary

Be mesmerized by the wonders of Laos with an overland journey from north to south. Absorb the tranquil rhythm of life on the Mekong River and explore the natural beauty of the Bolaven Plateau. Embrace the rich culture and heritage of Luang Prabang and visit iconic temples in Vientiane.

Highlights

• Discover unseen Luang Prabang
• Explore Laos’ pristine nature
• Cruise along the Mekong River
• Swim at Kuang Si Waterfalls
• Learn about Laos’ rich history

Summary

Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos, lures travellers with its charming downtown streets and glittering pagodas. Go beyond this and discover a kaleidoscope of colourful hill tribes, stunning natural landscapes and mystical caves. Be immersed in a land deeply tied to tradition and enchanted by the gentle Laos people. 

Highlights

• Explore the highlights of Laos
• Be enchanted by Luang Prabang
• Discover the capital city
• Venture through the serene South
• Connect with Lao culture

Summary

Follow the natural contours of Laos from north to south with this extensive eight-day tour. From the northern hills and gleaming temples of Luang Prabang, visitors can explore the diverse local cultures and dramatic landscapes that have shaped this mesmerizing country. Moving south, guests can savour the charming capital Vientiane, with its exquisite Buddhist temples and ornate architecture, before continuing further down the Mekong River to the southern towns of Pakse and Champasak. The tour ends at the incredible 'Sipandon', where the Mekong fans out to create a land of 4,000 islands.