Despite being nestled between tourism giants Thailand and Vietnam, Laos remains a relatively undiscovered gem for travellers.
Those who do visit, tend to head straight to Luang Prabang for 3-4 days before flying out. Although the heritage town is worthy of the spotlight, the country has far more to offer.
As infrastructure has improved in Laos, EXO encourages visitors to stay longer and explore further. A one-week trip provides enough time to cover two or three destinations, resulting in a richer understanding and appreciation for this fascinating country.
Here’s a closer look at some of our suggested places to visit, how long to stay and inspiring itinerary ideas!
Siphandon (4000 Islands)
Located in the far southern reaches of Laos, this collection of river islands is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the quiet rhythms of village life. Besides time spent relaxing, Siphandon offers an array of experiences and sites. UNESCO Heritage-listed Wat Phu is worthy of a detour for any culture buff while the town of Don Khone offers opportunities to spot endangered river dolphins and explore the Lippi waterfalls.
Suggested stay: 2-4 days
Upper Mekong River Cruises
The Mekong River is the lifeblood of Laos, winding through the country from north to south. A trip along the Mekong is a great way to better understand the country and appreciate it’s natural beauty.
To make the most of it, EXO recommends a multi-day river cruise. Several options abound, from two-day trips connecting Thailand to Luang Prabang- with a stopover in the town of Pakbeng- to week-long luxury cruises along more remote stretches of water.
Oudomxay and Luang Namtha Provinces
Situated in the northwest of Laos, these two provinces are full of wild, rugged nature and small villages. It is the perfect area to get a taste of adventure, with a host of trekking and cycling opportunities available.
EXO especially loves Nam Ha National Park, in Luang Namtha province, where a day of trekking reveals stunning nature as well as a great diversity of ethnic groups living in the area.
Suggested stay: 2-5 days
Vang Vieng
Thanks to an ever-growing number of indulgent boutique hotels, this stunning small town has shaken off its reputation as a backpacker haunt.
With a backdrop of mountains, rice paddies and the meandering Nam Song River, visitors can enjoy an array of outdoor adventures or simply kick back and soak in the views from a café or the hotel pool.
Suggested stay : 1-4 days
With our in-depth local knowledge, EXO is able to customise a Laos itinerary to suit any personal travel style and interest. Here are a few sample itineraries for inspiration and ideas to get started:
Sustainable Laos : Combining Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, this journey focuses on experiences that promote local culture, sustainability and conservation of Laos’ natural wonders.
Overland Laos: This north to south, three-city itinerary travels by train and car. Along the way, it dives into the country’s highlights and hidden places through a blend of cultural, culinary and soft-adventure experiences.
Into the Wild: An epic adventure from the remote northwest corner of the country into Luang Prabang. The first half of the trip features trekking, camping, wildlife spotting and boat trips while the second half uses Luang Prabang as a base for exploring temples, waterfalls and rural villages.
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt="">