The high season is here! This month, we highlight a scenic cruise through northern Laos and showcase Luang Prabang as a family-friendly destination with new boutique accommodations. Discover two Travel for Good cultural experiences, along with essential destination news and travel tips for Laos.
- Products: Introducing two NEW journeys: a luxury 4-day northern Laos cruise and a curated 5-day Luang Prabang family holiday. We also spotlight two of our cherished Travel for Good experiences in Luang Prabang and Pakbeng.
- Hotels: This month we highlight two new boutique hotels in Luang Prabang. offering a warm welcome, creating a true sense of stepping into a traditional Lao family home.
- Destination News: Exciting news about a new daily join-in cruise from Huay Xay – Pakbeng-Luang Prabang, a rebranding of a favourite hotel and important reminders for travellers to Laos!
Product updates
Cruising
Northern Laos
4 Days / 3 Nights
- Sail in style along the Mekong, embracing its vibrant, timeless charm.
- Discover secluded villages and breathtaking river vistas in unparalleled luxury.
- Relax aboard while exploring Laos’ serene riverside life in elegance.
Luang Prabang Made for Families
5 Days / 4 Nights
- Discover Luang Prabang’s treasures with an exciting UNESCO interactive family tour.
- Create fun crafts, then join a special Lao ceremony—perfect for the whole family.
- Become an organic farmer and trek alongside elephants in an unforgettable day outdoors!
Luang Prabang:
Spiritual Awakening
Half Day
- Experience a serene and respectful alms-giving ceremony in a peaceful, secluded village setting.
- Engage in personal discussions with monks about Buddhism, not commonly included in standard tours.
- Meditate alongside monks in a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path temple setting.
Pakbeng: Mekong
Elephant Wonders
Half Day
- Meet rescued elephants at an ACES Gold-certified sanctuary.
- Enjoy a short trek and walk alongside gentle elephants.
- Discover unique elephant behaviours and personalities during your visit.
- Learn about elephant conservation, history, and the park’s rehabilitation efforts.
Hotel updates
Pha Nya Residence
Luang Prabang
A gem tucked beside one of Luang Prabang’s iconic temples in the heart of this UNESCO town. With just 10 rooms, this boutique hotel feels like being welcomed in a charming Lao family home, where every corner is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Old-world elegance blends with modern comfort. Perfectly placed near all the must-see landmarks, yet delightfully tucked away, it offers a cozy, handcrafted escape with plenty of character and local flair. Learn more
V Maison
Boutique Hotel
Luang Prabang
A member of the Souphattra hotels (Laos Derm Hospitality Group), V Maison Boutique is a delightfully charming boutique hotel, located in the most coveted hidden lane within Luang Prabang’s historic quarter. Housed in beautifully restored twin Lao houses, its 10 uniquely designed rooms—each with a Sanskrit name—offer an elegant, handcrafted escape.
Just steps from the town’s landmarks and vibrant food scene, V Maison blends tranquility and authenticity, giving guests the perfect spot to experience Luang Prabang’s timeless charm in serene comfort.
Destination News
- Daily Departures Now Available on Slow Boats to/from the Thai-Lao Border (Chiang Khong – Huay Xay border) to Luang Prabang:
Daily departures are now available on join-in slow boat cruises connecting Laos from northern Thailand starting from Huay Xay – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang (downstream and upstream).
We’re excited to announce that the addition of the Mekong Lover Cruise (alongside Shompoo and Le Grand Pakbeng cruises) has transformed the popular route connecting Northern Thailand to Laos, allowing for daily departures both downstream and upstream during the high season (Oct-Apr).
Unlike before, when departures were limited, planning this route is now easier than ever, providing ample time to explore the charming town of Pakbeng and the renowned Mekong Elephant Park, one of Laos ACES certified elephant sanctuary. Please note that these join-in cruises do not feature cabins, so guests will require accommodation in Pakbeng. .
Click here for more details on the schedule (Join-In Cruise Huay Say – Luang Prabang Downstream and Upstream Daily Departure Itinerary)
- Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum rebranding:
On 1 november 2024, Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum will be rebranded as Homm Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang. As part of the Banyan Group, the hotel has undergone thoughtful interior upgrades and modernisations to create a more homely atmosphere, which is the rationale behind its transition to the Homm branding. This new identity enhances its historical charm as the former residence of the royal family.
All confirmed and future bookings from 1 November onward are unaffected by this change. For upcoming bookings, our Travel Consultants will be in touch shortly with more details on the brand transition.
See Homm Souvnnaphoum ‘s official Press Release here.
- Important reminders for travellers in Laos:
As we enter the high season, we want to ensure your guests have a seamless and responsible journey in Laos. To help with this, here are a few important reminders to share with your travellers before their departure.
Vapes and E-Cigarettes: These devices and their liquids are not allowed beyond airport departures or train security checkpoints. Be prepared for confiscation if found in check-in or carry-on luggage.
Railway Restrictions: Aerosols (including sunscreen, insect repellent, and deodorant), lighters, and flammable liquids are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. Strict enforcement means banned items will be confiscated at the train station. For aerosol transport within Laos, EXO Travel can assist with overland shipping if notified in advance.
Refillable Water Bottles: We encourage travellers to bring refillable water bottles to reduce single-use plastic waste. EXO provides easy access to refill stations throughout the journey, allowing guests to support sustainability efforts in Laos.
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