DRIFT AWAY IN THE MEKONG
The lack of foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional South-East Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, travellers who have made it to Laos tend to agree that this country is the highlight of South-East Asia.
| Best travel time | DECEMBER TO APRIL |
|---|---|
| Ideal Length | 10 DAYS |
| Flight time | 6HRS 12MINS FROM HONG KONG |
| Visa Information |
Visa Required
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At embassy or at arrival required: Laos Visa |
The capital of Laos has a peaceful, spiritual vibe. It is an outstanding fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Think of lively markets and majestically golden temples. Fall in love with this laid back and charming city when hundreds of monks silently walk down the dusty streets in the early morning.
K.O.
Laos is a total knock-out for its uncanny ability to leave you completely relaxed. After a few days in Luang Prabang, you will leave relaxed, refreshed, and recharged to tackle the world. Check into a charming colonial mansion in traditional Lao style with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. From here you can go on an incredible elephant trek escorted by mahouts: rustle through the heart of untouched jungles, skirt the Nam Khan River and encounter some astonishing wildlife. River travel also suits the calm pace of life – we can arrange a breath-taking boat trip to the caves full of miniature Buddha sculptures or the dramatic gorges of the Ou River.
COLONIAL CHARMS
The capital city of Vientiane has managed to retain its colonial charm. It is worth spending a day visiting temples, exploring little shops and cafes, and having dinner outdoors at the bustling night market along the river. Visit hill tribes, with names such as the Black Tai, Red Tai, White Tai, Tai Lue, Khmu, Oo, Lao Bit, Lanten, Mien, Hmong, Akha, Lahu, and Phou Noi, who live lives that are almost completely untouched by the outside world. They dwell in modest shelters, eat unprocessed natural foods, and live so simply they have certainly inspired us a thought or two. Go trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, or boating down the lovely Nam Tha River, passing through highland forests, jungles, waterfalls and pristine rivers on your way.
TWIN WATERFALLS
Ending your trip in a luxury resort located on a cool plateau overlooking pristine twin waterfalls, which cascade over 200 metres. The plateau is also home to Laos' finest coffee beans, which grow in the cool and moist climate–you can visit plantations nearby the resort. Charter a boat to a charming village on the banks of the Mekong River, home to Wat Phu, a Khmer temple set in a stunning location above the Mekong that precedes Angkor Wat and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are lucky, you will encounter the famed Irawaddy dolphins, an endangered species indigenous to the Mekong River area, but usually only found in Laos and Cambodia. Seeing them unobtrusively by boat surely is a memorable experience. Visit nearby islands and the silk weaving village to get a weaving demonstration from locals. Or simply relax local style: settle into a hammock, go for a swim in the Mekong, and watch the world go by.
Inspired? Get in touch with our destination expert who can help you tailor this Laos trip.
