Laos Tours

Laid-back Laos instantly charms with its golden temples and easy-going charisma

Tours in Laos

Discover spectacular limestone karst scenery, rice paddies and rugged forested hills fringed by waterfalls on our Laos tours. The country borders were closed until the 1970s, which means Laos remains relatively undiscovered and untouched by development, especially compared with neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. In the far north, the traditional way of life continues. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, typifies the tranquil atmosphere of this beautiful country.

Buddhism reigns supreme here, so Laos trips should include a visit to a tak bat, an alms-giving ceremony in which meditating monks collect offerings from local people at dawn. Or try baci, a sumptuous vegetarian feast and bracelets-tying ceremony that blesses people with a healthy life. After a day spent visiting pagodas and temples, head to one of the bustling night markets in Vientiane, the capital, which comes to life with an assortment of food stalls and bars.

Laos Trips

10 Days from USD 3450

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Culture

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In focus: Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang in the north is a sleepy little town on the banks of the Mekong that was once the capital of Laos. At independence, Vientiane became the capital and Luang Prabang slipped into quiet neglect. Its shady avenues, crumbling colonial architecture and numerous wats – Buddhist temples – give the town a unique charm, heightened by a pleasant climate, superb setting amid steep forested hills, and the riverfront sloping down to the Mekong.

“The Luang Prabang atmosphere seeps over you,” says Philip Normington, Exodus expert and former overland expedition driver.

“Saffron-robed monks still parade along the main street at dawn, collecting alms from the local people, but in the evening the street is transformed into a dazzling market. A bike is the perfect way to explore this seductive place. On one day we rode out to a local beauty spot, the Kuang Si Waterfall, and had a sumptuous picnic between dips in the pools at the foot of the falls. Laos is quite addictive, and very difficult to leave!”

Read more insights from our Exodus experts here.

First time with Exodus – exceeded our expectations – programme well planned and varied – loved the activities – group leaders excellent – fellow group members great company.

Philip Mogford Discover Laos in Comfort

We were among the first people to test out this Exodus itinerary, our group of 11 being the third to undertake Laos in Comfort since it was added to the schedule.
I have been hankering to tour Laos for some years, having already been with Exodus to Vietnam and Cambodia, and for me it was the destination and not the comfort that was of prime importance. Having said that, all the hotels we stayed at were excellent, offering comfortable facilities with welcoming pools and good breakfasts.
It was a joy to visit Luang Prabang, which is really Buddhist Central, and in particular getting up before sunrise to hand out alms to passing monks. We also enjoyed kayaking on the river at Vang Vieng and visiting (and swimming in) the waterfalls at Nam Kat.
Our adventure included four journeys on the high speed train, which now cuts through Laos from China. While this was a new experience for me, I felt it was at least one high speed trip too many. For me, Luang Prabang was such a high I didn’t want to return to Vientiane for our final farewell. Hopefully in future Exodus travellers will enjoy an extra night in Luang Prabang and end the trip with flights from there.

Neil Thomas Discover Laos in Comfort

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