Laos

Southeast Asia's only landlocked country, where the Mekong, Buddhist temples, old towns and karst scenery come together at a relaxed, unspoiled pace.

Laos lies in the northern Indochinese Peninsula, bordering China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar, with the Mekong running along its west. The World Heritage town of Luang Prabang is known for its temples and the dawn alms-giving ceremony; the capital, Vientiane, has Pha That Luang and Patuxai; Vang Vieng is famed for karst scenery and outdoor activities; Luang Namtha and Phongsaly in the north are good for mountain hiking, and at Nong Khiaw you can take a boat trip on the Nam Ou; the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang and Si Phan Don (the Four Thousand Islands) in the south each have their own character. The cool dry season from November to March is the best time to travel. The Laos–China Railway and Vientiane and Luang Prabang international airports are the main gateways.

Destinations

• Vientiane
• Luang Prabang
• Phonsavan & Plain of Jars
• Vang Vieng
• Pakse & Champasak
• Thakhek Loop
• Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
• Luang Namtha
• Phongsaly
• Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi
• Chiang Rai

Itineraries

• Laos North-to-South Mekong Traverse – Travel all the way south from Luang Prabang, passing through Vang Vieng, the Thakhek Loop, and Pakse, before ending in…
• Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng via Plain of Jars – Cross the mountains to Phonsavan to see the Plain of Jars and war relics, then head south by road to Vang Vieng, ending…
• Deep Northern Laos: Nam Ou River & Highlands – Travel north along the Nam Ou River to Muang Ngoi and Muang Khua, venture deep into the Phongsaly tea mountains, and co…
• China-Laos Railway: Vientiane to Luang Prabang – Travel north along the China-Laos Railway, connecting Vientiane's temples, Vang Vieng's karst landscapes, and the ancie…
• Kunming-Laos Railway Round Trip – Take the international train from Kunming into Laos, traveling south to Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane before…
• Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & Slow Boat to Luang Prabang – Travel from Chiang Mai through Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, cross the border at Chiang Khong, and take a 2-day M…
• Southern Laos: Bolaven Plateau, Wat Phou & 4,000 Islands – Starting from Pakse, this itinerary connects the Bolaven waterfalls, Wat Phou, and the 4,000 Islands, before returning…
• Southern Laos along the Mekong to Angkor – Travel overland from Pakse through the 4,000 Islands into Cambodia, passing Kratie and Kampong Thom to Siem Reap.
• Ancient Capitals of Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai – Travel north through Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Lampang, and Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai to explore the ruins of the Siamese ki…
• Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand Day Trips in – Base yourself in the night market district east of the river. Beyond the city's classics, take day trips to Chiang Rai…
• Bolaven Plateau Small Loop – Ride a motorbike from Pakse to loop around the Bolaven Plateau, staying overnight in Tad Lo and Paksong to see waterfal…
• Thakhek Loop & Kong Lor Cave Motorbike Tour – Ride a motorbike counter-clockwise along the loop, passing caves, a reservoir with dead trees, and karst peaks to reach…