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Luxury Laos Holidays & Tours

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Holidays to Laos

Rural and largely undeveloped, life here carries on much as it did hundreds of years ago and there are a myriad of sights and experiences for the traveller.

Laos, a beautiful landlocked country squeezed between larger, better-known, neighbours, bordered by the mighty Mekong River in the west and a chain of rugged inhospitable mountains in the east is an often-overlooked gem worthy of rediscovery. L...

Laos, a beautiful landlocked country squeezed between larger, better-known, neighbours, bordered by the mighty Mekong River in the west and a chain of rugged inhospitable mountains in the east is an often-overlooked gem worthy of rediscovery. Lacking access to the sea, the Mekong has played a pivotal role in Lao history. The nation’s major cities bound it, the river remains a major arterial route for both peoples and trade, whilst the connection it provided with the outside world, particularly Thailand, Cambodia and the Chinese province of Yunnan, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s culture, architecture, religion and society.

One of the charms of Laos is that it remains predominately rural and largely underdeveloped. With fewer visitors than neighbouring Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in many regions life here carries on much as it has for centuries. This is authentic Southeast Asia, unblemished, refined, honest and welcoming, a country that is home to cities of extraordinary majesty, secluded untouched villages of great charm, enigmatic ancient remains and glorious natural scenery.

For many, Laos is defined by the sleepy riverside town of Luang Prabang. Effortlessly beautiful and timeless in equal measure, few Southeast Asian towns match the elegance of Luang Prabang, a perfect UNESCO protected union of gilded Lao temples, monasteries and palaces, French colonial mansions and white-washed homes. Connected by river to northern Thailand, Luang Prabang is also a base from which to visit the remote minority villages of Luang Namtha, karst scenery of Van Vieng, the mysterious remains known the world over as the Plain of Jars and the modern-day capital city, Vientiane. In southern Laos discover vast stalactite and stalagmite bedecked caves, charming provincial towns, coffee plantations, the spectacular Khmer temples at Wat Phou and the remarkable low-lying islands, waterfalls and riverine landscapes of the Mekong’s ‘Four Thousand Islands’. Pettitts Travel has specialised in providing quality, tailor-made holidays and tours to Laos for over 35 years.

Tailor-made, luxury private tours in Laos

Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang, Laos

14 DAYS

Images of Laos

from £4800 - £6000
per person
Laos three headed Buddha statue, Laos

21 DAYS

Undiscovered Laos

from £6300 - £7000
per person
Monks giving Alms in Luang Prabang, Laos

15 DAYS

The Majesty of Cambodia and Laos

from £4600 - £5600
per person
Local Hmong girl in Laos, hilltribe trekking

14 DAYS

Exploring the Hills of Northern Laos and Vietnam

from £4400 - £5000
per person
Two elephants in Northern Thailand

14 DAYS

Journey through Northern Thailand and Laos

from £4000 - £4800
per person
View all Laos tours

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Places to visit in Laos

Predominately rural with beautiful countryside, an interesting culture and numerous historic sites, Laos is an under-developed and charming country.Travellers are captivated by Luang Prabang’s charms and this tranquil riverside town is home to ancient temples, atmospheric night markets and a lovely setting.

To the north of Luang Prabang the landscape becomes increasingly hilly and conceals some of the region’s most remote minority villages. South of Luang Prabang is Phonsavan and the archaeological remains of the enigmatic Plain of Jars as well as the Laotian capital of Vientiane – a relaxed city that blends beautiful French-colonial architecture with traditional Buddhist heritage. Pakse is the gateway to southern Laos and the gateways to Champassak, the stupendous Khmer temple complex of Vat Phou and the waterfalls of the Mekong’s ‘Four Thousand Islands’.

Wat Xieng Thong Temple, Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang
RV Champa Laos Pandaw Ship in Laos Mekong
Laos River Cruises
Booking with Pettitts Travel
1

Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.

2

Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.

3

On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.

4

Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.

We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.

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Meet our Laos Travel Consultants

Helen
Senior Travel Consultant
Katie
Senior Travel Consultant
Paul
Senior Travel Consultant
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Your holiday to Laos

Our tours in Laos are all operated on a tailor-made basis, bespoke holidays allowing you the freedom to decide where and when you travel, the type of things you wish to see and the length of time you are away. Utilising our destination knowledge we will be happy to guide you, offering advice on the best routings, suitable accommodation and special ideas based on your particular interests. All of our holidays to Laos are run on a private basis which means that the elements of your tour are arranged solely for you and your travel companions. Our appointed representatives will meet you on arrival, offering support throughout your time in Laos, and you will also have your own driver and local English-speaking guides to accompany you on days with sightseeing. Should yo...

Our tours in Laos are all operated on a tailor-made basis, bespoke holidays allowing you the freedom to decide where and when you travel, the type of things you wish to see and the length of time you are away. Utilising our destination knowledge we will be happy to guide you, offering advice on the best routings, suitable accommodation and special ideas based on your particular interests. All of our holidays to Laos are run on a private basis which means that the elements of your tour are arranged solely for you and your travel companions. Our appointed representatives will meet you on arrival, offering support throughout your time in Laos, and you will also have your own driver and local English-speaking guides to accompany you on days with sightseeing. Should you incorporate a river cruise within your itinerary, these arrangements will be on a join-in basis in the company of your fellow passengers. All holidays featured include international flights but, should you prefer to organise your own, these can be omitted.

When settling on the components of your Laos holiday, we would suggest speaking to one of our destination experts and also taking time to look at the different tours on our website. These itineraries have been devised to showcase a selection of classic routes, lesser-known circuits, multi-country ideas and suggestions on ways to incorporate a Mekong River cruise. Images of Laos is the perfect introductory tour to the country and includes all key places of interest including Luang Prabang, the karst scenery of Vang Vieng, capital Vientiane, the coffee plantations of the Bolaven Plateau, the temple complex of Wat Phou and the Four Thousand Islands. Undiscovered Laos follows a similar routing but is a more in-depth exploration of the country with time also spent visiting the hill tribe communities of northern Laos and the cave complexes and rural villages of the central region. Laos lends itself to a multi-country holiday, for a shorter holiday combing well with Cambodia or a longer exploration extending to incorporate Vietnam as well. Large parts of Laos can be experienced by boat with river cruises traversing the Upper Mekong including into northern Thailand.

Fisherman in the Mekong River, Laos

UNESCO sites of Laos

The three Lao sites inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list are some of the most interesting of the region. The first, Luang Prabang, is not only the best known but is also the most visited in the country. Luang Prabang is also one of a select group of UNESCO sites that, rather than focusing on a particular place, instead encompass an entire town and all the structures in it. Charming, serene and regal in equal measure, this enchanting former royal capital beguiles with saffron-robed monks, shimmering stupas and busy markets all framed by majestic natural scenery. In the south of the country lies Wat Phou, a magnificent, ruined Khmer-era Hindu temple. Thought to have been the inspiration for the world-famous temples of Angkor, just across the border in neighbouring Cambodia, Wat Phou is more than 1000 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most enigmatic of Laos’ three UNESCO sites is the Plain of Jars – a prehistoric landscape of carved stone jars which have puzzled academics since their discovery.

Monks giving Alms in Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos and Southeast Asia

Laos, nestled within the heart of Southeast Asia, is natural companion to its near neighbours. Flights link regional hubs, road connections cross borders and the mighty Mekong River is navigable, in sections, from Thailand in the north via Laos and Cambodia to the Vietnamese delta in the south. With a common religion, shared cultural ties, related food and similar ways of life, a holiday combining two or more of these Southeast Asian nations is an excellent way to truly understand some of the facets that embody this beautiful region. The most popular destination to combine with Laos is Cambodia. Flights link not just the capitals Vientiane and Phnom Penh but also Siem Reap and Luang Prabang meaning it is possible to easily extend your holiday to incorporate the extraordinary temples at Angkor. Flight also link both Lao cities with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam too. A river cruise is a unique way to travel between northern Thailand and Luang Prabang with this section of the Mekong particularly picturesque.

Song River through Vang Vieng, Laos

Discover more about Laos

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Mount Phou Si golden Buddha and monks, Laos
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When is the best time to visit Laos?

Laos has two distinct seasons – the dry season which runs from October to April and the wet season which commences in May and lasts through to September. During the dry season, which is the best time to visit Laos, you can expect warm weather and very little risk of rainfall. As the dry season draws to an end, temperatures increase with the hottest months of the year spanning March to June. Rainfall is infrequent during the early months of the wet season but increases in regularity as the season progresses.

Do I need a visa to travel to Laos?

Visas can be obtained on arrival in Laos. If entering Laos by an overland route, in certain circumstances it may not be possible to purchase a visa on arrival and so this will need to be arranged before you travel.

What are the different ways you can get to Laos?

As a landlocked nation, there are a number of different ways to reach Laos. A popular option is to travel overland utilizing one of the border crossings between the country and Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam. Laos can also be reached by river with cruises travelling the Mekong between northern Thailand and Luang Prabang. Laos is connected by air to all main regional cities including Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap however there are no direct flights to the country from outside of A

How long is the flight to Laos from the UK?

There are no direct to Laos from the UK. The quickest way to reach Laos is usually via Bangkok with flights taking around 14 to 15 hours.

Are vaccinations required for travel to Laos?

Whilst there are no mandatory vaccinations for Laos, we would recommend speaking to a medical professional who will be able to provide you with the best advice. Generally, recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Anti-malarial medication may also be required.

What is the best currency to use in Laos?

Lao Kip is the official currency of Laos and is best used for smaller or more general purchases. Thai Baht and US Dollars are also widely accepted throughout the country. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and there are several ATM machines in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

What language is spoken in Laos?

Lao is the official and most widely spoken language of Laos. Laos is also the second largest French-speaking nation in Southeast Asia whilst English is now taught in schools and therefore popular amongst the younger generation.

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