Laos Holidays
Serene, unhurried and enigmatic are the hallmarks of Laos, which remains one of Asia’s most beautiful and untouched gems. In economic development terms, its neighbours such as Vietnam and Thailand have left it in their wake, yet culturally, Laos is one of the region’s most exciting, unspoilt and idyllic countries in which to travel.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, once the capital and the royal seat of the Lan Xang Kingdom or “land of a thousand elephants”, is a delightful town with a very relaxed atmosphere, nestled in a mountain valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the town is considered to be the living heart of Lao religion and culture.
Not withstanding the stunning backdrop of the towering Mt. Phousi, Luang Prabang’s allure also comes from the sublime blend of ornate golden temples, ancient monuments and the gloriously faded grandeur of the French colonial architecture. The hundreds of monks wandering around in their burnt sienna robes; the bustle and colour of the fresh produce and handicrafts markets as well as the ubiquitous perfume of frangipanis and spicy food stalls offering delicious cuisine, all enhance the reputation of this town as the most enchanting in Laos.
Other nearby highlights include the Pak Ou Caves which houses thousands of Buddha images; several villages renowned for their cotton & silk weaving; the Kuangsi and Tat Sae waterfalls; elephant rides in the forests and treks to various Hmong and Khamu hill-tribe villages.
Our preferred hotels are:
Amantaka
La Residence Phou Vao
Maison Souvannaphoum
Three Nagas
Mekong River Cruises
Mekong River Cruises
The mighty Mekong River is one of Asia’s most exciting and enigmatic rivers, which makes its way from high up on the Tibetan Plateau down through Laos, Cambodia and into Vietnam where it spills out into the South China Sea. It is the artery of life in Laos: a trading route, a source of food and water, and a social centre for the settlements along its route. Known locally as ‘The Mother of Waters’, the Mekong River has been venerated and worshipped for thousands of years.
It is possible to enjoy a cruise on various parts of the river including Cambodia and Vietnam, but in Laos one of the best areas to explore is Si Phan Don, more often known as ‘Four Thousand Islands’. This is in the southern part of the country at Pakse, where during the rainy season the Mekong River is up to nine miles wide, but during the dry season, the water recedes to leave literally thousands of islands and islets, the largest of which are inhabited all year round.
The Vat Phou rice barge, which is a fully restored former teak wood ferry boat, offers a delightful 3 day / 2 nights cruise that starts and finishes in Pakse, This cruise visits the majestic UNESCO Vat Phou ruins at Champasak, the mysterious Oum Muong ruins at Huei Thamo, the myriad of waterways in the ‘4000 Islands’ and the Pha Pheng waterfall on the Laos-Cambodia border. The area is also known for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the area and can occasionally be seen by the lucky few on a boat trip.
To cruise along this remarkable river is a wonderful way to explore a rarely visited part of Laos and offers the perfect opportunity to witness some of the great highlights of the region not only at a gentle pace, but also whilst enjoying all the comforts of a thoroughly comfortable boat.
Our preferred Mekong Cruise Boats are:
Vat Phou Cruise
Pakse
Pakse
Situated in southern Laos, near the Thai border, Pakse is the capital of Champasak province and the principal gateway to the highlights of the southern part of the country. The town itself sits on the confluence of the Mekong and Don rivers and boasts some interesting Franco-Chinese style architecture, a few beautiful wats and a colourful market.
However the real highlights in the area include the Bolaven Plateau, a highland region 600m above sea level, famous for its cooler climate, some beautiful waterfalls, a number of ethnic minority groups and its rich fertile soil, which produces a wide variety of fruit, spices and excellent coffee.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phu Champasak is an impressive Khmer archaeological ruin built by the founder of the first Khmer empire, Jayavarman II. It is much smaller than Angkor, but its location on the forested slopes of the Phu Pasak hills lend it a magical atmosphere and the pavilions, temples and the crocodile stone make this a real cultural highlight.
Si Phan Don, more often known as ‘Four Thousand Islands’ is the part of the Mekong River where during the rainy season the river is up to nine miles wide, but during the dry season, the water recedes to leave literally thousands of islands and islets, the largest of which are inhabited all year round. A visit to one of these beautiful palm-lined islands such as Don Khong or Don Khon offers a fascinating insight into the tranquil and laid-back watery world of the local villages. The area is also known for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the area and can occasionally be seen by the lucky few on a boat trip.
Our preferred hotels are:
Champassak Grand
La Folie Lodge
Vat Phou Cruise
Plain of Jars
Plain of Jars
The small dusty town of Phonsavan is the capital of Xieng Khuang province and gateway to the Plain of Jars, which is the principal attraction in the region. The gigantic stone jars are to Laos as Stonehenge is to England – a complete enigma. While there are many theories, nobody really knows why hundreds of huge stone jars are scattered across several sites on a beautiful, but relatively barren Laotian plain. They are between 2500 and 3000 years old, and carved from solid rock. Most of these containers weigh between 600kgs and one tonne a piece, but the largest weighs six tonnes. The jars are set amongst beautiful scenery of rolling hills.
Our preferred hotels are:
Vansana Hotel
Vientiane
Vientiane
Despite being the capital, Vientiane is often known as the world’s largest village as it retains a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and small town feel. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, the city exudes real old world charm with its mix of Chinese shop houses and the faded grandeur of French colonial architecture. The tree-lined boulevards and lack of heavy traffic makes it an ideal place to explore on foot and despite being the smallest capital in South East Asia, there is plenty to see.
There are many ancient temples and pagodas such as Wat Ho Phakeo, a former royal temple, Pha That Luang, the most revered of all the religious sites and Wat Sisaket, one of the capital’s oldest temples. There are some great morning markets and other shopping opportunities with silver jewellery and hand-woven textiles being local specialities.
And many would say a visit to Vientiane is not complete without a relaxing sundowner at one of the numerous riverside bars to enjoy a spectacular sunset view…and who are we to argue!
Our preferred hotels are:
Settha Palace
Amantaka
Amantaka
Location: Amantaka is a boutique hotel and located in the centre of the UNESCO world heritage site
Rooms: 24 suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, library, wi fi, art gallery,
Activities: Spa, gym, yoga stuidio, boutique, swimming pool
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View:
Champassak Grand
Champassak Grand
Location: Situated in the heart of the “Kingdom of a Million Elephants,” the 3 Nagas offers traditional Laotion hospitality blended with modern comforts
Rooms: 258 rooms and suites
Facilities: Room service, laundry and dry cleaning services, shops, wi fi
Activities: Fitness centre, spa, outdoor pool
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View:
La Folie Lodge
La Folie Lodge
Location: La Folie Lodge is located on the banks Dong Daeng Island in the middle of the Mekong River in southern Laos
Rooms: 24 bungalaws
Facilities: Restaurant, safe box, internet, bikes for guests
Activities: Birdwatching, boat trips, cycling, hiking, historical sites, swimming, traditional culture, plant life/ flora
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View:
La Residence Phou Vao
La Residence Phou Vao
Location: A beguiling blend of East meets West, La Résidence Phou Vao is an intimate tropical resort with one of the most magical views in, well, pretty much anywhere
Rooms: 34 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, pub,laundry and dry cleaning services, shops, tours, business centre, safety deposit boxes
Activities: Spa, steam room, massage, outdoor pool
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View:
Maison Souvannaphoum
Maison Souvannaphoum
Location: Located in central Luang Prabang, Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel is near the airport and close to Wat Mai, Phu Si, and Royal Palace Museum
Rooms: 24 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, coffee shop, laundry and dry cleaning services, shops, tours, poolside bar
Activities: Spa, massage, outdoor pool
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View:
Settha Palace
Settha Palace
Location: The Hotel is located right in the city centre, within walking distance of the commercial district, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions
Rooms: 36 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, laundry and dry cleaning services, business centre, conceirge services
Activities: Swimming pool, poolside bar
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View:
Three Nagas
Three Nagas
Location: Situated in the heart of the “Kingdom of a Million Elephants,” the 3 Nagas offers traditional Laotion hospitality blended with modern comforts
Rooms: 15 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, coffee shop, laundry and dry cleaning services, shops, tours, disabled facilities
Activities: Spa, massage
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View:
Vat Phou Cruise
Vat Phou Cruise
Location: The Vat Phou Mekong cruise proposes a 3 day / 2 night cruise that starts and finishes in Pakse, Laos
Rooms: 12 cabins
Facilities: Superior cabin, ensuite bathroom, dining room, bar, modern safety equipment,
Activities: Communal decks, sun decks
Children:
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Vansana Hotel
Vansana Hotel
Location: The hotel is located in a convenient part of Phonsavan, Laos. Laos is one of the fascinating destinations
Rooms: 36 rooms and suites
Facilities: Restaurant, laundry services, business centre, shuttle bus/tranportation service, gift shop
Activities: Garden, inhouse sports and recreational activities
Children: Children of all ages are welcome
Our View:
From the gilded spires of Luang Prabang’s wats and stupas to the faded grandeur of Vientiane’s French colonial architecture, the country boasts a wealth of architectural treasures. Whether in the larger towns or more isolated hill tribe villages, the country is alive with colour and a rich cultural tradition whether it be the bustling textile and handicraft markets, saffron robed monks wandering through the temples, boat races on the Mekong river or elaborate festivals to celebrate another public holiday.
Laos also enjoys some truly spectacular scenery with the forested mountains in the north, jagged limestone karst scenery and caves of Phu Hin Bun, the dramatic waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau and lush flood plains and ‘Four Thousand Islands’ of the Mekong River.
To journey in Laos is ‘to take the slow road’ as the country operates at a very relaxed pace, but as you do so, you will get to experience one of Asia’s most intriguing and enchanting countries.
Full Laos Itineraries with details coming soon. Call us on 01905 731373 for more detailed information.
