Laos
Spiritual. Colourful. Alluring. Laos is Southeast Asia at its most authentic.
Untouched by tourism for decades, traversed by the winding Mekong River with verdant mountain jungles, saffron-robed monks, and faded colonial towns, Laos’ beguiling people and slow pace of life will enchant even the most experienced traveller.
Experiences
Explore hill tribe markets and rice paddies before preparing your own Laotian culinary delights under the watchful eye of a local cookery teacher; get up early to see the monks collecting alms in exquisite Luang Prabang; cruise down the Mekong River in a private boat, stopping to see mulberry tree paper production, a silk weaving village, and Laotian whiskey production; jump on 4x4s or trail bikes for some extreme off-roading, heading north into the hills and mountains until you reach Muang Khua - one of the most inaccessible provinces of all in Laos; spend the night with local hill tribes, to immerse yourselves in their traditions and enjoy warm hospitality; raft inside deep river caves and brave the rapids past breathtaking limestone cliffs; trek some of Asia’s most unspoiled forests with an expert guide.
Where to Stay
Restored colonial residences in Luang Prabang; well-appointed bungalows on top of the Tad Hang waterfalls; a world-class hotel at the step of Mount Phousi; fabulous canopy-level tents in the jungle.
When to Go
The dry season (October to April) is the best time to visit and perfect for taking in neighbouring Thailand too.