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Off the Beaten Track in Laos

For Extra-Curious Travellers

AITO

What’s included:

With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.

Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:

All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout

Pricing:

As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:

Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp

Off the Beaten Track Holiday Ideas

Laos is brimming with spectacular, vivid panoramas and ancient traditions yet many visitors fly in and out spending just 3 days in Luang Prabang. Off the beaten track in Laos doesn’t mean roughing it, it means stepping away from the crowds and into authentic encounters. These holidays go further and deeper, from the peaks of the north to the remote southern islands.

View of Vang Vieng, Laos

Laos

Mountains & Hill Tribes in Northern Laos

14 Days
Luang Say Boat, Pak Ou 3 travelling on the Mekong River between Luang Prabang to Huay Xai or from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos

Laos Encompassed

22 Days
luang prabang
Family

Cambodia

Rural Indochina Family Adventure

18 Days
Explore Full Itinerary
View of Vang Vieng, Laos
14 Days

Laos

Mountains & Hill Tribes in Northern Laos

Explore Northern Laos with hill-tribe treks, river journeys, and Luang Prabang’s UNESCO charm on this 14-day adventure.

Highlights

Local life

Chance encounters with local villagers while trekking in the mountains

Nam Ou River

Take in the remarkable scenery as you journey down the Nam Ou River aboard your private boat

Luang Prabang

Exploring the romantic, beautifully preserved town of Luang Prabang with your expert local guide

Explore Full Itinerary
Luang Say Boat, Pak Ou 3 travelling on the Mekong River between Luang Prabang to Huay Xai or from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, Laos
22 Days

Laos

Laos Encompassed

Experience Laos in depth with Luang Prabang, Kong Lor caves, the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands on this 22-day immersive trip.

Highlights

Nam Ou River

Taking in the remarkable scenery as you journey down the Nam Ou river aboard your private boat

Incredible experiences

Visiting waterfalls, searching for dolphins and taking time to relax in the 4000 islands

Lovely Luang Prabang

Exploring the romantic, beautifully preserved town of Luang Prabang with your expert local guide

Explore Full Itinerary
luang prabang
Family
18 Days

Cambodia

Rural Indochina Family Adventure

This holiday idea is an excellent opportunity for adventurous families to get under the skin of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

You will see a few of the famous landmarks, but the primary focus is on the countryside, which you’ll explore with ease by bike, kayak, quad bike, and even Vespa!  See the well-known highlights and what lies beyond as you cycle through hidden jungles, raft past dramatic river gorges, and get an authentic taste of the local lifestyle from a range of perspectives.

Highlights

Angkor Wat

Soaking up the atmosphere of Angkor Wat before sunrise; an early start for a magical experience

Lovely Laos

Marvelling at the dramatic riverine scenery and feeling the adrenaline as you kayak past jungles and caves in the remote Laos countryside

Vietnam adventures

Nipping along the narrow backroads of Hoi An, passing school children and farmers

Meet Our Experts

“For an unforgettable adventure, trek through Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park and spend a night at the remote ecolodge. It’s one of the best places in Laos for spotting rare wildlife like clouded leopards and gibbons.”

Ella Theaker
Travel Expert

The Best Times to Go on a Holiday in Laos

The best time for exploring Laos’ hidden corners is the dry season (November to April), when mountain roads are easier to navigate and river journeys run smoothly.

October is a great shoulder month, with green scenery and fewer travellers. The green season (May to September) brings misty mornings and vibrant countryside, ideal for those who like lush landscapes and don’t mind the occasional shower.

We’ll help you choose the timing that suits your route and interests.

The Finest Hotels in Laos

From stilted lodges in the highlands to riverside retreats in the south, our off-the-beaten-track Laos hotels offer a rare blend of charm, calm and connection. Handpicked for their setting and spirit.

Laos - Superior

Mandala Ou

Laos - Comfort

Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort

Le Sen Swimming Pool

Laos - Superior

Le Sen

Nong Khiaw Riverside view

Laos - Superior

River Resort Champasak

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Nong Khiaw, Laos

Mandala Ou

Mandala Ou in Nong Khiaw, Laos, offers riverside charm, traditional rooms and a relaxed base to explore the landscapes of Northern Laos.

 

Highlights

Highlights

River views,

Infinity pool,

Peaceful setting

Best for

Couples,

Families

See More

Muang La, Laos,

Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort

Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort in Laos blends comfort, nature and adventure with zip-lining, forest treks, and private pool villas in a remote setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Forest adventure,

Private villas,

Local cuisine

Best for

Couples,

Families

See More
Le Sen Swimming Pool

Luang Prabang, Laos,

Le Sen

A stylish and well-located base near Luang Prabang, Le Sen offers modern comfort, free bikes, a pool and great value for couples, families and solo travellers.

Highlights

Highlights

Close to Luang Prabang

Stylish  rooms

Best for

Couples,

Families

See More
Nong Khiaw Riverside view

Champasak, Laos

River Resort Champasak

Riverside comfort in Southern Laos with striking Mekong views, a peaceful pool, and easy access to the 4,000 Islands. Ideal for relaxation or exploration.

Highlights

Highlights

Mekong Views,

Poolside Relaxation,

4,000 Islands Access

Best for

Couples,

 

Laos Holidays

In Our Traveller’s Words

ETG look outside the box

They always come up with things that no one else seems to, that's why they are so good. They are original and trying their best to show you the real country and people and not the facade. Great listeners, always a smile and a good banter... exceptional service and insight.
Susan
25 July 2025

With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places

... stayed in wondrous hotels, met fascinating everyday people, listened to varied opinions, and learned much about places far away. I couldn't do that on my own.
David
24 October 2024

An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia

There were moments while I was out and about where I thought that everyone should experience this kind of mindful travel that Experience Travel organises, as it's not backpacking where you tick off the standard party hotspots, and it's not the typical cruise for tourists to visit the standard sightseeing destinations, but an experience where I really felt I got to know the countries, meet great people and do fun stuff that most people miss.
Sven
3 March 2025

The Best Experiences in Laos

These trips reveal Laos’ depth and detail. Take the new train through misty valleys, cruise down the Nam Ou, or visit lesser-known ruins and sacred sites nestled in the jungle. Share meals in hillside villages, visit local craft communities, and walk temple trails far from the crowds. This is travel that feels more connected. Curious, calm, and full of meaning.

Laos

The Nam Ou River Boat & Trek

kuang si waterfalls

Laos

Breakfast at Kuang Si Falls

View Experience Page

Luang Prabang, Laos

The Nam Ou River Boat & Trek

The alluring town of Nong Khiaw, divided by the Nam Ou River, is one of the most scenic in Laos and like much of the country, it is best explored by boat and on foot. In the morning, you will board a boat, cruising down the river to the Khmu village of Ban Don Khoune. After a short exploration of the village, you’ll begin your trek, climbing uphill for about three hours, passing by a number of cascades. By lunchtime, you’ll reach the summit where you can enjoy what is one of the most impressive views in Laos. With a stunning backdrop, enjoy a delicious Lao style picnic lunch served on banana leaves before hiking back to Ban Don Khoune where your longtail boat will take you back to Nong Khiaw.

 

View Experience Page
kuang si waterfalls

Luang Prabang, Laos

Breakfast at Kuang Si Falls

After a stroll through the morning markets, you’ll head out to the remarkable Kuang Si falls to enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast in a peaceful and tranquil setting before most other tourists visit the area. Journey back to Luang Prabang on a private cruise down the Mekong, with an opportunity to visit the famous pottery village of Ban Ou.

Important FAQs about Holidays in Laos

Absolutely, especially if you prefer less touristy places and slower, more immersive experiences.

Some itineraries include treks or boat travel, but we tailor routes to match your comfort level and pace.

Yes, we often mix well-known highlights with quieter areas to create a perfectly balanced trip.

Not at all. We handpick places with character and comfort, even in remote areas.