Because Laos is an utterly magnificent place for a holiday. With the mighty Mekong River running top to bottom, a rich, fascinating ancient culture and a laid-back way of life, it guarantees a truly immersive adventure.
This is not a country to tick off quickly. It’s a place to sink into, reflect and reconnect. With ETG, you’ll discover why Laos isn’t just worth a stop off, it’s worth building a whole journey around.
All Experience Travel Group holidays are designed for delight, not decision fatigue. Hand over the planning admin to our trusty Travel Team who’ll curate your own bespoke package.
Relaxing, immersive, life-affirming adventures that show you the best of the destination. Packed with experiences that connect you to the country and are kind to its people and environment. Your holiday can be as adventurous or as luxurious as you choose, as every trip will be turned into your own bespoke package.
Here are some ideas to spark your curiosity…
Laos
Explore Northern Laos with hill-tribe treks, river journeys, and Luang Prabang’s UNESCO charm on this 14-day adventure.
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
Hanoi
Travel overland through Vietnam and Laos, from Hanoi’s street food and Ninh Binh’s peaks to jungle safaris and Luang Prabang’s golden temples.
Street food tours
Discover Hanoi’s lively street food culture while sipping a cold local beer at a roadside stall
Wildlife experiences
Track animals on a night safari in Laos’s jungle
Beautiful scenery
Trek past cascading waterfalls and hill-tribe villages
Laos
Experience Laos in depth with Luang Prabang, Kong Lor caves, the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands on this 22-day immersive trip.
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
Laos
Kuang Sii Waterfalls
Enjoy a private breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls before the crowds arrive.
Nam Ou River
Cruise the Nam Ou River, stopping at remote villages and caves.
Lovely Luang Prabang
Explore Luang Prabang’s temples, markets and charming backstreets.
Cambodia
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.
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
Immersive experiences sit at the heart of ETG. Each one is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional moments.
Vientiane, Laos
Join your local guide for a tuk-tuk tour of Vientiane. Begin with a visit to a Mak Beng shop. A traditional temple offering, ‘mak beng’ is the name given to a colourful creation that combines banana leaves and marigold flowers. You’ll have an opportunity to learn how to make one of these offerings, as well as ‘pasaat peung’, which is made with palm leaves and yellow wax, before then visiting Wat Simaung. Built in the 16th century, this temple is one of the city’s most popular places of worship, offering a fascinating insight into Vientiane’s rich traditions of ancient animistic ritual and Theravada Buddhism. Your guide will explain the temple’s history and its importance to the local people before you can to present your own handmade offerings.
Luang Prabang, Laos
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.
Luang Prabang, Laos
One of Laos’ most popular past times and sports, you’re likely to see many locals playing a friendly game of Petanque (Boules) as you wander the streets. Experience this evening activity for yourself as you battle it out on the green with locals. The team who rolls their balls closest to the stationary ‘jack’ will come out on top! Battle weary, you will end the night with a lovely local-style dinner before heading back to your hotel.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Visit some of Laos’s timeless monuments on a full day tour around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. At about 8.30am head off with your guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong – often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful. It is characterised by roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive “tree of life” mosaic. Next visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines.
After lunch at a local restaurant visit Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays). Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Continue on to visit nearby Wat Mai – the five-tiered roof epitomises the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. There is also time to take a stroll through the Hmong Market where locals and ethnic minorities from the surrounding villages sell an overwhelming array of handicrafts. Phou Sii hill stands right in the centre of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Sunset can be enjoyed with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River.
Luang Prabang, Laos
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.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Cambodia. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use — they’ll live long in your memory.
Pakse, Laos
Set on Dong Daeng Island in the Mekong, La Folie Lodge offers riverside charm, easy access to Wat Phou and a peaceful base for exploring southern Laos.
Highlights
Scenic riverside setting,
Bikes for local discovery,
Close to Wat Phou
Best for
Couples,
Families
Champasak, Laos
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
Mekong Views,
Poolside Relaxation,
4,000 Islands Access
Best for
Couples,
Nong Khiaw, Laos
Mandala Ou in Nong Khiaw, Laos, offers riverside charm, traditional rooms and a relaxed base to explore the landscapes of Northern Laos.
Highlights
River views,
Infinity pool,
Peaceful setting
Best for
Couples,
Families
Muang La, Laos,
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
Forest adventure,
Private villas,
Local cuisine
Best for
Couples,
Families
Luang Prabang, Laos,
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
Close to Luang Prabang
Stylish rooms
Best for
Couples,
Families
Vientiane, Laos
A bold boutique hotel in Vientiane, Lao Poet offers rooftop views, retro charm and a central base for exploring the capital of Laos in style.
Highlights
Rooftop infinity pool,
Retro-chic Indochina style,
Walkable city location
Best for
Couples,
Families
Intrigued? The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Laos is our experts’ edit of hotels, experiences and holiday tips. Get your complimentary copy today.
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Laos offers a gentler pace of travel and a strong sense of tradition. With ETG, you’ll go beyond the main sights, exploring lesser-known regions, staying in carefully chosen lodges, and meeting local people who bring the country’s culture to life. Our trusted guides ensure every experience is authentic and enriching, not rushed or routine.
The best time to visit Laos is from November to March, when the weather is dry and comfortably cool. April to May can be hot, while the green season (June to October) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but also occasional heavy rain.
Every ETG holiday to Laos is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Laos specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
