Laos

To many people Laos is so obscure that without a detailed map, they couldn't tell you where it is, much less anything else about it. Laos dropped off the world stage after the Pathet Lao Communist takeover in 1975, it's emergence postponed by Hmong separatists into the 90s. And therein lies its charm.

The country's isolation, for reasons of war and politics, has preserved an older, slower, and more traditional way of life: Old Asia, Asia without the crowds. This is the perfect antidote to the frenzied pace of Bangkok or New York or London, for that matter. The landscapes and tranquility of northern Laos are impossibly beautiful but it is in the sublime Luang Prabang one discovers the last Shangri-la of Indochina.

Luang Prabang is the splendid old capital, featuring a cluster of shimmering royal temples, palace, and administrative buildings, remnants of the faded grandeur of the Lao monarchy. Luang Prabang is a jewel, tiny and compact, encircled by peaks and camouflaged by palm trees and dense tropical foliage. From a distance, only golden-spired stupas can be seen-flashes of gold among the greenery. Situated on a tongue of land at a strategic junction of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. At the heart of Luang Prabang is Mount Phousi, a high rocky outcrop with forested slopes, dotted with sacred shrines and stupas. The serene town remains one of the most well-preserved in Asia bypassed in the rapid development that has seized the rest of the region. Delicious cuisine, authentic markets, and gentle residents round out one of Southeast Asia's most remarkable places.

The unhurried pace and picturesque setting in a lush mountain valley on the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers is the perfect place to spend a few days between the busier, more developed countries bordering it. With a network of 19 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas (NBCAs) in Laos, there are a multitude of trekking, bird watching, kayaking, or boating activities. Let us plan a few remarkable days away from the crowds, discovering the natural beauty, wildlife, and charm of northern Laos. For the more adventurous, our overland trip from Hanoi to Vientiane through the rarely traveled northeast region of Laos, with optional cycling, is one of the last great adventures in Southeast Asia. [More on Luang Prabang]

Itinerary Options

The prize of Laos, indeed Indochina, is sublime Luang Prabang which should be the primary focus of your travels through the country. If you've a little longer than a couple of days to linger, we can planning sightseeing in the stunning karst landscapes to the north, with light trekking, bicycling (road and dirt) and boating on the tranquil Nam Ou.

In an off-the-beaten-path town, we'll take you that much further out to explore tha magnificent landscape of northern Laos beyond the ordinary trip and experience local cultural in unforgettable encounters, all carefully-planned and led by the most experienced and knowledgeable guides in the region.

Our private Laos tours will excite both the adventurous traveler and those seeking a more comfortable, luxurious experience with our ultimate Luang Prabang stopover. We've designed this to be a wonderful few days, balanced between sightseeing on foot, tuk-tuk, and relaxing at the wonderful La Residence Phu Vao or Amantaka resorts.

A private baci welcoming ceremony, time with an endangered Asian elephant at a local camp learning care about the project, a private audience with monks within their temple, and a cooking class round out the unique experience of this special trip highlighting the best of Luang Prabang.

For comprehensive information on Luang Prabang, please visit our web page or call and speak with us in San Francisco at (415) 731-4377.