Laos Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays



















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Overview
Discover one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept travel secrets, with our Laos tours and holidays. With the countries, undeniable qualities being overshadowed by its more established neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam, life in Laos is calm and serene, with the country’s historical isolation presenting travellers with a rare glimpse of traditional life in Southeast Asia.
After its doors opened to foreign visitors in the 1990s, Laos has seen a steady but relatively small influx ...
Discover one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept travel secrets, with our Laos tours and holidays. With the countries, undeniable qualities being overshadowed by its more established neighbours, Thailand and Vietnam, life in Laos is calm and serene, with the country’s historical isolation presenting travellers with a rare glimpse of traditional life in Southeast Asia.
After its doors opened to foreign visitors in the 1990s, Laos has seen a steady but relatively small influx of tourists arriving, hoping to enjoy one of the region’s few remaining off the beaten track destinations. Those who do make the journey will find Laos a nation of quite staggering natural beauty, sleepy villages dot its verdant countryside while mist-veiled mountains, the mighty Mekong River and pristine forests provide a stunning backdrop to any visit.
For much of its history, Laos was free from foreign control, until being absorbed into French Indochina in the latter part of the 19th century. However, remnants of a long-forgotten past can still be found throughout the country, particularly at the mysterious ‘Plain of Jars’, a vast stretch of land scattered with countless prehistoric stone jars of varying sizes and shapes. The Khmer temple complex of Wat Phu meanwhile is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos. Spectacularly located close to the Mekong river, it has monuments to both Laos’ Hindu and Buddhist heritage, and whilst much smaller than Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, it has the advantage of receiving a fraction of the visitors.
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal capital, is a major centre of Laotian Buddhist architecture. Its Buddhist monasteries are at the centre of a sacred alms giving ritual that is a privilege to witness - each morning saffron robed monks wander the quiet streets receiving alms from devout locals. Only a short drive from the city lies Kuang Si Falls, a little piece of paradise set amidst lush jungle where locals and travellers can embrace clear turquoise waters to escape the heat of the day.
Those seeking some exercise should head out into the foothills of the Annamite Mountains and support local guides and community projects by trekking in these enchanting surroundings of quite astounding natural beauty. Wild Frontiers also work closely with Lone Buffalo, a non-profit organisation that provides support and education to young people in some of Laos’ least affluent communities. Close to the Cambodian border the sleepy 4,000 islands region is a great place to relax. These tiny islands in the Mekong Delta offer great walking and cycling opportunities as well as fantastic spots to enjoy dazzling sunsets.
An often-overlooked aspect of Laos’ culture is its fantastic cuisine. Using a combination of ingredients and flavours familiar to lovers of Northern Thai food, alongside a distinctive Laotian twist, dishes like Or Lam – a thick meat, bean and aubergine stew – and Larb – a delicious meat salad that is considered Laos’ unofficial national dish. Although reminders of French colonial influences are still very evident, just ask the many purveyors of freshly baked baguettes on the streets of Vientiane or the customers of the Parisian style cafes found in most towns and cities!
Wild Frontiers prides itself on offering a wonderful array of exciting group tours and tailor-made Laos holidays. Helping you to get under the skin of this fascinating destination by meeting local people and getting off the beaten track
Start your journey
Group tours
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Classic Southeast Asia
This stunning introduction to Southeast Asia takes in some of the most iconic locations anywhere on the continent. Spend your days cruising through floating markets, wandering amongst the timeless remains of lost civilisations, and walking with elephants through lush rainforests.HIGHLIGHTS OF LAOS
BEST EXPERIENCES

Receive a blessing from the elders
Take part in a traditional Baci ceremony. A local village elder will perform blessings, chanting and Pook kwan - the tying of the white Baci threads on your wrists. Later, taste a home-cooked traditional Lao cuisine.
Learn the secrets of Lao cuisine
Kick off the Tamarind cookery course with a visit to the morning fresh market to find local herbs, vegetables and foods that are customary to Lao cuisine. Learn about local ingredients and preparation methods and enjoy your own version of the day’s menu.
Spot dolphins in the 4,000 Islands
Explore the abandoned French colonial buildings and Old French Railway Bridge on Don Khon island and visit the beautiful Liphi Waterfall nearby. Board a long tail boat and head towards the Cambodian border in search of the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin.
Meet isolated communities
Follow a picturesque mountain trail up through breathtaking scenery to meet the villagers of Khamu and Ikhos, living in traditional bamboo and wooden houses. Get a taste of the beliefs and unique traditions of some of the most isolated communities in Laos.
Try your skills at boules
Experience Luang Prabang’s unique night life and challenge your guide to the popular game of ‘Petanque’ or boules. Later, reward yourself with a beer and delicious traditional BBQ - ‘SinDat’ – at a restaurant popular with the locals.
Explore Mekong River villages
Take a longtail boat and set off along the mighty Mekong River. Observe daily life along the river as you stop by numerous villages, home to traditional local trades such as pottery, weaving and fishing, as well as some beautiful temples. You'll even get the chance to sample some of the famous Lao Lao whiskey!TOP PLACES TO VISIT
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
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WHEN TO GO
Luang Prabang
Vientiane
Pakse
INSPIRATION

TED DANSON ON MEANINGFUL TRIP TO SOUTHEAST ASIA
Ted talks about taking a very meaningful trip to Southeast Asia with his wife Mary Steenburgen, learning about different cultures, being doused with water by monks and what it was like not being reco…USEFUL INFORMATION
LAOS REVIEWS

Mike Scatchard
From long-tailed boats roaring down the mighty Mekong in full flood, remote border crossings, jungle lodges temples, to…

Caroline Newton
Laos was totally magical; a veritable feast for the senses, extraordinary landscapes and wonderfully exotic sounds and…

Debbie Barnes
The itinerary was just superb - really inspired and so different to what's normally on offer

Catherine Daly
A wonderfully varied trip taking in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and bursting with highlights and experiences

Geoffrey and Emma Chapman
Fascinating experiences, from a gathering of thousands of Tibetan monks to a once-a-year horse festival, to receiving a…

Tony Sullivan
The whole holiday was actually better than the itinerary indicated – a pleasant surprise...

Val Berry & Stephanie Pincus
Our Laos trip provided a true flavour of the country in a short time.

Julia Harrison
Laos Unlocked was one of those rare trips that exceeded my expectations. I have come back with a real feeling for Laos,…

Chris Sherwood
Travelling through Laos with Mark Steadman was an incredible experience, his love and passion for the country really…

Tim Tawney
Laos with Mark Steadman proved to be as well organised and fascinating, as our first trip with Wild Frontiers to Iran in…

Catherine Wilkinson
My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other…

Lysbeth Trace
Laos Unlocked is not a one hit wonder tour, it's a visit to a country that keeps on giving. You see interesting ethnic…