Welcome to Laos - The Lands of Hidden Treasures: One of Asia’s most beautiful secrets, travellers to Laos find themselves captivated by the mist-veiled mountains and enigmatic plateaux, the rivers that run ghostlike through untouched forests, and the monks who trail along paths and alleys in search of their morning alms. Refreshingly, most of the country has not adapted itself to modern tourism and traditional ways of life continue in the face of our rapidly changing world.

Laos is not a place you simply see: it is more a country you feel and experience, as its quiet beauty works its magic. The Laotians themselves are very welcoming, allowing you an insight into their lives and country. Whilst neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam are rapidly developing their economies and infrastructure, the tranquil backwater of Laos remains relatively untouched. This is both caused by and reflected in the very nature of the Laotians themselves - to hurry is simply not the Lao way. You should not feel surprised to find yourself waiting at the Lao border, for example, without being entirely sure of the reason for your wait. Ask and you will simply be rewarded with a broad smile and be told they are waiting for “the right time”.

This is truly an opportunity to escape from the fastpaced lifestyle of the developed world and indulge in this gentle land’s timeless appeal.

Luang Prabang:  Once the ancient capital of northern Laos, sleepy Luang Prabang has retained much of its majesty and tranquility and is now a UNESCO protected site. The town has more than 30 beautifully gilded temples and is a spiritual centre for the entire country. At dawn, saffron-robed monks stream through narrow streets and alleys between buildings dating back to the French colonial era, collecting alms from their neighbours in the gentle morning light. The temple of Wat Xieng Thong is a highlight with its intricate mosaics and painted figurines, while the hilltop Wat Phu Si affords wonderful views over the town, the Mekong River and surrounding mountains. Outside Luang Prabang itself there are many small minority villages to be explored, providing some good trekking opportunities, as well as the picturesque Kuang Si waterfalls. Travelling by boat, you can visit the Pak Ou caves or the dramatic gorges of the Ou River. End your day watching the sunset over the Mekong before shopping in the colourful night market.

Plains of Jars:  More than three hundred enormous stone jars, their origins long forgotten and their original use and significance still unclear, lie scattered on a high grassy plain near to the town of Phonsovan. Legend says these vast containers, weighing up to six tonnes, were left over from a victory party after a sixth-century war, but the truth is no-one knows who made the jars or how they got here: an enigma that grows steadily more eerie as the sun begins to set. You can fly here from Vientiane or take the longer road journey through hill tribe villages and rural scenery although this is not a journey for the faint-hearted.

Vientiane:  Vientiane is the capital of Laos, and although the largest city in the country, it still has a provincial feel to it and is a pleasant place to explore on foot. Tree-lined boulevards and elegant architecture testify to its years under French occupation, in particular the Patuxai, which is a smaller, Asian version of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. This colonial past mingles with even older temples such as Wat Si Saket and That Luang, rich with the country’s historic, spiritual and national heritage. Many of the handicraft centres and restaurants in the city work with the local community to ensure traditional values are not lost and we encourage our clients to visit such projects.

Champasak:  Si Phan Don is the Lao way to describe the 4,000 Islands area in Southern Laos. During the rainy season this is the widest point of the Mekong River, but in the dry season there is so little water around it is said that if all the sand banks and islets are counted there would be over 4,000 Islands (hence the name). The three main islands that remain all year round are Don Khong, Don Khone and Don Det and on each of these there are a few colonial villas left over by the French. In this area you can spot freshwater dolphins, but the main activity is just sitting back, relaxing and getting used to the slow pace of Lao life.