Vientiane
Vientiane sits on a bend of the Mekong and is one of the quietest capitals in Southeast Asia. Most Laos tours start or end here, with day trips to Buddha Park, Wat Sisaket, and the Patuxai Monument within easy reach.
Luang Prabang
A UNESCO World Heritage town since 1995, Luang Prabang sits at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It is the anchor of most northern Laos itineraries, with over 30 active temples and the Kuang Si Falls 29 km outside town.
4000 Islands
Si Phan Don — meaning “four thousand islands” in Lao — sits on the Mekong in southern Laos near the Cambodian border. The Khone Phapheng Falls here are the widest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng sits between Vientiane and Luang Prabang in a valley surrounded by limestone karst peaks and the Nam Song River. It is Laos’ main adventure hub, with kayaking, caving, and hot air balloon flights all available.
Private Laos tours, trips & holiday packages
Laos covers 236,800 square kilometers and borders Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and China. It is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia and one of the least visited, which is part of the appeal. Our private Laos tours are built around your dates and interests — not a fixed group schedule. A 7-day trip covers Luang Prabang and Vientiane. A 10-day holiday adds Vang Vieng or the 4000 Islands. A 14-day package can combine northern Laos with a crossing into Vietnam or Thailand. Every itinerary is planned by a local team on the ground in Southeast Asia.
Laos tour highlights
Luang Prabang has over 30 active temples and a nightly alms-giving ceremony that has run for centuries. The Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang holds over 2,000 stone jars of unknown origin. Kuang Si Falls drops 50 meters through turquoise pools into the jungle. These are the anchors of any Laos travel package worth building.
Sample itineraries: private Laos tours & custom holiday packages
These sample Laos itineraries are built by our local team and cover the most-requested routes. Options run from a 5-day northern Laos trip focused on Luang Prabang, to a 12-day holiday covering Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and the 4000 Islands in the south. All are fully private, all-inclusive, and adjustable to your pace and budget.
Laos tours & trips
Every Laos tour we build is private, flexible, and planned by a local team based in Southeast Asia. Tell us your travel dates, group size, and budget and we will put together a detailed itinerary with no obligation.
When to visit Laos
November to April is the best time to visit Laos. The dry season brings clear skies, temperatures around 25°C to 30°C during the day, and cool nights in the north. March and April are the hottest months, reaching 38°C in lowland areas. The wet season runs May to October — roads in rural provinces can flood, but Luang Prabang and Vientiane remain accessible year-round. Lao New Year (Pi Mai) falls in mid-April and is one of the most lively times to visit.
Lao new year
Mid-April
Hottest months
March and April / 38°C
Rainy season
May to October
Plan your Laos trip
Tell us how many days you have, which parts of Laos you want to cover, and whether you want to combine it with Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand. We will build a Laos holiday package that fits your pace, interests, and budget — no fixed departures, no group tours.
FAQ: Laos tours & travel
How much does a Laos tour cost?
Private Laos tour packages typically run USD 130 to USD 360 per person per day, all-inclusive of accommodation, private guide, transport, and most meals. The range is wide because Laos has a big gap between mid-range and luxury hotels, particularly outside Luang Prabang.
| Hotel class | Estimated cost per person per day | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3-star (superior) | USD 130 – 200 | Mid-range travelers and families |
| 4-star (first class) | USD 200 – 280 | Comfort seekers and couples |
| 5-star (luxury) | USD 300+ | Luxury travel and boutique properties |
Prices are lower per person for groups of 4 or more. Single traveler supplements apply at most hotels.
How many days should you spend in Laos?
Most first-time visitors to Laos spend 7 to 10 days. That is enough time to cover Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane without rushing. Travelers with 12 or more days can add the 4000 Islands, Pakse, or the Plain of Jars.
| Duration | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 5 – 7 days | Northern Laos focus: Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls, Pak Ou Caves, and Vientiane. Best for travelers with limited time. |
| 8 – 10 days | Adds Vang Vieng, Nong Khiaw, or the Plain of Jars to the classic northern Laos route. |
| 12+ days | Full north-to-south Laos trip including Pakse, Bolaven Plateau, and the 4000 Islands — or a multi-country package combining Laos with Vietnam or Thailand. |
What should you not do in Laos?
Laos has specific cultural and legal rules that differ from neighboring countries. These are the most important to know before you travel.
| What not to do in Laos | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Touch a monk or Buddha image | Buddhism shapes daily life in Laos. Women must not touch monks under any circumstances. Touching Buddha statues is disrespectful at any temple. |
| Trek without a guide in rural provinces | Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Vietnam War era remains in provinces including Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet, and Salavan. Always hire a local guide outside marked tourist trails. |
| Argue with police or authorities | Laos has a one-party government. Stay calm in any interaction with authorities and follow instructions without confrontation. |
| Point your feet at people or sacred objects | Feet are considered the lowest and least respectful part of the body. Sit cross-legged or tuck feet behind you at temples and in homes. |
| Wear shoes inside temples or homes | Remove shoes at the entrance to all temples, many guesthouses, and local homes. Look for shoes at the door as your cue. |
| Show public affection | Public physical contact between couples is uncommon in Lao culture. Discretion is expected, particularly near temples and in rural areas. |
| Buy antiques, wildlife products, or drugs | Exporting antiques is illegal. Purchasing wildlife products contributes to poaching. Drug use, including marijuana, carries serious legal penalties in Laos. |
What are the best places to visit in Laos?
The five destinations below form the backbone of most private Laos tours. Luang Prabang and Vientiane are on almost every itinerary; the others are added based on your available time and interests.
| Place | Key sites | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Vientiane | Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, Patuxai Monument, COPE Visitor Centre | The quietest capital in Southeast Asia. Walkable riverside city with French colonial architecture, temple markets, and good food along the Mekong promenade. |
| Luang Prabang | Kuang Si Falls, Pak Ou Caves, Wat Xieng Thong, morning alms ceremony | UNESCO World Heritage town with over 30 active temples. The 29 km drive to Kuang Si Falls is one of the best day trips in northern Laos. |
| Vang Vieng | Tham Chang Cave, Blue Lagoon, Nam Song River kayaking | Limestone karst valley between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The main adventure stop on any Laos itinerary — kayaking, caving, cycling, and hot air ballooning all available. |
| Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) | Don Det, Don Khong, Khone Phapheng Falls | Southern Laos on the Mekong near the Cambodian border. Khone Phapheng is the widest waterfall in Southeast Asia. Irrawaddy dolphins can still be spotted here seasonally. |
| Pakse & Bolaven Plateau | Tad Lo Falls, coffee plantations, ethnic minority villages | Southern Laos gateway. The Bolaven Plateau sits at 1,200 meters above sea level and is the source of most Lao coffee. Best explored by motorbike or with a private driver. |
Is Laos safe to visit in 2026?
Yes. Laos is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for tourists. Violent crime targeting visitors is rare. Petty theft — pickpocketing and bag snatching — can occur in busy markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Keep valuables in a secure bag and avoid displaying expensive cameras or phones in crowds.
The main safety risk specific to Laos is unexploded ordnance (UXO) in rural provinces. Laos was the most heavily bombed country per capita in history during the Vietnam War era, and an estimated 30% of bombs dropped did not detonate. Stay on marked paths in rural areas and always use a local guide outside established tourist trails.
Lao people are generally welcoming and patient with tourists. English is spoken at most hotels, tour operators, and restaurants in Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
Who needs a visa for Laos?
Citizens of 15 countries enter Laos visa-free, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. All other nationalities require a visa.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available at Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, and major land border crossings. Fees range from USD 30 to USD 45 depending on nationality and require one passport photo. Processing takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The Laos e-Visa is also available online for most nationalities at evisa.gov.la.
- Check out our Laos travel guide for first timers
Should I tip in Laos?
Tipping is not required in Laos but is appreciated, particularly by guides and drivers whose base wages are low. Suggested amounts: USD 3 to 5 per day for a private tour guide, USD 1 to 3 per day for a driver, USD 1 to 2 for hotel housekeeping, and small change or 5 to 10% of the bill at restaurants if a service charge is not already included. Tips in Thai baht and USD are both accepted alongside Lao kip.
What power plugs are used in Laos?
Laos uses Type A (two flat vertical pins), Type B (two flat pins plus a round grounding pin), Type C (two round pins), Type E, and Type F sockets. Type C plugs also fit Type E and Type F outlets. The standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz. Most modern phones, laptops, and cameras are dual voltage (100–240V) and only need a plug adapter. If your device is rated for 110V only, bring a voltage converter to avoid damage.
How to plan a private Laos tour in 2026
Private Laos tours work differently from group packages. You travel with your own guide and driver, stop where you want, and spend longer at any site without a coach schedule. This matters in Luang Prabang, where the morning alms ceremony at 5:30 AM and the evening market on Sisavangvong Road both reward a slower pace that group tours rarely allow.
A 7-day Laos itinerary built by our local team typically runs Luang Prabang for three days, a day on the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves, a stop in Vang Vieng for the karst scenery, and two days in Vientiane before departure. Travelers who want to go deeper into northern Laos add Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi — two small towns on the Nam Ou River that see far fewer visitors than Luang Prabang but are just as scenic.
Laos also connects well with Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. A common combination is a flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang at the start of a trip, then a road crossing from Vientiane into northeastern Thailand or a short flight to Phnom Penh. Our multi-country Laos holiday packages cover all three with a single point of contact throughout.
Recommended experiences
- The Tak Bat alms-giving ceremony takes place every morning at dawn on the streets of Luang Prabang. Hundreds of monks in saffron robes collect rice from local residents in a ritual that has continued uninterrupted for centuries. Most Laos tours include an early morning viewing with a guide who explains the etiquette.
- The Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang Province holds over 2,000 stone jars scattered across a highland plateau at 1,000 meters. Their origin and purpose remain unknown. It is one of the most unusual archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and is reached on a 45-minute flight from Vientiane.
- The Mekong slow boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang takes two days and covers 300 km through forested hills and riverside villages. It is the most popular overland route into northern Laos from the Thai border and an alternative to flying that many travelers on longer Laos trips prefer.