As far as adventure goes, Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s last unspoiled destinations; unspoiled in the sense that it’s yet to be turned into a mass tourism venue, and it still retains much of its backwater character. Indeed, this landlocked, communist-run country of only five million offers one of the last remaining corners of the region yet to be significantly westernized. Independent travelers have been stomping through Laos for about 10 years now – long enough to ensure it has some sort of infrastructure, but visitors will still get a sense that they are experiencing a country before it’s “too late”. With Adventure Asia you have an opportunity to see Laos at its least sophisticated in comfort, as we have combined the best of its wilderness with suitable travel facilities. The mountainous north of Laos (pronounced “Lao”) offers excellent trekking and has become the new focus of those seeking unexplored territory. Here you will find remote hill tribe villages that are reachable by boat and footpath only, with no electricity. You’re also likely to be some of the few outsiders/foreigners the locals have encountered. This can mean some roughing it, and the risk of being quite far from civilization in the event of a health problem. On the other hand, popular centers such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane have become popular and notable destinations, where you can enjoy the comforts of boutique guesthouses and lodges, as well as decent medical attention. But you would also expect to run into quite a few backpackers. Fortunately it’s all low-key. Laos suffered terribly during the Vietnam conflict, earning the unenviable moniker as the “most bombed country in history”. The country has always been at the mercy of larger neighbors and their problems, and attempts by the US military to stop the flow of arms along the Ho Chi Minh trail through eastern Laos resulted in massive bombing. While the safest and fastest way to get about Laos long distance is by plane, cancellations of flights are common due to inclement weather in the north, and therefore reconfirming flights is a must. Flying into Luang Prabang, the charming World Heritage-listed former Laotian capital, is the best way to reach the trekking areas of the north. A decent, but mountainous, road connects it with Vientiane, the new capital, which is reachable with an hour-long flight from Bangkok, or six hours overland through Thailand. However, the rest of the country has poor roads and reaching the trekking points sometimes means bumpy, long rides on winding hillside roads. This is what keeps the rest of the tourists at bay. In other instances, we arrange boat transfers up the rivers. You will not need any exotic vaccinations to enter Laos yet it is wise to keep tetanus and polio boosters up-to-date, as well as hepatitis B. Dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, tuberculosis and malaria are also present in Laos in some areas. Talk to your doctor several weeks before you leave with regard to malaria prevention and side effects. In addition, some waterways contain leptospirosis disease, so keep your head above water when swimming in fresh water. We will advise you if your trekking area is malaria-prone. Tap water in Laos is not potable and bottled water should be used, even for brushing your teeth. It is cheap and available everywhere. Food eaten at hawker stalls is among the tastiest in the country, but ensure it is piping hot and freshly cooked before consuming. Be particularly wary of eating spicy papaya salad, which is uncooked and can easily cause an upset stomach. Health care in Laos is quite primitive, especially outside Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and for anything serious we would recommend jumping on a plane to Chiang Mai or Bangkok in Thailand. Pharmacies can be found in the larger towns of Laos and, if you become sick in Vientiane, there is the 24-hour Mahosot Hospital. Travel insurance is a must and you should ensure that it covers you for all medical eventualities, including repatriation. This last part is important in case you need to be moved to a superior hospital in neighboring Thailand. Also ensure that any adventure activities you plan to take part in are also covered because it is rare for an insurance company to cover such things as standard. Being fit enough to tackle some of the trekking in Laos is also important as the terrain, coupled with a sapping humidity, can seriously hamper movement. Training at home for several weeks, or months, before you travel is a good idea, along with planning suitable clothing and footwear. Laotians are generally passive and most visitors will not have any hassles. The country is impoverished and crime can occasionally be a problem between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. However, when staying in guesthouses, one should keep valuables locked in a safe and exercise care and apply common sense by avoiding walking around with large amounts of cash or flashy jewelry when out in public.

Vientiane (Wattay International Airport), Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang International Airport) and Pakse (Pakse International Airport) are the main points of entry from outside Laos. Flights come in from neighboring Southeast Asian countries throughout the day, including arrivals from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. Those coming from the US, Canada, the EU, Australia and New Zealand, and elsewhere in the west, will generally route through Bangkok. Laos Airlines, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines and China Eastern Airlines are the main carriers. For low-cost carriers, AirAsia flies to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur a few times a week. Other than tour shuttle buses, taxis provide the only real option for getting from Laos airports to your hotel if Adventure Asia is not handling your arrangements. On departure from Laos, be mindful of the 100,000 kip departure tax, which is not usually included in ticket prices. Most people fly to Laos, yet those with time on their hands may enjoy going overland. If arriving in Laos by land, you will invariably need to change transport at the border even though you may have a direct ticket. Most crossings on the country’s western border with Thailand involve a short boat ride across the Mekong River. The Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai (Thailand) and Vientiane is the busiest, while the Huay Xai border connects with Chiang Khong in Thailand, with buses coming in from Chiang Rai. Tha Khaek-Nakhon Phanom and Savannakhet-Mukdahan are also popular Laos-Thai border points and tourists without visas can generally pick up a 15-day visa on arrival (VOA) using this method. Vietnam has six border crossings with Laos, while foreigners are not permitted to cross the Myanmar-Laos border. You can get to Luang Prabang by boat from Huay Xai, which lies near the northern Thai border of Chiang Khong. Although popular, the main boat (dubbed the “slow boat”) takes a day-and-a-half to reach Luang Prabang. Boats leave every morning from the riverside quay, stopping for one night in the village of Pak Beng and arriving in Luang Prabang the following afternoon. Although the journey is somewhat uncomfortable, those seeking an adventurous impression of the true rural Laos will be interested in this. A fast boat takes a day, but it involves cramped seating in a noisy longtail boat and they are prone to occasional accidents. Adventure Asia offers a great option for traveling in style between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang in complete comfort.

Adventure Asia traveling arrangements are completely taken care of you from the moment you arrive in Laos. Your personal concierge will assure the safest, most comfortable routes and conveyances are utilized. Laos is fairly mountainous and it can be tough to get about due to the lack of a substantial public transport network. Flying is therefore the fastest and safest way to get about and the extra cost outweighs the general hassle of overland transportation. Tourists can also hire a car, with driver, to get the most out of the country. They are expensive, however, but the vehicles are generally new and reliable and can sometimes be driven into Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and even China. Cars can be had through tour agencies, car rental companies, and the larger tourist hotels. Having a car is of course ideal for getting right into the countryside at your own pace, and the driver will assist you in avoiding vulnerable Vientiane border areas and unsuitable roads. Buses cover the majority of the country and come in several classes, and Adventure provides vehicle transfer to remote trekking points. However, the roads are not in great condition and the trip can be longer than usual as well as slightly uncomfortable. With almost 3,000 miles of navigable rivers, getting about by boat in Laos is a viable alternative to flying or driving if you have the time and enjoy the pace. Although the river is used less and less as a means of transport, you should try to make at least one river trip during your stay the Champasak to Si Phan Don trip in the south is a good choice. River taxis are fairly ubiquitous for short journeys. Tuk-tuks are the main provider of paid transport in Laotian towns and cities if you tire of walking or cycling. They are noisy three-wheeled machines that move at lightning pace to get you from A to B. Regular taxis can be had in the capital city, Vientiane. Taxis can be arranged through hotel concierges for the most hassle-free and reliable trips. Laotian towns and cities are small enough to get about on foot or by bike, and that includes Vientiane. Luang Prabang is especially nice for walking and biking while the slow pace of the traffic in the countryside also makes for pleasant cycling. Standard, single-speed bikes can be rented out by the day from tourist areas and from some hotels, while mountain bikes are available in mountainous regions and high-profile towns. Buses cover the majority of the country, come in several classes, and are very cheap. It is advisable to go first class or VIP, to be guaranteed more legroom and air-conditioning that works. Minibuses are faster and pricier than the ordinary buses and are another safer more reliable option commonly used by tour groups.

Everyone needs a visa to enter Laos unless they are from an ASEAN country (Southeast Asia). Tourist visas are valid for 15 days and can be bought at airports on arrival in the country, as well as at border crossings. Entry sites where visas can be had in Laos are at Vientiane and Luang Prabang airports; the Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai and Vientiane; the Chong Mek and Vung Tao border in the far south; and the Chiang Khong to Huay Xai border in the north. It is better to apply for a tourist visa at a Laos embassy or consulate in your home country, with tourist visas issued outside valid for 30 days. If you are on a tour of Southeast Asia, Laos tourist visas can also be arranged in Vietnam and Thailand with a day’s notice. If you then plan on staying in Laos for an extended time, the tourist visa can be extended twice through immigration in Vientiane. Visas take around three to five days to secure in neighboring countries, although some travel shops are able to arrange them within a couple of days. Visa costs depend on your nationality, with Canadians paying the most and Australians paying the least. You will need to make sure you have a valid passport that is good for at least six months before entering Laos and that you have at least a couple of empty pages in your passport. Laotian immigration frowns upon overstaying; if it happens, you can pay a small fee for every day of overstay on exiting the country, but this is not recommended.

Laotians are friendly people by nature yet it pays to learn a few important social conventions before your arrival so as not to offend. In Laos, the wai is the traditional greeting, which is very similar to the Thai wai, where the hands are placed together prayer-like at chest level with the head slightly bowed. The height of the hands and the depth and length of the bow depend on the social status of the receiver. You will receive plenty of wais while in Laos; foreigners are excused from reciprocating, but it is polite to return a wai with the exception of greetings from service staff, such as waitresses and receptionists. Generally, the person with the lower status initiates the wai exchange. One of the most important things to bear in mind while in Laos is your dress. Laotians are conservative and rarely bare any skin, and tourists should do likewise. It is okay to wear shorts, but try not to wear any that expose above the knee line. T-shirts are fine but women should especially not exhibit bare shoulders. On entering a temple or home, always remove your shoes and never point with your feet. They are considered the lowest part of the body spiritually, while the head is naturally the highest and should therefore not be touched or patted. In addition, women should not touch a monk or hand anything directly to them, although talking to them is fine. Try to keep your cool in testing situations as public displays of frustration and anger will only lead to you “losing face”, which means everything here. Even if you have been wronged, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Things move very slowly here: getting angry only exacerbates the situation and will not change anything. Other taboos are public displays of affection, which even extends to holding hands. While no one is going to say anything directly to you, you will only be lowering yourself in the eyes of the locals if you kiss and cuddle in public. Attempting to discuss the country”s brutal wartime past is okay but be mindful of who you are speaking to and apply common sense when addressing a subject that is still raw for much of the country.

January New Year’s Day: the people of Laos celebrate the Gregorian calendar New Year”s day with as much verve as the rest of the world. Boun Pha Wet: this nationwide festival sees temples throughout Laos celebrate the reincarnation of Buddha (Jataka) as the Laos prince, Vestsantara. Towns, villages and cities all observe this important time as lots of men join the monkhood. February Vietnamese Tet and Chinese New Year: a fun time for Laotian Chinese and Vietnamese communities in towns and cities throughout the country. Boisterous dragon parades and fireworks accompany this double New Year celebration. Magha Puja: another of Laos”s important religious festivals commemorates the speech that the Buddha made to 1,250 monks, with lots of chanting and candle lighting at temples countrywide. Wat Phu Festival: this event is particularly interesting for tourists visiting Champasak during the full moon of the third lunar month. The ruins of Wat Phu are the scene of traditional Laotian dance and music, while buffalo and cock fighting can also be observed. In addition, a popular fair has items from the Southeast Asian region. March Boun Khoun Khao: every village throughout Laos celebrates this traditional harvest festival, which sees respect given to the spirits of the land. Boun Pha Vet: also celebrates the harvest according to the lunar calendar and goes for three days and three nights. Locals make offerings and have their fortunes told. April Boun Pi Mai (Laos New Year): a three-day holiday marking the Laos New Year according to the lunar calendar. Rituals and festivities can be observed, including the dousing of Buddha statues with water although locals mainly come out to have a water fight like what occurs during Thailand”s Songkran festival. May Rocket Festival: if you are here in the boiling hot month of May, do not be alarmed by bamboo rockets fired up in the sky across the country as it is an old ritual believed to coax the rains. Cultural performances, music and dancing also accompany the event. Visa Bochea Day: the Buddha”s birthday which everybody comes out for to make merit by visiting temples and monks. July Buddhist Lent: this intriguing festival sees monks head for their temples for three long months of meditation. August Luang Prabang Boat Race Festival: a fun time to be in Luang Prabang sees dragon boat racing on the Mekong River along with partying and traditional music. September Festival of the Dead (Boun Khao Salak): sees locals pay respect to departed friends and relatives at temples all over the country. Rituals and offerings happen all day long. October Ok Phansa Boat Race Festival: takes place on the Mekong River at Vientiane to mark the end of Buddhist Lent with colorful boats, lots of racing and chanting plus eating and drinking. The festival goes on for 10 days. November Hmong New Year: those interested in the hill tribes of Southeast Asia will enjoy Hmong New Year, which sees the largest community of Hmong in northern Laos enjoying themselves. Hmong villages across the region have traditional performances and lots of fun. December Laos National Day: the national flag adorns buildings across the country on December 2nd, along with communist flags and is a day where the whole nation gets into the festive spirit. That Luang Festival: this is the biggest festival in Vientiane and Laos, with meditation and chanting at the temple”s stupa. There is also a huge market in town, with live music, eating and drinking followed by an impressive fireworks display.

Market snack = 7,000 LAK Large bottle of beer = 9,000 LAK Budget restaurant meal = 23,000 LAK High-end restaurant meal = 55,000 LAK

Major credit cards are generally accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in the city and tourist areas in the cities. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren’t always an option everywhere in Laos.

ATMs can be found in the cities of Laos, so withdrawing cash shouldn’t be problematic. Smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

Below is our cancellation and refund policy: 🔸 60 days prior to arrival date: No cancellation charge for the land cost. We guarantee 100% of the land cost back. The airline cancellation fees are applied according to the airline's policy. 🔸 59 - 30 days prior to arrival date: 5% cancellation charge + airfare cancellation fees 🔸 29 - 15 days prior to arrival date: 10% + airfare cancellation fees. 🔸 14 - 8 days prior to arrival date: 40 + airfare cancellation fees. 🔸 7 days prior to arrival date: 100% 🔸 No show: 100% Please note that the domestic flight tickets in the package are non-refundable