There is so much to see and do in Vietnam and cramming it all into a short holiday can be a difficult job! We are therefore here to give you advice, let you into our secrets (sshhh) and put together the perfect tour that suits you. We understand that everyone is different and that is why the majority of our tours are private. So there are no large buses, no waiting around for people to take photos or being shuffled around museums. It’s just you and your guide!

There are many off the beaten track villages, islands, parks, trekking routes that we cannot list here, as there is simply not enough space. We have therefore listed the highlights of this beautiful country and should you wish to venture further into the depths, please contact us for more information.

The following information has been put together by our expat staff. We hope you find it useful…  

Did you know that?    

• Laos is the most heavily bombed country in history
• Half of Laos’ 6.6 million people are under the age of 19
• With its large quantity of mountains and rivers, Laos is attempting to become the “battery of Asia” by supplying hydroelectric power to its more populous neighbors
• Laos is home to one of the last remaining populations of freshwater dolphins, as well as the 250 kg Mekong Giant Catfis
• Beerlao is about 1USD per bottle and has been called “the Dom Perignon of Asian Beers”
• Is the second poorest country in Asia by GDP, but you won’t find people without enough to eat, as nearly everyone practices subsistence agriculture.

Why we love Laos (and think you will too)

• Every day is time to relax
• The people are fun-loving and are proud of their traditions.
• You can spend one day trekking through minority villages and the next day enjoying a cappuccino in a Mekong riverbank café in Luang Prabang
• Eating incredible organic food, full of local herbs, and sticky rice with your hands!!  
• Baw bpen nyang (never mind, no worries) attitude of the Lao people

Our top tips on getting the best out of Laos

• This isn’t Switzerland. Don’t expect everything to run on time. The reward of patience is patience.
• The Lao love to add a fermented fish sauce to many dishes. If you’d prefer not to have this delicacy, simply say “baw sai bpaa daek”.
• Learn a few phrases before you go.
• A smile gets you so far in Laos. Much farther than shouting and losing your temper will.
• Don’t attach yourselves to your guide book. Getting lost and eating street food is half the fun of being on holiday! You can always get a tuktuk back to your hotel. 

Top Tips for Destinations Within Laos