In the heart of Southeast Asia, magical Laos retains its timeless rural characteristics. Stilt houses gather next to might rivers, ancient rice fields layer the rolling green hills, and golden pagodas sparkle in the evening sun. A luxury holiday in Laos offers a chance to explore this ageless and unspoiled landscape.
In the heart of Southeast Asia, magical Laos retains its timeless rural characteristics. Stilt houses gather next to might rivers, ancient rice fields layer the rolling green hills, and golden pagodas sparkle in the evening sun. A luxury holiday in Laos offers a chance to explore this ageless and unspoiled landscape.
Laos is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the region bringing lots of flavours and influences to the country. Known as the Land of a Million Elephants, you'll find equal diversity in the landscape. Trek through protected jungles in search of elephants and monkeys, climb karst rock formations for panoramic views and wander gold leaf temples for a healthy dose of spirituality.
At Vientiane, the capital city, wide boulevards lined with trees frame the city's centrepiece, the Pha That Luang golden Buddhist stupa. Beyond this stunning landmark, you'll find that that traditional temples, colonial architecture, and fascinating museums all vie for space in Vientiane. Discover shops and boutiques throughout the city selling local handicrafts, or bargain for wares at the morning market of Talat Sao.
If you have time, you must also visit Buddha Park, a vast garden lined with massive stone statues. Nestled at the confluence of the majestic Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is a historic place renowned for its temples such as Wat Xieng Thong and for its breathtaking landscape of jungles, mountains, waterfalls and vertical karst rocks. Elephants roam the grasslands and monkeys run amok in Monkey Forest. Meanwhile, 33 of the villages in Luang Prabang comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feature the beautiful and traditional wooden stilt houses.
Laos enjoys a tropical climate, meaning that daytime temperatures usually hover around 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. November to April is the dry season, which experiences very little rainfall, whilst the months between May and October make up the rainy season.
The rainy period sees short-lived tropical showers that clear to bright skies. It's a green season where the landscape really comes to life. The rainforests grow thick and vivid beckoning the exotic wildlife, and the Mekong River and the nation's waterfalls thunder.
Expect your luxury hotel in Laos to cater to a wide range of tastes with expert chefs preparing food to your preferences. You'll get to try the best local specialities alongside international favourites at high-end buffets.
Experience the exquisite gourmet food at Phou Savanh, renowned as one of the best restaurants in Luang Prabang. Dine outside with captivating views of Mount Phousi under the romantic glow of candles and lanterns and enjoy dinners overlooking the Mekong River.
As with any holiday, it's a good idea to carry some identification with you and keep a photocopy of your passport on your person. You need a visa to enter Laos, which is available on arrival. Visit GOV.UK for more advice on passports, visas and travel.
We believe that true luxury is only possible when all the details – the ones that really matter to you – are taken care of personally, professionally and to the highest standard.
TRAVEL AWARE – PREPARING FOR SAFE AND HEALTHY TRAVEL ABROAD
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provide the latest travel advice by country including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. For the latest FCDO advice please refer to travelaware.campaign.gov.uk
Current travel health information can be found by visiting travelhealthpro.org.uk/ a resource set up by the Department of Health. The advice can change on all sites so please check regularly for updates.