Laos Holidays

You can book your Laos holiday online by simply choosing from our huge range of flights and hotels to create your own unique arrangement. By booking with Unwind Worldwide you can be asssured that our Laos holidays represent excellent value for money. We pride ourselves in sourcing the cheapest offers on the best flights and hotels.

Booking a holiday to Laos online is simple, safe and secure. However, should you have any questions, our Reservations Team are always are on hand to help you book your ideal holiday to Laos. You can contact our team via LiveHelp or by telephoning 0203 282 7684.

Laos Travel Guide

Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is one of the poorest nations in South–East Asia. A mountainous and landlocked country, Laos shares borders with Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar and China to the north. Perhaps the main attraction of Laos is its undisputed status as the least westernised, the most relaxed and thereby the most authentic of all Indochinese nations.

With a total area of 236,800 square kilometres, around 70% of Laos' terrain is mountainous, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,820 meters in Xieng Khouang Province. The landscapes of northern Laos and the regions adjacent to Vietnam, in particular, are dominated by rough mountains.

The Mekong River is the main geographical feature in the west and, in fact, forms a natural border with Thailand in some areas. The Mekong flows through nearly 1,900 kilometres of Lao territory and shapes much of the lifestyle of the people of Laos. In the South the Mekong reaches a breadth of 20 kilometres, creating an area with thousands of islands.

Despite its small population, Laos has 49 ethnic groups, or tribes, from which Lao, Khmou and Hmong constitute approximately three quarters of the population. Most tribes are small, with some having just a few hundred members.

Things to See and Do

Laos is a country of quintessential wilderness. The mighty Mekong River and its tributaries together create perhaps the single most important geographic feature of the country. There are some wonderful river–based sights, including the largest falls anywhere in Southeast Asia. Its meandering path in the North has created some of the most stunning limestone karsts anywhere on earth. Luang Namtha is the far–northern town which makes the best base for those visitors who really want to see the truly remote Lao wilderness, and directly experience the lifestyles of the various hill tribes in this region.

In direct contrast to Northern Laos, the Mekong delta lowlands in the South are perfectly flat. Si Phan Don (four thousand islands) is a great base for experiencing what is surely the most chilled and relaxed region anywhere in Asia. Experiencing local village life, taking it all in and doing absolutely nothing should be the aim here.

As a Buddhist nation, it is no surprise that temples are a key attraction. In the capital city of Vientiane, the three–layered gilded stupa of Pha That Luang is the national symbol and most important religious monument in the country, dating from the 16th century. There are numerous other beautiful temples which on their own make a stay in the capital city vital for any visitor to Laos.

The whole of the ancient capital of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Befitting that status, this is a truly unique city. Beautifully preserved gilded temples with their attendant orange–robed monks mould almost seamlessly with traditional wooden Lao houses and grand properties from the French colonial era. Spotlessly clean streets with a thriving café culture on the banks of the Mekong and the Nam Khan, complete the picture of a city which is almost too pleasant to be true.

The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape dating from the Iron Age. Thousands of stone jars are scattered over a large area of the low foothills near Phonsavan. The main archaeological theory is that the jars formed part of Iron Age burial rituals in the area, but this is by no means proven, and a great deal of mystery remains. The area suffered tragic damage from American bombing during the Secret War of the 1960s, and much UXO remains uncleared. When that process is complete it is very likely this will be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wat Phu is a ruined Hindu Khmer temple complex in Champasak province. It dates from the 12th century and visitors who have been to Angkor Wat in neighbouring Cambodia will notice the similarities.

Shopping

Markets are also an important part of Laos landscape and a must–see itinerary for any traveller. Walking around them and browsing the colourful wares is a great way to understand a slice of the local life. From woodcarving, pottery and lamps and books made of mulberry papers to gold and silver jewellery, ethnic handicrafts and local herbs, spices and delicacies.