VIETNAM CAMBODIA & LAOS

Handmade Holidays in Laos
Laos is ideal for travellers seeking the Asia of old. Pristine landscapes stretch as far as the eye can
see, and the Mekong River runs languidly on, as it has for centuries. Ancient Buddhist wats glimmer
in the sun and mysterious ruins amaze. However it is the friendly locals and leisurely pace which
really encapsulate times gone by. Meet smiling hilltribes or wander a local market to experience this
wonderful feeling.
Vientiane
Vientiane is the charming capital of Laos, with an
idyllic setting on the banks of the Mekong River.
Visit Wat That Luang and gain an insight into the
Buddhist religion during a personal conversation
with the monks who live there. At night indulge in
a cocktail at the banks of the river as the sun sets.
Plain of Jars
Laos is known for its natural beauty, and the rugged
mountain landscapes in the north are no exception.
Here, the mysterious Plain of Jars lies. Steeped
in legend, its origins are unclear. Experience the
surrounding natural beauty as you walk the path
around the jars.
4,000 Islands
The little-visited 4,000 Islands region of the
south is stunning, where the locals live as they
have for centuries, and the surging waters of the
Mekong are home to a rare breed of endangered
freshwater dolphin.
Luang Prabang
There is so much to be mesmerised by in Luang
Prabang, not least of which are the wonderful people.
The country’s royal capital is home to the region’s
most authentic night market, where local hilltribes
come with their weaving, handmade silver jewellery
and delicious regional snacks. Learn how to make
delicious Laotian cuisine in a hands-on cooking class
or rise early and witness thousands of saffron-robed
monks walk the streets of town barefoot to collect
daily alms from the locals. A boat trip upriver reveals
the Pak Ou Cave of a Thousand Buddhas, and a light
hike to the top of Mount Phou Si affords gorgeous
views over the valley below.
Join us in Laos, the ‘Kingdom of a Million Elephants’,
for a holiday that is sure to captivate your imagination
for years to come. This is a destination to relax into
and enjoy the laid-back pace a world away from the
hustle and bustle found elsewhere in Asia.
map legend
Capital City
Cities / Towns
International Gateway
Travel Indochina Office
Climate
Laos can be visited year-round. The ‘wet’ season is from
May to October. During this time the tropical lowlands
average 30 degrees Celsius, while the mountains remain
cooler. Rain is usually in the form of sporadic showers
and rarely affects travel, although overland road travel
in some remote regions may not be possible. Many
travellers prefer Laos at this time of year as there are
fewer tourists, and the landscape is lush and green. In
the north it can get quite cool in the evenings between
November and February.
Average minimum/maximum
temperatures in celsius
JAN APR JUL OCT
Luang Prabang 20°/31° 24°/35° 24°/32° 24°/30°
Vientiane 20°/32° 25°/36° 25°/33° 24°/31°
Paske 20°/31° 23°/34° 23°/31° 23°/29°
Footloose Adventures
For travellers looking for an independent
exploration of Laos, our Footloose Adventures
give you a basic framework from which to build
your ultimate experience, without all the hassles.
Perfect for travellers on any budget. See pages
8 and 9.
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