Laos - the only landlocked nation in this region – is a destination that deserves to be top of an Asia bound traveller’s must visit list. Whether as part of a broader Southeast Asia adventure or a dedicated exploration of its fascinating history, people, and culture, a Laos luxury tour with a Secret Retreats Laos travel package is the perfect way to ensure you see the very best of this beautiful and fascinating country.
A Laos vacation package has never been easier to arrange, and with curated journeys by Secret Retreats, an itinerary within the ‘Land Of A Million Elephants’ has already been carefully chosen by those with in-depth knowledge of the region. All you need to do is choose the Laos private tour that best ticks all your boxes for fascinating, rewarding, and responsible travel in Asia.
If time permits, you might consider combining multiple destinations, such as our Khmer and Lao UNESCO Heritage Sites itinerary or our Thai Laos Mekong River journey. These amazing destinations are well worth returning to, with so much to see and experience, making them some of the best tours in Laos and beyond. The Secret Retreats concierges are ready to help you plan your Bangkok to Laos Tour and Southeast Asia holiday itinerary tailored just for you.
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Set Your Clock to ‘Calm’ on Your Laos Luxury Tour
One of the most common descriptions given by visitors to Laos is its ‘laid back slow-life vibe’ which perfectly suits a luxury Laos holiday. Hugging the Mighty Mekong River and far less commercially developed than its immediate neighbors, Laos captures the essence of a bygone era – many bygone eras, in fact. From Northern Hill-Tribes - for whom time has changed very little in their high-up villages – to the south of the country, where river communities occupy palm-fringed islands and where the French Colonial era has left its mark on both the architecture and gastronomy. A Laos tour itinerary with Secret Retreats offers access to this land's rich diversity and its people, ensuring an unforgettable Laos luxury tour. ‘Setting Your Clock’ is extremely pertinent to this nation, as everything shuts down by 11 p.m., as though the country is climbing into its collective pyjamas. While all-night partying is best left to some of the nation’s immediate neighbors, there is so much to see and do during a Laos one-week itinerary that settling into bed in your authentic yet stylish luxury accommodation will honestly feel ‘just right.’North, South, or Something in the Middle on Your Laos Vacation Package
Whether you are seeking a Northern Laos itinerary, a Southern Laos itinerary, or wish to combine the two in your overall Laos tour package, Secret Retreats has curated a variety of options to ensure your visit includes the top things to do in Laos. All regions are centered around the Mighty Mekong River, and for a land-locked nation, you will not miss the white sands and sea breeze of its immediate neighbors, because you will be spoiled for choice on swimming and adventure opportunities. The Mekong is life in Laos, so even among the hills of the north and the tribes who dwell there, the river is never far away.In fact, river life was one of the main reasons that drew the party-backpacking crowd to northern Laos in former days, with travelers heading to Vang Vieng in pursuit of hedonism. Thankfully, these days this northern location is considerably more tranquil, as strict curbs have been placed on excessive partying in favor of attracting visitors interested in adventurous activities, the flora, fauna, people, and many outdoor pursuits available in the region. Yes, you can still float along the Mighty Mekong in a tractor inner tube (‘Tubing’) and perhaps grab a drink along the way, but this is now a pleasurable, meandering way to spend an afternoon, free of the crowds and loud music of its previous incarnation. There are also marvelous kayaking and hiking opportunities around Vang Vieng, with the focus on eco-tourism, making it a must-visit. It’s worth adding this destination as an ‘extra’ to your Vientiane 2 days itinerary or as a destination in its own right during your journey in the north. While Vientiane is less frenetic and ‘Look At Me’ than the capitals of its neighboring nations, it still has its own relaxed charm, temples, amazing markets, fantastic restaurants, and fine hotels. A Vang Vieng itinerary will be action-packed, with Secret Retreats ensuring your journey is a pleasure rather than just passing through on your way to your next destination in Laos.
Luang Prabang – The Jewel in the Crown of Any Laos Luxury Tour
‘Sabai Dee’ – the friendly greeting you will hear all across the land – perfectly captures the essence of Luang Prabang, truly ‘The Jewel In The Crown’ of this nation. As the highlight of any Laos tour package, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect blend of ancient, historical, and 20th-century influences. Beautifully preserved ancient temples sit alongside French Colonial architecture, adding to the town’s considerable charms. Situated on the banks of the Mighty Mekong, with locals riding bicycles across rickety bridges and chi-chi restaurants twinkling with fairy lights, Luang Prabang’s charm is guaranteed to delight. Whether you choose a Luang Prabang and Vientiane itinerary or a Luang Prabang itinerary journey, Secret Retreats (and the location itself) will not disappoint.Beyond the town’s charms, there is much to see and do in the surrounding areas during your Laos family holiday, particularly the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall. After an uphill walk, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning vista of a postcard-perfect waterfall where you can swim. Yes, it even has a Tarzan-ready rope to swing across and plunge into water so clear and blue it feels like a movie set. This destination represents outstanding natural beauty, a commitment to eco-tourism, and even includes a nearby Bear Sanctuary that supports conservation work. In fact, the north of Laos is the gateway where you can enter and exit the nation from nearby Thailand, making use of the Mekong river to travel through Luang Prabang and beyond on a delightful Mekong river cruise where Laos luxury travel truly comes into its own unique and beautiful character. While the north has its many charms, the south of Laos also offers much to explore.
River Communities and Island Life on a Southern Laos Itinerary
It might come as a surprise that you don’t need a palm-fringed beach to enjoy island life on a Southern Laos itinerary – even in a landlocked country, island life, in fact, 4,000 islands life can be enjoyed in the fascinating southern destination of Don Det, where Laos borders Cambodia. The nearest drop-off point is the town of Pakse – worth a visit – and the gateway to this fascinating region, where the Mekong is wide enough to accommodate thousands of small river islands, each with delightful accommodation. This is very much a ‘wind-down, chill-out, and let the world go by’ destination. With river beaches, jetties, and the joy of watching life along the great Mekong against a glorious sunset, Southern Laos is spectacular in all its laid-back charm. With carefully curated, authentic luxury accommodation by Secret Retreats, your inner hippy never has to ‘rough it’. Laos luxury travel has truly come of age, and Secret Retreats shares the best of this with you on our Southern Laos itineraries. Spas, massages, and healing treatments abound in this nation, ensuring that any Laos holiday package is definitely good for the soul.Laos Luxury Travel is Good for the Soul and Good for the Country
As a leading supporter of sustainable and responsible tourism, Secret Retreats has worked with local hospitality providers in the north and south of Laos to ensure that visitors contribute to small community-based businesses and locally owned providers. These partnerships underpin the values of eco-tourism by ensuring that both the historical and indigenous cultures of the nation are preserved, the ecosystem is sustained, and the friendly local people who welcome travelers will continue to do so. Luxury stays on your Laos vacation package can be enjoyed responsibly with Secret Retreats, safe in the knowledge that the unusual and beautiful places you visit are not altered by your presence. A winning situation for all.
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