Laos Tours and Travels

YPT Tours to Laos

Known as the “Land of a million elephants”, Laos is a captivating destination and one of the most untouched countries in south-East Asia. It attracts travellers looking for stunning natural beauty, with unexplored mountains, untouched jungle and remote villages, but also a rich culture with beautiful ancient temples. Think of Laos as a more genuine, less-touristic Southeast Asian country than its neighbours. While this means that the infrastructures and travel options are not the best (that’s where YPT comes to the rescue!), it allows you to discover the country in its purest form, away from the crowds.

With experience and tight connections, YPT can help you navigate safely to see the best Laos has to offer.

Group Tours to Laos

YPT do not currently run group tours specifically to Laos, but we’re always expanding our scope of destinations so check this page and our social media accounts regularly to get all the news. We can however organize trips to Laos after our Southeast Asia Adventure.

Ultimate Southeast Asia Adventure, July 15th-26th 2024, $1195

Ultimate South East Asia Adventure

Independent Tours to Laos

Having ran tours in Southeast Asia for almost a decade, Young Pioneer Tours have been able to create a great network of local partners and guides. As such we can arrange independent and bespoke travel packages, no matter what you’re looking for: budget tour of the best of Laos, active travel, cultural holidays or a more luxury trip.

Example of a Highlights of Laos Itinerary (7 days)

Day 1 – Luang Prabang

Arrive at your convenience into Luang Prabang, a beautiful town located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.
Start the visit of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to many temples, including Wat Xieng Thong (the Golden City Temple), Wat Phon Sheu (the Mountain Monastery), and Wat Mai Suwan (the Silver Temple).
Walk up Phousi Mountain for a panoramic sunset view of the city and surrounding mountains.
Finish the day with a trip to the colorful Night Market.

Day 2 – Luang Prabang and Pak Ou Caves

In the morning, participate in the traditional alms-giving ceremony, where monks receive offerings from the local people.
Then, enjoy a guided tour to see the city’s oldest temples that you couldn’t visit the day before.
Board a cruise up the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, which are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.
Along the way stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where you can see the locals distilling rice into local Lao Lao wine and whiskey.

Day 3 – Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls

After breakfast, stroll through the Phousi Market where you see many local products such as dried buffalo skin, local tea and salt among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
In the afternoon, visit the Kuang Si Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle. You can go for a swim in the turquoise pools at the base of the falls.
You can also visit the Bear Rescue Center, managed by an NGO called FreeTheBears.

Day 4 – The Plain of Jars

Drive to the Xieng Khouang Plateau, home to the mysterious “plain of jars”, a UNESCO site with hundreds of mysterious megalithic jars. This high-altitude region exhibits a rich diversity and stands in contrast to the more tropical parts of Laos.
The plateau itself is scarred by the legacy of American bombing fom 1964-1973.
Along the way stop at hill-tribe villages, mostly from the Hmong minority.

Day 5 – Phonsavanh – Ventiane

Start early, riding to the ruins of the old capital of the Phuan kingdom.
On the way back to Phonsavanh, explore more of the Plain of Jars, either “Site 2” or “Site 3”.
A 30-minute flight will bring you to the capital of Laos, Vientiane.
After checking into your hotel, continue your sightseeing tour of Vientiane with a short visit to the Patuxay, a monument of national pride on Lanexang Avenue. In the evening, enjoy the Mekong River sunset and delicious Lao cuisine.

Day 6 – Ventiane

Today is dedicated to the capital. First up, visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving temple in Vientiane. Be prepared to be awestruck by its thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Next, journey to Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the revered Emerald Buddha Image. Continuing your exploration to the iconic That Luang Stupa. This magnificent golden structure is a national symbol and a must-see for any visitor to Vientiane.

Then, check the imposing Patuxay Monument. This majestic archway, often compared to the Arc de Triomphe, offers a perfect opportunity for capturing some memorable photos.

Depending on the weather, you can then embark on a leisurely walking tour in the afternoon. You could visit serene temples like Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, and Wat Haisok, or simply relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

No trip to Vientiane is complete without experiencing its vibrant markets. Navigate through the bustling Talat Sao and Talat Kouadin, the city’s central markets.

Day 7 – Ventiane

Breakfast at hotel
Tour concludes

Example of Express Laos Tour (4 days)

Day 1 – Vientiane

Start your Laotian adventure in Vientiane, the capital city. Despite being a small capital, Vientiane boasts a colonial charm alongside beautiful Buddhist temples.
Spend the morning exploring Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, known for its thousands of captivating miniature Buddha statues.
Next, head to Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha (now displayed in Bangkok).
In the afternoon, visit the That Luang Stupa, a magnificent golden landmark considered the most important national monument in Laos.

Day 2 – Vientiane – Mekong River & Night Market

This morning, take a stroll along the scenic Mekong River for a refreshing perspective of the city.
In the afternoon, head to the imposing Patuxay Monument for panoramic views of the city. This impressive structure is nicknamed Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe.”
As the day winds down, explore the vibrant Vientiane Night Market. Immerse yourself in the sights and smells as you browse through an array of local crafts, textiles, and delicious street food.

Day 3 – Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls

Take a short flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming town, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is known for its serene atmosphere and stunning temples.
In the morning, participate in the traditional alms-giving ceremony, a unique cultural experience where monks receive offerings from the local people.
Afterward, embark on a walking tour to explore some of Luang Prabang’s many temples, including Wat Xieng Thong (the Golden City Temple) and Wat Mai Suwan (the Silver Temple).
In the afternoon, take a trip to the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle. Take a dip in the cool, turquoise pools at the base of the falls or hike the trails that lead to the upper tiers.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Relaxation & Departure

After a relaxing breakfast, spend the morning exploring the streets of Luang Prabang or browsing through the shops at the Morning Market.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs before departing from Luang Prabang.
This itinerary provides a taste of Laos’ rich culture, from its historical sites and vibrant markets to its stunning natural landscapes. Remember, this is just a suggestion, and you can tailor it to your interests and preferences.

Bespoke Laos Tours

We are able to offer the following bespoke programs. Should what you are looking for not be on this list, please get in touch to see if we can fix it for you.

UNESCO Cultural Heritage Tour

This YPT tour can include visits to the magnificent temples of Vientiane and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, participation in the traditional alms-giving ceremony, and exploration of the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO site with hundreds of mysterious megalithic jars scattered across the Xieng Khouang Plateau. It can also include Vat Phou, a pre-Angkorian Hindu temple complex located in Champasak Province

Festival Immersion Tour

YPT can time your trip to coincide with one of Laos’ many vibrant festivals. Witness the Bun Pha Wet festival, a boat racing festival held in Luang Prabang where you’ll see teams of monks and local residents compete in colourful longtail boats, or join the celebrations of That Luang festival, a national holiday marking the Lao New Year.

Culinary Discovery Tour

The YPT team is full of foodies, so we can please your taste buds on a journey through Laos’ diverse cuisine. This tour can include cooking classes where you learn to prepare traditional Lao dishes, like papaya salad (som tam) and sticky rice (khao niao), visits to local markets to sample fresh ingredients, and meals at family-run restaurants.

Adventure Tour

YPT can take you to hidden caves with a local guide, learning about the region’s unique geological formations. You can also kayak down the Nam Ou River surrounded by breathtaking limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, or embark on a multi-day trek in a remote area of northern Laos, staying in traditional homestays and interacting with local communities. Another option is to explore the stunning landscapes of Phou Hin Bun National Biodiversity Conservation Area, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Elephant Volunteering Tour

YPT can help you organize a volunteer experience at a reputable elephant sanctuary that prioritizes the well-being of these majestic creatures. You can observe elephants in their natural habitat, learn about the challenges they face in the wild, and in activities that stimulate the elephants mentally and physically.

Laos Dark History Tour

Laos has a complex history marked by war and struggle and YPT can offer a deeper understanding of the country’s past. During the tour, you’ll learn about the complex history of the Vietnam war in Laos, often referred to as the “Secret War”, and understand the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO). In Vang Vieng, a town known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities, you can see the scars of heavy bombing during the Vietnam War, explore the remains of a US Air Force runway and bomb craters.

Whole Laos Tour

In two weeks (or more), YPT can organize a tour covering much of the country. Your Laotian adventure will begin in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, you’ll journey north to trek through lush mountainscapes to cascading waterfalls like Kuang Si, before going down the Nam Ou River. You’ll continue south to Vang Vieng, then reach the Bolaven Plateau, with its misty coffee plantations and waterfalls, before finishing in Vientiane, the charming capital.

School trips to Laos

YPT can arrange school trips to Laos, with a focus on the local history. These can be combined with Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, with us having full adaptability deepening on your schedule.

Filming in Thailand

Through our media arm Pioneer Media we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within Laos from big budget to guerrilla productions. We can also arrange meetings in country, as well as correct visas for journalist wishing to do projects within Loas.

Frequently asked Questions about travel to Laos

Do I need a visa to travel to Laos?

Citizens of most nationalities need to get a visa in advance to visit Laos. In the recent years, the process has been simplified a lot and now a lot of nationalities can get an e-visa including every country of the EU, Canada, the United States, Australia and New-Zealand

What is the best time to visit Laos?

The best time to visit Laos is typically during the cool, dry season from October to May. That is also when the main festivals take place, which is why YPT organizes its group tours in that period.

Is Laos safe for tourists?

As far as crime is concerned, Laos is generally considered safe for tourists. However, petty crime, such as theft and bag snatching, can happen in tourist areas. Safeguard your belongings in crowded areas.

What currency is used in Laos?

The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). US Dollars (USD) are also widely accepted in tourist areas, It's recommended to carry cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted in many places. ATM fees can be high, so plan your withdrawals accordingly.

Are there any health precautions I should take before traveling to Laos?

Travelers are advised to check with their healthcare provider for vaccinations and take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue. Avoid drinking tap water in Laos. Stick to bottled water or purified water.

What is the local etiquette and customs in Laos?

Laos has a conservative culture, and it's important to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. It's customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home or a temple. Public displays of affection are generally not the norm in Laos.

Is it possible to use a SIM card for mobile communication in Laos?

Most cafes, hotels and restaurants have free Wifi, as well as some shops and fuel stations. You can buy a prepaid SIM card in the arrival hall of the airport. There are also many SIM card shops in the cities. Tourist SIM cards are available from 3USD. Laos has four major mobile network operators offering prepaid services. We recommend using Unitel, Lao Telecom, ETL and TPlus.

Why travel to Laos with Young Pioneer Tours?

Laos is not as touristic as its neighbours, so the infrastructure is not well developed. Having been going to the country since 2016 and having a network of local partners on the ground, YPT can help you to arrange transportation, accommodation, and activities. This can save you time and hassle. Your YPT guide will also know all the best spots to visit, including hidden temples, waterfalls, and viewpoints.