Laos Overviews:

Laos provides the traveller a chance to truly experience Asia as it once was. Largely undeveloped, devotedly Buddhist and blessed geographically with natural beauty, this country will forever leave a lasting impression on all travellers.

Time - Laos is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time in Australia.

Language - The official and dominant language is Lao, a tonal language of the Tai linguistic group but English is spoken in the main cities as is French by the older generation. Thai and Vietnamese are also common.

Entry Requirements - Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the length of stay. Visas are required for all nationalities, the price of which is already included in the fully inclusive price of all our group tours for Australian Passport holders.

WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR

This year we have expanded our Laos Encompassed Group tour to incorporate more of Thailand into the itinerary. Now called Thailand and Laos Encompassed this tour allows you to experience the lifestyles of the hill tribes in the north of Thailand and along the Mekong River in Laos. We have also added more departures to our popular Grand Tour of Indochina which covers not only Laos but Vietnam and Cambodia within the same tour.

VIENTIANE

Weaving along the Mekong River, Vientiane, is the capital of Laos and the largest city in the country, yet is still small enough to get to know easily. The tree-lined boulevards and old temples impart an old world charm in spite of passing traffic.

LUANG PRABANG
Set amidst a striking mountainous skyline, Luang Prabang is a beautiful town retaining its original enchanting character and is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia. This UNESCO listed city is the crown jewel of Laos and royal residence of the last king Sisavan Vatthana.

VANG VIENG
Vang Vieng is the Laos equivalent to Guilin with similar limestone mountainous landscape. Once a favourite destination for backpackers, Vang Vieng is fast becoming a destination for more mainstream travellers.

PAKSE
Located on the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don Rivers, the capital of Champasak Province is the departure point for Wat Phou, Four Thousand Islands and the coffee plantations of Bolaven Plateau. From here you can also visit Khone Pha Pheng Waterfalls, reputed to be the largest waterfalls in Asia.

PLAIN OF JARS (Phonsavan)
Situated in Xieng Khuang Province, the Plain of Jars is home to the mysterious and reputed 2000 year old stone jars. Phonsavan (Phonsavanh), the official provincial capital is the closest city and airport to the Plain of Jars.

CHAMPASAK (Wat Phou)
A small and quiet former French colonial town, Champasak is now better known for its Pre-Angkorian temple dating back to the 8th century AD which has been listed as a World Heritage site. Wat Phou is thought to have been the possible capital of the first Khmer Kingdom before they moved south to the Ton Le Sap area.

Please contact: Laos Travel Specialist for your Homestay Tour at email: sales@vietnamhomestay.net