destination
Guess Who's Turning 50 Next Year?You're Invited to a BIG Celebration!View 50th Anniversary Treks

Lush, languid and welcoming, it's easy to see why travellers are lured back to Laos. With its meandering rivers, remote villages and tranquil cities, Laos is famous for a gentle pace that invites you to slow down, relax and absorb your surroundings.

But this is by no means a boring destination: Laos's cities are a unique mix of golden Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture and colourful markets, thick with aromas of incense and fragrant street food, and yet you need not travel far to find waterfalls, caves and jungle-clad mountains to explore.

You can tour splendid temples and handsome colonial architecture in Vientiane, and unwind in the tranquil river city of Luang Prabang, with its saffron-robed monks and vibrant night markets. Then delve into the history of Southeast Asia by visiting the ancient Hindu Khmer ruins of Wat Phu or walking among the mysterious stone megaliths of the Plain of Jars.

Enjoy Laos's wild natural beauty with a cruise down the lush waterways of the mighty Mekong or a sojourn in the stunning 4,000 Islands of southern Laos. Don your boots and trek through the remote northern mountains, join one of our superb cycle journeys through scenic backroads and ethnic minority villages, or kayak down rivers fringed with dramatic karst outcrops.

Whichever itinerary you choose, you'll love the unique landscapes, cultures, cuisine and ambiance of this unspoiled gem of Southeast Asia.

 
 

Find your Laos trip


 

Our all inclusive approach

Quality services at the best prices make our Laos adventures great value for money. While all of our cycle trips include bikes and back up support vehicles, accommodations have been chosen based on their location and local charm. Additionally, we aim to incorporate as many inclusions in the trip cost as possible including most meals, transfers, domestic flights and national park fees.

Authentic experiences

Our adventures are designed to take you off the well-trodden tourist trails and gain insight into life on this side of the world. Whether you choose a cycling or hiking adventure, travelling under your own steam is an incredibly rewarding way to explore the hidden gem of Laos.

Experienced local guides

It is our expert field guides that make your Laos experience special. Not only are our guides passionate about the otudoors, but they choose to lead our trips with a deep belief that our itineraries minimise our environmental footprint and give back to local communities.


 

Support of local communities

We employ staff from local communities and provide them with training, good wages and insurance benefits under the labor law. We also use locally run accommodation and encourage travellers to shop and dine at locally operated stalls and establishments.

Carbon travel minimisation

Our itineraries are designed to minimise the amount of carbon produced, opting for bikes, city walks, cyclos and electric cars as first options.

Child safe tourism

We protect vulnerable children by adhering to our comprehensive Child Welfare Code of Conduct and seek to educate travellers about the issues surrounding such abuses.

Animal welfare focus

We advocate against the practice of riding on the back of an elephant as part of a tourism experience and as such, we do not include elephant rides in any of our Cambodia itineraries. In the interest of public safety and animal welfare we also discourage travellers from partaking in such activities outside of our trips.


Hotels

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

Inns

We use quality inns situated in natural environments. They are not luxury inns; however we ensure they offer you a truly authentic experience.

Lodges

Our lodges provide comfortable accommodation that is well maintained and with good facilities.



A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.


Trip reviews


Along the Mekong River by Bike with Greg Packer
Currency

Laotian Kip

Thai Baht and USD are the best currencies to exchange although AUD, GBP, NZD are also accepted.

Banks and exchange facilities are found in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane.

Visa cards and ATM are available in most major centres, however it is not recommended to rely on these solely.

If you are purchasing items of over US$50 it is best not to change this into Lao kip as you will require a small back pack to carry all the notes!

International Dialing Code

+856

Electricity
Type A plug

Electricity in Laos is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The pin type varies but is most commonly types A and C. We recommend taking a universal adapter.

Visas

A visa for Laos is required for passport holders from the following countries: Australia New Zealand United Kingdom United States Canada

Citizens of the above countries can obtain a 30 day tourist visa with the easy to use e-visa system - https://laoevisa.gov.la/index. Processing time is 3 days and the e-visa can be used to enter through the following border points;

Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I (Vientiane)

Luang Prabang International Airport

Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II (Savannakhet Province)

Pakse International Airport (Champasack Province)

You can also obtain your Laos visa upon arrival at Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airports, and at the Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai Thailand and Vientiane Laos. Passport photographs are required for a visa on arrival. To apply for a visa on arrival you will need: 2 blank pages in your passport 2 recent passport-size photos USD40 in cash.

All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips