Trip Ideas

Landlocked Laos’ cuisine remains relatively undiscovered by the outside world, which means 100% authentically Lao dishes and cooking practices are still enjoyed in the country today. When you embark on a Laos culinary tour with AAT, you’ll enjoy fresh flavors that range from sweet and bitter to super spicy. Expect to sample fresh meats and seafood, crisp vegetables, exotic fruits, and plenty of the country’s quintessential sticky rice -- that you traditionally roll into a ball and eat with your hands! Let All Asia Tours take you on a unique culinary adventure in the ‘Land of a Million Elephants,’ where you can savor a wide range of delicious foods that more than satisfy your taste buds.

A key ingredient in Lao cooking includes padaek -- a chunky fish sauce that tends to be more pungent than many Asian fish sauces. Padaek may seem a bit intimidating at first, but it actually adds a powerful umami punch to many Lao meals. Other popular ingredients used in Lao cooking include herbs like lemongrass, as well as kaffir lime leaf, piles of raw greens, garlic, shallots, and more. A typical Lao meal is usually eaten family style and will offer a wide range of dishes. No matter if it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re likely to find generous portions of sticky rice that you can use to scoop up your food or dunk into a spicy chili sauce or thick eggplant dip.

Laab (also known as ‘larb’) is considered to be Laos’ national dish. This salad typically combines ground meats such as pork, chicken, or beef with refreshing herbs like mint and cilantro. Your plate of laab will also include heaping portions of crisp, seasonal vegetables, savory fish sauces, and ground toasted rice which adds subtle nutty undertones to the meal. You’ll also want to sample Laos’ unique curries and green papaya salad -- a sweet, sour, and spicy dish that combines succulent papaya with garnishes of tomato, garlic, and spicy chilies.

Lao also offers plenty of sweet treats that are perfect accompaniments with any meal. Many Lao desserts include generous dollops of coconut cream or splashes of coconut milk, along with juicy tropical fruits. Khao tom, a sweet or savory dish, is found in both Laos and Thailand and includes mounds of steamed sticky rice encased in banana leaves. Sweet khao tom is filled with creamy coconut milk and banana. This is very similar to khao lam, another sticky sweet rice treat often garnished with coconut, red beans, and sugar. For a truly unique and colorful Lao confection, sink your teeth into nam van, a refreshing fruit cocktail with a coconut base and a rainbow of tapioca, flavored with exotic fruits like lychee and longan.

In Vientiane, Laos, you’ll also find French culinary influences still remain from the country’s colonial days. Sample a crisp, warm baguette slathered with traditional pâté and sip a cup of strong coffee, often softened with creamy sweetened condensed milk.

Laos’ rich architecture reflects the country’s fascinating history, and with All Asia Tours, you can enjoy insider access into the country’s most incredible buildings. In the middle of the 14th century, King Fangum helped unify Laos under Theravada Buddhism; today, the majority of Lao people continue to practice this faith. Unsurprisingly, many of Laos’ architectural masterworks are Buddhist temples, and these beautiful buildings often feature massive, sweeping roofs made from layers of tile. Lovely examples of French colonial architecture are scattered through Vientiane and Luang Prabang, a UNESCO- recognized town for its blend of traditional Lao buildings and European architectural design.

French colonialism in Laos lasted from the late 1880s to 1945, and today, you can still find a variety of European- style buildings and sites throughout the country. In addition to colonial-inspired government buildings such as the Lao French Cultural Center and boutique hotels, you’ll find quintessential structures like the Patuxai Arch (Victory Monument) in Vientiane. While the arch was modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it boasts Laos touches such as five stupa-shaped towers decorated in traditional Buddhist motifs including lotus leaves and naga (serpent dragons). In addition, each tower represents Buddhist principles including thoughtfulness, flexibility, integrity, prosperity, and honesty.

Yet, most of Laos’ architectural showpieces are found in its Buddhist architecture. Embark on a pilgrimage to some of the country’s most iconic temples such as Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Sisaket. Wat Xieng Thong is a quintessential example of Luang Prabang-style architecture with its dramatic, multi-tiered roof that almost touches the ground and soars skyward in slanted peaks. Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest monastery, is flanked by rows of columns, and its ornate design also includes a tapered, five-tiered roof.

In Vientiane, Pha That Luang Stupa -- Laos’ show-stopping architectural achievement -- shimmers in radiant, golden splendor. It’s not difficult to see how this temple, considered by many to be one of the most important Buddhist architectural works in the world, is Laos’ national symbol. Phat That Luang’s unique pyramid-like design, flanked by scores of petite stupas, is also unlike almost anything you’ll find in Southeast Asia. Inside the temple, you’ll find a gilded Buddhist altar, complete with a stunning Buddha statue seated in a meditative position. In the center of the complex, you’ll also find a small park with pristinely manicured gardens.

The historic landmark of That Dam (also known as ‘Black Stupa’) in Vientiane is another must-see. This weathered structure is a stunning showpiece that sits in the center of town and creates a striking contrast against modern buildings. That Dam is actually closer to dark tan in color rather than black. According to legend, it was once covered in layers of pure metallic gold that was eventually taken by the Thais. Like Pha That Luang, That Dam also displays a different, more angular design compared to many of Laos’ traditional stupas.

Let AAT reveal to you the best of Laos’ architecture; Each of these iconic buildings tells an intriguing story that sends you centuries into the past.

Stunning Laos offers incredible natural and urban scenery - - perfect for any photography trip. When you find yourself in the ‘Land of a Million Elephants,’ you’ll discover limitless photo opportunities around every corner. From ancient Buddhist temples adorned in glistening gold to mist- shrouded mountains and jungles thick with verdant foliage and fascinating wildlife, you’ll find so many beautiful images to capture your imagination.

Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang is a must-see during any Laos vacation. During a Laos photography tour, you’ll want to bring your best wide-angle lens for stunning aerial images. When you trek to the top of this sacred hill, you can take in a stunning 360-degree panorama of the town below. For some of the best photo opportunities, visit Mount Phousi during sunrise or sunset when the sun is just peaking over the atmospheric mountains and painting the sky a beautiful palette of colors that range from amber- gold, burnt orange, and deep indigo.

No Laos photography tour is complete without a visit to the unbelievably beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, which seem to come straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Crystal-clear turquoise waters cascade in ribbon-like streams down to shimmering pools below, sending sprays of cooling mist into the surrounding atmosphere. The falls are also surrounded by vibrant jade-green foliage, adding to the tranquility of the scene. Nearby, you can explore the Kuang Si Butterfly Park and discover fascinating butterfly species. A Kuang Si trip is the perfect place for unique landscape and wildlife photography -- from striking long- distance shots to intimate close-ups.

Venture from the countryside to the city to see Luang Prabang’s main attractions. Explore Wat Mai or Wat Xieng Thong, a stunning temple with a multi-tiered roof, colorful mosaics, paintings, and ornate surface decoration in shimmering gold offers a bounty of incredible architectural photos. Explore Lao culture and everyday life through your camera lens at the Luang Prabang Night Market and other local markets that teem with colorful produce and handicrafts, as well as the local hustle and bustle. While it is possible to take photographs during the daily morning alms ceremony Luang Prabang, it’s extremely important to do this discreetly and with respect so as not to disturb. Please make sure not to use flash photography and stay well away from the monks and locals.

You’ll also want to leave no stone unturned in Vientiane, Laos’ relaxed capital city. From the charming streets and French colonial architecture to stunning sites such as Patuxai, an ornate arch based off of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, you’ll find a bounty of camera-ready attractions. Tour Wat Si Saket, a temple known for its rows of seated Buddha statues clad in saffron-colored robes. Phat That Luang, with its glistening gold spires that soar toward the sky, is another picture-perfect site for stunning photos. Venture toward the Mekong Riverfront during the evening for shots bursting with rich color -- from vendors’ crimson- topped tents to the jewel tones of sunset.

Embark on an AAT tour to Laos’ resplendent golden temples and iconic religious landmarks. In Laos, Buddhism plays a major role in daily life, and over 90% of the population practices this ancient faith. From UNESCO- recognized Luang Prabang to the capital of Vientiane and everywhere in between, you’ll find scores of sacred sites to inspire. Let All Asia Tours take you on an extraordinary journey to Laos’ spiritual centers, where you’ll soon find your heart awakened and spirit renewed.

If you begin in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, the incredibly beautiful Wat Xieng Thong is a must-see. This is the city’s most famous monastery, adorned with rich lacquer, gilded stenciling, and colorful mosaic masterworks. Wat Xieng Thong’s artistic showpiece, however, is the stunning ‘Tree of Life’ mosaic with its shimmering teal peacocks, curving tree branches, and glistening emerald leaves. The temple was first constructed in the mid-1500s during King Setthathirath’s reign, and until 1975, Wat Xieng Thong remained a royal temple for Lao kings.

Continue through Luang Prabang to Wat Mai, another striking Buddhist site decorated in velvety lacquer and glittering gold leaf. You’ll be immediately captivated by the sweeping 5-tiered roof and ornate gilded surface decoration. Wat Mai was once home to the legendary Phra Bang Buddha -- the country’s most cherished Buddha image which is now found in the Royal Palace Museum. At Wat Mai, you can still see a striking seated Buddha sculpture, as well as a replica of the Emerald Buddha now in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mount Phousi, also known as ‘Sacred Hill,’ is a small mountain situated in the middle of Luang Prabang. As you climb up either side to the summit (over 300 steps each way), you’ll find a handful of tranquil spots and small shrines where you can pause, pray or meditate, and make offerings. At the top of the hill, discover the small Buddhist temple of Wat Chom Si, as well as breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the city and Mekong River below.

In Laos’ capital Vientiane, venture to Pha That Luang -- one of Laos’ most important Buddhist monuments and a strong source of national pride. When King Setthathirat moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, he began constructing Pha That Luang as his royal headquarters. This unique temple is shaped like a pyramid, surrounded by 30 small stupas, and covered in layers and layers of gold leaf. Pha That Luang’s design is also rich in symbolism; the stupa’s three levels symbolize rising from the underworld to heaven.

Another must-see in Vientiane is Wat Si Saket, located in the heart of the city. This is one of Laos’ oldest temples and a popular tourist site. Interestingly, this temple survived Thailand’s (Siam’s) invasion of Vientiane in the 1820s. Today, you can find a number of original artworks such as murals that illustrate the Buddha’s past lives. In the ordination hall, you’ll also find a striking Buddha statue seated on a coiled naga (serpent) sculpture.

Even though Laos is Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country, you can still enjoy plenty of chances to take a cruise. The iconic Mekong River -- a major lifeline that runs along the entire length of Laos -- is famous for so many reasons. This mighty river begins in the Tibetan Plateau and flows deep into Asia before crossing through Vietnam and emptying into the South China Sea. With All Asia Tours, you can enjoy an unforgettable Mekong River trip through Laos to see picturesque scenery such as towering mountains dotted with emerald-green vegetation and charming riverside villages.

Laos’ ancient capital of Luang Prabang sits at the meeting place of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. This stunning UNESCO-recognized city is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the Mekong while you tour Luang Prabang’s many attractions. Taking a slow cruise along the Mekong River is becoming more and more popular with international travelers. Experience Lao life and culture as you see thriving markets and witness locals going about their daily tasks. On your ship, you can also enjoy everything from a sunset cruise to delicious Lao and international cuisine. As you relax on board, search for the perfect photo opportunities to remind you of your incredible trip once you return home.

During a Mekong River Cruise, venture upstream to explore the legendary Pak Ou Caves, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site and a popular spot during the Lao New Year. These ancient caverns are set in limestone cliffs and overlook where the Mekong meets the Nam Ou River. Pak Ou has an upper cave (Tham Ting) and a lower cave (Tham Teung), and each is famous for the countless Buddha statues that have been left by devotees for centuries. There are thought to be over 4,000 of these striking Buddha images, with the upper cave holding the most. According to local belief and practice, it’s unlucky to throw any of these artworks away, so as the years pass, Pak Ou Caves may hold thousands more stunning Buddha sculptures.

Lao’s current capital of Vientiane also sits along the Mekong River, and there are plenty of opportunities to take a river cruise in this beautiful city. In Vientiane, you’ll find a thriving hub of local activity along the Mekong, where locals often gather after the end of a long day to relax, chat about the day’s events, and gaze at the lovely riverscape. Vientiane’s riverfront has enjoyed plenty of developments in recent years, and as you take a leisurely stroll through the area after your cruise, you’ll find an assortment of enticing local restaurants and shops.

Cruising through Laos opens a world of hidden treasures -- breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders, fascinating local life, and warm Lao hospitality. Select from All Asia Tours’ signature itineraries in Laos or begin designing your custom Laos trip today. Whether you’re looking for luxury cabins or a ship that teems with local color and character, let AAT help you set sail through unforgettable Laos.

In Laos, you’ll find important rituals take place during the entire year, and Lao people enjoy countless occasions to celebrate. Let All Asia Tours take you on a sacred journey into Laos’ most cherished practices and traditions, including morning alms and the unique Lao baci ceremony.

For a truly humbling experience, rise in the pre-dawn hours to see morning alms in Luang Prabang, a time- honored tradition that takes place each day. Monks wrapped in saffron-colored robes walk silently through the streets with alms bowls in hand, receiving gifts of sticky rice and other fresh foods from Buddhist faithful waiting by the roadside. For both recipients and givers alike, morning alms is a special Buddhist practice of making merit -- i.e. doing good deeds that may bring increased happiness and peace in life for everyone involved. Buddhists and non- Buddhists alike will find themselves humbled by the reverent, meditative atmosphere.

Baci ceremonies, practiced for hundreds of years, are an incredibly important part of Lao culture. These time-honored rituals combine Buddhist practices and spirit worship, as well as seek the assistance of guardian spirits to look after the participants’ welfare. Ceremonies are held for a wide range of occasions such as births, deaths, marriages, remembering absent friends at a wedding, celebrations before a long journey, welcoming friends, and more. If you take part in a baci ceremony in Luang Prabang, typically a monk or elder also known as the maw pawn (blessing master) presides over the ritual and greets each special guest while chanting and praying. Most ceremonies include a phakwaan -- a bowl often crafted from folded banana leaves that may contain flowers, sweets, and/or money.

Whenever a family experiences an important event, they’ll organize a baci ceremony that typically involves music, dance, a delicious feast, and Lao blessing bracelets made from white string. These bracelets are meant to provide good luck and healthy lives for their recipients. You can tie bracelets onto fellow participants’ wrists, and you’ll likely receive many yourself. According to tradition, you should wear your bracelet for at least three days. You also should not cut the bracelet, because this symbolizes severing the good wishes you’ve received.

When attending morning alms in Luang Prabang or a baci ceremony, you’ll want to follow a few rules of thumb. During morning alms, please make sure to maintain a respectful distance from the monks (i.e. watch from afar), wear conservative clothing, and avoid close-up and/or flash photography. At a baci ceremony, you’ll want to show respect to the phakwaan by avoiding stepping over the centerpiece or sniffing the flowers. Please also make sure to not sit cross-legged because your feet will point toward those sitting next to you. When you sit down, fold your legs at your side in mermaid style so the soles of your feet (considered to be the dirtiest part of the body) will face behind you. In addition, when the maw pawn (blessing master) chants, you’ll want to hold your hands in prayer position.

In Southeast Asia, Laos is a premier destination for getting outdoors and exploring diverse landscapes. Much of mountainous Laos is largely rural, and the mighty Mekong River carves the country’s shape to the west. You’ll enjoy a bounty of opportunities for hiking and trekking, cycling through the countryside, and exploring local life along the river. In remote regions, you’ll also find hilltribe communities where villagers preserve generations-old practices. For a truly unforgettable experience, try a local homestay where you can learn about these unique traditions up close.

Try an off-road adventure through Laos into some of the country’s most incredible natural sites. Outside of Luang Prabang, enjoy a breath of fresh air as you take a walking or hiking tour by the Kuang Si Waterfalls to see stunning scenery. At the Pak Ou (‘Mouth of the Ou River’) Caves, uncover the mysteries of these fascinating caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and thousands of Buddha statues. These caves also function as Buddhist shrines, making the entire region an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The Plain of Jars, another impressive outdoor site in Laos that’s perfect for exploring, teems with remains of Iron Age jars. Wander through this vast archaeological landscape to find thousands of massive urns made from stone and clay.

All Asia Tours can also take you on a cycling journey through Laos into off-the-beaten-tourist track sites that are certain to inspire. Laos’ varied terrain -- from the beautiful cities to the charming countryside -- makes the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ one of Southeast Asia’s most popular biking destinations. Pedal past villagers as they toil in the fields, tour acres of coffee plantations in the south, and view rugged mountains in the north. Luang Prabang also is a popular Laos cycling destination; the broad streets and leisurely pace of life make this city a great place for a relaxed ride. Luang Prabang is also a great jumping off point for cycling near the picturesque Mekong River.

Laos is also home to lots of forests, thick with emerald- green foliage. You can try everything from exploring dense jungles to ziplining through the trees. If you’re passionate about rock climbing and intense treks through rugged mountains, Laos offers plenty of opportunities. Like many landscapes in Southeast Asia, you’ll find limestone formations that soar upward from sweeping valleys. Adventurous travelers can also try a kayak expedition through the mighty Mekong, where you can zigzag through this winding river that slices through gorges and towering mountains.

Another excellent way to experience the great outdoors in Laos is at one of the country’s ethical elephant conservation centers, where you can observe these majestic creatures communing in their natural habitat. For an unforgettable experience, you may even have the chance to take a leisurely walk with these gentle animals through the lush countryside. It’s especially humbling to walk in the soft footsteps of the elephants, and in the process, you’ll likely feel a closer connection to these fascinating creatures and to the land itself.

Laos, one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems, enjoys a simpler and relaxed pace of life. Here, centuries-old traditions continue to be preserved for future generations. This is best seen in the countryside, tucked away in villages hidden from the main tourist track. These stunning landscapes are also perfect spots for a hike or trek. Explore Laos for a little while, and you’ll soon find that much of the country remains rural, and many locals in remote areas both farm and live off of the land to support their families. With All Asia Tours, you can experience traditional village life firsthand and have the unique opportunity to meet members of Laos’ indigenous hilltribe peoples. No matter your age, a visit to Laos’ traditional villages, where locals live simply and happily, proves to be an enriching learning experience.

While Laos’ government recognizes almost 50 individual hilltribe communities, it is estimated that the country is home to many more groups. Many hilltribes, such as the Hmong, Khmu, Yuan, and Akha, traveled south from China and eventually settled in Laos’ northern highlands. Here, you’ll find that villagers grow a range of crops such as white rice, corn, and a variety of vegetables. Traditional farming practices and simple tools are commonly used, and almost the entire family will pitch in and help tend the land. As you tour these charming villages, you’ll likely see stunning rice paddies, with their patchwork of emerald plants springing up from the earth.

A visit to Laos’ hilltribe villages also opens up a rich world of long-practiced handicrafts. You’ll likely see locals at work on their daily tasks such as crafting tools and weaving traditional garments. You’ll be amazed at the incredible quality and color of this textiles in radiant shades of magenta and hot pink, deep cobalt blue, bright jade green, and just about every other color of the rainbow. Explore local markets and night markets to see villagers with a fascinating range of goods for sale. The Hmong’s fiber work is especially beautiful; see intricate reverse embroidery adorning linens and other fabrics. Marvel at the Akha’s ornate garments, which feature sprinklings of bells, silver buttons, and shimmering beads.

For an unforgettable cultural adventure, let All Asia Tours arrange for you to try a rural Lao village homestay. Don’t miss a chance to witness hilltribes’ everyday lives up close -- a perfect opportunity to learn more about centuries-old traditions that are so unique compared to anything you’ve ever known. Even though many hilltribe villagers have few material goods, you’ll find your heart warmed by their generosity and hospitality. You’ll likely enjoy a rustic homecooked meal and very simple accommodations, but you’ll be infinitely richer for the experience.

Let All Asia Tours take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into Laos’ rural countryside, which will prove to be an enriching experience you will never forget. Speak with an AAT travel professional today about pre-designed and custom travel options -- lovely Laos awaits.