Itinerary

Checklist & How we Travel

• Inclusions:
  
• 4 nights hotel accommodation.
• Domestic flight as specified.
• All road transport by air-conditioned vehicles.
• All sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees).
• Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers.
• Local English-speaking guides throughout,
• Arrival and departure transfers.
• Breakfast daily, one lunch and one dinner.
  
  GETTING AROUND: We try to ensure that all accommodation and transport on all of our journeys is of a high standard, safe, and clean and comfortable. In order to maximize sightseeing time we fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang on Lao Airlines. Our road travel around Vientiane and Luang Prabang is over short distances only (city touring). We take a two-hour boat cruise on a beautiful stretch of the Mekong, to the Pak Ou Caves.
  
  WHERE WE STAY: We use the finest hotels available. In Viantiane we use the charming colonial-era Settha Palace. In Luang Prabang we end our stay at the very special, boutique La Residence Phou Vao (formerly the Pansea). Both hotels have wonderful pools, well appointed rooms, and treat guests to outstanding service. As the tourism industry in Laos is developing, service standards may not always be at the same level as in western countries.
  
  WHAT WE EAT: At Travel Indochina we are keen to provide as wide an array of culinary opportunities as possible, in both local and some very special easting establishments. Tour leaders will always be on hand to provide you with a number of options, no matter what your inclination. Tour leaders also frequently join you for meals, revealing some of their favourite dishes. Don’t forget that we do not usually include meals (except breakfast) in the price of your tour. This is to allow you flexibility when choosing what you would like to eat. There is a wide range of delicious food in Laos. Main courses at good restaurants are generally 4USD to 7USD. Well-known dishes worth sampling include duck laap (minced duck salad), fish soup, and sticky rice mango pudding.

Tour Q&A

Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me?
A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.

Q: Who will I be travelling with?
A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour?
A: Highlights of Laos is graded Easy and is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Highlights of Laos deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.

Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller?
A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.

Q: Can I bring the kids?     
A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here  to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.

Q: What are the visa requirements?
A: You will need a valid visa in order to enter Laos. It is possible to obtain one on arrival at the the airport in Vientiane. The price of a Lao visa varies according to nationality and is $30USD for holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, $35USD for holders of USA and UK passports, and $42USD for holders of Canadian passports. For travellers of all nationalities payment should be made in USD cash and a passport photo must be provided.

Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in?
A: We stay in a selection of some of the finest and most atmospheric hotels in Laos. In Vientiane you will experience the Settha Palace, a restored colonial villa set on attractive grounds with one of the best pools in town. In Luang Prabang we stay at the exquisite La Residence Phou Vou (formerly the Pansea), a deluxe hotel with stunning views of the town and surrounding mountains. These are not just places to rest your head at the end of a day of exploration. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.

Q: Who will accompany our group?
A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.

Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included?
A: Arrival and departure transfers are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Vientiane airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel.

Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Highlights of Laos?
A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. The longest distance (Vientiane to Luang Prabang) is covered by flight and thus drive times are short.

Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost?
A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.

Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour?
A: Lao cuisine is similar to Thai food and can be quite spicy. We eat at quality Lao restaurants – serving a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork, duck and vegetable dishes. In the country’s capital Vientiane and in Luang Prabang, international cuisine is available. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste as much local flavour as and when you like. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.

Q: How much money will I spend per day touring?
A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. Laos offers great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Western restaurants will cost more.

Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel?
A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!