Why a tour
in Vietnam and Laos ?
While Vietnam shares its southern border with Cambodia, it borders Laos to the north. It is therefore quite feasible and easy to visit northern Vietnam (and also the central region) and Laos for dedicated circuits especially focused on discovering the stunning landscapes and populations living in the mountains.
Both Vietnam and Laos are home to numerous ethnic minorities whose lives are shaped by the agricultural seasons in the mountains. You can choose a combined Vietnam and Laos circuit to discover the culture of several populations that you will encounter throughout your journey, such as the Hmong people in northern Vietnam or the Khmu, considered the first inhabitants of Laos.
You could also choose a combined trip to northern Vietnam and Laos to discover superb destinations such as Lan Ha Bay and Ninh Binh (also known as the Terrestrial Halong Bay), destinations in the north such as Sapa, Ha Giang or Mu Cang Chai and Pu Luong, as well as Luang Prabang in Laos.
To discover Vietnam and Laos
No tours match your criteria
To discover Laos
Overview of Laos
Like Vietnam, Laos also experienced a very deadly war of independence, receiving an unimaginable number of bombs from the Americans (more than during the entire Second World War). The country, with just over 6 million inhabitants, is gradually developing and now focuses on tourism. Enclaved between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, Laos is developing natural and discovery tourism, particularly in the mountainous North. The landscapes of Laos, around Vang Vieng and in the higher North than Luang Prabang, are indeed worth admiring!
In addition to its mountainous landscapes, the territory of Laos has a rich history that you will discover especially through the visit of the city of Luang Prabang. The Buddhist temples in the city have been beautifully renovated to allow you to immerse yourself in the history of the Lan Xang Kingdom (1353-1707), of which Luang Prabang was the spiritual capital.
The Lao population, diverse and still rooted in its traditions, will also charm you with its kindness.
In its elongated shape like Vietnam, Laos has a tropical climate similar to the former. The dry season lasts from November to the end of February, and relatively cold temperatures can be expected in the northern part of the country during this period, as in Luang Prabang, where the mercury can even drop to near 0°C. The country experiences high temperatures from March to June before the rains bring some relief (although it remains hot). April is particularly hot, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 42°C. The rainy season, on the other hand, lasts from late May to October, with September being the rainiest month of the year.
Sticky rice (khao niao) forms the basis of the Laotian diet. It is most often served in small bamboo baskets. The way to eat it may remind some of their travels in Africa: make a ball with the rice and dip it in the dish, much like bread! You’ll get to taste some traditional dishes like laap, a traditional salad made with meat and plenty of aromatic herbs. In Luang Prabang, you can enjoy the famous grilled and sweet sausage as an appetizer. Just be aware that Laotian cuisine is similar to that of Thailand and can be quite spicy!