AITO 4.9 Excellent Rating
| Tour Code | Start | End | Trip Status | Pricing Per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LCM/261026 |
Oct 26, 2026
Monday |
Nov 10, 2026
Tuesday |
Guaranteed |
£3,195.00
Single Room Supplement: £655.00 |
| LCM/150227 |
Feb 15, 2027
Monday |
Mar 02, 2027
Tuesday |
Guaranteed |
£3,195.00
Single Room Supplement: £655.00 |
| LCM/251027 |
Oct 25, 2027
Monday |
Nov 09, 2027
Tuesday |
Guaranteed |
£3,295.00
Single Room Supplement: £665.00 |
Laos – The Secret Heart of Asia
Duration
16 days
Group Size
12 people
Price
From £3195
Region
Asia & Pacific
A unique tour to South East Asia’s best kept secret, Laos, where we get well beyond the tourist trail. We start this cultural odyssey in Vientiane, Laos’ delightfully friendly capital, studded with crumbling French mansions, bougainvillea-blooming streets and steaming noodle stalls. Next up is the little visited North of Laos to experience the ethnic diversity of the many hill tribes in the region of Luang Namtha and observe local customs and traditions. A 2-day journey down the mighty Mekong River then awaits culminating in an arrival in Luang Prabang, which captivates even the most jaded travellers with its brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multi-ethnic inhabitants. Nest we head south to the spectacular lush jungle of the Bolaven Plateau and immerse ourselves in authentic coffee culture and visit some of the most alluring scenery in Asia, the landscape scattered with volcanos and sparkling waterfalls. The conclusion of this off the beaten track adventure takes us to the enchanting 4000 islands, an area where time stands still, and revel in the joy of leisurely exploring villages by bicycle or tuk tuk and even try your hand at fishing. Join us to experience the hidden charms of Laos.
Observe the cultural diversity of the tribes in the area of Luang Namtha
Take a spectacular 2-day journey cruising down the mighty Mekong River
Enjoy many opportunities to observe village life, traditional customs and practices and interact with locals
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Domestic flights
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except when included with domestic airfares)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)
The “Secret Heart of Asia” tour offers an immersive exploration of Laos, venturing beyond typical tourist paths. Beginning in Vientiane, the capital city, visitors can admire French colonial architecture, vibrant bougainvillea-lined streets, and bustling noodle stalls. The journey continues north to Luang Namtha, where travellers can engage with diverse hill tribes, observing their customs and traditions. A two-day Mekong River cruise leads to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its gilded temples and colonial charm. The tour then heads south to the Bolaven Plateau, offering insights into Laos’ coffee culture amidst volcanic landscapes and waterfalls. The adventure concludes in the tranquil 4000 Islands region, where visitors can explore villages by bicycle or tuk-tuk and experience local fishing techniques. This itinerary provides a comprehensive cultural experience, highlighting Laos’ rich heritage and natural beauty. With a moderate fitness level required, the tour is suitable for those seeking an authentic Southeast Asian adventure. Accommodations range from boutique hotels to eco-lodges, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. Meals feature traditional Laotian cuisine, and the itinerary includes visits to significant historical and cultural sites, offering a deep dive into the heart of Laos as part of our guided group tour.
Luang Prabang - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
This ancient city is known for its beautiful temples, colonial architecture, and serene atmosphere, making it a highlight of Laos' cultural heritage.
The Mekong River Cruise
A scenic two-day boat journey through the Mekong River offers stunning landscapes and a chance to witness the daily life of local river communities.
Luang Namtha and Hill Tribe Interaction
Visitors have the unique opportunity to engage with various hill tribes, gaining insight into their traditions, lifestyles, and crafts.
Bolaven Plateau and Coffee Culture
The Bolaven Plateau is a lush, volcanic region known for its coffee plantations, stunning waterfalls, and cool climate—an ideal place to explore Laos' agricultural heartland.
4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
A peaceful, idyllic region where visitors can cycle around small islands, experience traditional fishing methods, and unwind amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Download the Information Pack
To download the tour full dossier, which includes a complete day-by-day itinerary breakdown and detailed tour information, fill in the details below.
Foreign Office Travel Warnings Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories. We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Laos we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident. It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government. Visa Information At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Laos. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below. British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate. Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment. As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance. Passports It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities. For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Vaccinations & Protection As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday. Local Conditions When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like. The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
