Laos is Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret — a country of cinematic landscapes, unhurried rhythms, and soul-stirring authenticity. Here, time slows. Monks glide through saffron-hued dawns. The Mekong glitters beneath misty cliffs. Lush mountains hide quiet villages where traditions remain untouched.
“At Discovery DMC, we reveal the Laos that few travelers ever see. Our bespoke journeys blend comfort and curiosity — ultra-personalized travel with deep cultural immersion.”
Whether gliding down the Mekong by private boat, dining under the stars in a UNESCO heritage town, or trekking through remote mountain trails with expert hosts, we design experiences that move beyond the expected — always executed with discretion, creativity, and grace. Laos is for those who appreciate presence over pretense. Unlike its fast-paced neighbors, it rewards the traveler who slows down — offering space for deep connection, rich introspection, and timeless discovery. It is a country of spiritual resonance, natural grandeur, and sincere hospitality. From the elegance of Luang Prabang to the dramatic beauty of the Bolaven Plateau, Laos offers a rare balance of serenity and depth. For luxury travelers, it offers an opportunity to step off-grid without sacrificing comfort — in riverside villas, designer lodges, or jungle retreats where every detail is thoughtfully composed. Ban Houayxay – also Huay Xai or Houeisay – lies on Laos’ northeastern border with Thailand. Although many simply use the city as a transit-point, those who linger longer in Houayxay will be richly rewarded by its collection of sights and attractions. Foremost of these are the bustling Muang Keo (Morning) Market, in the suburb of Ban Muang Keo, and the evocative ruins of the French-colonial Fort Carnot. Nature lovers will relish trips to the nearby Bokeo Nature Reserve, which can only be accessed through The Gibbon Experience (a conservation project run by Societe Animo), and those looking to get a taste of traditional Lao life and culture can get involved in programmes and projects at Daauw Village, where all volunteer efforts and proceeds contribute to the upliftment of the local community. Read more Pakbeng lies midway between Huay Xain and Luang Prabang, where the Nam Beng flows into the Mekong River. The town is a popular stopover spot for travellers looking to take slow boat journeys down the Mekong – a lovely way to experience Laos. There are a few temples to visit and a small market in the village where you can stock up on basic supplies and soak up the local atmosphere. The main street is dotted with thatch-roofed shops selling trinkets, as well as restaurants where travellers can enjoy traditional fare. There is also a nearby elephant camp where visitors get to interact with these gentle Asian giants. Read more Resting on the banks of the beautiful Nam Pak River, in the heart of northern Laos, the small and picturesque town of Muang La is set in an idyllic pastoral landscape of dramatic mountain peaks, lush forests, gushing rivers, tranquil farmland and traditional villages. The town’s main attraction is undoubtedly the wonderful natural hot springs where visitors can relax in the steaming waters while taking in the spectacular river scenery. Those seeking adventure will find an array of outdoor activities on offer including, among others, trekking, river cruising, mountain biking, and visits to the villages of the Khmu, Akha, Ikhos and Hmong peoples who inhabit this region. Don’t miss the town’s classically styled temple which features northern Laos’ most revered Buddha statues, the Pra Singkham Buddha. Read more Set amidst jagged limestone cliffs on the banks of the Ou River, Nong Khiaw is a picturesque town where it is easy to get lost for a few days. Go hiking or biking along verdant jungle trails to outlying hill tribe villages where locals still dress in vibrant traditional clothing; float down the river on a bamboo raft to enjoy gorgeous views of the lush, mountainous surrounds; or take a short (2km) trek to the Pha Tok Caves, which gave refuge to Pathet Lao soldiers during the Second Indochina War. After a day out, indulge yourself with a steam bath or massage at one of the local spas. Read more A charming town with elegant historical architecture and a distinctly French flavour, Luang Prabang in northern Laos is filled with interesting museums, bustling markets and traditional shops. There are 33 Buddhist temples dotted throughout the city. The Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong temple gives travellers some background on and history of the Laotian people. Beyond the city there are breathtaking nature and ancient sites to explore. Those who visit the Pak Ou Caves are lucky enough to see the hundreds of Buddha statues accumulated there through the ages. The 180-foot Kuang Si Waterfalls is an hour’s drive out of the city and one of the region’s natural highlights, with its layer upon cascading layer of turquoise pools and torrents. Read more Phonsavan is the gateway to one of Laos’s most intriguing archaeological sites: the Plain of Jars. Here you’ll find hundreds of square kilometres of rolling hills strewn with thousands of enigmatic stone jars – some reaching up to 3m in height. Historians estimate these ancient urns to be at least 1500 years old, but have not yet been able to decipher their meaning or purpose, or identify the culture that created them. The city of Phonsavan itself has an old-world feel to it – partly since most of the existing architecture dates back to the mid-1970s, when the Vietnam War ended. A visit to the town’s two UXO information centres makes for a fascinating, if sobering, reminder of the country’s volatile past. Read more With its mist-shrouded limestone karsts, peaceful rice paddies, fascinating caves and ancient ruins, the vibrant little jungle town of Vang Vieng is surrounded by some jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery. While new regulations have toned down the wild river party scene which put Vang Vieng on the map, the town remains an excellent destination for travellers keen to indulge in some outdoor adventure including cycling, caving, tubing, rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and hiking, or simply relaxing and enjoying the idyllic landscape. The town center boasts some excellent international restaurants and boutique hotels making it an ideal base for visitors looking to explore the area’s exquisite natural treasures. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a spectacular sunset from Sunset Hill, or the chance to swim in one of town’s mind-blowing aquamarine swimming holes. Read more Vientiane is the largest city in Laos, but surprisingly uncrowded and relaxed for its size. Travellers can look forward to an elegant, laid back destination with lovely historical architecture and a riverside setting. ‘That Luang’ (also known as ‘The Great Stupta’) is the most sacred monument in Laos and this impressive golden temple complex dates back to the 16th century. There are numerous restaurants, riverside markets and pavement cafes from where you can experience the serene atmosphere for which the city is known. The Laos National Museum is another of the city’s cultural highlights, where some fascinating exhibits reveal the history of Laos through the ages. Read more Primarily a kick-off point for excursions to Si Phan Don or northern Laos, Pakse or Pakxe is located at the junction where the Mekong and Xe Don rivers meet. It is one of the largest towns in Laos and the most populous city in the southern province of Champasak. Worth visiting are the scenic temple grounds of Wat Tham Faian and the Buddha Sandstone Carving Center at Wat Chomphet. The largest and most impressive temple is Wat Luang, now used as a training facility for monks. Travellers use Pakse as a base to explore Tad Lo and Wat Phu as well as the rest of Champasak province, with its pre-Angkorian temples, coffee plantation and remote islands. Read more Once a stronghold of power in the Mekong River basin, Champasak is now a sleepy province that encompasses the beguiling Si Phan Don (4 000 islands) archipelago on the Mekong River, as well as several key conservation and biodiversity areas. Champasak city itself is a small, laid-back town dotted with French colonial architecture and glittering Buddhist temples. It provides access to the evocative archaeological site of Wat Phu – a crumbling but still majestic Khmer temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to at least the mid-5th century. A stone stairway dotted with fragrant Frangipani trees leads to the highest point of the wat and the climb is well worth it for the incredible views over this ancient architectural wonder. Read more Don Khong (Khong Island) is the largest island of the Mekong River’s Si Phan Don archipelago, but even sleepier than uber-tranquil Don Khon and Don Det. Most tourist and leisure activities are centred on the town of Muang Khong, while Muang Saen on the island’s western shore is the spot to go for sublime sunset views. A network of walking and cycling trails criss-cross Don Khong and allow visitors the chance to experience its local villages, Buddhist temples, luminously green rice paddies and spell-binding river views. Read moreLUXURY TRAVEL & BESPOKE
TOURS IN LAOSWHY LAOS
INSIDER EXPERIENCES
Monks & Morning Light – rise at dawn for a private almsgiving ceremony in Luang Prabang, hosted with cultural insight and followed by breakfast in a hidden courtyard residence.
The Mekong in Style – drift along Southeast Asia’s most iconic river aboard a custom luxury barge or private wooden cruiser. Picnic on riverbanks, visit craft villages, and toast the sunset from deck.
Living Heritage – explore Luang Prabang’s historic temples and French colonial mansions with an expert in art history or conservation, unlocking the stories behind gilded walls and quiet courtyards.
Culinary Encounters – shop local markets alongside a respected chef, cook over charcoal in a traditional kitchen, and dine on a private veranda overlooking the Mekong.
Ethical Elephant Encounters – spend the day with a conservation-focused elephant project, assisting in feeding and bathing while learning about Laos’ ancient connection to elephants.
Hill Tribe Immersion – venture into the hills near Muang La or Phongsali on soft treks with seasoned guides. Share tea, weaving techniques, or seasonal harvests with remote ethnic communities.
Helicopter Over the Highlands – soar above karst mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces on a private heli-tour for a rare aerial perspective of the north.
Secret Waterfalls & Sacred Caves – explore limestone caverns and hidden cascades, accessible only by private guide and local insiders.
Spiritual Consultations – meet with a respected village shaman or elder monk for a traditional blessing or personal fortune reading.
Private Use Villas & Residences – stay in stylish heritage mansions, riverside retreats, or private lodges designed for extended families and exclusive small groups.
Evenings to Remember – enjoy candlelit dinners at secluded riverbanks, mountaintop fire pits, or under the stars in a restored colonial mansion — each setting choreographed for privacy and atmosphere.
Laos by Taste – sample local rice whisky with a master distiller, savor jungle-foraged delicacies, and join a tasting menu created from Laos’ most prized regional ingredients.Choose your destinations & leave the rest to us
Laos Destinations
HUAY XAI
PAKBENG
MUANG LA
NONG KHIAW
LUANG PRABANG
PHONSAVAN
VANG VIENG
VIENTIANE
PAKSE
CHAMPASAK
KHONG ISLAND
Best luxury hotels and resorts in Laos
LAOS MAP
INSPIRATION & EXPERIENCES
Laos / Essential Information
- Visas and border crossings
- Country facts and figures
- Language and culture
- Security
- Money
- Mobiles and the Internet
- Travel to and around Laos
- And more
INSPIRATION & EXPERIENCES
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
