Introduction to Laos
Rich in history and natural beauty, Laos is for many the epitome of the unspoilt face of South East Asia. A land of fertile plains and rugged highlands, it is
the most beguiling of the old French colonies of Indochina, with a cultural tradition that stretches back over thousands of years. Devoutly Buddhist and
ethnically diverse, this tiny landlocked country is a fascinating enigma waiting to be unravelled. As befits a country that majestically integrates natural grace and elegance with colonial grandeur and style, Laos can boast a truly exquisite range
of premier properties. From former royal residences that exude old world charm, to magnificent boutique hotels that beautifully combine tradition and
luxury with world-class service and convenience, Laos presents the visitors with a wide and varied selection of choices.
Instructions
Listed below are some of the options you can choose for a Tailor Made Holiday to Laos
To make an enquiry, select the options that interest you, and then click 'continue' to tell us more about what you would like to do
The following options are available as part of Bales Tailor made Holidays:
Laos Extention
Laos Extention
Discover Vientiane, the pleasant capital of Laos, where
visits will include Wat Phra Keo, Wat Si Saket (the oldest
temple still standing in the city) and Pha That Luang.
Onwards to Luang Prabang, the jewel of Laotian tourism,
full of historic temples and old style French-colonial
buildings, in a delightful setting surrounded by
mountains. A visit will be made to the Royal Palace
(now a museum) before taking a boat trip on the
Mekong River to see the Pak Ou Caves, which house
hundreds of Buddha statues. A visit is included to the
nearby H'mong hilltribe village where you can witness
the traditional practices of the ethnic minority peoples
of the area.We have selected
2 excellent hotels for you to stay in: the colonial-
style in Vientiane, built at the beginning Settha Palace
of the 20th century and recently restored; and the
Villa Santi in Luang Prabang, a charming boutique
hotel with just 24 rooms decorated in charming Royal
Laotian style.Select this tailor made option
LUANG PRABANG
LUANG PRABANG
Luang Prabang is the jewel of Laos, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1995. The ancient royal
city has dozens of temples and religious sites,
both large and small. The best way to see these
sites is on foot or by bicycle. The biggest
concentration of temples is in the old quarter,
much of which forms a peninsula between the
Mekong and the Khan rivers. The Wat Xieng
temple is the most stunning in the city, richly
decorated with coloured glass and gold. The
Royal Palace, now a museum, houses a
collection of artefacts belonging to former rulers
of the Kingdom of Lane Xang,whose capital was
Luang Prabang. In between temple and palace
visits, there are many small restaurants perched
high on the banks of the Mekong where you
can watch life go by at a very slow pace.Select this tailor made option
SOUTHERN LAOS
SOUTHERN LAOS
The captivating landscapes of southern Laos conjure up some of the most beguiling and
enchanting of images. Here, amidst a tableau of fishing villages and lush jungles, the
mighty Mekong becomes the serene and undiscovered backwaters of Si Phan Don,
the land of 4,000 islands. Highlights of this area include the Bolaven Plateau with its
pleasant climate, tea and coffee plantations, dramatic waterfalls and ethnic minority
villages. A particularly relaxing way to explore the region is by cruise on board the
Vat Phou (see opposite page for further details). The small city of Pakse is the main
hub for the region with direct flights from Vientiane or Siem Reap in Cambodia, or via
nearby Ubon Ratchatani just across the border in Thailand.Select this tailor made option
THE PLAIN OF JARS
THE PLAIN OF JARS
Explore the mystery that is the Plain of Jars.
There are over 500 jars carved out of solid stone
and spread over 3 sites –The jars vary in size
from 1 to 3 metres in height, with the largest 2.7
metres in diameter. The heaviest jar weighs 6
tons. The purpose of the Jars, thought to have
been carved around 3,000 years ago, remains
a mystery to archaeologists even today. There
have been recent UNESCO sponsored projects
to determine the history of the jars, but much
remains to be explained. The Plain of Jars area
was unfortunately off limits for many years after
the conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s due to a
high number of unexploded bombs in the area.
The area has been gradually cleared, although
visitors are asked to keep to the footpaths
when exploring the sites.Select this tailor made option
VIENTIANE
VIENTIANE
Delightfully serene, the enchanting
Laotian capital is a city of colonial
grandeur and beautiful gilded temples
besides the banks of the Mekong. There
is little of the frantic pace of other Asian
cities about this attractive city and its
tree-lined boulevards hide a wealth
of colonial and historic monuments,
including the That Luang stupa, the
most revered site in the country and a
potent symbol of Lao nationalism, said
to hold relics of the Buddha himself.Select this tailor made option
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GREEN PARK HOTEL VIENTIANE
GREEN PARK HOTEL VIENTIANE
A beautiful boutique hotel that captures the rich
era of Laotian grace and elegance, the Green
Park is located next to the tranquil setting of Nong
Chanh Park. Accommodation is in 34 rooms and
suites that combine classic interiors with the highest
standards of modern convenience, with views of the
gardens and pool from their private balconies. The
hotel’s restaurant serves up a range of local and
international dishes on an open-air terrace that
overlooks the river, whilst a relaxing spa presents an
indulgent array of traditional herbal treatments.Select this tailor made option
LA RESIDENCE PHOU VAO LUANG PRABANG
LA RESIDENCE PHOU VAO LUANG PRABANG
Set amongst the landscapes of the Phou Vao
hills and offering a refreshing blend of modern
design and Lao-French colonialism, this exquisite
boutique hotel was once the home of Prince
Souvannaphoum. Restored to its former glory and
one of Luang Prabang’s premier properties, La
Residence offers a range of elegant rooms and
suites, furnished in rosewood and fine cottons, with
marble baths, private terraces and stunning views
of the hills. Boasting the finest cuisine in the city, the
hotel also affords the luxury of a superb spa.Select this tailor made option
MAISON SOUVANNAPHOUM LUANG
MAISON SOUVANNAPHOUM LUANG
Award-winning style, intimate luxury and oldworld
charm are all on offer at the Maison
Souvannaphoum, the perfect base to explore the
charms of Luang Prabang. The former residence of
the Laotian royalty, the superb facilities and elegant
design of this historic building boasts spacious
grandeur and colonial décor, making this stylish
boutique hotel one of the finest in the city. The
beautifully appointed rooms look out onto a lovely
garden, where the hotel boasts a chic poolside
restaurant and the indulgent splendours of a spa.Select this tailor made option
SETTHA PALACE HOTEL VIENTIANE
SETTHA PALACE HOTEL VIENTIANE
Built at the end of the 19th century, the Settha
Palace Hotel in Vientiane is now restored to its
former charm. The French colonial architecture
combined with period furniture and
landscaped gardens complemented by
modern facilities are just some of the features
of this historical landmark in the heart of
Vientiane. The hotel is located right in the city
centre and features 30 guestrooms and suites.
Rooms have high ceilings and polished
wooden flooring, rosewood four-poster beds
with duvets and down pillows, in-room safe,
satellite TV,minibar and IDD telephone.Wireless
internet access is available in all rooms. La Belle
Epoque restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner featuring classical French cuisine,
and the adjoining bar is open all day.Select this tailor made option
THE VAT PHOU CRUISE, SOUTHERN LAOS
THE VAT PHOU CRUISE, SOUTHERN LAOS
A converted traditional river barge, the Vat
Phou operates along a stretch of the Mekong
near Pakse in southern Laos. Comprising of 12
comfortable, air-conditioned cabins, all with private
bathrooms, it presents the perfect setting for a
relaxing 3-day cruise along the ‘Mother of Waters’,
taking in the majesty of the 10th century temple of
Wat Phou at Champasak, as well as the stunning
landscapes of the ‘4,000 islands’. The vessel also
features a deck with an open area for relaxation
and a restaurant serving delicious regional cuisine.Select this tailor made option
THE VILLA SANTI HOTEL LUANG PRABANG
THE VILLA SANTI HOTEL LUANG PRABANG
Former residence of the Lao Crown Princess and
now a boutique hotel, the Villa Santi is a mix of
Royal Laotian and French colonial charm. Set within
the heart of the Luang Prabang, its 25 deluxe rooms
and suites are all beautifully appointed in authentic
Lao textiles and furnishings, keeping very much to
the royal theme, and all offer an impressive range
of modern amenities. An elegant restaurant,
serving traditional Laotian and European dishes,
and a relaxing garden bar create an exceptional
haven in the heart of this World Heritage setting.Select this tailor made option
