Somehow, Laos has remained something of a traveller’s secret. But for the seasoned explorer, there is no better place to unwind while soaking up a new culture and seeing some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in all of Asia. In these two well-chosen hotels, you can experience all that is wonderful about Laos, while making the most of its seductively laid-back atmosphere.
Land in Luang Prabang after your international flight and head to Satri House hotel. A beautiful oasis in the heart of the city, ease into your stay here with a dip in one of the two courtyard pools and a cocktail (or Lao whiskey!) in the lush gardens. From here, you’re ideally located to explore the sights and sounds of the city and surrounding area.
OVERNIGHT FLIGHT//6 NIGHTS AT SATRI HOUSE
Luang Prabang is a slow-paced city, best enjoyed in a similarly laid-back way. Head to the river for a walk at dusk, admiring the colours of the setting sun as the lights of the houses and restaurants flicker alive. Peruse the charming night market, with its many stalls selling local crafts, clothing and delicious regional delicacies. Or simply sip coffee at one of the French colonial cafes and watch the Lao way of life drift by.
On our Laos Insider tour, you’ll discover the main temples of Luang Prabang and communities along the Mekong river, before a delicious Lao barbecue - rarely visited by tourists but much-loved by locals. On the Backroads and Buffalos tour, you will trek through spectacular jungle to the Kuang Sii Waterfalls, before an immersive afternoon at Laos Buffalo Dairy, a dairy farm and social enterprise (trust us - it’s not to be missed).
Once the residence of a Laotian prince, this property is beautifully adorned with antiques, black & white photographs and Buddhist statues. The grand Laotian design, along with the impeccable service makes you feel as though you're a guest of the Red Prince himself!
After a short flight to Pakse, it’s around two hours’ drive to your next hotel. You may know that Laos is landlocked, but the beautiful La Folie lodge is found on Don Daeng, an island within the Mekong River, which is home to sandy banks and swimmable waters - so beach-lovers can still get their fix. Spend your free days here taking gentle cycle rides to local temples and villages, learning about some of the many developments which La Folie Lodge helps to support, or visiting the famous Khmer temple of Wat Phou.
5 NIGHTS AT LA FOLIE LODGE
There is plenty to do and see around Don Daeng, but simply relaxing and enjoying the property should absolutely be one of them. Enjoy sundowners by the pool and admire the mesmeric changing colours of your unique backdrop, the sounds of the Mekong lapping below.
Discover some of the most quintessential Laotian landscapes on the 4,000 Islands of Si Phan Don. With your guide, you’ll venture to islands rarely visited by tourists and gain an insight into local industries such as fishing and weaving. Another day, you’ll take a trip to the Bolaven Plateau, a spectacular place home to a vibrant mix of ethnic tribal villages, lush plantations and cascading waterfalls.
After arriving at the property by boat and tractor, passing villages, fields and cattle on your way, you'll be stunned by the mountainous view of your home for the next few days. All rooms are adorned with locally crafted furnishings and have a private balcony from which you can admire the Mekong River.
Compared to much of Asia, Laos’ weather system is pretty straightforward. There are two seasons: the wet (March-October) and the dry (November-April). Naturally, it’s best to visit during the latter, when the weather is warm, and rainfall limited throughout the country. Travel down the Mekong is particularly pleasant between November to January as the high water levels allow for easy passage and scenic vistas.
As part of this holiday, you will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Junior Suite at Satri House and a 60-minute spa treatment at La Folie Lodge.
Revitalise is a culmination of 16 years’ work, research and client feedback. Our travel team take annual trips to each of our destinations, testing the experiences and inspecting the hotels (someone’s got to do it, right?). We are passionate travellers in our own lives, and we have all visited Asia with our friends, family or backpacks. Basically, we’ve done the legwork: we know travel. And that’s why these trips are nothing short of magical.
We understand that while you may be itching to travel again, committing to a trip right now feels daunting. That’s why we have introduced our COVID-19 promise. We promise that if you book a holiday with us, but for any reason cannot travel due to COVID-19, we will refund you the bulk of your money, up to the day of your departure. We hope that this will give our travellers a little peace of mind and help you enjoy the magic of travel anticipation once again.
An ETG experience cannot begin unless our travellers feel secure in every respect. Financially secure: we are fully ABTA and ATOL bonded. Fully supported: our friendly team is on hand to help 24/7 before, during and after your trip. Free from hassle: we will ensure your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, all our experiences are tried and tested by our discerning team, so you can rest assured every excursion you book with us is both worthwhile and ethically sound.
With ETG, the experience starts the moment you pick up the phone. We are committed to seamless service at every stage of your journey. Before you depart, your dedicated travel consultant will provide all the information and insider tips you need to get you prepared (and excited!). Your in-country experiences will be distinctive, tailored to you, and always reveal the fabric of the destination. And you will come home with memories to share - not just photos to show.