Asian Trails - Explore Laos

EXPLORE LAOS

This Explore Laos digital guide showcases a collection of our preferred activities, restaurants, transportation and experiences.

We recommend these products because they create positive impacts for local people and the environment in our favourite destinations, they make your travellers’ experiences in Laos more enjoyable and they are inexpensive and accessible to a wide range of visitors. These options are available in tourism hotspots such as Luang Prabang and diverse locations nationwide. We believe Laos is a country where travellers can truly enjoy ‘slow travel’.

So please enjoy looking through this guide to get a definitive insight into the places we recommend visiting and see how you can create travel itineraries that are better for travellers, as well as local people and their home surroundings.

Even just adding one of the products within this online brochure to your existing itineraries will help to support communities and the beautiful nature in Laos. We look forward to future collaborations. Best regards from the Asian Trails’ team in Laos.

OVERVIEW

South-East Asia’s only landlocked country, Laos is the perfect choice for those seeking solitude and sublime scenery without the tourist crowds. Ninety per cent of the land has an extremely low density rate because the mountainous terrain cannot be cultivated, making it a prime ecotourism and adventure destination. The northern region is blessed with deep forests, the central area features towering limestone karsts and the south is home to thousands of islands in the Mekong River.

The wilderness is a magnet for adventurers, with exceptional kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking opportunities. The country is also a haven for community-based trekking, enabling visitors to absorb the ‘real Laos’ through homestays.

Culture is in abundance in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang, with a history that dates back to the 14th century. Visitors are advised to switch their watches to ‘Laos time’ which moves at a much more leisurely pace than elsewhere. This Explore Laos brochure highlights our sustainable and responsible tourism approaches. These have been designed to benefit our host communities and their pristine environment.

IN THIS GUIDE

Experiences:

Explore our engaging and rewarding excursions packed with inspirational experiences which provide positive benefits for local communities. Our guests can participate in cultural learning activities that make a difference by contributing to local development.

Dining:

Peruse diverse eateries which reflect our commitment to responsible travel. We promote locally-owned eateries that use locally sourced ingredients and at affordable prices, thereby helping travellers make better choices about how to eat more sustainably, including a selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

Transport:

We feature alternative ways to travel in all of our destinations. Our choices are more beneficial to the environment, including transport with low-carbon emissions such as electric cars, trains and shared public transport services.

VIETNAM

Luang Prabang

Vientiane

CAMBODIA

NORTHERN LAOS

Northern Laos features a wild and mountainous landscape that borders four countries. A contrasting scenery of dramatic limestone mountains and tranquil hill tribe settlements make this an explorer’s dream destination. Set among this stunning terrain is the jewel of the north, Luang Prabang. The well-preserved remnants of the ancient Lane Xang Kingdom gained this town UNESCO World Heritage status. Asian Trails’ sustainable and responsible tourism activities in the north enable visitors to enjoy the most authentic experiences possible. Some options

include cultural interaction with Hmong ethnic tribes in the village of Ban Long or exploring the mysterious 3,000-year-old Plain of Jars carved out of solid rock. Adventure seekers can saddle up and ride through beautiful countryside on horseback.

A trek to Kuang Si Waterfalls reveals an amazing landscape of spectacular cascades and turquoise pools set within a lush rainforest. Whatever the choice, visitors will leave this region enriched by our unique leisure activities that benefit local communities.

Chansy Baci House

Participate in a calling of the spirits ceremony, a mysterious practice unique to Laos. This ancient ritual is believed to bring good fortune and inner peace. A shaman chants a prayer to incite spirits and 32 threads of cotton are tied around the participant’s wrist to symbolise health and good luck.

Learn about a traditional and important part of Laotian culture that will give you a deeper understanding of its people.

After Dark Foodie Tour

Get the ultimate insight into authentic Laotian cuisine on an evening food adventure. Luang Prabang is the gastronomic capital of Laos and this culinary exploration takes in street stalls and the Night Market where classic dishes such as khao poon (spicy noodle soup) and laab (minced meat salad) can be enjoyed.

Support small, local food businesses while sampling delicious flavours unique to Laos.

MandaLao Elephants Adventure

Enjoy a delightful day in the company of elephants at a special reserve in Xieng Lom. A ferry ride across the Nam Khan River delivers guests to the jumbos’ home where the activities include feeding the gentle giants with healthy snacks and walking with them to their bathing ground.

A visit to this conservation centre directly supports the protection of elephants and their natural environment.

Private TAEC Exhibit Tour

Join the director of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) on a guided tour to gain an insight into this engaging and culturally rich learning facility. This social enterprise promotes Lao ethnic heritage and it houses a museum that exhibits traditional handmade clothing, textiles, jewellery, musical instruments, handicrafts and household tools.

This is a great way to learn in-depth about Laos’ diverse cultures from a genuine expert.

Ban Long Lao Tribes

The age-old cultural practices and daily living of the Hmong and Khmu ethnic tribes are revealed on an intriguing tour of Ban Long Lao. This picturesque village features traditional wooden homes with thatched natural roofs and it is situated in an attractive forest setting framed by a rugged mountain terrain.

Visiting these villages is not only educational, it also directly supports rural families.

Laos Buffalo Dairy Day

Experience an inspired initiative which provides villagers with income from a buffalo rental scheme. The Laos Buffalo Dairy near Luang Prabang leases buffalos off local people to produce dairy foodstuffs. In return, villagers are provided with a half-share of the profits. Visitors can enjoy joining in the varied production processes.

Visits directly contribute to this enterprise’s profits which are shared with local people.

Living Land Rice Experience

The 13 steps of growing, harvesting and cooking rice is explained at Living Land. This community farm provides locals with brighter futures through life skills training, including agriculture, bamboo weaving, sugar cane pressing and English language skills. The farm is set in an idyllic rural enclave near Luang Prabang.

This immersive hands-on experience enables visitors to learn from and support local farmers.

Weaving Class at Ock Pop Tok

Try the ancient art form of weaving at the Ock Pop Tock Craft Centre. This non-profit organisation seeks to preserve traditional weaving techniques threatened by modern technology. From dying to weaving, visitors enjoy a hands-on experience creating their own bespoke dyed and woven fabric which can be taken home as a unique souvenir.

This community-based initiative has been improving women’s livelihoods for years.

Private Cooking Class

Learn how to cook the traditional Lao way under the guidance of a professional chef at the riverside Bamboo Tree Restaurant and Cooking School. A market visit to buy ingredients and a tour of the school’s organic garden is followed by an enjoyable cooking class and then a delicious meal of the cooked dishes.

Learn about traditional Laotian cuisine directly from a skilled, local expert.

Cultural Temple Tour

Gain spiritual enlightenment on a tour that provides an insight into the life of a Buddhist monk. The guide is a former novice monk who will explain meditation and its importance within Buddhism in the venerable setting of Wat Pa Phai Temple, followed by an overview on Buddhist culture, architecture and temple etiquette.

This is in-depth learning experience provides an illuminating insight into the leading religious faith in Laos.

1.5 HOURS

Namkhan Horses Stables

Saddle up and ride through beautiful countryside on horseback. Nature’s perspective is different when seen from an elevated position on a horse. The guided tour takes in picturesque villages in serene and peaceful countryside, including forests and lush farm land. Both novice and expert horse riders will enjoy this leisurely excursion.

This centre is dedicated to promoting free riding, sensible riding and riding in harmony with horses.

PRICE

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

Carpe Diem Restaurant $$$$

Carpe Diem is in an exceptional setting next to Kuang Si Waterfall. It was designed to seamlessly blend in with the natural surroundings through the use of natural materials. Every dish ordered directly supports independent local suppliers. Patrons can enjoy a cooling dip in the adjoining pool after dining.

Khaiphaen Dining Experience $$$

Named after the nutritious khaiphaen river weed that grows wild in the nearby Mekong River, this is the perfect venue to try this crispy dish which is unique to Luang Prabang. The extensive menu features creative Laos cuisine partly created by students employed on the restaurant’s life skills training programme.

Luang Prabang Bio Bamboo $$$

Located on the scenic bank of the Nam Khan River, Bio Bamboo offers traditional Lao classics and some Tai Lue ethnic group food. The restaurant has a deep commitment to sustainable practices, including zero waste. Visitors can buy a creative line of eco-friendly goods, including bamboo bottles and coconut bowls.

Bamboo Garden Restaurant $$

Enjoy Lao and Asian fusion dishes while watching the chef prepare food in the open kitchen. This is a great choice for vegetarians and vegans as all the dishes can be adapted on request. The owners are committed followers of the provincial government’s sustainable tourism initiatives.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN NORTHERN LAOS

Laos-China Railway

Laos’ first train network has transformed the country from a landlocked to a land-linked nation. The 414-km-long Laos-China Railway connects Boten in Northern Laos to the capital city Vientiane. The high-speed trains reach speeds of 160 kph, reducing the travel time between Vientiane and Luang Prabang from 10 to two hours.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN NORTHERN LAOS

Electric Car Rental

Discover the cultural attractions of Luang Prabang in a zero-emission vehicle. Green exploration can be enjoyed in a range of choices, including a vintage replica 1920s car or a speedy compact four-seater with a top speed of 105 kph and a range of 170 km from one battery charge. No licence is required.

Discovery of Nam Tien Lake

Get close to friendly giants in their natural habitat at an elephant conservation centre near Nam Tien Lake. This jumbo experience includes close interaction with these amazing creatures, such as accompanying them on a daily trek guided by the handlers. This get back to nature experience includes accommodation in rustic huts.

This experience contributes to the conservation of elephants and it also supports local communities.

SAYABOURY

2 DAYS

6 HOURS

Elephant Wonders

Embark on an interactive elephant excursion in a forest setting. A leisurely trek led by the handlers includes a bathing session, the jumbos’ favourite time of the day. This activity helps to safeguard the elephants’ future. The handlers benefit from a regular income, thereby discouraging them from entering the logging industry.

A visit to this conservation centre directly supports the mission to protect elephants and their natural environment.

CENTRAL LAOS

CENTRAL LAOS

Central Laos is home to the capital Vientiane and the adventure playground of Vang Vieng. This region has the country’s largest concentration of forests and the most extensive wildlife. Vientiane sits aside the Mekong River and it has been the capital since a power shift from Luang Prabang in 1563. French colonial mansions, smart treelined boulevards, glittering temples and river serpent naga statues are features of this laidback metropolis. The city’s most significant site is the 16th century stupa of That Luang, the symbol of Lao independence. Nestled

in a scenic bend in the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng has emerged as the country’s premier eco-tourism destination. The local lofty limestone karsts are honeycombed with an extensive network of tunnels and caves. Asian Trails’ activities in the central region are diverse, from interacting with residents at a social enterprise in Vientiane, to tubing down an amazing submerged subterranean world within a mysterious cave near Vang Vieng. Our extensive product portfolio offers a wealth of sustainable and responsible tourism experiences.

1 HOUR

COPE Centre

A visit to the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) centre provides an inspirational insight into a rehabilitation facility that provides support to those with mobility-related disabilities and also land mine victims. COPE supplies prosthetic devices allowing those affected to regain mobility and their independence. Visitors are also taught about past conflicts in Laos.

Visitors who make a donation or buy a product from the shop or cafe help support the centre’s important work.

Handicrafts & Learn Sign Language

Experience local life during a visit to the Lao Disabled Women’s Centre. Unique aspects of daily living are revealed, such as inspired handicraft techniques, a baci ceremony to bestow good fortune on visitors and a presentation on how sign language training empowers the hearing impaired in Laos.

Support the centre’s work to help people with disabilities and advocate for the rights of women with special needs.

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

Mini-Makphet $$$

Savour an inexpensive meal at an eatery that reinvests profits into the training of students in catering and hospitality so they can take control of their own futures. Mini-Makphet’s social programmes enable graduates to gain jobs that pay a living wage and support their families.

Le Padaek $$$

Enjoy the ‘spirit of Lao food’ at a delightful restaurant next to a lotus pond in Naxay village. The restaurant’s owners have implemented multiple sustainable measures to keep nature and food culture united. One initiative is the use of local wood and vegetation to build the thatched roof rustic buildings.

Sihom Night Market $$

For some of the best hawker food in Vientiane head to Ban Haysoke. This eatery is perfect for trying a range of different small dishes, such as the sai oua (Lao sausage) a popular Laotian snack that is considered the favoured choice in the capital’s street food scene.

Reunion Café Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant $$

A mainstay within the capital’s vegan food community, Reunion’s dishes only contain plant-based meat substitutes, plant-based proteins, grains and soy protein. The extensive choices include curries, papaya salad, vegetable skewers, rice noodle stir fries and an abundance of mock meat dishes. Reunion Café is conveniently located in the city centre.

Tamnak Lao Restaurant $$$

Relish fine dining in one of Vientiane’s original French-style properties. The restored colonial house is the perfect place to enjoy a culinary sensation. The interior features wooden floors, ceiling fans and open spaces spread over two floors. Some dishes are prepared with bark and vegetables collected from the jungle to deliver unique flavours.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN CENTRAL LAOS

Laos-China Railway

For those seeking fast track travel through lush landscapes, the Laos-China Railway is the answer. This 414-km link connects Boten in Northern Laos to the capital city Vientiane. The high-speed trains reach speeds of 160 kph, reducing the travel time between Vientiane and Luang Prabang from 10 to two hours.

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT IN CENTRAL LAOS

Electric Car Rental

Enjoy an eco-adventure in a hired electric vehicle or scooter. This form of travel is silent, has net-zero emissions and it is kinder on the wallet as the battery charge is totally free. A range of vehicles are available, including a vintage replica 1920s car or a speedy compact.

Different Facets of Vang Vieng

The ultimate adventure excursion includes exploration of multiple caves, tubing down an amazing submerged subterranean world and trekking through spectacular scenery to a Hmong indigenous village. Besides outdoors exploration, participants gain fascinating cultural immersion through interaction with ethnic tribe members in their home village. A barbecue lunch enhances the experience.

The involvement of local villagers in this experience helps to financially support their families.

PRICE GUIDE

$ = 1-3 USD per dish

$$ = 4-7 USD per dish

$$$ = 8-11 USD per dish

$$$$ = 12+ USD per dish

The Academy $$$

The Academy provides students of tourism and hospitality programmes with a unique practical training environment in the heart of Vang Vieng. The budding young professionals are coached by an international management team so they can develop their core skills and enter the workforce with greater confidence.

Phubarn Terrace Cafe $$

Absorb a spectacular view of the Nam Song River framed by a towering limestone terrain while eating Lao classics. Situated within the Phubarn Resort, Phubarn Terrace Cafe’s rustic wooden structure blends in with the pristine nature. This venue’s laid-back vibe is enhanced when it is bathed by soft spotlights in the evening.

Indian#Lao $

Diverse dishes, including Indian, Lao, Thai and Western cuisine, are served at this informal eatery which caters to vegans and vegetarians. The extensive menu provides a wealth of options that visitors to Vang Vieng will never tire off. The portions are substantial and the prices are inexpensive so this venue is highly recommended.

Kapphet Vegan Cafe $$

One of Vang Vieng’s most popular vegan restaurants, Kapphet is a must for delicious and healthy plant-based cuisine. The vegan burger is a menu favourite, as well as Lao dishes made without meat, eggs or milk. The smoothies containing locally grown fruit and vegetables are highly recommended.

SOUTHERN LAOS

THAILAND

Champasak

SOUTHERN LAOS

Southern Laos is famed for the Bolaven Plateau, an area of exceptional scenery, ethnic villages, coffee plantations and some of the planet’s most spectacular waterfalls.

The plateau’s elevation reaches 1,350 metres above sea level, so the weather is quite milder. The wider area is home to the impressive twin Tad Fane Waterfalls and the Dong Hua Sao National Park, a sanctuary with abundant wildlife, including elephants and 300 species of birds. For cultural exploration, the ancient Hindu temple complex of Wat Phou near

Champasak is the most impressive Khmer ruin outside of Cambodia.

Further south lies Si Phan Don, the ‘Four Thousand Islands’ where the River Mekong’s 1,900 km journey through the entire length of Laos rushes to a thundering conclusion in a series of picturesque waterfalls. One of our highlight activities in the south is a tour of the Bolaven Plateau’s diverse scenery in a stylish vintage jeep, followed by a visit to a coffee plantation to sample locally-grown coffee.

3 HOURS

Jeep Tour

Discover the Bolaven Plateau’s stunning scenery of jungles and waterfalls in a stylish vintage jeep. The driver takes guests to the crater of an extinct volcano, a highly fertile environment for coffee bean cultivation. A visit to a coffee plantation provides an overview of production processes, including tasting the best brews.

Support a rural coffee producer and learn about Laotian coffee from an expert.

KNOW MORE

SUSTAINABLE TRAILS

Our most impactful excursions follow ESTEEM principles

Eat Locally

Stay Eco-friendly

Transport Alternatively

Experience Meaningfully

Empower Viably

Make a Difference

ETHICAL ANIMAL EXPERIENCES

All of our animal experiences are carefully vetted to ensure guests interact with our planet’s diverse species in responsible ways.

Our Actions on Animal Welfare

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

We strive to include local people in meaningful ways throughout our tours and recommend ways to have a positive social impact.

SAY ‘NO’ TO PLASTIC WASTE

We encourage guests to reduce single-use plastic waste by choosing to use reusable drinking bottles instead.

SUSTAINABLE PARTNERS

Together with other DMCs, we are working to identify our most sustainable hotel partners so our guests can have a positive impact even while sleeping.

To find out more about our company policies, please follow the links below POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

Responsible Travel Annual Sustainability Report

Asian Trails Code of Conduct Child Protection Policy

Supplier Code of Conduct Sustainability Policy

LUANG PRABANG

P.O Box 979, Unit 6, Ban Naxang, Phousy Road, Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R.

VIENTIANE

4th Floor, Premier Building, P.O. Box 5422, Sethathirath Road, Phiavat Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, 01000, Lao P.D.R.

www.asiantrails.travel

Email: res@asiantrailslaos.com

+856-21-263-936