The Asia Safari Team

Guides and travel advisers with genuine expertise

Asia Safari is a team of travel professionals based in Vientiane. Lao by origin, their knowledge of the ground, their contacts and their experience make them invaluable to the success of a trip. They listen to what you want and understand what you are hoping for. To guide you on the ground, Asia Safari is also a team of experienced, English-speaking Lao guides — true travel companions whose greatest joy is to help you discover their country in a warm and original way.

Jean-Paul and Touny, the founders

THE FOUNDERS

Driven by his desire for adventure in the style of African safaris, in 2000 Jean Paul Duvergé turned a page in his life and set course for Southeast Asia. In love with nature and wide-open spaces, Laos was an immediate favourite! That is where it all begins. And where everything follows on: his meeting with Touny, who would become his partner in life and soon his associate in the creation of Asia Safari Laos in 2002, then the creation of Muang La Lodge. His old dream of Africa in Asia then took the form of an eco-responsible lodge built on the edge of a Khamu village at the foot of the mountains of northern Laos. From then on, drawing on his bi-cultural background, the Asia Safari group developed with the desire to thrive while respecting local communities, nature and traditions.

YOUR DEDICATED CONTACTS

Touny, our Sales Manager, and her team: Sourinda, Nanivanh and Khouanphilom share a common playground: Laos from North to South and, beyond the borders, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and China. Attentive to travellers’ expectations and passionate about the country, its riches and its particularities, our advisors take the essential time needed to design a programme based on their experience and field expertise. Each client benefits from personalised, tailor-made support. What we call made-to-measure. Asia Safari in the field: Two months a year are devoted to seeking out what’s new to enrich the offer with a touch of the unusual or adventure, to check the quality and reliability of partners, and to maintain that precious contact with the people who make a trip happen—hoteliers, guides, village chiefs, boatmen, drivers, etc.

Touny, your travel agent in Laos

Touny

Lao and married to a Frenchman for more than 25 years. She chose this profession to share her discoveries with travellers visiting her beautiful country. Thanks to her long experience in the tourism sector in Laos, she will be able to find the hidden gems that will make your trip unique and unforgettable. By listening to your preferences, she will put her expertise at your service so that your stay perfectly matches your expectations.

Rinda, your travel advisor

Sourinda

Sourinda grew up between France and Luang Prabang, her family’s home town where she spent all her school holidays. In 2015, she left France in search of her Lao roots, which she eventually found in the lush northern jungle at Muang La Lodge. Today, she joins the Asia Safari Laos team of advisors to put her bi-cultural background and experience at the service of travel off the beaten track.

Nanivanh, your travel advisor

Nanivanh

Nanivanh spent a year in France to specialise in Tourism and Hospitality. Laos, which she knows “by heart”, has everything to charm her: authentic encounters, a rich history, the kindness of the people… She loves to recharge in the zen and spiritual atmosphere of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO treasure, and in the region’s natural beauty: from the Kuang Si waterfalls to the summit of Mount Phousi.

Khouanphilom, your travel advisor

Khouanphilom

Originally from Vientiane, the country’s capital, Khouanphilom is a great lover of southern Laos. As a child, she spent her Pimai holidays in the countryside, in Savannakhet Province. Her happiness springs from the Bolovens waterfalls and all the natural sites, but also from the mystery of Vat Phou, the most beautiful of temples. Don’t lose the North, but ask her about the South.

Guides loyal to Asia Safari, precious travel companions

Bounty, Latry, Dusith, La… are natives of the country. Some of them have lived in France or elsewhere in Asia. Guides, translators, facilitators, our guides ensure the promotion of the traditional life of minorities with a concern for respecting the environment. Our trips are led by these experienced guides, chosen for their knowledge of the country, their availability and their level of English. In a country with dialects as varied as the number of ethnic groups, the presence of a guide will facilitate the smooth running of the itinerary.

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    Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?

    With Asia Safari, you plan your tailor-made trip directly with a local English-speaking team. Our agency has been based in Vientiane since 2002. Its founder, Jean-Paul Duvergé, has worked in Laos since 2000. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.

    • Local English-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
    • Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
    • Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
    • Since 2002, Asia Safari has been creating tailor-made journeys in Laos, drawing on the experience its founder has gained in the country since 2000.

    How does our tailor-made service work?

    1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
    2. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information: your itinerary, accommodation and a quote specifying the services included.
    3. We refine the proposal together, adjusting the itinerary, accommodation and activities to suit your expectations and budget.
    4. We coordinate the services included in your itinerary on the ground: guides, transport, accommodation and activities.

    When to visit Laos?

    From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.

    The cost depends on the length of your trip, the season, the number of travellers, your accommodation and the services you choose. We prepare a personalised quote based on your wishes and budget, specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    Entry requirements depend on your nationality, the length of your stay and your point of entry. Depending on your circumstances, you may apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The tourist e-Visa allows a stay of 30 days and can only be used at designated entry points. We help you check which procedures apply to your trip.

    Yes. We adapt the pace, destinations, accommodation and activities to your children’s ages and your family’s wishes. We focus on a balanced itinerary, with time to rest and suitable journeys between stops.

    Yes. You can plan your trip in English with our local team. Depending on your itinerary, we arrange visits with English-speaking guides and the support you need during your stay.

    A few days allow you to explore Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Allow around ten days to combine Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane, or 15 to 18 days to include southern Laos. We adapt the itinerary and journeys to the time you have available and your preferred pace.

    Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour

    Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

    Our travel ideas for Laos and neighbouring countries

    Laos + Cambodia: from the temples of Luang Prabang to Angkor, shape a journey combining cultural heritage and Mekong scenery. A visit to Tonlé Sap can complement the itinerary, depending on your interests and the time available.
    Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
    Northern Laos + Yunnan: from the landscapes of Yunnan to the mountains of northern Laos, the Laos–China railway can connect some of the stops on your journey. We plan the route with you, in either direction.
    Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.

    Tips for preparing your multi-country tour

    Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
    Duration: we adapt the number of stops to the time you have available. For a trip combining two countries, we consider the regions you want to explore, travel between destinations and your preferred pace.
    Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
    Budget: the cost of a multi-country trip depends on its length, the season, the number of travellers, accommodation and transport between destinations. We prepare a personalised quote specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    We can combine Laos with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand or Yunnan in China. We design the itinerary around your dates, interests and arrival point, then select connections suited to the route and each country’s entry requirements.

    To explore several regions in Laos and either Vietnam or Cambodia, allow around 15 to 18 days. A shorter combined trip is possible with fewer stops. Allow several weeks for a grand tour of multiple countries. We adapt the route to the time you have available and your preferred pace.

    Yes. We arrange the transport included in your itinerary: airport transfers, road journeys, trains, boats and domestic flights, depending on the programme. Your quote specifies the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    Absolutely. Asia Safari welcomes solo travelers as well as couples, families, or small groups of friends. Each trip is designed for you.

    Yes. Whether you prefer an active trip or a more leisurely pace, we design your itinerary with you, based on your interests, mobility and preferred level of comfort.

    Our Story

    Jean-Paul Duvergé has worked in Laos since 2000. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari in Vientiane to design tailor-made trips in Laos and Indochina. Today, the agency’s French-Lao team plans each itinerary with its travellers and coordinates arrangements on the ground with its local guides and partners.

    What sets us apart

    A team on the ground: based in Vientiane, we plan your trip using our knowledge of Laos and information from our local partners. We take the seasons, travel conditions and accommodation into account when designing your itinerary.
    We speak your language: our team supports you in English, from planning your trip to assistance during your stay. English-speaking guided visits are arranged according to your itinerary.
    Direct contact with our team: you speak with the people who plan your trip and coordinate its organisation on the ground. Your quote specifies the price of your trip and the services included.
    Tailor-made journeys: our suggested itineraries are starting points. We adapt the destinations, pace, accommodation and activities to your dates, wishes and budget.

    Our commitment

    We give preference to local accommodation providers and partners. When visiting villages, we take care to respect residents and their customs. Our approach also aims to help preserve the cultural and natural sites that make Laos special.

    Asia Safari is a local agency based in Vientiane, Laos. Founded in 2002 by Jean-Paul Duvergé, it has a French-Lao team that plans and coordinates your trip on the ground.

    You can contact us through the questionnaire on our website, by email or by phone. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information.

    Yes. We design tailor-made trips for families and groups of friends, adapting the itinerary to the number of travellers, their shared interests and budget. For larger groups, we review your plans on request.

    Asia Safari accepts international bank transfers. Payment terms (deposit, balance) are specified in your personalized quote.

    Our local team can be contacted seven days a week during your stay. If anything unexpected happens, we assess the situation with you and coordinate any necessary adjustments with our partners on the ground.

    Laos in figures

    Laos covers 236,800 km² and had a population of around 7.9 million in 2025. Its capital is Vientiane, its official language is Lao and its currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Theravada Buddhism is the main religion. The country is in the UTC+7 time zone.

    Laos must-sees

    Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
    Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
    Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
    Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.

    Lao culture

    Theravada Buddhism has an important place in Laos, alongside a variety of cultural traditions. In Luang Prabang, the monks’ morning alms round is a religious ritual to observe with discretion and respect. Boun Pi Mai, Lao New Year in April, and Boun Ok Phansa, which marks the end of the Buddhist rains retreat, are among the events that shape the year.

    Nature and biodiversity

    The forests and protected areas of Laos are home to a variety of wildlife, including Asian elephants, gibbons and sun bears. Rivers, mountains and plateaus offer many opportunities to explore nature.

    We plan your itinerary with local conditions in mind and explain the precautions relevant to your planned journeys and activities. Before departure, also consult official travel advice, which outlines the risks in different regions.

    From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.

    The official currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Bring cash in kip for everyday expenses and stays in rural areas. ATMs are available in the main towns and cities; card acceptance varies by establishment.

    Before departure, check that your routine vaccinations are up to date. Additional vaccinations, including hepatitis A, and any preventive malaria medication should be discussed with your doctor or a travel vaccination centre, based on your health and itinerary. Also take precautions against mosquito bites.

    A few days allow you to explore Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Allow around ten days to combine Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. A more extensive itinerary into central and southern Laos requires more time: we adjust its length to your interests and preferred pace.