Luang Prabang, the former royal capital
Built at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River, the small town of Luang Prabang is steeped in history. Its remarkable natural, cultural, and architectural heritage was even classified by UNESCO in 1995. The white-walled buildings are a blend of Lao architecture and French colonial influence from the era. They give the city all its character and beauty. Former capital of the Kingdom of a “Million Elephants,” Luang Prabang is today the most popular city in Laos for its authenticity and surrounding nature. Located in the heart of the mountains of northern Laos, you can access it by plane (45 min) via Luang Prabang Airport. You can also take the road from Vientiane via Vang Vieng, and thus have the opportunity to admire the mountainous landscapes.
Luang Prabang: ຫລວງພຣະບາງ
What to do in Luang Prabang?
Take the time to discover Luang Prabang and its surroundings on foot or by bicycle. Let yourself daydream and marvel as you get lost in the narrow streets, visit the TAEC Ethnology Museum, or explore the many temples that adorn the city. Among the must-see sites are, of course, the Royal Palace and Wat Xieng Thong. Many artists and artisans residing in Luang Prabang are inspired by the magic of the place. You will have the opportunity to browse in one of the many antique shops or visit the night market that occupies much of the city center at nightfall. Many merchants offer their handicrafts: jewelry, wooden toys, fabrics, cult objects, etc. Nature lovers can go trekking through rice fields and villages or visit the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. To end your day of exploration in style, do not miss the sunset at the summit of Mount Phousi!
Where to stay in Luang Prabang?
Here are some of our recommendations for hotels in Luang Prabang: near the Nam Khan River and away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, My Dream Boutique Resort is an establishment conducive to relaxation. Its elegant rooms with traditional Lao and modern architecture offer a striking view of the river. However, if you prefer to be in the heart of local life, Villa Maydou is located in the historic center of Luang Prabang. The hotel consists of five superb houses with traditional Lao architecture, two of which are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage catalog. Finally, one of the most refined establishments in Luang Prabang is Satri House, composed of six colonial-style buildings with a refined wooden interior, which was originally one of the residences of the royal family and the childhood home of Prince Souphanouvong. It is suitable for those seeking great comfort and the small details that make all the difference. Do not hesitate to contact us to book your charming hotel in Luang Prabang. If the hotel of your choice is not on your Laos tour, please let us know. Your satisfaction and desires are our priority, and we adapt the accommodations of your tailor-made trip to Laos according to your specific wishes.
What to see around Luang Prabang?
Outside the city are the magnificent Kuang Si Falls, the ideal place to picnic and enjoy the freshness of the turquoise water pools. If you love nature, head to the eco-responsible Mandalao center to meet the elephants. A 2-hour Mekong cruise from Luang Prabang takes you to the famous sacred Pak Ou caves, which contain many Buddha representations left by pilgrims over the centuries. These caves are also accessible during your cruise from or to Pakbeng, but also on your way towards Nong Khiaw.
Visit Luang Prabang with Asia Safari Laos
Because every trip to Laos should be unique, our team of English-speaking advisors is at your disposal to organize your stay in Luang Prabang. We assist you in choosing your accommodations, transport, and activities to best meet your expectations. Our services allow you to experience the true Laos and discover the Luang Prabang region differently, off the beaten track.Luang Prabang: Our tailor-made travel ideas
City Break in Luang Prabang
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High-End Laos
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Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?
Asia Safari is not a generalist tour operator based in France. We have been on site, in Vientiane, for over 25 years. 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 French-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
- 25+ years of experience: founded in 2002, Asia Safari assists hundreds of French-speaking travelers every year
How does our tailor-made service work?
1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We build a proposal within 48 hours — day-by-day itinerary, accommodations, all-inclusive price
3. You refine it with us until the trip is perfect
4. We manage everything on site: guides, transport, hotels, activities
When to visit Laos?
The best period is October to April — dry season, pleasant temperatures. The rainy season (May to September) is also possible: lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads can be difficult. Asia Safari advises you according to the region and type of trip.
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 most requested Indochina combinations
Laos + Cambodia: A classic — temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, Mekong and Tonlé Sap. 15 days minimum recommended.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: For travelers seeking originality — travel from Yunnan to Laos via the Laos-China railway (inaugurated 2021).
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.
Ideal duration: allow a minimum of 12 to 15 days for a 2-country combination.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: prices vary greatly by country. Laos is cheaper than Vietnam or Thailand.
Our Story
Jean-Paul Duvergé arrived in Laos at the turn of the 2000s, fell in love with the country, and decided to stay. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari with a simple idea: to offer French-speaking travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large Parisian agencies. Since then, the agency has assisted thousands of travelers, built a network of trusted guides and partners, and refined its philosophy: rigorous tailor-made travel, serving authenticity.
What sets us apart
We are on site: Our team works from Vientiane. We know the roads, seasons, accommodations, guides — and what changed last week. No outdated brochures.
We speak your language: Asia Safari is a 100% French-speaking agency. All our communications, proposals, and guides speak French.
Zero intermediaries: You work directly with us. No central purchasing, no Parisian subcontractors. Fairer prices and higher service quality.
Tailor-made as our only model: We do not have standardized tours. Each trip is designed from scratch, according to your dates, budget, desires, and traveler profile.
Our commitment
Asia Safari actively supports responsible tourism in Laos: prioritizing local accommodations, tours that benefit village communities, respect for cultural and natural sites.
Laos in figures
Area: 236,800 km² | Population: approximately 7.5 million inhabitants | Capital: Vientiane | Official language: Lao | Religion: Theravada Buddhism (65% of the population) | Currency: Lao Kip (LAK) | Time zone: UTC+7
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 permeates all of Lao life. The alms giving (offerings to monks at dawn) in Luang Prabang is a daily ritual of great beauty. Lao festivals — Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year in April), Boun Ok Phansa (Festival of Lights) — are exceptional times to travel.
Nature and biodiversity
Laos is 70% covered by forests. Its protected areas are home to rare species: Asian elephants, gibbons, sun bears. The rivers and plateaus offer natural settings of rare purity in Asia.
