Map of Laos and its main cities

Laos, the smallest country in Southeast Asia

You can see on our map of Laos that the country has 5 borders: China, Myanmar to the north, Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the west and Cambodia to the south. Although it is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, you should know that Laos still stretches over more than 1,000 km from north to south and from 140 to 500 km from east to west. It is characterized, on the one hand, by a large mountainous area (more than 70% of the terrain). On the other hand, the presence of the Mekong River, which rises in Tibet, irrigates Yunnan Province in China before entering Laos via Luang Namtha Province. The river borders the country to the west for 1,865 km from north to south and is also one of the main routes for communication and economic exchanges with Thailand and China in particular, which makes up for the fact that it has no access to the sea.

In the heart of Lao lands

The country is divided into 17 provinces, including Vientiane, which is also the capital of Laos, and the province of Luang Prabang, one of the most visited in Laos thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage status. Outside the Mekong Valley, in some remote mountainous areas in Muang Sing, Muang La, Nong Khiaw, access is more difficult. Villages that live in self-sufficiency, far from Western civilization, make it a country rich in well-preserved traditions. To visualize your itineraries in all four corners of the country, take a look at our map of Laos.

The North of Laos

Map of Laos and its cities
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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.

    A 10-day trip to Laos with intermediate comfort generally costs between €1,500 and €2,500 per person (excluding international flights). Asia Safari prepares a personalized proposal according to your budget and accommodation preferences.

    French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian nationals can obtain a Visa on Arrival at major airports and border crossings. The visa costs approximately 30 to 35 USD and is valid for 30 days.

    Yes, absolutely. Laos is one of the safest and most family-friendly countries in Southeast Asia. Asia Safari adapts the pace, accommodations, and activities according to the children’s age.

    Asia Safari is a French-speaking agency. All our guides speak French, and we can assist you entirely in French, from trip design to arrival on site.

    A minimum of 10 days is recommended to discover the essentials (Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane). A stay of 15 to 18 days also allows covering Southern Laos (Champassak, 4000 Islands).

    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.

    Laos naturally combines with Vietnam (land border), Thailand (Mekong ferry or Friendship Bridge), Cambodia (via plane or Mekong boat), and China (Boten-Vientiane train). Asia Safari designs the smoothest itinerary based on your starting point.

    For a Laos + Vietnam or Laos + Cambodia tour, allow a minimum of 15 to 18 days. The Grand Indochina Tour (4 countries) requires 30 to 40 days to be enjoyed without rushing.

    Yes. Asia Safari organizes all logistics: domestic flights, airport transfers, boats, trains — everything is included in your tailor-made proposal.

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

    Yes. We adapt the pace, accommodations, and activities for senior travelers. Laos, in particular, is a gentle, unhurried country, ideal for travelers who prefer depth over speed.

    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.

    Asia Safari is a Lao receptive agency, based in Vientiane. It was founded by a Frenchman, Jean-Paul Duvergé, and its team is Franco-Lao. We work exclusively from Laos, not from France.

    You can contact us via the contact form on our website, by email, or by phone. Our team usually responds within 24 to 48 business hours.

    Asia Safari specializes in individual travel and small groups (family, friends). We can organize groups upon request, but our core business remains tailor-made travel for 1 to 10 people.

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

    Our team is available 7 days a week during your stay. In case of unforeseen events (weather, health, logistics), we react quickly to find a solution. This is the advantage of a local agency: we are here, on the ground.

    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.

    Yes, Laos is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. Crime against tourists is very low. The main precautions concern road safety and respect for local customs.

    The dry season (October to April) is the best period: pleasant temperatures (20-30°C), passable roads, clear landscapes. The rainy season (May to September) offers lush landscapes but some regions may be difficult to access.

    The official currency is the Lao Kip (LAK). In practice, the US dollar and Thai Baht are widely accepted. ATMs are available in major cities, but it is advisable to have cash for rural areas.

    Recommended vaccinations are: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies (depending on the type of trip), and an update of universal vaccines (DTP, MMR). Anti-malarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions visited. Consult your doctor before departure.

    A minimum of 10 days is recommended for the essentials (Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang). For a complete immersion including the center and south of the country, allow 15 to 21 days.