Would you like to travel and explore Laos? Do you want to have the experience of a lifetime with a safe and affordable tour companies in Laos?
The beautiful country of Laos is a great tour destination if you love the jungle and mountains. Otherwise known as Laos people democratic republic, this country is very cheap and offers many fun activities and exciting adventures. They have an interesting and diverse culture that is heavily influenced by Buddhism and is a mix of Burmese, Thai, and Cambodian. While travelling in Laos, you can get involved in tours that will take you to massive waterfalls, ancient temples, and local restaurants that you will love.
Searching through the hundreds of awesome tour providers available in Laos can be exhausting and sometimes complicated and we want to help! With all of the different options, you can understand how they will greatly vary in quality, price, and experience. Giving your hard-earned money to a Laos tour agency without having the proper information can lead to you over paying and stranded as a tourist in Laos.
The following article can be used to gain all of the information you need to make a decision about who to trust to help you explore Laos like a local. We have compared prices, read hundreds of reviews, and have worked hard to uncover the best options.
Here is an unbiased list of the Top 10 most reputable tour operators in Laos.
| Providers | Reviews |
| Manifa Travel |
Trip Advisor – 955 reviews |
| Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort |
Trip Advisor – 1,858 reviews |
| The Gibbon Experience | Trip Advisor – 930 reviews |
| Shompoo Cruise | Trip Advisor – 417 reviews |
| Tiger Trail Travel | TripAdvisor – 678 reviews |
| ORLA Tours Laos | Trip Advisor – 262 reviews |
| Forest Retreat Laos | Trip Advisor – 262 reviews |
| The Hiker | Trip Advisor – 188 reviews |
| Orange Robe Tours | Trip Advisor – 188 reviews |
| Into the Wild Namtha | Trip Advisor – 125 reviews |
Table update Jan 22, 2024
Manifa Travel
Manifa Travel is the best rated travel company in Laos with over 25 years of experience in the travel industry. The company is based in Luang Prabang and established in 2003, Manifa Travel specializes in adventure and classic tour packages. Manifa Travel offers activities such as kayaking, trekking, biking, and homestays. Their transportation services include boat and minivan charters, with a fleet including Toyota Hiace and long-tail slow boats.
Manifa Travel Best Laos Tour Packages
Manifa Travel offers captivating packages, each showcasing the beauty of Laos.
The Luang Prabang World Heritage tour blends city exploration, a Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou Caves, and a sunset spectacle. Immerse in Lao culture with temple visits, a local guide’s insights, and a delightful lunch at Manifa Elephant Camp on this tour.
The Rice Farming Experience takes you to Living Land Farm, Kuang Si Waterfalls, and a Hmong village, providing hands-on farming encounters and a refreshing waterfall retreat.
For a comprehensive adventure, the Kuang Si Waterfalls, Mekong Sunset Cruise, Pak Ou Caves package is the best. The package features waterfall wonders, elephant camp lunch, a Mekong cruise, and a visit to the famous Whisky Village.
Manifa Travel Reviews
Manifa Travel is the best rated tour operator in Laos with stellar ratings and reviews. Out of 95 Tours & Activities in Luang Prabang, Manifa Travel ranks number 1. This professional tour agency in Laos has 955 reviews with 5-star rating. You can read about a great experience by a former client:
This was a fantastic tour! Meeting the elephant up close was so much fun! The waterfalls are amazing! The lunch was great!…leed
Read all reviews of Manifa Travel on TripAdvisor.
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Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort
Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort is a finest sanctuary and tour operator in Laos with high ratings. Based in Luang Prabang, Laos, the sanctuary was founded in 2003 and is owned by passionate Lao nationals. Their mission revolves around saving elephants, supporting the local community, and preserving nature. Rescuing elephants from logging, the sanctuary currently cares for 14, including two babies. Elephant Village Sanctuary offers tourists quality time and mahout training, ensuring the well-being and survival of elephants.
Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort Best Packages
If you are interested in the conservation of elephants and would like to help out while getting hands-on experience, you can join in on one of Elephant Village Sanctuary’s amazing Laos tours.
The half day elephant experience is a great chance to enjoy the jungles in luxury. You can swim, eat, and have the chance to bath with elephants!
Another longer option is the full day experience which adds in more opportunities to see the elephants, additional meals, and a trekking portion.
For an overnight tour, you can join the 2 day Mahout experience tour in Laos. With this tour, you can take a boat to a waterfall, eat dinner at the elephant camp restaurant, and enjoy a relaxing night at the elephant lodge.
You can also take a day tour to the famous Tad Sae Waterfall for pictures and a nice swim in beautiful waters.
Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort Reviews
Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort is a top tour company in Laos with over 1850 reviews on TripAdvisor and 95% of them have 5-star ratings. They have served thousands of happy tourists and are top outdoor activities provider in Luang Prabang. Here you can see what someone else has said about going on a tour with Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort:
I spend my all morning at the elephant village. All the elephant are so well treated. Our guide was great and interesting. I even could help them washing those huge animals… Blandine B
Read all reviews of Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort on TripAdvisor.
The Gibbon Experience
The Gibbon Experience is one of the best tour operators in Laos with a focus on conservation initiatives. The company offers visitors a unique chance to stay in the world’s highest tree houses and explore forest canopies through thrilling ziplines. By immersing travelers in the beauty of nature, the company raises awareness for forest conservation. In the packages offered by the company, visitors not only wake up surrounded by gibbons but actively contribute to safeguarding the forest and sustaining the livelihoods of the people who call it home.
The Gibbon Experience Best Laos Tour Packages
The Gibbon Experience offers unique packages, each catering to different preferences.
The Classic Tour, spanning three days and two nights, is ideal for gibbon spotting, featuring an easy trek with a customizable schedule and treehouse accommodation.
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can opt for Giant Loop Tour, a two-day adventure. The tour involves thrilling ziplines through Nam Kan National Park, providing breathtaking views and a night in a treehouse near the Tree King.
Additionally, the Honeymoon Tour is a romantic three-day retreat in a specially designed treehouse for two, offering a more private and intimate experience.
The Gibbon Experience Reviews
The Gibbon Experience is a #1 ranked Laos tour operator. This professional tour agency has 930 reviews on TripAdvisor, many of which comprise 5-star ratings. Similarly, The Gibbon Experience is also a recipient of the Traveler’s Choice Award in 2023. You can read about a great experience by a former client:
This would have to be one of the best things i have done in my life. The ziplines, the jungle walks & the staff were all outstanding from start to finish…crash4mark
Read all reviews of The Gibbon Experience on TripAdvisor.
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Shompoo Cruise
Shompoo Cruise is a top cruise experience provider in Laos. Based in Luang Prabang, the company specializes in Mekong River cruises. With four charming slow-boats, they offer a unique journey between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang. With over 10 years of tourism expertise, including hotels and river cruises, Shompoo Cruise provides comfortable and reasonably priced packages. Shompoo Cruise’s commitment lies in ensuring passengers have an unforgettable experience, blending tradition with modern comfort.
Shompoo Cruise Best Laos Tour Packages
Shompoo Cruise offers several exciting packages for a memorable Mekong River experience.
The Downstream Cruise Tour from Houay Xay to Luang Prabang spans 2 days of boat services. Guests explore a traditional Kamu village, Pak Ou Caves, and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Pakbeng.
The Upstream Cruise Tour, from Luang Prabang to Houay Xay, features a French breakfast and insightful visits to Pak Ou Caves and a Kamu village.
If you are short on time and want to experience a shorter adventure, the Pak Ou Caves Tour is perfect. The trip starts from Luang Prabang, offering a morning visit to the caves with a stop at the lao whiskey village, and Ban Xang Hai.
Shompoo Cruise Reviews
Shompoo Cruise is a well-recognized name in the cruising industry of Laos. The company is rated #3 of 36 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Luang Prabang and has 417 reviews on TripAdvisor. Most of the reviews have 5-star ratings. Likewise, Shompoo Cruise also received the Traveler’s Choce award of 2023 from TripAdvisor.
The long boat cruise on the Mekong was amazing! The cruise was perfectly arranged by Alex and his team, and our guide Sen made it so much more by sharing info…VAS2011
Read all reviews of Shompoo Cruise on TripAdvisor.
Tiger Trail Travel
Tiger Trail Travel is a top tour company in Laos that offers personalized and eco-friendly adventures. Established in 2000, the company is committed to responsible tourism and supports community-based initiatives like Fair Trek, benefiting local families. Tiger Trail Travel partners only with ethical organizations and is certified by Responsible Tourism UK and Child Safe. They own a fleet of vehicles, bikes, and more, ensuring reliable quality on every tour. Offering tours in English, French, German, Russian, and Spanish, Tiger Trail Travel caters to a wide audience.
Tiger Trail Travel Best Laos Tour Packages
Tiger Trail Travel offers several exciting packages to explore the beauty of Luang Prabang.
You can go on a day trek to Kuang Si Waterfall, visiting lush forests and local villages, ending with a refreshing swim at the turquoise pools.
Experience the Half Day Mekong Lunch Cruise Tour, cruising the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves, sampling Lao whisky, and enjoying a traditional Lao lunch onboard.
You can also indulge in the Tiger Trail Travel’s Food and Fun Tour. This is a half-day biking adventure exploring the morning market, tasting local delicacies like Naem Khao, and savoring Lao coffee by the Mekong.
Tiger Trail Travel Reviews
Tiger Trail Travel is a top travel agency in Laos that has been offering tour programs for 20 years. In TripAdvisor, the company has over 678 reviews with 5-star ratings. Tiger Trail Travel stands out as a top outdoor activities provider in Luang Prabang and they have also received the Traveler’s Choice Award in 2023.
Awesome tour. Our guide was fantastic, he was very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended, would definitely do it again!… Mark S
Read all reviews of Tiger Trail Travel on TripAdvisor.
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ORLA Tours Laos
ORLA Tours is a top-rated travel agency in Laos that specializes in tailor-made tours. With 20 years of experience, the company’s local team, fluent in French and Laotian, crafts unique journeys. ORLA Tours focuses on off-the-beaten-path adventures, ensuring authenticity and encounters with local communities. The team at ORLA Tours is actively engaged and attend tourism seminars, collaborating with the Tourism Office for safe and quality travel.
ORLA Tours Laos Best Tour Packages
ORLA Tours Laos offers an array of captivating packages tailored to diverse preferences.
Families can immerse themselves in the enchanting culture of Luang Prabang province with the Family Tours. They can engage in Buddhist rituals and hands-on village activities with these tours.
The Ethnic Tours is best for adventure enthusiasts. You can trek through jungles, villages, and mountains, meeting remote tribes along the way.
For couples or groups of friends seeking a blend of comfort and culture, ORLA Tours’ Cultural Tours reveal the heart of Laos. With a French-speaking guide, discover Lao traditions and culture, balancing luxury with authentic experiences.
ORLA Tours Laos Reviews
ORLA Tours have years of experience in Lao tourism industry. 5-star rating and 262 great reviews on TripAdvisor makes this tour company in Laos makes of the best tour. See this great review left by a past client of theirs:
Excellent experience with this travel agency. Competence, kindness, availability, we appreciate the whole team…. Lapetitecoke
Read all reviews of ORLA Tours Laos on TripAdvisor.
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Forest Retreat Laos
Forest Retreat Laos is one of the best tour operators in Laos that specializes in eco-trekking. The company provides unforgettable adventures in Laos with their customized tour packages. Forest Retreat Laos focuses not only on showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes but also on uplifting local communities. They prioritize hiring local talent, from English-speaking guides in Luang Namtha to assistant guides from nearby villages.
Forest Retreat Laos Best Packages
Forest Retreat Laos offers a variety of exciting and immersive jungle experiences.
The Sabai Sabai Trail trek promises a leisurely day exploring the jungle with picturesque views. For a more challenging adventure, the Ban Nalan Forest Trail trek takes you through the Nam Ha NPA, offering bird serenades and a glimpse of a waterfall.
For water enthusiasts, the 1 Day Kayak & Rafting Trips provide thrilling options. This Nam Tha River Experience combines natural scenery with cultural immersion.
For extended adventures, the 2 Day Jungle Tours is the best. The tour offer immersive combinations like the Nam Tha Bird Trail, blending kayaking and trekking, or the Nam Tha Mountain Trail, featuring kayaking, jungle camping and trekking.
Forest Retreat Laos Reviews
Forest Retreat Laos is a well-respected tour company in Laos. In TripAdvisor, they have earned 5-star rating and 262 reviews. They are also ranked #3 of 14 Tours & Activities in Luang Namtha. You can see the high praise from past clients here:
Wonderful 2 days 1 night trek in the jungle. The agency was attentive and prepared a trek adapted to what we were looking for… Guillaume W
Read all reviews of Forest Retreat Laos on TripAdvisor.
The Hiker
The Hiker is a best-rated local travel agency in Northern Laos. The company was founded by experienced Eco-tour guides who specialize in jungle trekking tours that offer unique multi-adventure experiences. The Hiker’s mission is to contribute innovatively to the tourism industry, providing professional and ethical services. Their goals include conserving Laos’ biodiversity, offering a distinctive eco-tour experience that also help uplift the life of local communities.
The Hiker Best Laos Tour Packages
The Hiker presents a range of thrilling packages for nature enthusiasts.
The Kayaking & Trekking in Namha National Park Tour is perfect for thrill seekers. On this tour, you will explore the Namtha river, countryside villages, river-side fishermen and camp.
You can also opt for the Hunter Trails, Camping & Homestay Package to explore a remarkable jungle hike through amazing forests. This tour includes camping amidst towering trees and savoring wild organic food.
You can also choose trekking and kayaking for an active escapade in Namha National Park. Trek through rainforests, visit villages, stay in a homestay to learn local traditions, and paddle down the scenic Namtha river on this package.
The Hiker Reviews
The Hiker is a renowned tour company in Laos. They have 5-star ratings and 188 excellent reviews with #2 ranking. You can see what someone has said about the company here:
I would definitely recommend to book a trekking at The Hiker. The service is excellent! I did a 3-day trekking, with 1 night in the jungle and 1 night in a homestay… Kirsten D
Read all reviews of The Hiker on TripAdvisor.
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Orange Robe Tours
Orange Robe Tours is one of the premier travel and tour company based in Luang Prabang, Laos. The company is a unique profit-for-purpose social enterprise with tours that contribute to the local economy and monasteries. Orange Robe Tours employs former Novices and Monks as tour guides to support their transition from temple life to layperson life, providing fair wages and educational opportunities. The company focuses on culturally appropriate tours that also supports the preservation of traditional Lao culture and customs.
Orange Robe Tours Best Tour Packages
Orange Robe Tours offers enlightening packages for a deep dive into Laos’ Buddhist culture. The Cultural Temple Tour uncovers the intricacies of Buddhism in Laos, covering architecture, etiquette, and the daily life of Novices and Monks.
For those into spirituality and meditation, the Guided Meditation Experience Package is perfect. The package takes you inside a local temple, teaching meditation techniques integral to Buddhism.
Orange Robe Tours Reviews
Orange Robe Tours is one of the finest spiritual tour providers in Laos with excellent ratings and reviews. The company has 188 reviews on TripAdvisor, maximum of which consist of praise from clients. Similarly, the company ranks #4 out of 95 Tours & Activities providers in Luang Prabang and also has Traveler’s Choice Award in 2023 on its name.
I couldn’t recommend it more! i did the tour with Tay and it was incredible. learned so much about Buddhism and life as a monk… marianamferreira
Read all reviews of Orange Robe Tours on TripAdvisor.
Into the Wild Namtha
Into the Wild Namtha is a highly rated travel and tour agency in Laos. The company operates responsible ecotourism and is based in Luang Namtha. Specializing in tours within the Nam Ha Protected Area, Into the Wild offers trekking, rafting, kayaking, cycling, and minivan tours. The company prides itself on having knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
Into the Wild Namtha Best Laos Tour Packages
Into the Wild Namtha offers several exciting packages for adventurous explorers.
The Jungle Trek provides a day of immersive exploration in Laos’ Nam Ha protected area, offering diverse jungle ecosystems and expert local guides.
The Ban Phouvan Akha Trail Trek spans two days, venturing you deep into the Nam Ha landscape, with informative stops on flora, a waterfall visit, and a unique Akha-style village experience.
If you are into extended experiences, The Namha Jungle Camp + Homestay Tour is the best. The tour spans three days, featuring trekking through NamHa National Park, jungle camping with a night tour, mountain climbs, visits to ethnic villages and an Akha-style massage.
Into the Wild Namtha Reviews
Into the Wild Namtha have years of experience and over the course of their establishment, they have served thousands of highly satisfied customers with affordable tours. With 5-star ratings, #4 ranking and 125 reviews on TripAdvisor, this tour company in Laos is indeed the best choice for your Lao adventure. See this great review left by a past client of theirs:
it was an AMAZING Time; Seng took care very good for all of us. His survival skills are very Impressive! It was very nice that he gave us the chance…Wanderer30958602201
Read all reviews of Into the Wild on TripAdvisor.
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FAQs
The best time to visit Laos is from November to February. This period offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for exploring the country’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. However, if you enjoy lush landscapes, the wet season from June to September showcases Laos in its full greenery.
A recommended duration for a visit to Laos is around 10 to 14 days. This allows you to experience the charm of its capital city, Vientiane, explore the historic town of Luang Prabang, and venture into the scenic landscapes of places like Vang Vieng and the islands.
The best way to explore Laos is a combination of local transportation modes. Tuk-tuks, bicycles, and walking are great for navigating cities and towns, while buses or private drivers can help cover longer distances. Additionally, boat trips along the Mekong River offer a unique perspective, unveiling the country’s picturesque scenery and remote villages.
Laos is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s essential to stay informed about current events and follow local guidelines. Exercise normal precautions, such as safeguarding belongings and being aware of your surroundings.
While Laos is generally safe, it’s advisable to avoid certain behaviors. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting temples. Refrain from taking photos in sensitive areas, and be mindful of the cultural significance of certain actions.