Getting around underdeveloped Laos can be difficult, making organized travel the simplest option here.
Independent travel is quite feasible, though, and the same companies that organize group tours can help with hotel and travel arrangements and even create independent tour itineraries.
The most established and widely represented agencies provide basic, mainstream tours to most provinces for either short trips or extended visits. Destinations include in and around Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang (Plain of Jars), and Champasak, plus visits to Laos's hill tribes, adventure trips, and ecotourism excursions. When arranging travel with even the larger tour operators, be absolutely clear about the specifics (meals included, driver's expenses, taxes, and so forth). Many tour companies offer the world and come up short. Below are recommended tour operators that offer Laos itineraries.
Diethelm Travel, Namphu Square, Setthathirat Road, P.O. Box 2657, Vientiane (tel. 021/213-833; fax 021/217-151 or 021/216-204; www.diethelmtravel.com), is open Monday through Friday from 8am to noon and 1:30 to 5pm, Saturday from 8am to noon, and operates almost like a de facto tourist information and help center. The folks here are the most professional in the country and can arrange deluxe, personalized trips that cover all the necessities. Offices are in all major towns (locations are listed in the sections on each town in this chapter).
Exotissimo Travel, Pangkham Street, Vientiane (tel. 021/241-861 or 021/215-920; fax 021/262-001; www.exotissimo.com), is a slick and helpful French-owned company. It offers fine upscale group, individual, classic, and ecotourism itineraries.
Inter-Lao Tourism, 07/073 Luang Prabang Rd., P.O. Box 2912, Vientiane (tel. 021/214-832 or 021/219-249; fax 021/216-306; www.interlao.laopdr.com), is helpful and has convenient offices in Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang.
Green Discovery, 54 Setthathirat Rd., Nam Phu Fountain Circle, Vientiane (tel. 021/223-022; www.greendiscoverylaos.com), offers exciting rafting, kayaking, climbing, cycling, and trekking excursions ranging from 1-day trips to 1-month expeditions. The helpful international staff caters to both budget travelers and well-heeled adventurers.
