Laos DMC for Tour Operators: Luang Prabang, Vientiane and the Mekong

Laos rewards the slower kind of traveller: temples at dawn, long river views and towns that still close early. As a Laos DMC for the travel trade, DMC Connect runs ground services in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Pakse, and builds Laos as a short add-on to Thailand, a stop on an Indochina route or a programme of its own.

Where we operate in Laos

• Luang Prabang: a UNESCO World Heritage town and the spiritual heart of the country.
• Vientiane: the laid-back capital on the Mekong.
• Vang Vieng: karst scenery, now known for kayaking, hiking and boutique stays.
• Pakse: the gateway to the southern highlands and the Wat Phou temple site in Champasak.

Useful facts for your documents: Laos is on UTC+7, the currency is the Lao kip (LAK), and Lao is the official language.

Sample itinerary: four days in Luang Prabang

Our Ultimate 4-Day Luang Prabang Itinerary covers the essentials at an unhurried pace:

• the early-morning alms-giving ceremony;
• a cruise on the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with Buddha statues;
• an elephant camp that cares for elephants rescued from hard labour;
• the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls;
• Wat Xieng Thong and its "Tree of Life" mosaic, and sunset from Mount Phousi.

This itinerary is one of those that list a Spanish-speaking guide; tell us the guiding language you need for your clients.

Rail changes the map

The Lao-China Railway has turned Laos from land-locked to land-linked. Trains connect Vientiane with Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, and the line continues north to China. For operators, this opens rail-and-stay programmes with fewer internal flights. Read our guide to Southeast Asia rail journeys.

Building a Laos programme

• Respect the rhythm. The alms-giving needs a briefing on etiquette before guests attend.
• Book festival dates early. Lao New Year (Pi Mai) in mid-April is celebrated for about a week in Luang Prabang and books up far ahead.
• Combine with neighbours. Laos pairs naturally with northern Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, all of which we operate.

Services in Laos

All four service lines are delivered in Laos: tailor-made travel, group series, educational travel and MICE.

Frequently asked questions

Where does DMC Connect operate in Laos?

In Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Pakse, working exclusively with travel agents and tour operators.

How many days should a programme spend in Luang Prabang?

Our published itinerary uses 4 days and 3 nights, which covers the alms-giving, the Pak Ou Caves, Kuang Si Waterfalls and the old town without rushing.

Can guests travel between Laos and Thailand by train?

The Lao-China Railway links Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, and Vientiane is close to the Thai border. We plan the overland connection as part of the programme.

Can you provide guides in languages other than English?

Our Luang Prabang itinerary lists a Spanish-speaking guide. For other languages, tell us what you need and we will confirm it in the proposal.

Request a Laos proposal

Send your dates, group size and the places you want to include, and a specialist will contact you within 24 hours. Plan a Laos programme.