Introducing travelers to the history and rich culture of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, our 12-day Colorful Capitals multi-country tour gives a taste of the region from an insider’s point of view.

The program starts in Bangkok where guests will visit revered sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Po and Jim Thompson Museum with rides on tuk-tuks and taxi boats. Flying to Luang Prabang on the third day, the program tours the ancient city’s iconic temples, Mekong River and evening market with opportunities to learn about Lao culture through alms giving, a textile workshop and cooking course. The program continues to Vientiane where guests will visit famed temples as well as participate in a traditional baci ceremony. Crossing borders into Cambodia, they will spend another two days sightseeing in Phnom Penh before heading to Siem Reap to discover its Angkor monuments. The program ends with a flight back to Bangkok.

To view program details of Colorful Capitals, click here.

Vientiane’s newest property Le Leela Hotel is suitable for FITs and families. The property is set in low-rise traditional Lao style buildings with 15 guestrooms and a Thai restaurant. It is located on a quiet street near the city center. More details about Le Leela can be viewed here.

Vientiane by Night is our latest Laos excursion that offers an evening out in the capital, allowing travelers to discover a different side of the Lao capital. Accompanied by a guide, guests visit a bustling evening food market and a nearby restaurant to enjoy a Lao-style dinner with cultural performances. After dinner, they can head to a lounge bar for a drink or to a local nightclub to dance before returning to the hotel. Find out more by clicking here.

Jointly developed by Vientiane Orchids and Exotissimo Laos, the Orchids Trek is a one-day nature tour that explores the Phou Khao Khouay National Park in search of native wild orchids. On 25 March 2009, Exotissimo pledged further support to this program by signing an agreement with Bolikhamxay Province and Vientiane Orchids to help promote and sell the Orchids Trek over the next three years. During the trek, each group will be accompanied by a minimum of 2 trained local guides – an effort to provide a sustainable income source for the locals. Click here to view Orchid Trek and other day trips in Vientiane. For tour inquiry, contact laos@exotissimo.com.

Since 6 March 2009, a new train service now connects Vientiane with the Thai town of Nongkhai. Extending the Bangkok – Nongkhai railway across the Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge, the train service will terminate in Laos at Tha Naleng (approximately 12km from Vientiane). Passport-stamping services are available at both the Nongkhai and Tha Naleng stations. The VIP compartment seats 4 passengers while the standard compartment seats 40.

The latest addition to Vientiane’s hotel sector, Vansana Riverside Hotel had a soft opening on 7 February 2009. It features 77 rooms, a swimming pool, conference rooms, a restaurant and bar. Located by the Mekong River, the Vasana is only a short walk away from the town center.

Sakuran is a new waterfront bar that has recently opened in Vientiane. A completely glass building decorated with black furniture and white paintings, it is a great place to chill out after working hours (open from 6pm, closed on Monday) with a wide selection of cocktails.

Another new addition to Vientiane’s bar scene is EZ Bar, which opened in December last year. This purple-themed bar aims to be the top spot for Vientiane’s night life with a live band performing every evening from 6 – 11 pm. It also offers a great selection of drinks and finger food.

Recently opened in Vientiane, L’Adresse is a new French restaurant located on the first floor of New Lao Paris Hotel on Samsenthai Street. Based on the concept of a French bistro, the restaurant serves salads, simple French dishes and wine. For now, it is only open for dinners in the evening but will operate for lunches soon.

Recently opened in Vientiane, L’Adresse is a new French restaurant located on the first floor of New Lao Paris Hotel on Samsenthai Street. Based on the concept of a French bistro, the restaurant serves salads, simple French dishes and wine. For now, it is only open for dinners in the evening but will operate for lunches soon.

Vanhpakai Saythong has recently joined Exotissimo Laos in the Vientiane office as the Luxury Department Manager. Also known as Kai, Vanhpakai is no stranger to Exotissimo. He started his career in the travel industry back in 2001 as a Travel Consultant with Exotissimo Laos before being recruited by Green Discovery Laos as the Sales and Operations Manager. In search of new challenges, Vanhpakai accepted the invitation to join Exotissimo Laos and will lead the establishment of the new luxury department. He will be in charge of developing and managing this department as well as handling MICE requests for the English-speaking markets. Speaking fluent Lao, Thai, English and some French, Vanhpakai can be contacted at kai@exotissimo.com.