Tours Operators in Laos

Tourism professionals in Thailand and Laos have been energetically pushing a joint cooperation program, making it considerably easier for visitors to Thailand to plan a side trip to Laos. Much of the Thai part of this program is based in Chiang Mai, and travel agents there can set you up with a package.

In Chiang Mai, Nam Khong Travel (6 Chaiyaphoom Rd., Chiang Mai, TH. 053/874321) is the leading specialist in package tours to Laos. Diethelm Travel (Kian Gwan II Bldg., 140/1 Wittayu [Wireless] Rd., Bangkok, TH. 02/255-9150. Setthathirat Rd. at Nam Phu Fountain Sq., Vientiane. 021/215129 or 021/215920 Sisavangvong Rd., Luang Prabang. 071/212277. www.diethelmtravel.com) is one of the oldest and most-respected travel agencies offering package trips to Laos and a good source of travel information and tours in Laos.

Green Discovery Laos (54 Setthathirat Rd., Nam Phou, Vientiane. 021/223022. www.greendiscoverylaos.com) is the top eco- and adventure-tour operator in Laos and is the best source for local information. Lao Youth Travel (039 Fa Ngum Quay, Ban Mixay, Vientiane. 021/240939. 410 Visounnarath Rd., Visoun, Box 1086, Luang Prabang. 071/253340. www.laoyouthtravel.com) does tours around Laos and can answer questions.

The National Tourism Authority of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (BP 3556, Ave. Lan Xang, Vientiane. 021/212248 or 021/250681. www.tourismlaos.gov.la) has offices in Vientiane and all other provinces in Laos; they provide some printed materials, but little else.

The private Web site www.laos-hotels.com can provide information on the major hotels in the country.