Tours

Diethelm Travel. One of the oldest and most respected travel agencies offering package trips to Laos, Diethelm is a good source for travel information and tours in Laos. The agency's Taste of Laos tour focuses on the country's coffee industry. Multiday tours to Wat Phu take in other major attractions in southern Laos. Kian Gwan II Building, 14/F, 140/1 Wireless Rd., Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330. 02/660–7000; www.diethelmtravel.com. From 925,000 kip ($114) per person for 2 travelers (higher rate for 1 person, lower for more than 2).

Green Discovery Laos. The top eco- and adventure-tour operator in Laos, Green Discovery offers a staggering array of adventure, eco, and cultural tours, from one day to one week, throughout the country. The company, which trains its guides well, is also the best source for local information.

54 Setthathirat Rd., Ban Xieng Ngeun, Nam Phou, Vientiane, 021/223022; www.greendiscoverylaos.com. From 1,000,000 kip ($123) per person for 2 travelers.

National Tourism Authority of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The official government tourist agency has offices in Vientiane and all other provinces in Laos. The staff provides some printed materials and tries to be helpful, but you are probably better off going to private travel agencies for more detailed information. Box 3556 , Ave. Lane Xang, Vientiane, 021/212248; 021/212251; www.tourismlaos.org. Weekdays 9–noon and 1–4.