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Laos: Sunrises & Street Food

9 days, Vientiane to Chiang Mai

Now's the time for adventure on your terms with this tour of Laos that's affordable for young travellers. Explore countryside caves by bike in Vang Vieng, go back in time in the ancient city of Luang Prabang, and watch local life unfold on the Mekong. It's some of the best of Southeast Asia, all in one place. Take it all on with new friends, new places, and new must-sees and -dos to share back home.

9 days

Vientiane to Chiang Mai

From$749USD
was $999
Valid on Jun 16 2024
Trip Code: ALVC

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on May 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ADV05

Now's the time for adventure on your terms with this tour of Laos that's affordable for young travellers. Explore countryside caves by bike in Vang Vieng, go back in time in the ancient city of Luang Prabang, and watch local life unfold on the Mekong. It's some of the best of Southeast Asia, all in one place. Take it all on with new friends, new places, and new must-sees and -dos to share back home.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 12.

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

Alternative Trips

9 days

Vientiane to Chiang Mai

From$749USD
was $999
Valid on Jun 16 2024
Trip Code: ALVC

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on May 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ADV05

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 9

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 99

Map of the route for Laos: Sunrises & Street Food

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Vientiane

Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital.

After meeting your CEO and fellow travellers this evening, wander through the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Pick up a street beer or tea as you browse through the stalls of souvenirs and local delicacies. Follow your CEO to grab the best street food — or, you know, follow your nose.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Vientiane/Vang Vieng

Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to a famous local view point for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary. This evening, enjoy a drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment Vang Vieng Nightlife

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Vang Vieng

Get the most out of Vang Vieng with a day to freely explore. Check out the caves by bicycle or trek through the countryside. Choose to kayak through Tham None cave and venture to the Blue Lagoon by booking the adrenaline bundle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang

Continue to colourful Luang Prabang and make your first acquaintance with this ancient city during an afternoon orientation walk. Afterward, embark on a short trek up sacred Mount Phousi, climbing the stone stairs with scaly golden handrails, past the monks quarters and Buddha's footprint cave, to reach the temple at the top - Wat Phousi. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sun setting upon Luang Prabang and the Mekong River before an evening street food crawl.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Luang Prabang

Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk through town before dawn. Dressed in saffron robes, they receive daily alms from local residents. Then, visit the Kuang Si waterfalls on a guided excursion before free time in the evening.

Traditional Laotian culture involves giving daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Should you rise early, you’ll get to watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Luang Prabang/Pak Beng

The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long, cozy houseboat that will take you on a two-day journey up the Mekong River en route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Today, cruise to a village homestay for the night, experience a Baci welcome ceremony, and enjoy dinner with your hosts.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7Pak Beng/Chiang Khong

New day, same magnificent Mekong. Today’s your second travel day, where you’ll cross into Thailand arriving in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon. Sit back, relax, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and enjoy the scenic ride.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai

Take in the rolling countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai nestled alongside Thailand's northern mountains. Spend the afternoon getting to know this peaceful city known for traditional markets and glorious temples. Choose to visit Doi Suthep, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.

Day 9Chiang Mai

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony, Muang Pakbèng
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang Vieng
  • Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang
  • Guided hike in Vang Vieng
  • Slow boat up the Mekong
  • Orientation walk, sunset trek to Wat Phousi, Kuang Si Waterfalls excursion and street food crawl in Luang Prabang
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Simple hotels (twin-share) (5 nts) and hostels (multi-share) (2 nts), homestay (1 nt).

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD105-140 for meals not included.

Transportation

Local bus, air-con bus, slow boat, songthaew, tuk-tuk, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Northern Thai Cooking Class - From $33.00

Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.

Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle - From $30.00

Head North of Vang Vieng where you’ll grab a kayak and depart downstream on the NamSong river. Passing greenery, mountain karst, and small rapids, you’ll arrive at the Tham None cave. Adventure through the cave to the other side of the mountain where you will enjoy lunch before continuing on towards Vang Vieng. The last stop will be at the infamous Blue Lagoon; swim or hang out along the banks after an afternoon of adventure before heading back to the town.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Laos: Sunrises & Street Food

| 9 days - Vientiane to Chiang Mai - from $749 USD