Laos & Thailand: Tuk-Tuks & Thai Curry
11 days
from Vientiane to Bangkok
From
$ 730
Duration11 days
Take 11 days to uncover this laid-back corner of Southeast Asia. While you're free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included, and our expert Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will help you make the most of your time. Wander the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang and experience the French colonial influence while sipping coffee at a café. Admire the limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng before taking a slow boat down the Mekong. Explore Thailand's laidback northern capital of Chiang Mai before ending in Bangkok, a city that pulses with endless colour and character.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 11 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: VientianePhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: BangkokAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Vientiane
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Vientiane/Vang Vieng
A picturesque drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields and limestone karsts.
Enjoy the beautiful limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng. Free time to hike, bike, swim or go caving.
Meals: B
Day 3: Vang Vieng
Free time to explore Vang Vieng. Opt to explore some of the caves by bicycle or take an invigorating walk. In the evening, soak in the natural beauty of the countryside as the sun sets over the river.
Feel like a full-day kayaking and caving adventure is more your speed? Pre-book the Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.
Feel like a full-day kayaking and caving adventure is more your speed? Pre-book the Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.
Meals: B
Day 4: Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang
This morning travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. Get your bearings with a CEO-led orientation walk. This evening enjoy learning about local delicacies at the night market on Walking Street.
Meals: B
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Traditional Laotian culture is to give daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. On one of your mornings here, you may decide to rise with the sun, and watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos. This is simply an unforgettable Southeast Asian experience.
Witness the giving of alms to the Buddhist monks and visit the night market. Opt to take a cooking class, visit temples or cool off at Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Meals: B
Day 6: Luang Prabang/Pak Beng
We board our boat for the two-day journey up the mighty Mekong River making our way to Chiang Khong.
Cruise the Mekong on a long houseboat before arriving at a village homestay for the night.
The evening meal is eaten together in one of the houses. The food is typically Laotian - very simple yet delicious. A vegetarian option is always served and the second option is typically a pork stirfry.
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Pak Beng/Chiang Khong
Start place: Muang Pakbeng
This morning we re-board our boat and continue our leisurely cruise along the river before arriving at the Laos/Thai border and crossing to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon.
Mekong River travel day. Cross into Thailand.
End place: Chiang Khong
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai
Start place: Chiang Khong
Departing Chiang Khong after breakfast, we drive to Chiang Mai where you have the afternoon free to explore this fascinating city, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lan.
Drive to Chiang Mai. Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, catch a Thai boxing match or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
End place: Chiang Mai
Day 9: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Start place: Chiang Mai
Today, why not try your hand at local cuisine with a Thai cooking class? Other options include a visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep standing watch over the city from the hills above, taking a bicycle ride in the countryside or embracing the bizarre by getting a massage from the training school at the local woman's prison! Tonight we catch an overnight train to Bangkok.
Free time in Chiang Mai. Overnight train to Bangkok.
End place: Bangkok
Meals: B
Day 10: Bangkok
Start place: Bangkok
We'll arrive early in the morning to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. The day is free to explore the many sights of Bangkok. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, National Museum, and Jim Thompson's House are just a few suggestions. A trip along the Chao Praya river and through the canals (or klongs) gives you a different perspective of daily life in this busy city.
In the evening, we'll say good bye and enjoy a Thai meal and perhaps a beer together to celebrate the end of an amazing journey.
In the evening, we'll say good bye and enjoy a Thai meal and perhaps a beer together to celebrate the end of an amazing journey.
Opt to visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, buy any last minute souvenirs or relax with a Thai massage.
End place: Bangkok
Day 11: Bangkok
Start place: Bangkok
Depart at any time.
End place: Bangkok
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony, Muang Pakbèng Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai
- Slow boat up the Mekong
- Orientation walk of Luang Prabang
- Witness the giving of alms (Luang Prabang)
- Street food crawls
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Sleeper train, Local bus, Air-conditioned bus, Slow boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (twin-share) (5 nts), Hostels (multi-share) (3 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Homestay (1 nt)