Thailand and Laos Adventure
14 days
From
$ 1402
Duration14 days
From the energy of Bangkok to the calm of Laos, this trip is a study in contrasts. Visit temples in Chiang Mai then spend the evening exploring the night market. Sail the Mekong into the heart and soul of Laos. An experienced Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will make sure you get the most out of your tour, but will leave plenty of time for you to do your own thing. We utilize many forms of transport (both public and private) to maximize time spent exploring the history and culture of this unforgettable region.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 14 daysService level: Standard
-
Physical Grading: Light
-
Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Today is arrival day, so there are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Relax, explore the city, and adjust to the pace of life in Bangkok.
Arrive at any time.
You MUST arrive on tour with your Vietnam visa. There is no way to procure this once the tour has commenced.
Day 2: Bangkok/Chiang Mai
Enjoy a 1-hr longtail boat tour of Bangkok's famous klongs (canals). The trip finishes at the Royal Temple of Wat Po for a guided tour.
After, there is time for shopping, a visit to Grand Palace or a stroll along Khao San Rd. In the evening, board the overnight train to Chiang Mai.
After, there is time for shopping, a visit to Grand Palace or a stroll along Khao San Rd. In the evening, board the overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Guided longboat tour of Bangkok’s klongs and Wat Po. Optional Grand Palace and National Museum visits. Overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Note: Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.
Meals: B
Day 3: Chiang Mai
Arrive early morning and use some free time to explore. Choose from a range of optional activities or stroll the city independently. Explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure or experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
In late afternoon, set off to visit the temple complex, Doi Suthep. If you're lucky, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
In late afternoon, set off to visit the temple complex, Doi Suthep. If you're lucky, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Enjoy a guided tour of Doi Suthep temple. Optional activities include a cooking class or visit to the night market.
Day 4: Chiang Mai/Chiang Khong
Drive to Chiang Khong, a sleepy trading town nestled on the bank of the Mekong River. En route, visit Wat Rong Khun — the dazzling 'White Temple'. Wander the local food market or sit back and enjoy a slower pace of life relaxing in Thailand with river views of Laos.
Head to Chiang Khong via Wat Rong Khun and enjoy the view of the mighty Mekong.
Meals: B
Day 5: Chiang Khong/Muang Pakbèng
Cross the border to the Laos immigration area, then take a songthaew (local bus) to a traditional slow boat.
Travel down the Mekong River and adjust to the relaxed pace of life in Laos. This predominantly mountainous country has unsurpassed views of the riverside villages, the tropical jungle, and the mountains.
Travel down the Mekong River and adjust to the relaxed pace of life in Laos. This predominantly mountainous country has unsurpassed views of the riverside villages, the tropical jungle, and the mountains.
Cross the border into Laos then travel by traditional boat down the Mekong River.
Day 6: Muang Pakbèng/Luang Prabang
Continue on by slow boat down the mighty Mekong. Before arriving at Luang Prabang, enjoy a visit outside to the Pak Ou caves.
After, re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving in the early evening.
After, re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving in the early evening.
Continue down the Mekong for most of the day. Take a guided tour of the Pak Ou caves before arriving in Luang Prabang.
Meals: B
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Take a tour of the Ethnology Museum — a great chance to learn more about the dress and customs of local people. Drop into Ock Pop Tok for an introduction to Laos textiles and handicrafts. Then, take a half-day trip out to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls and be sure to pack a swimsuit.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Ethnology Museum and Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre before a lunch with a local family. Relax in the afternoon at the Kuang Si waterfalls.
Savour a traditional Laotian meal in a family home, complete with a Buddhist ceremony.
Savour a traditional Laotian meal in a family home, complete with a Buddhist ceremony.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Luang Prabang
Enjoy a free day exploring all Luang Prabang has to offer. Options include cooking classes, temple visits, massages, night market shopping, bike riding, and hiking.
Meals: B
Day 9: Luang Prabang/Vang Vieng
Drive winding mountain roads through gorgeous scenery to reach Vang Vieng. Experience a local homestay in a nearby village.
Here, enjoy traditional Laotian food while getting to know your host family. Your CEO will provide insight into the way of life of village residents.
Here, enjoy traditional Laotian food while getting to know your host family. Your CEO will provide insight into the way of life of village residents.
Spend the night in a local village enjoying traditional Laotian food. Sleep and eat like a local.
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Vang Vieng
Feel like going on a full-day kayaking and caving adventure instead? Opt to pre-book the Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy free time in Vang Vieng. Move to a hotel for the night, an ideal location for exploring the countryside by bicycle or kayak.
Meals: B
Day 11: Vang Vieng/Vientiane
Head out of the mountains to one of Asia's sleepiest capital cities. Opt to visit some of the highlights of Vientiane including Wat Sisaket, one of the city's oldest and most fascinating temples, and Wat Phra That Luang, Lao's national symbol and one of her most sacred sites.
For those who like to shop, don't miss the morning market, which, incidentally, is open all day!
For those who like to shop, don't miss the morning market, which, incidentally, is open all day!
Explore the capital of Laos. Opt to visit temples, see the National Museum, or explore highlights of the town.
Meals: B
Day 12: Vientiane/Hanoi
Take a short flight from quiet Laos into the bustling city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Opt for a leisurely walk through the Old Quarter.
Fly from Vientiane to Hanoi.
Meals: B
Day 13: Hanoi
Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the former president's house on stilts for insight into an important figure in Vietnam's history.
During the afternoon, use some free time to explore this beautiful city. Opt to indulge in traditional Vietnamese cuisine while exploring the streets of Hanoi. Choose to visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology or just sip delicious Vietnamese iced coffee in a café along the lake. In late afternoon or early evening, attend a performance of Vietnam's famous water puppets before sampling one of Hanoi's amazing eating venues.
During the afternoon, use some free time to explore this beautiful city. Opt to indulge in traditional Vietnamese cuisine while exploring the streets of Hanoi. Choose to visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology or just sip delicious Vietnamese iced coffee in a café along the lake. In late afternoon or early evening, attend a performance of Vietnam's famous water puppets before sampling one of Hanoi's amazing eating venues.
Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, stilt house, and Presidential Palace. Enjoy an included water puppet show. Opt to visit the Temple of Literature, museums, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Interested in local cuisine? Hanoi's got some of the best street food around! Pre-book the "Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour" on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.
Interested in local cuisine? Hanoi's got some of the best street food around! Pre-book the "Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour" on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.
Meals: B
Day 14: Hanoi
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Meal with Local Family, Luang Prabang Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang Your Local Living Moment: Vang Vieng Homestay, Vang Vieng
- Bangkok klong trip
- Wat Pho entrance and guide
- Doi Suthep entrance (Chiang Mai)
- Mekong River slow boat excursion
- Pak Ou caves entrance (Luang Prabang)
- Traditional Arts & Ethnology Museum guided tour
- Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre
- Kuang Si waterfalls trek (half-day)
- Water puppets performance (Hanoi)
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum entrance (when open)
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
-
Transport
Train, Local bus, Air-conditioned bus, Boat, Songthaew, Cyclo, Plane -
Accommodation
Hotels (11 nights), Village homestay (1 night), Sleeper train (1 night)