Thailand & Laos Adventure
Escorted Tour
Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Hmong Hilltribe Lodge – Chiang Rai – Mekong Cruise - Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls - Vientiane
Thailand and Laos are the perfect combination for an unforgettable experience. Venture off the beaten track to discover the hill tribe cultures of Thailand's northern highlands and explore the tranquil treasures and rich culture of beautiful Laos. A reasonable level of fitness is required. It is more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances, as you explore the sights.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok where you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 : Bangkok
Bangkok is an exotic city of many faces, go from tranquil golden temples to forests of gleaming skyscrapers before experiencing authentic Asia on bustling streets. Today's sightseeing includes Wat Pho, the dazzling Grand Palace and Chinatown. Take to the Chao Phraya River on a longtail boat, getting an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market. This evening enjoy a traditional Thai dinner.
Day 3 : Bangkok
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and experience the Maeklong railway market. Fly to Chiang Mai this evening.
Day 4 : Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a relaxed, nonchalant city in the foothills of Thailand's northern highlands. Take a cyclo tour of the city, visit Flok Life Museum, admire Wat Chedi Luang and ascend to Wat Doi Suthep perched on top of Doi Suthep Mountain. This evening enjoy a traditional Kantoke dinner and a performance of the ancient songs and dances of northern Thailand and wander through the bustling night bazaar.
Day 5 : Elephant Care Centre & Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
Visit the Elephant Care Centre in Mae Rim, which offers a peaceful retirement for elephants rescued from logging camps and elephant shows. After lunch continue to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge amidst the striking natural beauty of the region. This evening enjoy a barbecue dinner and a cultural show.
Day 6 : Chiang Rai
Depart Hilltribe Lodge and continue 90 minutes to Tha Ton, a small town by the Mae Kok River, and board your long-tail boat for the cruise to Baan Pha Tai. Upon arrival, drive a further 2 hours to Chiang Rai where you may wish to take a walk around the night market before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 : Chiang Rai
Explore the laidback, small-town charm of Chiang Rai, visiting the eccentric White Temple and Doi Mae Salong, a hill village once at the heart of the area's notorious opium trade.
Day 8 : Cruise the Mekong
Transfer to the Thai-Laos border and climb aboard a boat to cruise along the Mekong, taking in the scenery as you go. Stop at Pakbeng with time to visit the village of Ban Houei Lumpane before settling in for the night.
Day 9 : Cruise to Luang Prabang
Back on the river, continue your leisurely cruise down to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang. Stop at the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, a riverside cavern that is full of statues of Buddha that can no longer be used for worship.
Day 10 : Luang Prabang
An enchanting city, Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos – a place of vivid colours with an extremely rich heritage and enduring French legacy. Visit Ban Xang Khong craft village where you can see saa paper and local handcraft production. Take a city tour, seeing sights including Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong. Later, spend some time at a local wat, chatting with the friendly monks who love to practice their English.
Day 11 : Kuang Si Waterfalls
Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. After breakfast, ascend Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the town and see the treasures at the National Museum. Head out of the town to enjoy the cascading turquoise waters of the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls before returning to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.
Day 12 : Vientiane
Enjoy a day at leisure until your short flight to the capital of Laos, Vientiane.
Day 13 : Vientiane
Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city. Spend the day exploring with a visit to Talaat Sao market, Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. Finally, explore the magical Buddha Park. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Laos music.
Day 14 : Depart Vientiane
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your return or onward journey.