Thailand & Laos Adventure 13 Days

Start your day with a 1-hour river cruise along the Chao Phraya River to discover the renowned 'khlongs' (canals). The tranquil life along these waterways contrasts sharply with the bustling streets of Bangkok. Visit Wat Pho, home to a stunning 46-meter-long reclining Buddha covered in gold. The statue's feet, adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl designs, are particularly impressive. The temple grounds feature beautifully decorated stupas, halls, and shrines. In the evening, board an overnight train to Chiang Mai, where you’ll stay in a sleeper carriage for about 13 hours. The air-conditioned carriages offer bunk beds with clean sheets, blankets, and pillows. Your luggage will stay with you in the carriage, and food and drinks are available on board. Note that the air conditioning can be quite chilly, so consider packing a warm layer of clothing.

Famous for its vibrant café culture and incredibly friendly locals, this destination attracts numerous visitors. Start your day with a picturesque drive up a mountain (approximately 45 minutes) to one of the country’s most impressive temple complexes, Doi Suthep. Climb the 300-step stairway guarded by naga serpents to reach the temples; the effort is rewarded with stunning views and the serene ambiance created by chanting Buddhist monks. After descending, check into your hotel and decide how to spend the rest of your day. In the evening, you might enjoy exploring the expansive and colorful Night Bazaar or dining at a charming riverside restaurant. Don’t miss the chance to try northern Thai cuisine, particularly the signature dish, kao soy—yellow wheat noodles served in a rich curry broth, typically with chicken or beef.

The journey to Luang Prabang features winding mountain roads with opportunities to stop for photos and visit local hill tribe villages. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be escorted to your hotel. Later, explore the Night Market, where you can find a delightful array of handmade textiles from the surrounding hill tribes.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, with a range of optional activities available. Consider signing up for a local cooking class to delve into authentic Thai cuisine. You’ll learn about essential ingredients, their uses, and alternatives if you can’t find them back home. After the class, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, along with a comprehensive recipe book to take with you. For a more active option, join a bicycle tour to explore the city and its scenic countryside from a new angle. Alternatively, experience an early morning Chiang Mai tour that immerses you in Buddhist traditions—learn meditation, participate in alms giving to monks, and make offerings at a temple. You might also enjoy ziplining with Jungle Flight or visiting the Elephant Nature Park.

Travel through the serene rural landscapes to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong, which takes about 5.5 hours. Once called 'Juon', this tranquil riverside town continues to serve as a key market hub for the local hill tribes and trade with Laos. Take some time to explore the town on foot, and if you have extra time, be sure to visit Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang, both of which are noteworthy. In the evening, consider savoring a final Thai meal and drink as you look across the mighty Mekong River toward Laos.

Upon entering Laos, we will be accompanied by local guides, as required by government regulations. Embark on a leisurely two-day boat journey down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. This slow-paced trip offers an intimate view of village life and stunning river scenery. The boat is basic, featuring a covered roof, open sides for fresh air, and a toilet. Inside, you can find seating at the front and a small open area at the back, perfect for relaxing, playing cards, reading, or enjoying a meal. After approximately six hours, we will dock in the quaint town of Pak Beng for the night. Here, you'll find Hmong and tribal Thai people mingling on the streets, with vendors offering local textiles and crafts.

Reboard the boat for a visit to the Pak Ou Caves, a significant religious site overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Ou Rivers. These sacred limestone caves house countless Buddha statues of various styles and sizes, donated by devoted locals over the years. The lower cave, Tham Ting, is accessible via a series of steps from the river and is visible during daylight. The higher cave, Tham Phum, is more remote and requires a flashlight for exploration. Continue your journey to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital, with approximately 7 hours of travel. This UNESCO World Heritage city, nestled in the northern hills at the meeting point of the Mekong and Khan rivers, is often celebrated as 'the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia.' The city’s charm and tranquility make it perfect for exploring boutiques, cafes, and small shops. Tonight, you’ll stay in a hotel, and if you’re up for it, consider climbing Mt Phousi for sunset views. This prominent hill, crowned with a gleaming golden stupa, offers a rewarding climb up 328 zigzag steps to the Phu Si Temple for a panoramic vista of Luang Prabang and its surroundings.

Once the central hub of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and recognized as a World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang boasts a rich heritage of historic temples with red roofs and French-Indochinese architecture, alongside some of the country's finest cuisine, a diverse population, and a vibrant culture. Start your day early to witness a traditional alms-giving ceremony. Observe the procession of saffron-clad monks as they collect offerings from locals, a practice that has been ongoing for centuries. These offerings are gathered before midday, as monks are not permitted to eat after this time. Contributing food to the monks is believed to generate merit, which is thought to benefit one's next life. Your guide will explain the etiquette and assist you in participating in this meaningful tradition. Afterward, return to your hotel for breakfast and enjoy some free time. In the afternoon, head south of town for a visit to Laos Buffalo Dairy. This socially responsible enterprise collaborates with local villagers, who rent their buffalo to produce delightful dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. The Dairy provides a steady income for the community while ensuring the welfare of the buffalo and their calves. Consider supporting this initiative by indulging in some ice cream! Continue your journey to the stunning Kuang Si Falls, a series of beautiful cascading pools with vibrant blue waters, perfect for a refreshing swim. Back in Luang Prabang, spend your evening exploring further, including a visit to the bustling night market.

This morning, embark on a remarkable visit to the Mandalao elephant sanctuary, where you'll gain a deeper appreciation for these majestic creatures. Explore the enchanting Lao jungle while walking alongside elephants recently rescued from years of laborious work in logging camps. Start your journey by traveling from Luang Prabang to the village of Xieng Lom (around 30 minutes). From there, take a brief boat ride across the Nam Khan River to meet your new giant friends. Treat them to special snacks to win their affection, then enjoy a soothing walk through their natural habitat. This gentle stroll along a dirt path will allow you to experience the serene presence of the elephants as you pass through lush vegetation, traditional farms, and the Huay Nok stream, where you might see the elephants playing in the water to cool off. After bidding farewell to your newfound companions, head back to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Travel by private minivan through rugged villages and winding mountain routes to reach Vang Vieng (about 7 hours). The scenic mountain views are striking, though the journey can be bumpy due to road maintenance being shifted towards constructing a new railway from China. Nestled along the Nam Song River and enveloped by dramatic limestone karsts, Vang Vieng offers a fantastic natural setting. Once you've checked into your hotel, take the evening to organize your upcoming activities with your group and guide.

Vang Vieng offers a wide range of activities, thanks to its diverse and captivating landscape. The town is famous for its numerous caves, many of which are conveniently reachable from the town center. Among these, Tham Chang Cave stands out with its stunning interior and natural spring, making it an ideal place for a refreshing swim. You can rent bicycles to explore the surrounding areas, hike to scenic viewpoints, embark on a river kayaking adventure, or visit a nearby organic mulberry farm for a delightful meal.

Travel by private minibus to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, which is about a 3.5-hour drive away. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Vientiane offers a slower pace of life compared to many other capitals. You can explore the city's cultural treasures on foot or opt for a ride in a jumbo (tuk-tuk) if you prefer a more leisurely experience. The cityscape features charming colonial-era mansions, shaded boulevards, and historic temples, especially in the older areas near the Mekong River. Don’t miss Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane, which houses nearly 7,000 Buddha images. Another notable stop is the COPE Visitor Centre, dedicated to helping those affected by unexploded ordnance left from past conflicts. It’s an opportunity to learn about Laos’ war history and support a worthy cause, plus you can grab a snack or drink at their Karma Cafe. In the evening, you might like to dine with your fellow travelers and reflect on the day’s experiences.

On the final day, you have the freedom to check out of your accommodation at your convenience, as there are no scheduled activities. If you have additional time in the city, consider visiting the Pha That Luang Monument, among other attractions.