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. Cruise 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 to maximize time spent exploring the history and culture of this unforgettable region.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance, Muang Pakbèng
Your G for Good Moment: Meal with Local Baan Ou Community, Luang Prabang
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang. 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. Meal with local Baan Ou Community. 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.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore Bangkok's canals, Discover Buddhist temples, Float down the mighty Mekong River, Get wet in the spray of waterfalls
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Train, air-conditioned van, slow-boat, longtail boat, tuk-tuk, plane.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (11 nights), village homestay (1 night), sleeper train (1 night).
Itinerary
Bangkok
Arrive at any time. 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.
Bangkok/Chiang Mai
Guided longboat tour of Bangkok’s klongs and Wat Po. Optional Grand Palace and National Museum visits. Overnight train to 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.
Chiang Mai
Enjoy a guided tour of Doi Suthep temple. Optional activities include a cooking class or visit to the night market. Arrive early morning and use some free time to explore. Choose from a range of optional activities or stroll the city independently. 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.
Chiang Mai/Chiang Khong
Head to Chiang Khong via Wat Rong Khun and enjoy the view of the mighty Mekong. 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.
Chiang Khong/Muang Pakbèng
Cross the border into Laos then travel by traditional boat down the Mekong River. 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. 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.
Muang Pakbèng/Luang Prabang
Continue down the Mekong for most of the day. Take a guided tour of the Pak Ou caves before arriving in 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.
Luang Prabang
Enjoy a guided tour of the Ethnology Museum and Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre before heading to the new Planeterra project Ban Ou community. Relax in the afternoon at the Kuang Si waterfalls. 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.
Luang Prabang
Enjoy a free day exploring all Luang Prabang has to offer. Options include cooking classes, temple visits, massages, night market shopping, and cycling.
Luang Prabang/Vang Vieng
Take a high speed train to Vang Vieng this morning. Enjoy the afternoon free to rest or explore! Ride a high speed train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Enjoy free time.
Vang Vieng
Enjoy free time in Vang Vieng, an ideal location for exploring the countryside by bicycle or kayak. Opt to pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Vang Vieng/Vientiane
Explore the capital of Laos. Opt to visit temples, see the National Museum, or explore highlights of the town. 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!
Vientiane/Hanoi
Fly from Vientiane to Hanoi. Take a short flight from quiet Laos into the bustling capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. Take a leisurely walk through the Old Quarter to get to know the narrow streets of this city.
Hanoi
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. 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.
Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Hanoi
Depart at any time. Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
