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Thailand & Laos Adventure

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Thailand & Laos Adventure

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Description

Travel from Bangkok to Vientiane and experience the delights of northern Thailand and the laidback river lifestyle of Laos. Over 13 days, you’ll balance relaxation with exploration, taking in the bright lights of Bangkok in Thailand, the age-old charms of Luang Prabang in Laos and the temples of Vientiane. Travel down the mighty Mekong River and become immersed in the tranquillity of remote villages as you meet friendly faces along the way. Not to mention the delicious local food, the amazing natural landscapes, the UNESCO World Heritage sites and the handy local leader by your side.

Trip Name
Thailand & Laos Adventure
Last Updated
2024-08-26
Days
13
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Travel from Thailand's lively capital and exciting Chiang Mai to the riverside tranquility of Laos with its gorgeous natural scenery.
  • Discover just why Luang Prabang has UNESCO status as you uncover the French influence, beautiful temples, traditional arts and the world-renowned night markets.
  • Visit impactful local organisations that support local communities, including a social enterprise that empowers local women through preserving traditional textile making.
  • Explore the mysterious beauty of the Laos jungle as you walk side by side with recently rescued elephants on stroll through their natural habitat at Mandalao.
  • Rise with the sun and watch saffron-robed monks shuffle between houses, where the faithful wait with offerings as part of an alms giving ritual.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Bangkok, famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious local food. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and group of fellow travellers. It’s recommended you arrive a few days early to explore the city – uncover the Chinatown area, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down Khao San Road, indulge in a Thai massage or see the backstreets of Bangkok by bike on an Urban Adventure. After the meeting tonight, maybe tuck into some into world famous street food for dinner.
Day 2 - Bangkok - Overnight train
Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous Khlongs (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Visit Wat Pho – one of the Bangkok temples, with a 46-m-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, 3 m long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are equally fascinating, filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. This evening you’ll head north to Chiang Mai on an overnight train journey.
Day 3 - Chiang Mai
The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. When you arrive, embark on a scenic, winding drive to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes – Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. Take in the hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and the sweeping views over the city. After making your way back down, you’ll check into your hotel and have a free afternoon and evening to explore. Maybe wander through the Night Bazaar or relax at a restaurant along the riverfront. Make sure to sample some traditional northern Thai food – the signature dish is kao soy (yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef).
Day 4 - Chiang Mai
Today is free for you to explore and there are plenty of optional activities available. Maybe join a local cooking class and discover the secrets of real Thai cuisine – you'll learn the key ingredients, how to use them and what to use in their place if you can’t get them at home. As well as taking your own comprehensive recipe book home with you, you'll feast on the fruits of your labour for lunch. Maybe get active with a bicycle tour to discover the city and surrounding countryside from a different perspective or be spirited away on an early morning Chiang Mai tour that puts you at the epicentre of Buddhist rituals. Learn to meditate, offer alms to monks and make an offering at a temple.
Day 5 - Chiang Khong
Take a journey through rural countryside to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong. On the way, visit privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple – a must visit in Chiang Rai. This contemporary temple is constantly being updated, and its strange design references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman. Formerly known as Juon, riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and for trade with Laos. Stretch your legs with a stroll around town, then maybe continue to Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang. Tonight, why not enjoy a final Thai drink and dinner, while Laos beckons from across the mighty Mekong.
Day 6 - Mekong River - Pak Beng
After crossing into Laos, you’ll be joined by additional Laos guides (a local government requirement). Board a slow boat for the 2-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The journey is relaxed, so you can experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river up close. The river boat is basic in nature, with a toilet, covered roof and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch. Dock at the small town of Pak Beng to spend the night. Hmong and tribal Thai people are frequently seen on the main streets, where vendors sell local textiles and handicrafts.
Day 7 - Mekong River - Luang Prabang
Reboard the boat and cruise to the Pak Ou Caves – an important religious site overlooking the river at the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, consisting of two sacred limestone caverns filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is entered from the river by a series of steps and can easily be seen in daylight. The higher cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and requires a torch for viewing. Continue to the former royal capital of Luang Prabang. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is a favourite of many travellers, sitting in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers. The city is claimed to be ‘the best-preserved city in South East Asia’ by UNESCO. Stay in a hotel tonight and if you’re feeling energetic, maybe climb Mt Phousi for some sunset views. You can climb the 328 zigzag steps up to the sacred gilded stupa and big drum of the Phu Si Temple for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and its surroundings.
Day 8 - Luang Prabang
Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic, red-roofed temples and French Indochinese architecture. Rise with the sun this morning and witness a traditional alms giving ceremony. View the procession of saffron-robed monks on their daily outing collecting food offered by devotees (a practice that dates back centuries). The offerings must be collected early, as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk, it is believed you ‘het bon’ (make merit) which will be carried over into the next life. Your leader will guide you through the dos and don’ts and help you to take part. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then later, head to Kuang Si Falls – a multi-level cascade of bright blue pools. After a swim, visit a local social enterprise that supports and trains local women in weaving. Aiming to empower, while also preserving the traditional skill of making Laos textile, this enterprise will teach you about their work as you have a drink by Mekong River.
Day 9 - Luang Prabang
This morning, you’ll learn about a local elephant project in nearby Mandalao that will give you a new perspective and profound understanding of these magnificent creatures. Walk side by side with recently rescued elephants on stroll through their natural habitat (the Laos jungle) – a perfect way for these happy creatures to enjoy their freedom after decades of hard labour in logging camps. You'll leave the village of Xieng Lom before taking a quick boat ride across the Nam Khan River where you’ll be introduced to your gigantic companions. Feed them some special treats (a sure way to win their friendship) followed by a gentle, therapeutic walk along a small dirt path, past traditional farms and the Huay Nok stream – where you may be able to spot elephants splashing around in the water as they cool off from the hot Lao sun! Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 10 - Vang Vieng
Take a high-speed train to Vang Vieng. Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by towering limestone karsts and is a great place to enjoy being surrounded by nature. After checking in to the hotel, use tonight to plan out your next few days with your group and leader.
Day 11 - Vang Vieng
There’s plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng, known as an adventure town thanks to its unique and varied surrounding country. The area is renowned for its caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town. Perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang – a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring, making it a perfect spot for a swim. Hire bicycles to explore further afield, hike the trails to nearby lookout points, join a daytrip to go kayaking on the river, or visit an organic mulberry farm just outside town.
Day 12 - Vientiane
Continue by private minibus to the country's capital, Vientiane – possibly Asia's most laidback capital. Vientiane has a wealth of cultural delights to discover on foot, or by jumbo (tuk-tuk). Faded mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples create an atmosphere of timelessness, particularly in the older part of town along the Mekong River. Visit Wat Si Saket – the oldest temple still standing and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Visit COPE visitors centre – an organisation dedicated to assisting those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country. This is an excellent cause and a chance to educate yourself about Laos' devastating war history as well as buy a snack or drink from their Karma Cafe. This evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and celebrate a trip well travelled.
Day 13 - Vientiane
There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you'd like to extend your stay and check out the Pha That Luang Monument, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-05-202519-05-2025AUD $ 2,817-
13-05-202525-05-2025AUD $ 2,704-
21-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 2,546-
28-05-202509-06-2025AUD $ 2,396-
04-06-202516-06-2025AUD $ 2,096-
14-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 2,096-
21-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 2,540-
01-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 3,240-
03-07-202515-07-2025AUD $ 3,175-
09-07-202521-07-2025AUD $ 3,175-
16-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 3,210-
23-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 3,250-
29-07-202510-08-2025AUD $ 3,310-
09-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 3,175-
20-08-202501-09-2025AUD $ 3,195-
06-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 3,050-
13-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 3,016-
17-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 3,175-
20-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 3,205-
27-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 3,016-
01-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 3,175-
04-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 3,016-
11-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 3,175-
15-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 3,230-
18-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 3,300-
22-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 3,135-
29-10-202510-11-2025AUD $ 3,300-
01-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 3,715-
03-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 3,315-
05-11-202517-11-2025AUD $ 3,380-
08-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 3,425-
10-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 3,300-
12-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 3,380-
15-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 3,480-
18-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 3,380-
22-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 3,380-
24-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 3,380-
26-11-202508-12-2025AUD $ 3,380-
29-11-202511-12-2025AUD $ 3,380-
01-12-202513-12-2025AUD $ 3,430-
03-12-202515-12-2025AUD $ 3,430-
06-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 3,490-
10-12-202522-12-2025AUD $ 3,520-
13-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 3,600-
17-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 3,430-
20-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 3,430-
24-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 3,525-
27-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 3,585-
31-12-202512-01-2026AUD $ 3,430-
03-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 3,520-
07-01-202619-01-2026AUD $ 3,395-
10-01-202622-01-2026AUD $ 3,395-
12-01-202624-01-2026AUD $ 2,995-
14-01-202626-01-2026AUD $ 3,460-
17-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 3,395-
21-01-202602-02-2026AUD $ 3,395-
24-01-202605-02-2026AUD $ 3,395-
28-01-202609-02-2026AUD $ 3,395-
31-01-202612-02-2026AUD $ 3,270-
02-02-202614-02-2026AUD $ 2,995-
04-02-202616-02-2026AUD $ 3,270-
07-02-202619-02-2026AUD $ 3,270-
11-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 3,270-
14-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 3,270-
16-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 2,995-
18-02-202602-03-2026AUD $ 3,270-
21-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 3,270-
23-02-202607-03-2026AUD $ 2,995-
28-02-202612-03-2026AUD $ 3,270-
04-03-202616-03-2026AUD $ 3,395-
11-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 3,395-
18-03-202630-03-2026AUD $ 3,395-
25-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 3,395-
30-03-202611-04-2026AUD $ 2,995-
04-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 2,995-
08-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 3,395-
11-04-202623-04-2026AUD $ 2,995-
18-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 2,995-
25-04-202607-05-2026AUD $ 2,995-
03-05-202615-05-2026AUD $ 2,995-
10-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 2,995-
17-05-202629-05-2026AUD $ 2,995-
24-05-202605-06-2026AUD $ 2,995-
03-06-202615-06-2026AUD $ 3,145-
13-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 3,145-
20-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 3,145-
27-06-202609-07-2026AUD $ 2,995-
02-07-202614-07-2026AUD $ 3,145-
08-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 3,145-
15-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 3,145-
22-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 3,145-
30-07-202611-08-2026AUD $ 2,995-
08-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 3,145-
19-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 3,145-
26-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 3,145-
03-09-202615-09-2026AUD $ 2,995-
12-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 3,145-
19-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 3,145-
26-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 3,145-
30-09-202612-10-2026AUD $ 3,145-
03-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 3,145-
07-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 2,995-
10-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 3,145-
14-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 3,145-
17-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 3,145-
21-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 3,145-
24-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 3,145-
28-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 3,270-
31-10-202612-11-2026AUD $ 3,270-
04-11-202616-11-2026AUD $ 3,270-
07-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 3,270-
11-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 3,270-
14-11-202626-11-2026AUD $ 3,270-
17-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 3,270-
21-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 3,270-
23-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 3,270-
25-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 3,270-
28-11-202610-12-2026AUD $ 3,270-
30-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 3,270-
02-12-202614-12-2026AUD $ 3,395-
06-12-202618-12-2026AUD $ 2,995-
09-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 3,395-
12-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 3,395-
16-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 3,395-
19-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 3,395-
21-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 2,995-
23-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 3,395-
26-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 3,395-
28-12-202609-01-2027AUD $ 2,995-
30-12-202611-01-2027AUD $ 3,395-
02-01-202714-01-2027AUD $ 3,145-
06-01-202718-01-2027AUD $ 3,145-
09-01-202721-01-2027AUD $ 3,145-
11-01-202723-01-2027AUD $ 3,145-
13-01-202725-01-2027AUD $ 3,145-
16-01-202728-01-2027AUD $ 3,145-
20-01-202701-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
23-01-202704-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
27-01-202708-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
30-01-202711-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
01-02-202713-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
03-02-202715-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
06-02-202718-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
10-02-202722-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
13-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
15-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 3,145-
17-02-202701-03-2027AUD $ 3,145-
20-02-202704-03-2027AUD $ 3,145-
22-02-202706-03-2027AUD $ 3,145-
27-02-202711-03-2027AUD $ 3,145-
03-03-202715-03-2027AUD $ 3,145-
10-03-202722-03-2027AUD $ 3,145-
17-03-202729-03-2027AUD $ 3,145-
24-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 3,145-
29-03-202710-04-2027AUD $ 3,145-
03-04-202715-04-2027AUD $ 3,145-
10-04-202722-04-2027AUD $ 3,145-
17-04-202729-04-2027AUD $ 3,145-
24-04-202706-05-2027AUD $ 3,145-
02-05-202714-05-2027AUD $ 3,145-
09-05-202721-05-2027AUD $ 3,145-
16-05-202728-05-2027AUD $ 3,145-
23-05-202704-06-2027AUD $ 3,145-
02-06-202714-06-2027AUD $ 3,145-
12-06-202724-06-2027AUD $ 3,145-
19-06-202701-07-2027AUD $ 3,145-
26-06-202708-07-2027AUD $ 3,145-
01-07-202713-07-2027AUD $ 3,145-
07-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 3,145-
14-07-202726-07-2027AUD $ 3,145-
21-07-202702-08-2027AUD $ 3,145-
29-07-202710-08-2027AUD $ 3,145-
07-08-202719-08-2027AUD $ 3,145-
18-08-202730-08-2027AUD $ 3,145-
25-08-202706-09-2027AUD $ 3,145-
02-09-202714-09-2027AUD $ 3,145-
11-09-202723-09-2027AUD $ 3,145-
18-09-202730-09-2027AUD $ 3,145-
25-09-202707-10-2027AUD $ 3,145-
29-09-202711-10-2027AUD $ 3,145-
02-10-202714-10-2027AUD $ 3,145-
06-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 3,145-
09-10-202721-10-2027AUD $ 3,145-
13-10-202725-10-2027AUD $ 3,145-
16-10-202728-10-2027AUD $ 3,145-
20-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
23-10-202704-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
27-10-202708-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
30-10-202711-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
03-11-202715-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
06-11-202718-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
10-11-202722-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
13-11-202725-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
16-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 3,145-
20-11-202702-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
22-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
24-11-202706-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
27-11-202709-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
29-11-202711-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
01-12-202713-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
05-12-202717-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
08-12-202720-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
11-12-202723-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
15-12-202727-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
18-12-202730-12-2027AUD $ 3,145-
20-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 3,145-
22-12-202703-01-2028AUD $ 3,145-
25-12-202706-01-2028AUD $ 3,145-
27-12-202708-01-2028AUD $ 3,145-
29-12-202710-01-2028AUD $ 3,145-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nights),Hotel (9 nights),Overnight train (1 night)

Transport

Longtail boat,Taxi,Minivan,Overnight train,Boat,Tuk tuk,Private bus

Map

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