13 Days Discover Thailand Laos

13 Days Discover Thailand Laos

As languid as the Mekong gliding alongside the jungle clad mountains– sometimes clear, sometimes muddy. Laos constructs and reconstructs itself like a changing scenery, all at an unhurried pace. Transitioning from the many Wats and saffron clad monks that epitomizes its religious culture to the colonial buildings that mark its cities French character -Laos has just about all to make for a dreamy escape. From adrenaline inducing adventure activities to secret waterfalls, breathtaking sunsets and rice fields that sweep across the earth everyday is an exercise in delight.

  • Start Location : Bangkok Thailand
  • Finish Location : Vientiane Laos
  • Trip Style : Long Haul, Signature, Solo Travel,
  • Country : Thailand, Laos
  • Group Size : 2 to 16

Map

Inclusions


Accommodations

11 Night twin share hotel 1 Night Overnight Train

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Activities

Street Food Tour, Chiang Mai Orientation Walk and Thai Boxing Class, Cycling through rural Chiang Mai, Wat Rung Khun, Pak Ou Caves, Kuang Si Falls, Orientation Walk To all Major City's

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Airport Transfer

Arrival & Departure transfer included

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Local Tipping

Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport

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Meals

12 Breakfasts 3 Lunches 2 Dinners

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Transportation

Private bus, Train, Auto rickshaw, Boat, Private vehicle, Cycle rickshaw

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Itinerary

Day 1
Bangkok
Day 2
Bangkok-Over Night Train
Day 3
Chiang Mai
Day 4
Chiang Mai
Day 5
Houay Xai
Day 6
Pakbeng
Day 7
Luang Prabang
Day 8
Luang Prabang
Day 9
Luang Prabang
Day 10
Vang Vieng
Day 11
Vientiane
Day 12
Vientiane
Day 13
Vientiane

Day 01 Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! Our representative will facilitate your transfer to the hotel upon your arrival at the airport. You’re free to do what you please once you get to the hotel but please remember that your tour leader will meet you at 6 pm to talk you through the tour. Follow this meeting up with a welcome dinner and prepare for the next few days of your adventure.

Day 02 Bangkok

Make use of the morning to explore Bangkok. A good starting point would be the Royal Palace, Bangkok’s biggest attraction-with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as its centerpiece. Just 10 minutes walk from the Palace is the Wat Po that houses the famous reclining Buddha. Alternatively, take a quick spin on a bike to see what the city has to offer or try the longboats that glide through the man made canals, its waters washing the walls of houses queuing up along their banks. Get a taste of an alternative lifestyle here – a complete antithesis to the noise and neon often associated with Bangkok. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you’ve worked up an appetite because we’ll regroup in the afternoon and go all out on a street food tour. Round off the day by boarding an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 03 Chiang Mai

We arrive early in the morning at Chiang Mai. Dust yourself off from the remnants of last nights travel, freshen up at the hotel and then follow your tour leader to the old city to get your bearings and to appease your stomach with some local breakfast. There’s much in Chiang Mai that’ll get your heart rate shifting up a gear or two. Primary among these is the Muay Thai experience. Find out what the fuss is all about -these boxing tournaments draw thousands to the ring… and don’t say we didn’t warn you about shouting yourself hoarse along with the locals! Space out the rest of your day between zip lining, abseiling, or white water rafting while keeping an eye out for the Elephant Nature Park or checking in to a cooking class to keep things a bit more steady and sedate. Alternatively, you can explore the ancient walled city, dropping in to have a look at the 19th Century wall paintings at Wat Phra Singh or wander through some of the typically Thai open markets that spring especially alive in the evening. Feel free to rack your tour leader’s brain so that you get the best out of Chiang Mai!

Day 04 Chiang Mai

Saddle up for some rural experiences as you peddle out of town and into the swaying field of rice paddies, orchards and gurgling streams that adorn the backdrop of local villages. Lift you hands in greeting and stretch your lips into a smile as the locals accost and engage with you as well. Drop by a local restaurant for lunch and then hit your stride again as you wander through the grounds of an old temple and discover the ruins of an old city. Head back for town after this and as the day wears out, strike out for the 14thcentury Phra That Doi Suthep Temple that keeps a watchful eye on the city from its elevated height.

...

Day 05 Houay Xai

Although we leave for Laos today, we’re not quite done with Thailand as we make a pit stop at Wat Rung Khun, a temple that’s as visually startling as the contemporary twist its maker gives to an ancient philosophy. Although, not very old- the temple is remarkable in terms of its design and concept and increasingly makes it to the list of any architectural wonder worth its salt in Thailand. Following the visit to the temple we arrive at the Laos border –linked to Thailand by a bridge over the Mekong River – around mid-afternoon. After we’re done with all the paper work we make our way to Houay Xai where we spend the night. While Houay Xai is a small town and the nightlife is something that needs a little imagination, it might be a good idea to trudge down to some of the restaurants down by the waterfront to get your first taste of Beer Lao and watch the sun leaves its mark on the river as it too settles in for the night.

Day 06 Pakbeng

Step onto your slow boat after breakfast and drift down the Mekong, as the mountains recede and the breeze gently worries your hair like a constant companion. Snuggle back in your seat, fish out that book you’ve been lugging around and relax because the journey to Pakbeng is going to take approximately 7 hours.

Day 07 Luang Prabang

Continue your journey down the Mekong as we head for Luang Prabang this morning. Keep an eye out for the tiny villages that dot the riverbanks as you pass by, as well as the landscape that changes with every bend in the river. Stop by the Pak Ou Caves, it’s entrance marked by steps that look like a giant white tongues from afar, lolling out from the yawning limestone cliffs. Explore the thousand statues of the Buddha with their minor imperfections that call these caves their home and take away with you the feeling of reverence that the locals have for the place.

Day 08 Luang Prabang

Make for the Kuang Si Falls this morning and fall head first into this idyll, with turquoise waters gently slipping over tiers of terraced outcrops, carved over centuries and with the constant gurgle of a watery conversation to keep you company, it’s quite easy to spend hours and minutes here. Slip into your bathers and lower yourself into the clear pool at the base of the fall or go higher up where the upper falls reveals itself in different dimensions to the faithful. Try and tear yourself away from this piece of heaven and when you’ve succeeded, visit a local organic farm on your way back for some lunch and perhaps chug a cold refreshing Beer Lao while you’re at it.

Day 09 Luang Prabang

Although there aren’t any activities planned for the day, you’ve got a choice as varied as the lines on your palm. Try your hand at being a rice farmer for a few hours as you share the paddy fields with water buffaloes or just enjoy the settings of terraced fields cradled by mountains and lush forests on all sides. Go biking, visit some of the temples around the city and learn about the stories associated with it. Hit the waters on a kayak or just relax by the pool.  And in the evening, test your cardio as you trace your way up more than 300 steps to Mount Phousi where a spectacular sunset lurks over the Luang Prabang skyline. End your stay in this laid-back town by ducking under the overhanging canopies that drape the shops of its night market. Browse through its varied offerings and gorge on the food watching tourists and locals alike mirroring your motions.

Day 10 Vang Vieng

It’s time to leave Luang Prabang early in the morning and journey onward to Vang Vieng through snaking roads, past rugged mountains which stand as custodians of the little villages that reside in its lap. Take a moment to fish out your camera and keep your finger locked on the shoot button because there's more than one photo you’ll want to frame on this route. Vang Vieng is a small town that’s as laid back as any but what makes it different from the others is the spectacular scenery and the number of adventure activities that’s designed to make the eye open wider. Consult your tour leader on what’s available and the logistics of going about doing it because you’ve got only until the next afternoon to indulge your options.

Day 11 Vientiane

Before we make our way to Vientiane, make the most of your morning by kayaking down the Nam Song River and skimming though the waters as it parts the jungle clad landscape in half. If you’ve still got some time on your hands, lug it across vistas of rice fields or among the many trekking routes that cut through the karst landscape. Alternatively, combine some zip lining, chase some waterfalls or swim in the Blue Lagoon. While it may not be possible to do all of these, never say never. Catch a short ride out to Vientiane thereafter during the latter half of the day.

Day 12 Vientiane

It’s the last day of the tour so you’ve got just enough time to get your head around the country’s capital. Although the typical noise and bustle of a “truly Asian” city is markedly absent in Vientiane, the city is not without its charms. Start by ascending the viewing platform of Patuxai, a war memorial that’s influenced by French architecture but with a distinctly Laotian twist in its details. Drop in at the COPE Centre to learn about the “Secret War” whose devastating effects still play a part in modern Lao. Bear witness to the alms giving ceremony at the 200 years old Wat Si Saket and later in the evening hunker down at the Chao Anouvong Park to people watch and enjoy the shades of pink and orange as the sun sets over distant Thailand. Gather round for a last dinner with your fellow travellers and after the last farewells have been said, amble down along the riverfront to the inevitable Night Market to make your journey last just that bit longer.

Day 13 Vientiane

It’s time now to bid farewell to your tour leader and new friends but not without a backpack full of memories. Departure Transfers are included on the day. Please consult with your tour leader or the hotel desk to confirm the check out time.

Our Hotels


Hotel M Chiangmai

Hotel M Chiang Mai combines contemporary style with traditional Northern Thai hospitality to create a luxurious and comfortable stay for its guests. The sleek and modern design of the hotel is complemented by its spacious and cozy rooms, providing a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool while admiring the stunning views of the city, or work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel's central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of Chiang Mai, from the bustling Night Bazaar to the many temples and markets. And when it's time to unwind, the hotel's on-site restaurant and bar offer delicious local and international cuisine, as well as refreshing cocktails and drinks, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a relaxed evening after a day of adventure.

Hotel Vasana Luang Prabang

This exceptional hotel is nestled in the midst of Laos' breathtaking natural beauty, providing the perfect launching pad for discovering the cultural marvels of the ancient city of Luang Prabang. The hotel's rooms are carefully designed to offer a warm and inviting haven after an exciting day of exploration, complete with modern amenities to make your stay even more comfortable. You'll also be treated to delicious Lao and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant and can take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. Vansana Luang Prabang Hotel is ideally situated near the city's historic temples, colorful markets, and stunning scenery, allowing you to easily immerse yourself in the rich culture of Luang Prabang.

Dates


Start
Finish
Monday
25 Nov 2024
Saturday
07 Dec 2024
Available
$3,449
+$464
Book Now
Monday
23 Dec 2024
Saturday
04 Jan 2025
Available
$3,749
+$464
Book Now
Monday
06 Jan 2025
Saturday
18 Jan 2025
Available
$3,622
+$487
Book Now
Monday
20 Jan 2025
Saturday
01 Feb 2025
Available
$3,622
+$487
Book Now
Monday
03 Feb 2025
Saturday
15 Feb 2025
Available
$3,622
+$487
Book Now

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