A truly unique experience in the heart of Indochina. Gaze across green lush landscapes and pleasant cruises examining local fishing life in Laos. Visit an elephant sanctuary and kick up your feet in the slow-paced Chiang Mai in Thailand.
Encapsulating the best that the destinations have to offer, journey into the unknown and acquire a new perspective of the fascinating countries of Laos and Thailand.
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Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Pakbeng - Houeixai - Chiang Khong - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
Arriving in the airport, walk outside and a private transfer via air-con car/minivan is waiting at the airport to take you to the hotel.
After arriving, hop on to ride for a journey to Wat Sisaket and Wat Prakeo, the 2 famous major temples in Vientiane. Along the way to That Luang Stupa, a national icon of Laos, are the beautiful scenarios of Patuxay Monument for you to capture.
The cocktails will be then ready at the hotel, waiting for your coming back. The evening is free for you to explore the Vientiane Night Market. Overnight in Vientiane.
After breakfast, the transportation will take you to Wat Xiengthong, the city’s oldest temple. It is famous for showcasing Laos classical architecture, sweeping low to the ground roofs.
From there, you will take a hiking trip up to the top of Mount Phousi. Along the way you will have the opportunities to capture the panoramic view of not only the city but also the Mekong River.
Descending Mount Phousi, you are welcomed with various types of handmade textiles and handicrafts. They are all handmade from the local Laos and the hilltribe people that live nearby.
The night is free for you to enjoy. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
The Royal Palace Museum is the first destination after breakfast. This place possesses a wide range of artifacts from the Laos Royal period in Luang Prabang.
From here we drive to Khouangsi Waterfall stopping along the way to visit the morning Phousi Market, where all locals of Luang Prabang come to do their daily shopping. You will see a variety of local foodstuffs and products including dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, fish, vegetables and fruit, everything needed for daily life in Laos.
On arrival at the Khouangsi Waterfall you will have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in the topaz pools below the falls, walk along the forest trails and visit the Bear Sanctuary.
Arriving back in Luang Prabang mid afternoon you are free to treat yourself to a spa treatment or massage, relax at the hotel or head to the Night Market to do some shopping. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
This morning we board our own traditional slow boat for a peaceful, scenic cruise up on the Mekong River to Pakbeng. Along the way we stop at the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years.
Cruising on through spectacular mountain scenery you will see traditional life playing out along the river that hasn’t changed for generations. Net fishing, gold panning, slash and burn agriculture and daily village life all provide great photographic opportunities as we make our way upstream.
Arriving at Pakbeng wharf late afternoon we will check in to our hotel and enjoy the sunset over the mountains in this remote river town. Overnight in Pakbeng.
After breakfast and a visit, the local market, where many hill tribe people converge from the surrounding countryside and jungles to sell their goods and buy provisions, we will board our slow boat and continue our journey upriver.
As we go further north the river and mountains widen out to reveal rich farming land as the river becomes the border between Laos and Thailand.
Arriving in Houeixai late afternoon we will spend the evening in this charming border town before crossing to Thailand in the morning. Overnight in Houeixai.
After crossing the border to Thailand, you will be greeted with a feast of traditional Thailand cuisine.
Saying goodbye to Chiang Khong, you will go on a 2 hours trip to Chiang Rai, our next destination.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and start a 4-hour transfer to Chiang Mai over winding roads with incredible scenery. En route, take an exciting 3 hour long tailed boat ride passing tiny hill tribe village; bamboo huts and jungle; visit the life of Karen hill tribe village, built along the banks of the Maekok River. We arrive at boat landing and continue your overland journey to Chiang Mai. Lunch is at a local restaurant (excluding drinks). Check in at your hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Your guide will take you to visit the Wat Phrathat on Doi Suthep Mountain. The magnificent view over the city is waiting for you at the top after just a short walk from the car park.
After this, the guide will take you to visit the Elephant camp. The elephants are waiting for you to ride on their back for an exciting trekking up to the River Ping, a perfect area for you to take some majestic images of the elephants and views.
You will then board the bamboo draft for an hour relaxing trip floating down the Ping River. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (food only). Return to your hotel around 3:00 p.m.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Free at your own leisure and transfer to the airport for your next destination.
