The very best of Lao and Chiang Mai in one amazing trip.

This trip is all about the journey as we travel from the capital Vientiane following the course of the great Mekong river via Luang Prabang the old royal capital, and on to Chiang Mai in north of Thailand. This potentially may be last time we get to see the country as it is now, the "Belt and Road initiative" is due to open this year and will transform this country.

At the moment this is the Asia of old and still retains much of its charm and a slower, more gentle pace than the rest of Asia. 

Vientiane (2 nights)
We start our trip in what must be one of the most laid back capitals on the planet, Vientiane feels more like a country town than capital city. Here we explore the sites, and get to sample some truly fine "French" cuisine at a fraction of the prices in Paris. We head to the riverside in the evening, checking out the night markets, street life and aerobic classes on the riverfront along the Mekong.

Vang Vieng (2nights)
From Vientiane we take an air conditioned private minivan for our 4hr trip through lovely countryside into the mountains to Vang Vieng a small town with a sublime location in spectacular limestone cast mountains. We go tubing down the river and Kayaking (optional) our hotel has a view over the river and mountains and it’s truly a place to chill out with a beer and a book. This is also where we will have the opportunity to go Ballooning as October is the right season. 

Luang Prabang (4 nights)
From Vang Vieng it’s an exciting overland trip over the mountains again with our private van and driver as we head to the UNESCO listed former Royal Capital of Luang Prabang, a true gem. Here we stay in a lovely hotel in the old city, perfect for heading out on foot to explore at your leisure. We get to visit the fabled waterfalls around Luang Prabang, enjoying some of the most beautiful Buddhist Wat's in the whole of Asia, whilst spending time with novice monks practising their English.

2 days river cruise up the Mekong river (1 night in a amazing eco lodge)
​After breakfast we board our long boat for a trip of a lifetime as we head up the Mekong river, stopping on the way to see the Cave temples and local villages. The scenery is wonderful, as on this stretch of the river the banks are high and covered in native forest. Our overnight stay is in one of my favourite places in Asia and it will be yours as well when you see it. 

Chiang Rai in Thailand (2 night)
At the end of our 2 day on the river, we will cross over the border into Thailand where we are picked up by our driver for the 1.5 hr trip to Chiang Rai and time to chill out this evening after a long travel day. Here we will be visiting the famed ''White'' and ''Blue'' pagodas and the artistic delight of the "Black house". 

Chiang Mai (2 nights)
I have found some exceptional restaurants, the best places to enjoy an evening beer, and some superb massage spas to indulge and relax in during the hot afternoons. Chiang Mai has some fun, quirky Gay bars, and it’s nice to have some venues where we get to meet the locals, watch some shows, and enjoy evening time and each other’s company. This is also a wonderful city to walk around, the old city has literally hundreds of temples and I will take you to see the very best of them.

Accommodation is a highlight of this trip and I have chosen some lovely properties located in the heart of where we want to be, so expect to be able to walk out of the hotel and be in the middle of the action. All are of 4 star quality and have been chosen for their location and ambiance. All have ensuite bathrooms, and some will have a swimming pool. 

As with all our trips let go of the concept you're signing up for a structured tour, you're not, you're joining us on a Thailand and Laos adventure , yes it’s a semi structured adventure with all the hard work done, but it is nevertheless an adventure. Things will go wrong some days, and changes will need to be taken in their stride, you will need your wits about you, and to expect to do some exploring on your own occasionally.

Proposed Dates 4th -17st October 2021
​
​We start in Vientiane (Capital of Laos) and finish in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.

A 13 night, 14 day adventure.

Min 4 Max 10.

Includes :-

• 13 nights accommodation twin share (single supplement if you would like a room on your own or share and make a new friend)
• 13 breakfasts
• 2 Lunches 
• 3 dinners
• All transport (private minivan, tuk tuk, taxi, long boat)
• Kayaking down the river in Vang Vieng
• Mekong river cruise 2 day inc overnight in a remote luxury eco lodge, right on the river bank.
• Transport to the airport on departure.
• Traditional massage.
• Entry tickets to "White" and "Blue" Pagoda and"Black house" in Chiang Rai
• Entry to "Silver" Pagoda in Chiang Mai
• Entry to the famous waterfalls of Luang Prabang 
• Evening visit to the fun Gay show bar in Chiang Mai ​
• Plus of course daily help and suggestions of what to do and go see from Richard.

​Not Included

• Visa costs (varies depending on passport)
• International airfare from your country
• Entry fees to places not listed as inclusions above
• Drinks and meals other than above inclusions
• Personal spending money.​

Cost estimate (Land only) $3200 USD. 
Single room supplement U$790.
​
Payment can be made in AUD,GBP,NZD or via PayPal in USD and you need to organise your own flights and insurance.

​Bangkok, is the best hub city for this trip, and if flying Thai from NZ or OZ then you may need to have one night in Bangkok on the way up, but not on the way back as flights from Chiang Mai connect well. 

Exchange rate movements can play havoc with planning overseas trips but quoting in USD usually means less fluctuations.
 
Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 30 days before the departure.