The very best of Lao and Northern Thailand 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 Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang {the old royal capital}, and on to Chiang Mai in north of Thailand. 

At the moment Laos is still the Asia of old, and retains much of its charm and a slower, more gentle pace of life 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 speed through lovely countryside on the new "Belt and Road" bullet train (which opened in 2021) 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. This is truly a place to chill out with a beer and a book. This is also where we may have the opportunity to go Ballooning if the conditions are right. 

Luang Prabang (4 nights)
From Vang Vieng we again board the train and head through the mountains tunnel after tunnel to the UNESCO listed former Royal Capital of Luang Prabang, a true gem. Here we stay in a lovely historic colonial style 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 practicing their English.
In the evening of our last night we will witness one of Asia's most sublime experiences the water light festival of  Boun Lai Heua Fai. 

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 favorite 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.

​Start Vientiane (Capital of Laos) and finish in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.

Starts Vientiane (VTE) in the 22 October 2023 and finishes in Chiang Mai (CNX) on 4th November 2023.
 
A 13 night, 14 day adventure. Timed to experience the magic of  "Boun Lai Heua Fai" festival.

Min 6 Max 12.

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, bullet train, 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 "Lady Boy" 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 for 2023
U$ 2950 Twin share.
U$ 3590 Private room
​
Payment can be made in AUD,GBP,NZD or USD and you need to organise your own flights and travel insurance.

​Bangkok, Singapore, or KL are the best hub cities to fly into VTE and out of CNX on the same ticket.

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.
​Options and methods of payment.