HIGHLIGHTS
Why you’ll love this trip?
- Explore the cultural gems of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
- Cruise along the Mekong River and enjoy scenic vistas.
- Discover UNESCO-listed sites amid lush mountains and rivers.
- Explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and vibrant street life.
- Trek through remote villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups.
What’s the Activity level?
- Moderate fitness required
- Short guided walks in most locations
- Trekking up to 5 hours on day 9 and up to 2 hours on day 10
- Kayak up to 3 hours on day 10
What’s the transport and accommodation like?
- Travel on variety of transportation, including vans, boat trip and trekking
- Enjoy cozy 3-star accommodations with private facilities and local charm.
- 1 night spent in a local village homestay for an authentic cultural experience
- Hotels selected for their safety, location, ambiance, and friendly staff
*All our tours are non-smoking
TRIP SUMMARY
Duration: 12 days from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
Trip focus: A moderate tour exploring Northland Thailand countrysides and crossing the border into northern Laos
Accommodation: 10 nights hotels, 1 local village homestay
Transport: Air conditioned vehicle, boat, rickshaw
Group size: Tour can run anytime with a minimum of 2. Or join our fixed departure date – 10th November 2024 – minimum 6, maximum 12 + tour leader.
Single supplement: NZ$490
Operator: This tour is run by one of our trusted local partners
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Local Experienced English speaking guide (Different guide in Vietnam and Laos)
- Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle for transfer.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Refill drinking water during sightseeing tour.
- All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.
- Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation in twin shared room in hotel with daily breakfast; 1 night in homestay
- Shared Shampoo Boat Trip on Mekong River (2 Days Downstream
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight to Chiang Mai / from Luang Prabang
- Vietnam and Laos visas
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
- Tips for guide, driver, porters. We recommend 5 USD/person/day for guide, 3 USD/person/day for driver and 3 USD/person/hotel when you check in/out.
- Beverage and alcoholic drinks.
- Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY CHIANG MAI
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, your guide waiting for your holding the signboard with your name on it. Transfer from the airport to city hotel. This evening, enjoy a delicious Khantoke dinner with traditional performance.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 – CHIANG MAI CITY LIFESTYLE WITH RICKSHAW RIDE & DOI SUTHEP HIKING
In the morning, explore a lively food and flower market and take a 20-minute rickshaw ride through the old town. Visit Wat Suan Dok.
In the afternoon, trek through Doi Suthep – Pui National Park to Mon Tha Than Waterfall. Wear suitable footwear. Return to your Chiang Mai hotel afterward.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 3 – CHIANG MAI TO LISU LODGE
Travel north from Chiang Mai to Lisu Lodge to connect with the Lisu people, a remote tribal group. Enjoy a traditional welcome drink and join a Thai cooking class using fresh ingredients from the lodge’s organic gardens. Take a guided tour of a nearby Lisu village, temple, vegetable plantation, or Himmapaan Nursery to experience their authentic lifestyle. The rest of the day is free for leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 4 – LISU LODGE TO CHIANG RAI
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Thaton and hop on a local boat for a scenic ride along the Kok River, disembarking at the Lahu village Pha Tai. Then, we’ll head to Santikhiri on Doi Mae Salong, stopping at an Akha village along the way for a cultural walk. Santikhiri, once settled by Kuomintang troops, now boasts stunning scenery and a Chinese-influenced atmosphere. We’ll visit a teashop, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and explore The Martyrs’ Memorial museum before arriving in Chiang Rai by late afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5 – CHIANG RAI: GOLDEN TRIANGLE
This morning, we’ll visit the Doi Tung Development Project, including Mae Fah Luang Garden, Doi Tung Royal Villa, and the Princess Mother Commemorative Hall. Following our visit to Mae Sai, the northernmost town on the Thai-Burmese border, we’ll proceed to the Golden Triangle. There, we’ll explore the Hall of Opium (closed Mondays) before making our way back to Chiang Rai.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 6 – CHIANG RAI TO CHIANG KHONG
Today, we’ll start by visiting the unique White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, famous for its contemporary design using white glass. Then, we’ll explore the ancient temple of Wat Phra Kae, featuring a replica of the Emerald Buddha. Nearby, we’ll admire the Blue Temple, Wat Rong Seua Ten, known for its stunning blue interior and grand white Buddha statue. Finally, we’ll drive to Chiang Khong, a border town with Laos, for the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 7 – CHIANG KHONG TO PAKBENG
At 08:00am, meet an English-speaking representative at Chiang Khong Immigration office to assist with exiting Thailand and catching the shuttle bus to the Lao border (included). Upon arrival at Lao customs, your local English-speaking guide will help with the visa application process (visa fees are your own expense). After getting your visa, a shared minivan transfer will take you to the slow boat pier. During the cruise, stops will be made in Pak Tha for document signings and at a Kamu village. You’ll arrive in Pakbeng before nightfall.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 8 – PAKBENG TO LUANG PRABANG
After an early breakfast, we’ll leave Pakbeng at 8:00 am. Enjoy a delightful lunch onboard as we journey towards the fascinating Pak Ou caves, known for their collection of miniature Buddha statues. Our next stop is Ban Xang Hai village, known as the “whisky village.” Finally, before sunset, we’ll arrive in Luang Prabang where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 9 – LUANG PRABANG - FULL DAY TREK JUNGLE & VILLAGES
Meet your guide early morning to prepare for departure. Travel light, leaving unneeded luggage at the hotel. We’ll drive to a stunning natural location surrounded by mountains. Cross the Nam Khan River by local boat and hike up to a Khamu village. Explore local life, trek through lush jungle to a Hmong village by a serene lake. Enjoy lunch in a local home and immerse yourself in the Laos jungle atmosphere.
Trekking length: Approx. 4-5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch and Dinner
DAY 10 – TREK & KAYAKING - LUANG PRABANG
After breakfast, start a 1.5-hour walk to Tad Sae Waterfall. Then, take a boat to the kayaking spot for a thrilling 3-4 hour downstream adventure. During the dry season (November to July), we’ll change plans slightly, skipping the waterfall visit and kayaking for about 2.5 hours. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll head back to Luang Prabang to end the tour.
Trekking length: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Kayaking: Approx. 3-4 hours (or 2.5 hours in dry season)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 11 – LUANG PRABANG: KUANG SI WATERFALL & TEMPLE HIGHLIGHTS
KUANG SI WATERFALL: Discover the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, a top attraction in Luang Prabang known for its turquoise waters. We’ll head south, stopping by Phousi Market and Ock Pop Tock Weaving Centre. After a relaxing walk near the Asian Bear Rescue Center and the chance to swim in the clear waters, we’ll return for a temple tour in the afternoon after lunch in the peaceful park.
TEMPLE SIGHTS: Explore Luang Prabang’s temples, including the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, as well as Wat Visoun, Wat That Luang, Wat Mai, and Wat Xieng Thong. Enjoy scenic views from Mount Phousi. Following our train journey through the Yucatán Peninsula, we’ll head back to our hotel.
Remember to dress respectfully for temple visits, covering your shoulders, chest, and legs.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 12 – DEPARTURE DAY
On your final day, it’s time to bid farewell to the tranquil town of Luang Prabang. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
HIGHLIGHTS
DATES
Start Date | End Date | Availability | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
10th Nov 2024 | 21st Nov 2024 | AVAILABLE | NZ$4,885 |