Unveiling Northern Thailand to Laos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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