Day 1
- Bangkok Arrival
Welcome to Thailand!. Included transfer to your hotel in the pulsating capital of Bangkok. Evening Welcome Meeting held.
Transport: Mini-Van
Day 2
- Discover Bangkok
The next day we embark on a city tour beginning with the impressive Grand Palace housing the Jade Buddha. We continue to Wat Pho, the original Thai Massage School and the 24hr Flower Market. Afterwards we board longtail boats for a trip along the city’s canals gliding past stitled houses, pretty temples and locals going about their daily business. We disembark a short walk away from backpackers’ favourite haunt – Khao San Road, where cafes, bars, buskers, tailors and market stalls line the virbant streets. Overnight in Bangkok.
Meal: B
Transport: Mini-Van
Day 3
- Doi Suthep temple and the Hilltribe Museum ( Chiang Mai )
Today we transfer to the
airport for our flight to Chiang Mai, blessed with a temperate climate
and lush vegetation. After time to freshen up we set off for Doi Suthep
temple and the Hilltribe Museum. Later this evening our trip to the
night market offers the chance to sample many delicious regional dishes. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Meal: B
Transport: Mini-Van, Flight
Day 4
- White Temple, Opium Museum ( Chiang Rai )
Today we set out for Chiang Rai,
passing through spectacular mountain scenery and hill tribe markets
along the way. We make a stop at the unconventional White Temple, known
locally as Wat Rhon Khung, which displays scenes from modern day movies.
We then visit a hill tribe community site where you have the chance to
learn more about how five of the most prominent tribes in the area live,
including their traditional costumes and homes. We continue our journey
to the Thailand’s ‘Golden Triangle’ for a trip to the Opium Museum. We
then follow the Mekong River to Chiang Khong - our base for the night
before crossing the border into Laos tomorrow morning. Overnight in Chiang Khong.
Meal: B
Transport: Mini-Van
Day 5
- Journey into Laos
Chiang Khong - Pakbeng. Bright and early we head to the immigration
& customs office to exit Thailand. Bidding farewell to our Thai
guide we cross the river by longtail boat. Meeting up with our Lao guide
we attend to immigration formalities before we're back on the water,
cruising by traditional long boat down the Mekong River. Serene and
timeless Laos is often overlooked by travellers. A peaceful nation of
people offering legendary hospitality, resilience and friendliness, Laos
is old Asia preserved. As we travel downstream we stop off at a number
of minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu to get an
understanding of their culture and way of life. Upon arrival in Pakbeng,
we visit the local market to watch the colourful hill tribe trade their
wares before retiring for the night. Overnight in Pakbeng.
Meal: L, B, D
Transport: Mini-Van, Local Boat
Day 6
- Luang Prabang
Pakbeng
- Luang Prabang. We continue our cruise arriving to the golden city of
Laung Prabang mid afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal: L, B
Transport: Local Boat
Day 7
- Luang Prabang
Tomorrow, opt for an early start early to
see the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the
streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. Then a
morning tour, takes in the highlights of Luang Prapang - the fabulous
UNESCO Listed former royal capital. Sightseeing includes the ancient
temples of Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, Ock Pop Tok weaving centre and the
beautifully ornate former Royal Palace. In the afternoon we stop at
ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi
waterfall. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal: B
Transport: Mini-Van
Day 8
- Pak Ou Caves
This
morning we head out of town to a local farm to learn about the
production of rice. After lunch we cruise up the Mekong River to visit
the incredible Pak Ou caves crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and
sizes, stopping Ban Xanghai village en route to sample local rice wine.
Later we return to Luang Prabang stopping along the way at Ban Phanom
village - known for its hand weaving, before boarding our last night in
Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal: L, B
Transport: Mini-Van, Local Boat
Day 9
- Luang Prabang
Today marks the end of our holiday. Lap up the hotel facilities this
morning before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the
airport.
Meal: B
Transport: Mini-Van
