Thailand & Laos Explorer

Itinerary

4 Nights – Chiang Mai
2 Nights – Chiang Rai
1 Night – Shompoo Cruise
3 Nights – Luang Prabang
2 Nights – Oudomxay
2 Nights – Vientiane
3 Nights – Champasak
1 Night – Pakse
1 Night – Bangkok
5 Nights – Koh Samui (other resorts available)

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✈️  UK to Chiang Mai (4 nights): After your flight from the UK, you’ll arrive in the enchanting Northern Thai city of Chiang Mai – the perfect starting point for your adventure. Nestled along the picturesque Ping River, Chiang Mai has a laid-back charm with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  Wandering through the old part of the city, you’ll find a plethora of ancient temples such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh with stunning Lanna-style architecture.  As the sun sets, head to the vibrant night markets with delicious street food, live music and cultural performances.   A short drive outside the city, and an absolute must-do day trip is to the Elephant Nature Park.  Here you can enjoy spending time with these magnificent creatures in an ethical environment and learn about their rehabilitation from experienced guides.   Also just outside the city centre is the stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on top of Doi Suthep Mountain, with its incredibly intricate Buddhist architecture and panoramic views of the city below.

🚗  Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (2 nights):  Your transfer will take you north to Chiang Rai, passing through landscapes of rolling hills and endless rice paddies. The city is full of charm and delightful to explore on foot, featuring highlights like the Clock Tower which hosts light shows in the evenings, and the bustling night market, where you can find local crafts and street food.  Some of the region’s most iconic attractions are located a short drive from the city itself.  Two of the most popular are The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) with its dazzling white architecture and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) with its contemporary style and bright blue hues.  The Golden Triangle – where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge at the Mekong River – is a must-see with stunning panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains.  Chiang Rai is also home to over a hundred hill tribes, including the Karen and Akha tribes.  There are plenty of tours that allow you to visit the tribes to gain a deeper understanding of the way they live and their traditions – including village tours and activities such as weaving workshops.

 🚗🚤  Chiang Rai to Shompoo Cruise (1 night):  Your journey continues in the morning as you’ll be picked up and whisked off to the Thai border, where you’ll board a peaceful Shompoo cruise for an overnight journey along the Mekong River to Luang Prabang in Laos. This cruise offers a perfect opportunity to soak in the breath-taking scenery and gain a glimpse of the unique way of life along the Mekong.  As you meander along the river you’ll enjoy views of lush forests, traditional Lao villages, and towering limestone cliffs. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues placed there by pilgrims.

🚤 🚗  Shompoo Cruise to Luang Prabang (3 nights):  Your river cruise will conclude in the morning and your transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the town of Luang Prabang.  Tucked away in the hills, this UNESCO town feels like a quiet sanctuary.  Monks wander the streets early in the morning, and there’s a peacefulness about the place that makes you want to explore.  Head to the Wat Xieng Thong, with its intricate golden mosaics and for the best views in the town, climb to the top of Mount Phousi. As you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with an incredible view, framed by mountains and the Mekong River – especially at sunset.   If you’re feeling the need for some nature, head to the picturesque Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls, a three-tiered waterfall with refreshing turquoise pools that are perfect for cooling off in.

🚂  Luang Prabang to Oudomxay (2 nights):  For your next stop, you’ll enjoy a picturesque train ride from Luang Prabang to Oudomxay in northern Laos. Upon arrival, your transfer will be ready to take you to your accommodation in the captivating Nam Kat Yorla Pa, a protected forestry area. This lush region boasts stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity, offering various activities that will completely immerse you in nature.  You can embark on guided treks through the dense forest to explore the unique flora and fauna or try thrilling experiences such as the canopy walk, waterfall abseiling, or zip-lining through the treetops. The area is renowned for its eco-tourism initiatives, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of Laos’s natural environment while supporting sustainable practices.

🚂  Oudomxay to Vientiane (2 nights): Heading back to Oudomxay and hopping back on the train, you’ll find yourself in Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos. This city beautifully blends colonial French influence with stunning Buddhist architecture.  As you wander the streets, make sure you visit the That Luang Stupa, a magnificent golden monument that has become the national symbol of Laos. Then, head over to Patuxai monument, a victory arch that pays homage to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris – a perfect spot for photos!  Take some time to stroll along the Mekong Riverfront, where you can relax at a riverside café, sip on a refreshing drink, and soak in the mesmerising sunset views. Just outside the city, you’ll find the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), where hundreds of intricate sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities are set against a lush green backdrop.

 ✈️  Vientiane to Champasak (3 nights):  Next, you’ll take short flight to Champasak, a lovely riverside town in southern Laos, with quiet streets lined with French colonial architecture and full of natural beauty. With local markets and small cafes offering authentic Lao food, it’s the ideal base for exploring the region. One of the must-sees is the 4,000 Islands, or Si Phan Don,  which is a breath-taking area in the Mekong River, south of Champasak. It’s not literally 4,000 islands, but rather a network of islands and islets that emerge during the dry season when water levels are low. If you’re lucky, you may also spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the waters.  Nearby you can also visit the impressive Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. Another highlight is Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through ancient Khmer temple ruins set against a backdrop of lush hills. If time permits, you could also venture to the Bolaven Plateau, famous for its coffee plantations and stunning waterfalls including Tad Fane and Tad Yuang. Here, you can join guided tours to learn about the coffee-growing process, from planting and harvesting to roasting, and enjoy tasting sessions to taste the unique flavour of Bolaven coffee.

🚗  Pakse (1 night):  A short transfer along a scenic route by the Mekong River will lead you to Pakse, the capital of the Champasak region. This lively city boasts a lively urban atmosphere filled with a great selection of dining options, including riverside restaurants that offer breath-taking views and cafes featuring live music. To truly experience local culture, visit the expansive Dao Heuang Market – one of the largest in Laos – where you can enjoy a variety of street food while immersing yourself in the chatter and atmosphere. For spectacular views, make your way to the stunning golden Buddha statue across the Mekong, especially breath-taking at sunset.

✈️  Pakse to Bangkok (1 night):  After a short flight, you’ll head back to Thailand and to the bustling city of Bangkok for one night, where the choice of activities is entirely up to you. You might start your evening with a visit to the stunning Wat Arun, admiring its intricate architecture as the sun sets. Alternatively, you could explore the lively streets of Chinatown or the vibrant night markets to sample delicious street food. For a more upscale experience, consider heading to a rooftop bar for breath-taking views of the city skyline. Whatever you decide, you’ll be sure to get a taste of Bangkok’s vibrant atmosphere before continuing your journey the following morning.

✈️  Bangkok to Koh Samui (5 nights):  The final leg of your adventure will take you to the idyllic island of Koh Samui, where you can indulge for a few days of beachside luxury and relaxation. Renowned for its postcard-perfect beaches with powdery white sands, luxurious resorts, and vibrant nightlife, Koh Samui is the perfect destination to relax.  Some of the most popular beaches include Chaweng, which has a lively atmosphere with lots of restaurants and nightlife; Lamai, which has a more relaxed vibe while still boasting a good range of beach bars and restaurants; and Bophut, famous for its Fisherman’s Village, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, street markets, and a picturesque pier.  If you can tear yourself away from the sandy shores, head to the iconic Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – a 12-metre-tall golden Buddha statue. Also, if the timings work, don’t miss the legendary Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Phangan, a short boat ride away.

✈️ Koh Samui to UK:  After soaking up the sun and beauty of Koh Samui, it’s time to head back to Bangkok for your return flight to the UK, leaving with unforgettable memories of your incredible visit to Thailand and Laos.