Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 14 Day Laos to Northern Thailand: Treks & Trails. Now's the time to explore Laos and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Trek through lush green terrain visit diverse hilltribe villages, sit in the afterglow of a classic Mekong sunset, and, in Chiang Mai, fill up on savoury street food between stops at the bar. See a side of Southeast Asia not many get to experience, with choice and free time at every stop to help you make the most of it. Don't wait; the time to get out there is now.
Itinerary
Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital. After meeting your CEO and fellow travellers this evening, wander through the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Pick up a street beer or tea as you browse through the stalls of souvenirs and local delicacies. Follow your CEO to grab the best street food — or, you know, follow your nose. Stay: Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel
Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to a famous local view point for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary. This evening, enjoy a drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting! Stay: Thavisouk Riverside Hotel (B)
Pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour. Stay: Thavisouk Riverside Hotel (B)
Continue to colourful Luang Prabang and make your first acquaintance with this ancient city during an afternoon orientation walk. Afterward, embark on a short trek up sacred Mount Phousi, climbing the stone stairs with scaly golden handrails, past the monks quarters and Buddha's footprint cave, to reach the temple at the top - Wat Phousi. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sun setting upon Luang Prabang and the Mekong River before an evening street food crawl. Stay: Flora by Sanakeo Hotel (B)
Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk through town before dawn. Dressed in saffron robes, they receive daily alms from local residents. Then, visit the Kuang Si waterfalls on a guided excursion before free time in the evening. Traditional Laotian culture involves giving daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Should you rise early, you’ll get to watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos. Stay: Flora by Sanakeo Hotel (B)
The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long, cozy houseboat that will take you on a two-day journey up the Mekong River en route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Today, cruise to a village homestay for the night, experience a Baci welcome ceremony, and enjoy dinner with your hosts. Stay: Ban Huay Thum Homestay (B/D)
New day, same magnificent Mekong. Today’s your second travel day, where you’ll cross into Thailand arriving in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon. Sit back, relax, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and enjoy the scenic ride. Stay: Namkhong Guesthouse (B/L)
Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class. Stay: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace making the most of this unique city. Visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep as it stands watch over the city from the hills above, or take a bicycle ride in the countryside. Stay: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land. (B/L/D)
Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night. Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town and grab a drink on our tab to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures! Stay: Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (B/L)
Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok. (B)
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos with your newfound friends and exchange social medias before you head on your way. This adventure ends in Bangkok, on arrival at the train station (approximately 8am).
Trip Inclusions
Hike along Vang Vieng's limestone karsts.
Discover the serenity of Luang Prabang with a sunset trek to Wat Phousi and visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Stay overnight in a local village along the Mekong River.
Bargain for goods at a night market.
Hike through forests to explore local villages.
Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance, Muang Pakbèng
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang Vieng
Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang
Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai
Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration, Chiang Mai
Guided hike in Vang Vieng
Slow boat up the Mekong
Orientation walk, Wat Phousi sunset trek, Kuang Si Waterfalls excursion and street food crawl in Luang Prabang
Hilltribe trek
Bamboo rafting
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
Mekong River Homestay: Typically, the group is divided into two or more houses (depending on group size) in close proximity to each other. Sleeping arrangements are multi-share in the central living area of the homes – mattresses, blankets, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see our Classic Travel Style.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking staff
10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Train, local bus, air-con bus, slow boat, walking, songthaew, tuk-tuk, river raft
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in USA. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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