Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising

5.0Based on

Countryside and village visits Cultural, religious and historic sites

Carbon neutral

11 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

18 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Vientiane, Laos

Ends

Bangkok, Thailand

Highlights

Hike the limestone karsts of Vang Vieng.

Cool off in Luang Prabang with a sunset hike to Wat Phousi and visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Travel up the Mekong River.

Enjoy a homestay in a local village.

Explore Chiang Mai.

Enjoy bustling Bangkok.

Itinerary

Explore the hidden gems of Southeast Asia on the Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising tour. Designed for young travelers seeking authentic experiences, this 11-day journey begins in Vientiane and ends in vibrant Bangkok. Discover the tranquil monasteries and colonial charm of Luang Prabang, then cruise the mighty Mekong River and marvel at the limestone karsts around Vang Vieng.

Experience the pulsating energy of Bangkok’s night markets and cultural neighborhoods, all while traveling in a small, like-minded group. The unique selling point of this trip is its seamless blend of scenic river journeys and urban adventures, allowing you to see Southeast Asia’s most enchanting landscapes and cultural hotspots from a fresh, insider’s perspective.

day 1 - Vientiane

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.

Accomodation:Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends

Optional Activities:Wat Pha That Luang Visit See Laos’ national symbol and most important sacred monument, Pha That Luang (Great Stupa), completely covered in gold leaf. Every November, devoted Buddhists come here to celebrate Vientiane’s most important festival, Bun That Luang, with parades, music, and religious ceremonies.

day 2 - Vientiane/Vang Vieng

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 night out to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Thavisouk Riverside Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr

Included Activities:Vang Vieng Guided Hike Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr, Vang Vieng Nightlife

day 3 - Vang Vieng

Get the most out of Vang Vieng with a Day to freely explore. Check out the caves by bicycle or trek through the countryside. Choose to kayak through Tham None cave and venture to the Blue Lagoon by booking the adrenaline bundle.
Pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Thavisouk Riverside Hotel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Hiking Set off along the banks of the river to explore nearby caves, countryside and meet local villagers to find out more about their way of life., Caving Explore some of the many caves in the area. Some have lagoons for tubing in the dark or smooth terrain perfect for walking through. Ask your CEO for recommendations on which cave to visit for the best time., Bike Rental Rent a bike and explore the countryside., Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle None, Kayaking Explore the stunning landscape of Vang Vieng by kayak, a great way to see the caves and wildlife in the area.

day 4 - Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Flora by Sanakeo Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 1.15 hr Distance : 132 km

Included Activities:Sunset at Wat Phousi, Street Food Crawl, Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 5 - Luang Prabang

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Flora by Sanakeo Hotel (or similar)

Included Activity:Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion

Optional Activities:Phousi Temple Visit Climb more than 300 steps to the top of Mount Phou Si for a panoramic view of the sunset over Luang Prabang. Ornate Buddhist shrines dot the pathway up and the glistening seven-tiered golden pagoda of Wat Chom Si awaits at the summit., Royal Palace Museum Visit The ornate rooms of this royal palace-turned-museum house the country’s crown jewels, many religious artifacts, and a 50kg (110 lb) Buddha, cast of gold, silver and bronze. Gifts from visiting heads of state are on display, as are the beautiful silk screens crafted by the Queen., Wat Xien Thong Visit Once a royal temple where Kings were crowned, the importance of this 16th-century Buddhist temple as a religious monastery is not lost on visitors. Wat Xieng Thong stands resplendent among shrines, pavilions, chapels, towers and gardens, and its gilded wooden doors, mosaics, and ceiling displays are representative of typical Laos art and craft., Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Entry , Wat Visoun Temples Visit Originally built in 1513 and still operational, Wat Visoun is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple. Over the years invaders stole many of its priceless Buddha images, but this temple still offers some unusual architecture like the domed lotus flower stupa, designed by a royal and affectionately called "The Watermelon Stupa.", Cooking Class Enjoy the sights and smells of fresh produce, local spices and exotic ingredients and learn the secrets of Laotian cuisine., Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre Visit , Alms-giving in Luang Prabang Rise early and watch the daily dawn ceremony of saffron-robed monks walking through town to receive alms from local residents. Residents prepare food for the monks to subsist on. Seeing this custom is a beautiful way to gain some insight into the local culture and Buddhist religion. Please be respectful and quietly observe.

day 6 - Luang Prabang/Pak Beng

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Ban Huay Thum Homestay (or similar)

Included Activities:Mekong River Slow Boat Duration : 8.0 hr - 10.0 hr, Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance

day 7 - Pak Beng/Chiang Khong

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Namkhong Guesthouse (or similar)

Included Activities:Mekong River Slow Boat Duration : 8.0 hr - 10.0 hr, Border Crossing (Laos - Thailand)

day 8 - Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai

Take in the rolling countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai nestled alongside Thailand's northern mountains. Spend the afternoon getting to know this peaceful city known for traditional markets and glorious temples. Choose to visit Doi Suthep, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.

Accomodation:Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 6.0 hr - 7.0 hr

Optional Activities:Massage Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out., Doi Suthep Temple Visit , Khantoke Dinner and Show Enjoy dinner northern Khantok style, with local entertainment. The main dishes on the Khantok usually include sticky rice, Hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chilli pasted with crispy pork., Chiang Mai Cycling Tour Age range: 14 to 60, Northern Thai Cooking Class Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice., Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts.

day 9 - Chiang Mai/Bangkok

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, take a bicycle ride in the countryside, or relax with a massage. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.

Meal:Breakfast

Transport:Basic Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 12.0 hr - 13.0 hr

Optional Activities:Doi Suthep Temple Visit , Massage Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out., Chiang Mai Cycling Tour Age range: 14 to 60

day 10 - Bangkok

After arriving in Bangkok, the Day is yours to freely explore the many sights of Thailand's bustling capital. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Use this time to buy any last-minute souvenirs or treat yourself to a Thai massage. In the evening, celebrate the end of this amazing journey with your fellow travellers during a night out you won’t soon forget.

Accomodation:New Siam 2 (or similar)

Included Activity:Big Night Out

Optional Activities:Klong Riverboat Tour , Wat Po Visit This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. , Jim Thompson's House Visit Tour the Jim Thompson House, a Bangkok museum that was once the home of American businessman Jim Thompson, the “Legendary American of Thailand.” See his collection of Buddhist and secular art, amassed while building his silk company. , Grand Palace Visit , National Museum Visit

day 11 - Bangkok

Today, it’s time to say farewell to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising

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What's Included

Accommodation

Simple hotels (twin-share) (6 nts) and (multi-share) (2 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD125-165 for meals not included.

Transport

Sleeper train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, songthaew, slow boat, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance, Muang PakbèngYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang ViengYour Discover Moment: Luang PrabangYour Discover Moment: Chiang MaiYour Big Night Out Moment: BangkokGuided hike in Vang ViengSlow boat up the MekongOrientation walk, Wat Phousi sunset hike, Kuang Si Waterfalls excursion and street food crawl in Luang Prabang

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 7 reviews

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