Essential Thailand & Laos

Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in Chiang Mai with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city was founded by King Mangrai in AD1296 as the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom and is scattered with fortresses and temples, including Doi Suthep temple – one of Thailand’s most popular pilgrimage sites. If you arrive with time to spare, it's highly recommended you pay Doi Suthep a visit – you have to climb about 300 steps to reach the top of the mountain where the temple is perched, but the panoramic views of Chiang Mai stretching out below you are well worth it. Or, for the thrill seekers, you could go whitewater rafting or ziplining! After tonight's meeting, maybe gather your group and get to know each other over dinner – ask your local leader for the best recommendations on where to eat.

This morning after breakfast, take a local bus to Nan. When you arrive, take the chance to refresh at your hotel before heading out to explore the town. Along the way, visit Wat Phumin – Nan’s most famous wat (a sacred Buddhist precinct, home to a temple, a Buddha and an educational facility). This wat was constructed in 1596 and was restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det. The rest of the evening is free to explore at your own pace.

This morning is free to explore Nan how you like. Maybe wander through a gallery by the Nan River, where you can have a coffee and view modern art by local Thai artists. Then, visit a chocolate farm at Cocoa Valley! Take a tour of the farm, then join a workshop to hear how using the bark of the cocoa helps with waste management. You’ ll also learn how to make an aroma bag (potpourri, made from bark of cocoa, dried flowers and volcano stone), lip balm or a candle from the bark of the cocoa plant. Later, travel to the Pua District and visit a hand-weaving centre and the local woman who started this enterprise. Learn how she has stayed true to her Tai Lue roots and helps to provide employment opportunities for the women in the community. See their beautiful craft of handwoven textiles and then explore the village of Pua. Tonight, you’ll head to the evening market with your leader, with the option to go out for dinner at a local restaurant.

Travel through the rural countryside this morning to the border into Laos. After border formalities, you’ll stop at the local village of Muang Ngeun – a small district in Xayaburi Province. The Tai-Lue and Nan people make most of their income through cotton weaving here as well, but in a different style to Thailand. Explore the local Buddhist temple and see the outskirts of Laos before continuing to Luang Prabang. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk of ‘the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia’ (the local government started using this phrase, but it caught on for a reason). Tonight, you’ll hike up to Wat Phu Si for sunset. As the sun goes down, witness some epic views over Phu Si Mountain and then head to the Talad Mued Night Market for dinner. Enjoy a local BBQ feast (Sindad is the art of grilling meat on a hot pan – a type of traditional BBQ set on a charcoal stove that has a surrounding rim full of boiling water for blanching vegetables) and toast to a great night.

This morning is free for you to explore Luang Prabang at your own pace. Maybe head to Kuang Si – a beautiful three-tiered waterfall surrounded by brightly coloured tropical foliage and flowers. Here, you might want to set off on the round-trip hike or take a dip in the refreshing water at the base of the waterfall. Later, board a boat and watch the sun set as you cruise down the Mekong – Asia’s longest river.

Today is a free day in Luang Prabang. Maybe take a tuk-tuk to visit Wat Xieng Thong – this temple was built in the 16th century under the patronage of the royal family, and the Laotian kings were crowned here. The main viharn (assembly hall) and buildings have carved gilded wooden doors depicting scenes from Buddha's life. Otherwise, just wander the streets and take photos of the lush greenery and beautiful buildings. You can also take a hike on Mt Phu Si or take on a cooking class and meet some new friends as you gain some skills.

It’s worth getting up early this morning to view the procession of saffron-robed monks on their daily outing collecting alms – a practice that dates back centuries. The people of the town wait out in front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and take back to the temple. This is done early in the morning as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. The rest of the day is free until your late afternoon train to Vang Vieng. Maybe cruise around town or mingle with the locals at the markets. For lunch, you might want to try some delicious noodle soup at one of the top-notch French cafes along the main drag. Later, you’ll take a transfer to the train station and then jump on a high-speed train to your destination. This beautifully located adventure gateway lies on a bend in the Nam Song. Take in the views of mountains, rivers and big limestone cliffs that are so close you'll feel like you could reach out and touch them.

Today is a free day to explore Vang Vieng however you like – this natural paradise has no shortage of fun activities! Maybe cross the river and explore the huge caves that line the West Bank – Tham Poukham cave has a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue that’s well worth a look – or take a cycling tour of the town. You can also go kayaking on the Nam Song River or explore the nearby 16th and 17th century monasteries. With hiking and boating options in this gorgeous area, the day is your oyster.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a private bus to Vientiane Laos’ classy capital. Swap your instant coffee and white rice for a latte and a baguette before snapping a few pics at Wat Si Saket the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Your trip leader will show you around this chic, French-influenced city and take you to COPE – an organisation dedicated to assisting those who have been injured or affected by the shocking number of unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in the countryside. UXOs are explosive weapons, such as bombs and grenades that still pose a risk after they were used. About 30% of Laos remains contaminated with UXOs from the Vietnam War and poses a serious risk to residents. COPE provides prosthetics and other assistance to people affected by this devastating war history. Grab some dinner with your travel mates tonight, and explore what Vientiane has to offer on Quai Fa Ngum Road.

As there are no more activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end this morning. Say goodbye to your new friends and head off whenever you’re ready. If you’d like to stay in Laos longer, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.