Explore Thailand and Laos, travelling from Bangkok to Vientiane
- Start
- Bangkok, Thailand
- End
- Vientiane, Laos
- Meals
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Transport
- Longtail boat, Taxi, Minivan, Overnight train, Boat, Tuk tuk, Private bus
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (2 nights), Hotel (9 nights), Overnight train (1 night)
- Days
- 13
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Ages
- Min 15
- ThemeEvery trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
- Explorer
- StyleBasix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders - Original
- Physical ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
Travel from Thailand's lively capital and activity-filled Chiang Mai, to the riverside tranquillity of Laos and its stunning scenery.
Discover just why Luang Prabang has UNESCO status as you uncover the French influence, beautiful temples, traditional arts and the world renown night markets.
Discover impactful local organizations that support local communities in various ways, including empowering local women through preserving traditional textile making, or caring for those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country.
Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle as you walk side by side with recently rescued elephants on stroll through their natural habitat at Mandalao. Read more about this Intrepid Foundation supported project here: <a href='https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/elephant-sanctuary-laos/'>https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/elephant-sanctuary-laos/</a>
Rise with the sun and watch saffron-robed monks shuffle between houses, where the faithful wait with offerings as part of an alms giving ritual.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Itinerary
Inclusions and activities
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Longtail boat, Taxi, Minivan, Overnight train, Boat, Tuk tuk, Private bus
Guesthouse (2 nights), Hotel (9 nights), Overnight train (1 night)
Is this trip right for you?
- You'll get to see lots of major highlights and cover plenty of distance over the course of this trip, which means some long travel days. Laos is less developed than some of its neighbours so roads can be bumpy, delays common and accommodation simpler in some locations compared to Thailand or Vietnam.
- Pak Beng, where we pause to break up our Mekong journey, is a remote and quiet town with little tourist infrastructure - a contrast to the traveller hubs of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
- It can be surprisingly cool, especially at night from November to February. Make sure you have some warm gear packed for this period so you can be comfortable. Smoke Haze can be common for Northern Thailand into Laos between March and April due to burning off season of crops. You may wish to take a quality mask with you if you are particularly sensitive to smoke.
- Due to dam construction upstream, water levels on the Mekong aren't as reliable as in previous years. When the Mekong River is at its lowest from February to April, part of the journey may occasionally need to be made overland by bus instead of by boat.
- There is free time in a number of destinations to spend as you wish. Your leader can make suggestions, and some prior research to work out what you are most interested in will help you make the most of your time.
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Overnight train) and Day 6 (Pak Beng) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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