13 Days | Explore Thailand and Laos, travelling from Bangkok to Vientiane
Travel from Bangkok to Vientiane experiencing the delights of northern Thailand and the laidback river lifestyle of Laos. Join us on a voyage of discovery and relaxation, taking in the bright lights of Bangkok in Thailand, the age-old charms of Luang Prabang in Laos and the temples of Vientiane. Travel down the mighty Mekong River and become immersed in the tranquillity of remote villages and meet friendly faces along the way.
Trip overview
- Start
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Finish
- Vientiane, Laos
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Thailand, Laos
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- TLSV
- 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.
- Indulge in a sweet and socially responsible treat at Laos Buffalo Dairy, an enterprise that produces delicious ice-cream while giving back to the community.
- 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: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/elephant-sanctuary-laos/
- 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.
- 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
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)
- Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
- Bangkok - Wat Pho
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance)
- Chiang Rai - Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
- Mekong River - 2 day boat trip
- Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
- Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Luang Prabang - Alms giving ceremony
- Luang Prabang - Laos Buffalo Dairy social enterprise visit
- Luang Prabang - MandaLao Elephant Conservation (The Intrepid Foundation partner) lunch & trek
- Luang Prabang - Lunch at Manda Lao Elephant Conservation
- Vientiane - COPE visit
- Vientiane - Wat Si Saket
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250
- Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
- Chiang Mai - Thai cooking course - THB1000
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB990
- Luang Prabang - Mt Phu Si - USD2
- Luang Prabang - Night Market - Free
- Luang Prabang - Royal Theatre - USD20
- Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong - USD3
- Luang Prabang - National Museum - USD4
- Vang Vieng - Bicycle hire - USD2
- Vang Vieng - Wat Si Vieng Song - Free
- Vang Vieng - Kayaking - USD35
- Vang Vieng - Tham Phu Kham Cave - LAK10000
- Vientiane - Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park) tuk tuk & entrance - LAK205000
- Vientiane - Pha That Luang Monument (incl. long skirt hire to enter) - LAK15000
- Vientiane - Lao Textile Museum - LAK30000
- Vientiane - Haw Pha Kaeo Museum of Religious Art - LAK10000
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.
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