Inside Laos and Thailand – 15 Days

We head east to the Thai border and cross the Mekong River into tranquil Laos. Embark on a 5-hour boat ride down the Mekong, with a stop at a local minority village along the way. Enjoy the breathtaking river views before reaching the riverside town of Pakbeng in the late afternoon.

Continue your journey down the Mekong, enjoying the picturesque landscapes, and make a stop at a riverside eco-resort managed by the Kamu minority. Immerse yourself in Kamu culture through activities such as gold panning, rice planting or harvesting, and interacting with the local villagers. Spend the night in charming tent-style lodgings that offer a unique atmosphere.

Following a relaxed breakfast, we embark on a slow boat for a brief trip to Luang Prabang. As we cruise, we navigate past lush, jungle-covered cliffs and make a stop at the intriguing 'Cave of a Thousand Buddhas,' known for its collection of Buddha statues. Enjoy the tranquil ride, soak in the beautiful surroundings, and arrive in the charming town of Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang, known for its stunning beauty and charm, is the highlight of Laos. Today, take a guided stroll through its cobblestone streets to explore Pho Si Market and several of the town’s revered temples. We will also visit a village specializing in textile weaving and papermaking. Before sunset, hike up Mount Phou Si for breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the river.

Start your day early to witness one of Asia's most remarkable sights: hundreds of Buddhist monks in their robes receiving alms at dawn. Later, head to the picturesque Kuang Si Falls, with a stop at a Hmong village along the way to gain insight into one of Laos's prominent ethnic groups. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, and in the evening, participate in a lively Laotian cooking class to hone your culinary skills.

Leave the charming Luang Prabang for an overland trip to Phonsavan. In this region, we'll delve into the origins of one of the world's most intriguing archaeological enigmas and appreciate the stunning landscape, which has been deeply impacted by bombing from the Indochina conflicts.

In the afternoon, we take a flight to the tranquil capital of Laos, Vientiane. Discover the rich history of this charming city with a visit to the intriguing ‘Revolutionary Museum’ and embark on a brief walking tour of the monasteries along Sethathilat Road. Familiarize yourself with the sights for tomorrow’s explorations and settle into your comfortable hotel.

Today we will visit the prominent landmarks of the capital city, starting with Wat Sisaket, which is Vientiane's oldest and most exquisite temple. Our exploration continues to Haw Pha Kaew, formerly a royal temple and now transformed into a museum. We will then proceed to Pha That Luang, Laos' paramount national monument, representing both the monarchy and Buddhism. Lastly, we'll see the Patuxai Monument, reminiscent of Paris' Arc de Triomphe. Later, we'll delight in watching the sunset along the Mekong River banks this evening.

This morning, we will depart for the airport and board a flight to Pakse. Following a brief exploration of this southern hub, we will drive up to the Bolaven Plateau. Our journey includes visits to ethnic minority villages and opportunities to admire wild coffee plantations, banana groves, and quaint villages. We will conclude our day at the beautiful Tad Fane waterfalls, where we will witness the sunset.

Today, we will travel by vehicle to a nearby elephant camp and enjoy a short forest trek on elephant-back. Following this adventure, we will visit Um Mouang temple, where the atmospheric ruins will pique your interest for our upcoming exploration of Wat Phou. By mid-afternoon, we will reach charming Khong Island, the largest island in this expansive stretch of the Mekong River. During your free time, you can rent a bicycle to explore the island and interact with its friendly residents.

Today, we embark on a leisurely boat journey along a segment of the Mekong River renowned as the '4,000 islands'. Enjoy the serene river life as we cruise before arriving at Khone Island. Along the way, we will make stops to explore the remnants of a French-built railway and admire the scenic Li Phi waterfalls. We'll also keep an eye out for the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin and witness the impressive Khonephapheng Falls. By evening, we will return to Khong Island for our overnight stay.

We journey by land to the historic Wat Phou, a temple complex with Hindu influences that predates the structures at Angkor in Cambodia. Recognized for their cultural and historical importance, these temples were recently added to the World Heritage list. Following our exploration of the site, we will continue our journey to Pakse by road.

We bid farewell to Laos, known as the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’, with a road journey to the Lao/Thai border. Our route takes us through Issan province to Preah Vihear temple, situated on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. This temple is esteemed as one of the most awe-inspiring temples after Angkor Wat, offering a captivating comparison to Wat Phou. In the afternoon, we return to Ubon for a flight back to Bangkok.

Today, you will be transported to Bangkok airport for your connecting flight.