Real Thailand & Laos

Today, embark on a walking tour of Bangkok's historic neighborhoods with your guide. Starting after breakfast, visit Wat Tri Mit temple, home to the world’s largest solid gold seated Buddha from the Sukhothai period, standing nearly 5 meters tall and weighing 5.5 tons. Learn about the Buddha’s history and explore the Chinatown Heritage Museum. Along the way, enjoy snacks from food stalls on Sukorn Alley. Continue to Odien Circle, the Chinese Temple, and the bustling Sampeng wholesale market. Lunch is included at the renowned Labour Egg Noodle (or a similar spot), where you can savor delicious Fish Ball Noodles or Tom Yam Pork Noodles. The afternoon is free for you to explore Chinatown further, shop, or haggle for bargains. In the evening, board an overnight train to Chiang Mai (approximately 13 hours) in an air-conditioned berth.

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning and enjoy a day at your own pace. You'll be staying in a centrally located hostel, putting you right in the heart of the city's vibrant scene. With over 120 temples within the city center, there’s plenty to explore. Consider a trip to the top of Doi Suthep, where the climb of a few hundred steps rewards you with breathtaking views. Alternatively, indulge in a traditional Thai massage or join a cooking class to wow your friends when you return home. The night bazaar offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your bargaining skills. If you’re up for it, your group leader can guide you on a bar-hopping tour through the trendy Nimman area, known for its jazz bars and lounges perfect for unwinding with a drink.

Another day in Chiang Mai offers more opportunities for adventure. Start your morning by diving into the world of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), where you'll spend about two hours training with expert instructors. Learn the foundational techniques and discover how to use your body as both a weapon and a defense. It’s a fantastic experience! After your boxing session, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. For an adrenaline rush, consider visiting Jungle Flight to tackle a thrilling zipline and canopy course high up in the treetops.

Chiang Mai is full of wonders, and you have another day to uncover them! Consider joining one of our Urban Adventures, like the 'Mind and Soul' tour or the 'Mae Ping River Experience.' For more details, check out urbanadventures.com/destination/chiang-mai-tours. Alternatively, visit the Elephant Nature Park to learn about these majestic creatures up close. If temples are still on your list, explore one you haven’t yet seen, or treat yourself to a bowl of khao soi, a delicious mix of crunchy and soft noodles in a creamy coconut curry broth. For additional recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask your group leader—they’re full of local tips and hidden gems.

Travel by public bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong, passing through Chiang Rai, which takes about 6.5 hours. Once in this serene town near the Thailand-Laos border, you can visit the intricately decorated temples of Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang. Consider renting a bicycle to explore the scenic countryside and the Hmong villages along the Mekong River. For the night, stay in a simple guesthouse that provides all the essential comforts you'll need.

This morning, you'll handle the border procedures at Huay Xai before boarding a slow boat for a leisurely journey along the Mekong River, which takes around 7 hours. This is your chance to truly unwind as you transition into Laos. Enjoy some quiet reading, play cards, share travel tales, or simply soak in the stunning scenery. Arrive in Pakbeng in the late afternoon and take some time to explore this vibrant village, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Beng rivers. Just a tip: 'nam' translates to river, so referring to the 'Nam Beng River' would be a bit redundant, similar to saying 'river' twice.

Board your private boat again, with a stop to stretch and explore the Pak Ou Caves, home to countless Buddha statues. Arrive in Luang Prabang by evening and take a leisurely stroll through this charming city, often hailed as 'the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia' (a designation first promoted by the local government but embraced for good reason). Admire the French colonial villas and catch the breathtaking sunset over the Mekong River. Tonight, get ready for a unique dining experience. Enjoy Laotian-style BBQ, reminiscent of Korean BBQ but with a local twist. Known as 'Sindad,' this traditional BBQ involves grilling meat on a hot pan placed on a charcoal stove, with a surrounding rim of boiling water for blanching vegetables. With vegetables on the outer rim and meat sizzling in the center, this hands-on meal includes barbecuing various bite-sized meat pieces and dipping them in deliciously spicy, sweet, and salty sauces. Your group leader will guide you to one of Luang Prabang’s top all-you-can-eat spots, where you might also enjoy live music or a performance while you cook.

Waking up early to witness the procession of saffron-robed monks collecting alms is a deeply traditional experience worth catching. This centuries-old ritual sees townspeople waiting outside their homes to offer food to the monks, who then return it to the temple. This early practice ensures that the monks, who do not eat after midday, can partake in the offerings. By contributing to this ritual, you 'het bon,' or make merit, which is believed to positively influence your future life. Your guide will walk you through the etiquette of this sacred tradition and assist you in participating.

Following this, take tuk-tuks to explore Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th-century temple constructed under royal patronage, where Laotian kings were once crowned. The main assembly hall and surrounding buildings feature intricately carved, gilded wooden doors illustrating scenes from the Buddha's life. After your visit, enjoy some free time to explore optional activities. If you're in the mood for a natural swim, the Kuang Si Falls are a highly recommended spot. Alternatively, relax in a herbal steam room or try your hand at playing pétanque with the locals, who won’t hold back on the competition.

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. You could spend your time exploring the town or visiting those breathtaking waterfalls that are stunning in any light. By now, you might have already sampled the fantastic and affordable street food at the night market, a perfect way to connect with locals and fellow travelers. For lunch, before the market comes to life, consider indulging in some tasty noodle soup at one of the excellent French cafes along the main street. If you're in the mood for a bit of learning, the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre is worth a visit.

Travel by private minivan to the village of Vang Vieng, a journey of about 6 to 7 hours. Nestled along a curve in the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng offers stunning views of majestic mountains, rivers, and towering limestone cliffs that seem almost within arm's reach. After crossing the river, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the vast caves that dot the West Bank. Enjoy ample time to uncover and explore these fascinating sites at your own pace.

This morning, join your guide for a walking tour of Vang Vieng, leading you to Tham Jung and the surrounding caves. You’ll climb about 147 steps (yes, we’ve counted them) to reach the upper cave system. Spend the morning exploring the caves and consider a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear lagoon nearby. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Vang Vieng and admire the Buddha iconography present in the area. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. Take the opportunity to rent a bike and ride through the picturesque countryside, or kayak down the Mekong River to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

Conclude your journey in Laos' elegant capital, Vientiane, by taking a public bus from Vang Vieng, a trip of approximately 5 hours. Trade your instant coffee for a latte and white rice for a fresh baguette. Begin your exploration with a visit to Wat Sri Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, which houses nearly 7,000 Buddha images. Your tour leader will guide you through this charming city with its French colonial influences and take you to COPE, an organization dedicated to helping those affected by unexploded ordnance (UXOs) left over from the Vietnam War. UXOs, including bombs and grenades, still pose significant risks in Laos, with about 30% of the country remaining contaminated. COPE provides vital prosthetics and support to those impacted by these remnants of war. Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers and discover the attractions of Vientiane along Quai Fa Ngum Road.

After breakfast, you have the day at your leisure with no scheduled activities, allowing you to depart whenever you wish. If you wish to extend your stay in Laos, we understand! Should you want to remain in Vientiane for a bit longer, we can assist with arranging additional accommodation, subject to availability.