Day 1: Arrive Bangkok
Arrive into bustling Bangkok and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Bangkok
Visit the Jim Thompson House and Textile Museum to see the art and textiles of a man who was credited with reviving and revitalizing the Thai silk industry. Continue to the golden Grand Palace, former home of the Thai kings, and the royal barge museum. Relax with a soft drink while you cruise Bangkok’s myriad canals, passing vendors who sell spices and freshly-prepared Thai delicacies from their boats.
Day 3: Bangkok – Chiang Mai
Fly to Chiang Mai, a charming city nestled in the northern mountains. Visit some of the beautiful and historic Buddhist Wats (temples) that give Chiang Mai its character. In the evening, explore the busy Night Bazaar, full of Thai and Lao textiles, silver, and much more.
Day 4: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
Head east through stunning mountainous scenery to the quiet and scenic mountain city of Chiang Rai. In the evening, you’ll have time to explore the town.
Day 5: Chiang Rai – Pakbeng
Cross the border into Laos for a boat cruise on the Mekong River to Pakbeng. Stop for a picnic lunch on the riverbank, then, visit a village of the Yao or Lu tribes along the way. The evening is free.
Day 6: Pakbeng – Luang Prabang
In the morning, visit Pakbeng market, where people from surrounding villages exchange their goods. Next, the second leg of your cruise takes you to Pak Ou Village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River. Visit the Tam Ting Caves, containing over a thousand images of the Buddha. Observe the traditional process of producing local rice alcohol. End your day in the beautiful city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Enjoy a guided tour of Luang Prabang. Nestled in a stunning setting amid lush mountains, this sacred city of golden temples and saffron robed monks provides endless opportunities for sightseeing.
Day 8: Kuang Si Waterfall
Spend the morning at your leisure, then, journey to beautiful Kuang Sii Waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. You can cool off with a swim before returning to Luang Prabang.
Day 9: Luang Prabang
Learn the delicious secrets of Laotian cuisine. Guided by the cooking school’s chef, visit the colourful and vibrant Phosy Market to select fresh ingredients. Cook fabulous dishes under a sunroof in the garden, then enjoy the lunch that you prepared.
Day 10: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
Take a six-hour drive along picturesque winding roads to Vang Vieng. There are stunning vistas of towering limestone karst hills around every turn. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore this lovely town.
Day 11: Vang Vieng
Enjoy the scenic wonders of Vang Vieng at your leisure. You can go inner-tubing in the cool, lazy river, try your hand at kayaking or caving, or just relax and enjoy the amazing views from your balcony.
Day 12: Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Drive three hours to Vientiane. Visit Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, as well as many other picturesque sites and monuments.
Day 13: Depart Vientiane
Explore sleepy, friendly Vientiane until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight.