Discover Northern Thailand and Laos
Adventure in the interesting North of Thailand and Laos!
This active and adventurous Monsoon Adventure Exploration Tour will let you discover the North of Thailand and the still unknown Northern parts of Laos. We visit historically interesting places like Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and Phonsavan. We will leave the beaten tracks and explore the less visited areas.
In the North of Thailand the Lanna culture is still visible in the architecture of the old houses and temples and in the customs of the local people. We start to explore the countryside during our two-day bicycle tour. This is the way to discover this region with its people in a relaxed way at our own pace.
The North of Laos still has some untouched nature. Trekking or by boat are interesting ways to discover the nature and the hill tribes living in these mountains like the Akha, Hmong and Yao. Luang Prabang with her many splendid temples and old royal villas is one of the most romantic towns in Southeast Asia. This lovely little town at the Mekong River truly deserves to be on the world heritage list of UNESCO. The Plain of Jars was always on the cross roads of wars and its here where we find one of the last remaining mysteries on earth. We are sure that this mystery will intrigue you too.
Besides the nature and culture of Northern Thailand and unknown Laos we also will discover the culinary aspects of these countries. As a part of our exploration we will taste some local delicacies. The friendly people of Thailand and Laos will make an unforgettable impression on you.
This Discover Northern Thailand and Laos Exploration Tour will give you a very good impression of the North of Thailand and the less visited and unknown parts of Northern Laos, not only the classic highlights but also the more mysterious areas of these countries. Your memories of this adventure will last a lifetime!
Programme
Day 1 Bangkok
Individual arrival in Bangkok . We meet in the afternoon at the Hua Lamphong
train station for the night train to Chiang Mai in the North of Thailand.
We sleep in the train in comfortable beds.
Overnight on the train.
Day 2 Chiang Mai (B-L)
Arrival at Chiang Mai train station in the morning. Transfer to the hotel
in Chiang Mai. Info meeting with a welcome drink. Than we visit the beautiful
Wat Phra Singh temple, build in Lanna style. Thai welcome lunch. In the
afternoon we visit the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple located on a hill
outside Chiang Mai. In the evening you have free time to visit the famous
Night Market on your own.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 3 Chiang Mai–Rural area (B-L-D)
After breakfast we start our 2-days bike trip. This is an unique and the best way to discover this part
of Northern Thailand in our own pace. This rustic route stretches through
the country area en is quite easy to do for everybody. On the way we enjoy the typical
traditional local life, temples, rice fields and smiling people every
where. We have a local lunch on the way. Overnight stay and dinner in
a beautiful Resort.
Overnight in rural Chiang Mai
Day 4 Rural area-Chiang Mai (B-L)
We continue with the second day of our bike trip. Again a wonderful day, we have photo stops and enough
moments to witness and enjoy the Thai local life. It’s your chance
to make these moments immortal with your camera. Local lunch on the way.
In the afternoon we enter Chiang Mai again with our bicycles. free evening in Chiang Mai.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 5 Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong–Huay Xai (B-D)
After breakfast we continue with our private bus through the mountainous
north of Thailand to Chiang Khong. In Chiang Rai we visit the "white" temple
and the Hill tribe Museum. In the afternoon we drive to Chiang Khong.
Here we cross the Mekong river to Laos and after finishing the border
formalities we go by local tuk-tuk to our hotel. Overnight stay in a simple
and clean Huay Xai hotel. In the evening we will enjoy sunset from the
temple and have a typical Lao welcome dinner.
Overnight in Huay Xai
Day 6 Huay Xai-Xieng Kok (B)
After breakfast we travel by speedboat up the Mekong River to Xieng Kok.
This is a fascinating trip where we can witness life by the Mekong river.
This is also part of the infamous Golden Triangle where the three countries
of Burma, Laos and Thailand meet. In the late afternoon we arrive at Xieng
Kok, this small village used to have only a few dirt roads and even less
houses. We stay overnight in basic bungalows. Myanmar, formerly Burma,
is at the other side of the Mekong River.
Overnight in Xieng Kok
Day 7 Xieng Kok-Muang Singh (B)
In this area we will encounter several different hill tribes. After breakfast
we depart for Muang Singh and en route we will have stops and short walks
to get a glimpse of the life of the hill tribes. You will notice that
in this area almost no tourists are to be seen and most of the time we
will be the attraction of the day.
Overnight in Muang Singh
Day 8 Muang Singh (B)
Today we have the possibility to discover Muang Singh and surroundings
by walking. The morning market is very lively with all the hill tribes
coming down from the mountains to buy and sell their products. Than we
make a walk and we can visit Akha and Yao villages. In the evening you
are free and you can relax with a typical Lao sauna or a traditional massage.
Overnight in Muang Singh
Day 9 Muang Singh–Udom Xai (B)
Early morning departure for a day on the road through typical Lao landscapes
with many small villages along the way inviting us for short walks. It
will be amazing what we will experience from the different ethnic people
living here. Nature can be as divers as the tribes living here. In Udom
Xai we will visit one of the remarkable temples on a hilltop. Udom Xai
is becoming an important town for trade with China. Overnight stay in
basic hotel.
Overnight in Udom Xai
Day 10 Udom Xai–Muang Khua (B)
In the morning we depart for Muang Khua. It will be an adventure because
of the road conditions. On the way we visit Pak Nam Noi and the local
market. These markets can be very exciting but not for the faint hearted.
We stay overnight in a basic guesthouse. This town is a little bit off
the beaten track and has therefore maintained it’s unique charm.
Overnight in Muang Khua
Day 11 Muang Khua (B)
Today time to enjoy the rural Lao atmosphere by walking trip. Muang Khua
is a place where not many people stay very long. So be sure that we will
discover some remote and nice untouched areas. These rarely visited mountains
were once part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and are now the living space for
a number of hill tribe villages. We are going to explore this area by
foot during a half day. In the afternoon you have free time to continue
exploring by bicycle or by walking.
Overnight in Muang Khua
Day 12 Muang Khua–Muang Ngoi (B)
We are going down the Nam Ou River to Muang Ngoi by boat. Here we can
enjoy the amazing countryside with rugged mountains, jungle covered hills
and small villages along the way. We will discover one of the most remote
river areas of northern Laos. Arrival in the afternoon in the laid back
village of Muang Ngoi situated at the Ou river and surrounded by lime
stone mountains. Overnight in simple bungalows with the green mountains
always in sight.
Overnight in Muang Ngoi
Day 13 Muang Ngoi (B)
Muang Ngoi is a lovely, quiet town. There is no road access, and the
lack of motorbikes and other vehicles is inspirational. Limited electricity
means that the locals' lifestyle is aligned with daylight hours, and the
town shuts down at 9 or 10, and starts up again at daybreak. We will take
our time to explore this wonderful area by foot and boat. Along the riverbanks
we visit a village and a newly discovered cave. There are magnificent
views into the steep and jungle covered mountains around us. Return around
noon and free time to relax. Or you can visit the local temple or enjoy
the local atmosphere.
Overnight in Muang Ngoi
Day 14 Muang Ngoi–Luang Prabang (B)
After breakfast we take a small boat down the Nam Ou river to Nong Khiaw.
Our last opportunity to see the stunning landscape of the northern part
of Laos from the boat. From Nong Khiaw we continue our journey by bus
to Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 15 Luang Prabang (B)
Before breakfast we will witness one of the most important things in
the life of the Buddhist Laotian people. Offering of alms to the monks.
After an early breakfast you have time to discover this beautiful and
interesting town by yourselves and visit the beautiful temples. Do not
forget to enjoy the sunset from Wat Phousi hill.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 16 Luang Prabang (B)
Free day in Luang Prabang. You can discover Luang Prabang and surroundings
on your own by bicycle for example. Or you can make an optional excursion
to the elephant camp (price about 20$ per person).
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 17 Luang Prabang–Phonsavan (B)
A traveling day with short walks and stops to enjoy the view and see
a glimpse of the local life of the Hill tribes and the Lao Thung. In the
afternoon arrival in Phonsovan.
Overnight in Phonsavan
Day 18 Phonsavan-Plain of Jars (B)
Xieng Khouang is one of the most beautiful places where one of the last
mysteries is to be found on earth. Heavily damaged during the Vietnam
War, we are going to visit the Plain of Jars by bus and we’ll walk
about 2 to 3 hours. Covering a huge area in the center of Xieng Khuang
province, the Plain of Jars refers to the entire area the jars are found,
within which there are 160 sites. Each site holds clusters of large stone
containers, carved in one piece from limestone. In total there are around
4,000 jars. The jars come in a number of different shapes and sizes, all
in different positions. Three of the largest jar clusters have been designated
as tourist sites, and an effort has been made to ensure than these are
free of UXO. It is important to note that while the main areas are bomb-free,
the removal process is ongoing.
We will also visit Muang Khun, the old capital with some remarkable sights.
Muang Khun is the old Xieng Khuang, and was once the provincial capital.
The ruins of the Vat are all that remains of what was once a royal kingdom.
The Vat Pia Vat in Xieng Khuang temple is worth a visit though. The enormous
seated Buddha has a bullet shot through its forehead, and sits at the end
of a row of towering brick pillars.
Overnight in Phonsavan
Day 19 Phonsavan–Vientiane (B)
Today we travel by airplane to Vientiane, the small Lao capital, located
on the northern bank of the Mekong River. Actually pronounced Wiang Jan
and translated as City of Sandalwood, the modern name of Vientiane comes
courtesy of a bastardised French translation. The original city was over-run
on a number of occasions by the Burmese and Chinese and was absolutely
flattened by the Siamese (Thai) in 1828.
Overnight in Vientiane
Day 20 Vientiane (Laos)-Nong Khai (Thailand)–night train
to Bangkok (B)
In the morning you have time to visit the highlights of Vientiane on
your own. Almost everything worthwhile is within walking distance, The Museum
of Revolution, Wat Phra Keo, the Wat Si Saket. You can take a tuk-tuk to
visit the most important temple, the Wat That Luang. Last chance to buy
some Lao silk or other souvenirs. In the afternoon we depart for the border
with Thailand and we continue to the train station in Nong Khai where we
take the night train bound for Bangkok. We sleep in comfortable beds in
the train.
Overnight on the train
Day 21 Arrival in Bangkok (B)
An early morning arrival at the Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok.
We walk to the restaurant and have breakfast together. After breakfast
it is unfortunately time for goodbyes. End of this wonderful adventurous
exploration tour through the North of Thailand and Laos!
Departure Dates Group Tours
- 8 july 2012
- 1 october 2012
Individual Tours
You can make this Discover Northern Thailand and Laos exploration tour also as an individual tour. If you would like to make this tour as an individual tour, please contact us.
Price Group Tours
1990 Euro per person.
An advance payment of 10% of the price has to be made at the time of booking.
The balance is payable the latest 6 weeks before the departure date of
the tour.
Included in the price
- all visits as described in the programme of the tour
- all accommodation with breakfast, in 2-person rooms with bath and/or shower and toilet
- meals mentioned in the programme (3 x lunch and 2 x dinner)
- all transportation in Thailand and Laos according to the programme
- English speaking Tour Leader
- English speaking local guide
- entrance fees according to the programme
- bookings costs
- all local taxes
Not included in the price
- international air tickets to and from Bangkok, Thailand
- other meals
- visa costs
- optional excursions
- personal expenses and tips
- airport taxes
- travel insurance
- joint kitty: € 100
Surcharge for 1-person room: 340 Euro
Visa
The visa for Thailand can be obtained on arrival at the airport
of Bangkok.
The visa for Laos can be obtained on arrival at the Lao border. The cost
is 35 US$. Payment has be done cash in US$ and 1 passport photo is necessary.
Info
Tour code : NTHL
Meals: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
Duration : 21 days
Start of the tour : Bangkok, Thailand
Finish of the tour : Bangkok, Thailand
Group : 4 - 12 persons
Book this Discover Northern Thailand and Laos Exploration Tour
Adventure in the interesting North of Thailand and Laos! Contact us today!
