Intrepid Travel - Real Thailand & Laos
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang. 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.
-
- Veranstalter: Intrepid Travel
- Angebotsnummer: 272045
- Reisedauer: 13 Tage
- Reise Land: Thailand
-
Termine:
49 Termine im Zeitraum vom
10.06.2025 - 28.12.2027 - Teilnehmerzahl: min. 1 max. 16
- ab € 1.010
- zur Buchungsanfrage
Why we love it
This 13-day exploration of the Southeast Asian countryside will keep you guessing at every turn. Kick off in Bangkok, wind through northern Thailand with some good times in Chiang Mai and then cross the border into Laos, where you’ll be able to see the authentic side of this landlocked country. Cruise on the mighty Mekong, laze in the beautiful Luang Prabang, explore a natural paradise in Vang Vieng and finish up in sleepy Vientiane. From street food tastings and sunset hikes to heaps of free time to go cave exploring, get a massage or swim under waterfalls – this trip shows you so many sides of Thailand and Laos that you never knew.
Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang. 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.
- Cruise upstream to Pak Ou Cave along the Mekong River in a traditional-style boat – a classic favourite in South East Asia. Take in the natural landscape and enjoy more photo-ops than you can shake a bamboo cane at.
- Ensure your holiday gives back by supporting organisations like COPE, who are dedicated to assisting those who have been affected by the unexploded ordnances left from the Vietnam war.
- Chill out with loads of free time to wander at your own pace. Explore Kuang Si Waterfalls for a refreshing swim, visit the gentle giants of ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary or go kayaking on the gorgeous Nam Song River.
- Head out on a sunset hike to Wat Phu Si in Luang Prabang for some epic views over Phu Si Mountain. After the sun descends, head to Talad Mued Night Market for a BBQ feast – a local favourite.
This 13-day exploration of the Southeast Asian countryside will keep you guessing at every turn. Kick off in Bangkok, wind through northern Thailand with some good times in Chiang Mai and then cross the border into Laos, where you’ll be able to see the authentic side of this landlocked country. Cruise on the mighty Mekong, laze in the beautiful Luang Prabang, explore a natural paradise in Vang Vieng and finish up in sleepy Vientiane. From street food tastings and sunset hikes to heaps of free time to go cave exploring, get a massage or swim under waterfalls – this trip shows you so many sides of Thailand and Laos that you never knew.
Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang. 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.
- Cruise upstream to Pak Ou Cave along the Mekong River in a traditional-style boat – a classic favourite in South East Asia. Take in the natural landscape and enjoy more photo-ops than you can shake a bamboo cane at.
- Ensure your holiday gives back by supporting organisations like COPE, who are dedicated to assisting those who have been affected by the unexploded ordnances left from the Vietnam war.
- Chill out with loads of free time to wander at your own pace. Explore Kuang Si Waterfalls for a refreshing swim, visit the gentle giants of ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary or go kayaking on the gorgeous Nam Song River.
- Head out on a sunset hike to Wat Phu Si in Luang Prabang for some epic views over Phu Si Mountain. After the sun descends, head to Talad Mued Night Market for a BBQ feast – a local favourite.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bangkok
Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in the bustling hub of Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe get to grips with this awesome city and take a walk around Khao San Road or head to the magnificent Grand Palace. As one of the world’s largest marketplaces, Chatuchak Market is also a great place to practice your haggling and pick up some bargains. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your newfound travel companions and hit the nightlife to celebrate the start of an epic adventure.
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
Day 2: Bangkok - Overnight Train
Today, explore some of Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods on a walking tour with your leader. Wander through Chinatown and along the way, maybe stop by some food stalls on Sukorn Alley for some snacks. Visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat – home to 58 gods, this is said to be one of the most sacred sites in the area. Offer prayers to the Chinese gods, take your time in this sacred place surrounded by gold statues and red lanterns and then finish with a walk through the bustling daytime Sampeng wholesale market. You’ll have an included lunch at the famous Labour Egg Noodle, so tuck into some Fish Ball Noodles or Tom Yam Pork Noodles. The rest of the afternoon is free to do what you like, until your overnight train this evening. Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: 1 x Overnight sleeper train
Optional Activities:
Day 3: Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning. The day is yours to choose your own adventure – see how many (or how little) activities you can pack into your day. You’ll stay in a centrally located guesthouse so you’re close to all the action. You can set off on an excursion to the top of Doi Suthep – there are a few hundred steps to climb here, but the views are well worth it – or maybe treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. You could also take a cooking class so you can impress your friends in the kitchen when you get home. Tonight, check out the night bazaar and practice your bargaining skills. Your leader will also be available to take you and the gang on a bar-hopping adventure around the Nimman area – a trendy neighbourhood full of jazz bars and lounges.
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
Day 4: Chiang Mai
Another free day, another chance to get your fill of Chiang Mai, with a bunch of optional activities to do. In the morning, maybe learn one of the legendary martial arts – Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) with a 1.5-hour class learning the basics with professional trainers. You’ll be shown how to adapt to be the weapon and how to guard - is there a better way to spend a morning? You could also go ziplining, white water rafting or cycling around the area if you’re feeling active. Maybe just wander around the many temples on offer and end the day with a relaxing massage. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
Day 5: Nan
This morning after breakfast, take a local bus to Nan. When you arrive, take the chance to refresh at your hotel before heading out to explore the town. Along the way, visit Wat Phumin – Nan’s most famous wat (a sacred Buddhist precinct, home to a temple, a Buddha and an educational facility). This wat was constructed in 1596 and was restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det. The rest of the evening is free to explore at your own pace. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 6: Pua
This morning is free to explore Nan how you like. If you want to grab some local bites for lunch, your leader is always on hand with the best recommendations. You’ll have the option today of visiting a gallery by the Nan River, where you can have a coffee and view modern art by local Thai artists. Later, travel to the Pua District and visit a hand-weaving centre and the local woman who started this enterprise inspired by modern design. Learn how she stays true to her Tai Lue roots and helps to provide employment opportunities for the women in the community. See their beautiful craft of handwoven textiles and then explore the village of Pua. Tonight, you’ll head to the evening market with your leader, with the option to go out for dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Resort
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Travel through the rural countryside this morning to the border into Laos. After border formalities, you’ll stop at the local village of Muang Ngeun – a small district in Xayaburi Province. The Tai-Lue and Nan people make most of their income through cotton weaving here as well, but in a different style to Thailand. Explore the local Buddhist temple and see the outskirts of Laos before continuing to Luang Prabang. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk of ‘the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia’ (the local government started using this phrase, but it caught on for a reason). Tonight, you’ll hike up to Wat Phu Si for sunset. As the sun goes down, witness some epic views over Phu Si Mountain and then head to the Talad Mued Night Market for dinner. Enjoy a local BBQ feast (Sindad is the art of grilling meat on a hot pan – a type of traditional BBQ set on a charcoal stove that has a surrounding rim full of boiling water for blanching vegetables) and toast to a great night. Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Included Activities:
Day 8: Luang Prabang
Today, you’ll head out on a boat for a gorgeous half-day exploration on the Mekong River – the world’s twelfth-longest river and the third-longest in Asia. Cruise past stunning riverside scenery and distant mountains, among overhanding reeds. Stop to stretch your legs and explore the Pak Ou Caves, which contain hundreds of Buddha statues. After a gorgeous day, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore Luang Prabang. Maybe head to the Kuang Si Waterfall and round out your day full of natural beauty with a refreshing swim in nature. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Included Activities:
Optional Activities:
Day 9: Luang Prabang
Today is a free day in Luang Prabang. Maybe take a tuk-tuk to visit Wat Xieng Thong – this temple was built in the 16th century under the patronage of the royal family, and the Laotian kings were crowned here. The main viharn (assembly hall) and buildings have carved gilded wooden doors depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. Otherwise, just wander the streets and take photos of the lush greenery and beautiful buildings. You can also take a hike on Mt Phu Si or take on a cooking class and meet some new friends as you gain some skills. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Optional Activities:
Day 10: Vang Vieng
It’s worth getting up early this morning to view the procession of saffron-robed monks on their daily outing collecting alms – a practice that dates back centuries. The people of the town wait out in front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and take back to the temple. This is done early in the morning as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. The rest of the day is free until your late afternoon train to Vang Vieng. Maybe cruise around town or mingle with the locals at the markets. For lunch, you might want to try some delicious noodle soup at one of the top-notch French cafes along the main drag. Later, you’ll take a transfer to the train station and then jump on a high-speed train to your destination. This beautifully located adventure gateway lies on a bend in the Nam Song. Take in the views of mountains, rivers and big limestone cliffs that are so close you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch them. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
Day 11: Vang Vieng
Today is a free day to explore Vang Vieng however you like – this natural paradise has no shortage of fun activities! Maybe cross the river and explore the huge caves that line the West Bank – Tham Poukham cave has a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue that’s well worth a look – or take a cycling tour of the town. You can also go kayaking on the Nam Song River or explore the nearby 16th and 17th century monasteries. With hiking, ballooning and boating options in this gorgeous area, the day is your oyster. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
Day 12: Vientiane
After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a private bus to Vientiane – Laos’ classy capital. Swap your instant coffee and white rice for a latte and a baguette before snapping a few pics at Wat Si Saket – the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Your trip leader will show you around this chic, French-influenced city and take you to COPE – an organisation dedicated to assisting those who have been injured or affected by the shocking number of unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in the countryside. UXOs are explosive weapons, such as bombs and grenades that still pose a risk after they were used. About 30% of Laos remains contaminated with UXOs from the Vietnam War and poses a serious risk to residents. COPE provides prosthetics and other assistance to people affected by this devastating war history. Grab some dinner with your travel mates tonight, and explore what Vientiane has to offer on Quai Fa Ngum Road. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Included Activities:
Day 13: Vientiane
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. If you want to spend more time in Laos, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
Day 1: Bangkok
Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in the bustling hub of Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe get to grips with this awesome city and take a walk around Khao San Road or head to the magnificent Grand Palace. As one of the world’s largest marketplaces, Chatuchak Market is also a great place to practice your haggling and pick up some bargains. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your newfound travel companions and hit the nightlife to celebrate the start of an epic adventure.
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - 2900THB
- Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - 2500THB
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - 500THB
Day 2: Bangkok - Overnight Train
Today, explore some of Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods on a walking tour with your leader. Wander through Chinatown and along the way, maybe stop by some food stalls on Sukorn Alley for some snacks. Visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat – home to 58 gods, this is said to be one of the most sacred sites in the area. Offer prayers to the Chinese gods, take your time in this sacred place surrounded by gold statues and red lanterns and then finish with a walk through the bustling daytime Sampeng wholesale market. You’ll have an included lunch at the famous Labour Egg Noodle, so tuck into some Fish Ball Noodles or Tom Yam Pork Noodles. The rest of the afternoon is free to do what you like, until your overnight train this evening. Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: 1 x Overnight sleeper train
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Thai Massage - 300THB
- Bangkok - Jim Thompson’s House - 200THB
- Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) - 200THB
- Bangkok - Grand Palace - 500THB
Day 3: Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning. The day is yours to choose your own adventure – see how many (or how little) activities you can pack into your day. You’ll stay in a centrally located guesthouse so you’re close to all the action. You can set off on an excursion to the top of Doi Suthep – there are a few hundred steps to climb here, but the views are well worth it – or maybe treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. You could also take a cooking class so you can impress your friends in the kitchen when you get home. Tonight, check out the night bazaar and practice your bargaining skills. Your leader will also be available to take you and the gang on a bar-hopping adventure around the Nimman area – a trendy neighbourhood full of jazz bars and lounges.
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance) - 50THB
- Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School - 1400THB
- Chiang Mai - Thai massage - 300THB
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - 990THB
- Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) - 1900THB
Day 4: Chiang Mai
Another free day, another chance to get your fill of Chiang Mai, with a bunch of optional activities to do. In the morning, maybe learn one of the legendary martial arts – Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) with a 1.5-hour class learning the basics with professional trainers. You’ll be shown how to adapt to be the weapon and how to guard - is there a better way to spend a morning? You could also go ziplining, white water rafting or cycling around the area if you’re feeling active. Maybe just wander around the many temples on offer and end the day with a relaxing massage. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - 1100THB
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex - 50THB
- Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary - 1900THB
- Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon (Entrance) - 300THB
- Chiang Mai – Whitewater Rafting - 1800THB
- Chiang Mai – Muay Thai - 400THB
- Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) - 1900THB
- Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School - 1400THB
Day 5: Nan
This morning after breakfast, take a local bus to Nan. When you arrive, take the chance to refresh at your hotel before heading out to explore the town. Along the way, visit Wat Phumin – Nan’s most famous wat (a sacred Buddhist precinct, home to a temple, a Buddha and an educational facility). This wat was constructed in 1596 and was restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det. The rest of the evening is free to explore at your own pace. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 6: Pua
This morning is free to explore Nan how you like. If you want to grab some local bites for lunch, your leader is always on hand with the best recommendations. You’ll have the option today of visiting a gallery by the Nan River, where you can have a coffee and view modern art by local Thai artists. Later, travel to the Pua District and visit a hand-weaving centre and the local woman who started this enterprise inspired by modern design. Learn how she stays true to her Tai Lue roots and helps to provide employment opportunities for the women in the community. See their beautiful craft of handwoven textiles and then explore the village of Pua. Tonight, you’ll head to the evening market with your leader, with the option to go out for dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Resort
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Travel through the rural countryside this morning to the border into Laos. After border formalities, you’ll stop at the local village of Muang Ngeun – a small district in Xayaburi Province. The Tai-Lue and Nan people make most of their income through cotton weaving here as well, but in a different style to Thailand. Explore the local Buddhist temple and see the outskirts of Laos before continuing to Luang Prabang. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk of ‘the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia’ (the local government started using this phrase, but it caught on for a reason). Tonight, you’ll hike up to Wat Phu Si for sunset. As the sun goes down, witness some epic views over Phu Si Mountain and then head to the Talad Mued Night Market for dinner. Enjoy a local BBQ feast (Sindad is the art of grilling meat on a hot pan – a type of traditional BBQ set on a charcoal stove that has a surrounding rim full of boiling water for blanching vegetables) and toast to a great night. Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Included Activities:
- Muang Ngern – Local Village Visit
- Luang Prabang - orientation walk
- Luang Prabang - Talad Mued Night Market
- Luang Prabang – Wat Phu Si Sunset Hike
Day 8: Luang Prabang
Today, you’ll head out on a boat for a gorgeous half-day exploration on the Mekong River – the world’s twelfth-longest river and the third-longest in Asia. Cruise past stunning riverside scenery and distant mountains, among overhanding reeds. Stop to stretch your legs and explore the Pak Ou Caves, which contain hundreds of Buddha statues. After a gorgeous day, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore Luang Prabang. Maybe head to the Kuang Si Waterfall and round out your day full of natural beauty with a refreshing swim in nature. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Included Activities:
- Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
- Luang Prabang – Mekong River Cruise (Half Day)
Optional Activities:
- Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls - 2USD
Day 9: Luang Prabang
Today is a free day in Luang Prabang. Maybe take a tuk-tuk to visit Wat Xieng Thong – this temple was built in the 16th century under the patronage of the royal family, and the Laotian kings were crowned here. The main viharn (assembly hall) and buildings have carved gilded wooden doors depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. Otherwise, just wander the streets and take photos of the lush greenery and beautiful buildings. You can also take a hike on Mt Phu Si or take on a cooking class and meet some new friends as you gain some skills. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Optional Activities:
- Luang Prabang - Laos Red Cross sauna - 10000LAK
- Luang Prabang - Laos Red Cross massage - 40000LAK
- Luang Prabang - Mt Phu Si - 2USD
- Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong - 3USD
- Luang Prabang – Royal Theatre Performance (from) - 150000LAK
- Luang Prabang – National Museum (Entrance Fee) - 30000LAK
- Luang Prabang – Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre (from) - 45USD
- Luang Prabang – Wat Visun (Entrance Fee) - 20000LAK
- Luang Prabang – Cooking Class - 38USD
- Luang Prabang – UXO Lao Visitor Centre (Entrance Fee) - 20000LAK
Day 10: Vang Vieng
It’s worth getting up early this morning to view the procession of saffron-robed monks on their daily outing collecting alms – a practice that dates back centuries. The people of the town wait out in front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and take back to the temple. This is done early in the morning as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. The rest of the day is free until your late afternoon train to Vang Vieng. Maybe cruise around town or mingle with the locals at the markets. For lunch, you might want to try some delicious noodle soup at one of the top-notch French cafes along the main drag. Later, you’ll take a transfer to the train station and then jump on a high-speed train to your destination. This beautifully located adventure gateway lies on a bend in the Nam Song. Take in the views of mountains, rivers and big limestone cliffs that are so close you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch them. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
- Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre - 2USD
Day 11: Vang Vieng
Today is a free day to explore Vang Vieng however you like – this natural paradise has no shortage of fun activities! Maybe cross the river and explore the huge caves that line the West Bank – Tham Poukham cave has a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue that’s well worth a look – or take a cycling tour of the town. You can also go kayaking on the Nam Song River or explore the nearby 16th and 17th century monasteries. With hiking, ballooning and boating options in this gorgeous area, the day is your oyster. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Optional Activities:
- Vang Vieng - Tham Jung Cave - 2USD
- Vang Vieng - Bicycle hire - 2USD
- Vang Vieng - Kayaking - 20USD
- Vang Vieng - Blue Lagoon (Entrance Fee) - 10000LAK
Day 12: Vientiane
After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a private bus to Vientiane – Laos’ classy capital. Swap your instant coffee and white rice for a latte and a baguette before snapping a few pics at Wat Si Saket – the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Your trip leader will show you around this chic, French-influenced city and take you to COPE – an organisation dedicated to assisting those who have been injured or affected by the shocking number of unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in the countryside. UXOs are explosive weapons, such as bombs and grenades that still pose a risk after they were used. About 30% of Laos remains contaminated with UXOs from the Vietnam War and poses a serious risk to residents. COPE provides prosthetics and other assistance to people affected by this devastating war history. Grab some dinner with your travel mates tonight, and explore what Vientiane has to offer on Quai Fa Ngum Road. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Guesthouse
Included Activities:
- Vientiane - Wat Si Saket
- Vientiane - COPE visit
- Vientiane - Leader orientation walk
Day 13: Vientiane
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. If you want to spend more time in Laos, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
- Vientiane - That Luang - 1USD
- Vientiane - Laos National Museum - 10000LAK
- Vientiane - Aerobic class - 3000LAK
- Vientiane - Pratu Xai - 1USD
Included Activities
- Bangkok - Chinatown walking tour
- Nan – Orientation Tour
- Pua – Hand Weaving Demonstration
- Muang Ngern – Local Village Visit
- Luang Prabang - orientation walk
- Luang Prabang - Talad Mued Night Market
- Luang Prabang – Wat Phu Si Sunset Hike
- Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
- Luang Prabang – Mekong River Cruise (Half Day)
- Luang Prabang - Alms giving ceremony
- Vientiane - Wat Si Saket
- Vientiane - COPE visit
- Vientiane - Leader orientation walk
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING LAOS VISAS A Laos visa will need to be applied for in advance at the Laos Embassy in your home country. An E-visa or Visa on Arrival is not accepted at Nam Ngeun border crossing. For further information on visa requirements, please visit the "Passports, visas and entry requirements" section of your Essential Trip Information. 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 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 if required.
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