Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising
Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore Laos and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Wander the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang, admire the limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng before taking a slow boat down the Mekong, and explore the streets of Bangkok, a city that pulses with endless colour and character. See a side of Southeast Asia like you've never seen before.
Highlights
- Hike the limestone karsts of Vang Vieng
- Cool off in Luang Prabang with a sunset hike to Wat Phousi and visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Travel up the Mekong River
- Enjoy a homestay in a local village
- Explore Chiang Mai
- Enjoy bustling Bangkok.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1541
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Sleeper train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, songthaew, slow boat, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: ALVB
Starts: Vientiane, Laos
Finishes: Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony, Muang Pakbèng Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang Vieng Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai Your Big Night Out Moment: Bangkok
- Guided hike in Vang Vieng
- Slow boat up the Mekong
- Orientation walk, Wat Phousi sunset hike, Kuang Si Waterfalls excursion and street food crawl in Luang Prabang
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels (twin-share) (6 nts) and (multi-share) (2 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
- Sleeper train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, songthaew, slow boat, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $914 ($83 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Vientiane
Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital.
After meeting your CEO and fellow travellers this evening, wander through the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Pick up a street beer or tea as you browse through the stalls of souvenirs and local delicacies. Follow your CEO to grab the best street food — or, you know, follow your nose.
Day 2: Vientiane/Vang Vieng
Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to a famous local view point for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary. This evening, enjoy a drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!
Day 3: Vang Vieng
Get the most out of Vang Vieng with a day to freely explore. Check out the caves by bicycle or trek through the countryside. Choose to kayak through Tham None cave and venture to the Blue Lagoon by booking the adrenaline bundle.
Pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour.
Day 4: Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang
Continue to colourful Luang Prabang and make your first acquaintance with this ancient city during an afternoon orientation walk. Afterward, embark on a short trek up sacred Mount Phousi, climbing the stone stairs with scaly golden handrails, past the monks quarters and Buddha's footprint cave, to reach the temple at the top - Wat Phousi. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sun setting upon Luang Prabang and the Mekong River before an evening street food crawl.
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk through town before dawn. Dressed in saffron robes, they receive daily alms from local residents. Then, visit the Kuang Si waterfalls on a guided excursion before free time in the evening.
Traditional Laotian culture involves giving daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Should you rise early, you'll get to watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos.
Day 6: Luang Prabang/Pak Beng
The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long, cozy houseboat that will take you on a two-day journey up the Mekong River en route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Today, cruise to a village homestay for the night, experience a Baci welcome ceremony, and enjoy dinner with your hosts.
Day 7: Pak Beng/Chiang Khong
New day, same magnificent Mekong. Today's your second travel day, where you'll cross into Thailand arriving in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon. Sit back, relax, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and enjoy the scenic ride.
Day 8: Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai
Take in the rolling countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai nestled alongside Thailand's northern mountains. Spend the afternoon getting to know this peaceful city known for traditional markets and glorious temples. Choose to visit Doi Suthep, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Day 9: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace making the most of this unique city. Visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep as it stands watch over the city from the hills above, take a bicycle ride in the countryside, or relax with a massage. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.
Day 10: Bangkok
After arriving in Bangkok, the day is yours to freely explore the many sights of Thailand's bustling capital. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Use this time to buy any last-minute souvenirs or treat yourself to a Thai massage. In the evening, celebrate the end of this amazing journey with your fellow travellers during a night out you won't soon forget.
Day 11: Bangkok
Today, it's time to say farewell to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Marissa G - Traveled, December 2023
Nak our tour guide was amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Alicia C - Traveled, December 2023
I already do recommend friends
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Louie A - Traveled, December 2023
The experience offered access to activities and experiences that I wouldn't have found without, as a solo traveler starting my journey this helped ease me into a travelling lifestyle. As well as this, the G Adventures family welcomed me and ensured my happiness and safety.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Abbey H - Traveled, November 2023
there was a lot of travel and would of prefered to stay in places longer but overall it was good and organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Jonah C - Traveled, November 2023
The experiences where incredible and very eye opening, and my CEO was outstanding, making every moment worth while
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
William T - Traveled, November 2023
Everything is convenient and tour managers go out of the way for you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Eve H - Traveled, November 2023
Our tour guide Minea was absolutely amazing!! Made the whole experience so worthwhile because of her natural wit and encouragement for us to explore. I'm very appreciative of the experience and very thankful for Minea.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Joel B - Traveled, November 2023
Optional extras were expensive, the tour felt rushed and tour guide wasn't overly involved
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Joanna L - Traveled, November 2023
The CEO made everything so easy and gave excellent advice which really enhanced our experience. She took great care of us, even ensuring that we could always source gluten free food as my husband is coeliac.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Emma K - Traveled, November 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Thi Doan Trang N - Traveled, October 2023
I've traveled a lot with G Adventures and have always had great experiences!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023
Sarah S - Traveled, October 2023
i love it to travel with other people there also love travels ,) thats perfekt for connection and everything is organized. Somethime I wish me more flexibility
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Olivia L - Traveled, October 2023
Well organised with plenty of sight seeing and activities to do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Peter H - Traveled, October 2023
I had a really good time with a nice Guide and cool other people. Saw (Guide) made it really easy to connect and it was just a nice atmosphere
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Andre M - Traveled, October 2023
Laos was exceptionally good and our CEO did a very good job.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2023
Lucy W - Traveled, October 2023
I had an amazing experience during my tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2023
Katharina F - Traveled, October 2023
I didn't liked the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
LŽonie S - Traveled, October 2023
it's a great way to travel to less touristic countries and to just enjoy the traveling without having to organise everything yourself
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
David J - Traveled, September 2023
Everything went smooth from the booking until the start and throughout the whole journey it was amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Kenora B - Traveled, September 2023
Great amount of physical activities. Bamboo the guide was the best guide I have ever had, willing to go the extra mile and always available to help Only thing preventing me from giving it a 10 is the Homestay which was extremely basic and uncomfortable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
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