Laos to Northern Thailand: Treks & Trails
Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore Laos and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Trek through lush green terrain visit diverse hilltribe villages, sit in the afterglow of a classic Mekong sunset, and, in Chiang Mai, fill up on savoury street food between stops at the bar. See a side of Southeast Asia not many get to experience, with choice and free time at every stop to help you make the most of it. Don't wait; the time to get out there is now.
Highlights
- Hike along Vang Vieng's limestone karsts
- Discover the serenity of Luang Prabang with a sunset trek to Wat Phousi and visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Stay overnight in a local village along the Mekong River
- Bargain for goods at a night market
- Hike through forests to explore local villages.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1543
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Train, local bus, air-con bus, slow boat, walking, songthaew, tuk-tuk, river raft.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: ALVT
Starts: Vientiane, Laos
Finishes: Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
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: Chiang Mai Celebration, Chiang Mai
- Guided hike in Vang Vieng
- Slow boat up the Mekong
- Orientation walk, Wat Phousi sunset trek, Kuang Si Waterfalls excursion and street food crawl in Luang Prabang
- Hilltribe trek
- Bamboo rafting
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels (twin-share) (7 nts) and (multi-share) (2 nts), homestay (1 nt), basic Hilltribe huts (2 nts) and sleeper train (1 nt).
- 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
- Train, local bus, air-con bus, slow boat, walking, songthaew, tuk-tuk, river raft.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking staff.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,199 ($86 /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, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Day 9: Chiang Mai
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, or take a bicycle ride in the countryside.
Day 10: Chiang Mai/Ban Mae Jok
It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.
Day 11: Ban Mae Jok/Pa Khao Lam
Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night.
Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.
Day 12: Pa Khao Lam/Chiang Mai
After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town and grab a drink on our tab to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!
Day 13: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.
Day 14: Bangkok
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos with your newfound friends and exchange social medias before you head on your way. This adventure ends in Bangkok, on arrival at the train station (approximately 8am).
Similar Tours
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
Sheli G - Traveled, October 2023
Everything was well organized and so fun! Great way to travel!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Caroline S - Traveled, October 2023
I liked the group travelling, it was everything very well organised, thŽ guides were great, the activities very nice
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
CŽcile B - Traveled, October 2023
Good value for money. Well organised. Special experiences you would not get to/make easily without help e.g. homestays
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2023
Massimiliano Q - Traveled, October 2023
Travelling with a group of young travellers from different countries makes the whole experience a good fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Imogen B - Traveled, August 2023
Really enjoyed the tour but feel that group travel wouldn't be for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Mathias Boehaugen F - Traveled, July 2023
I have always had life changinG Adventures with you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Alice S - Traveled, June 2023
Amazing CEOs, local experiences, felt very organized and safe. Fun, friendly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Vanessa W - Traveled, June 2023
Always happy with the service provided and have never had any issues
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Amy L - Traveled, May 2023
I loved the style and activities of the tour but I know not many of my families/friends would choose this style as it's fast paced.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2023
Gabrielle T - Traveled, May 2023
I always feel like I'm busy and get my moneys worth. Of course the people are always nice too
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2023
Poul Erik C - Traveled, May 2023
Interesting trip with a lot of activities, where a great part is optional. Everything went really smooth and we could rely on everything going as planned.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2023
Natascha Melanie W - Traveled, May 2023
Great experience, safe and very well organised
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2023
Jill K - Traveled, April 2023
Pushed me out of my comfort zone to do things I wouldn't have thought of or wouldn't have tried before
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2023
Sarah H - Traveled, April 2023
I met so many amazing fellow travelers and our CEO was outstanding
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2023
Silvia S - Traveled, April 2023
Extremely well organised with very careful and top guides
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2023
Kristina H - Traveled, April 2023
I always had great experiences: great tour guides & nice fellow travelers
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2023
Eleena C - Traveled, March 2023
For anyone interested in a group tour, I recommend G Adventures. This is because of the small group sizes, the ease of travel and most importantly, the support the company provides to local communities which can be seen first hand on the tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2023
Kirsten T - Traveled, March 2023
First time I've travelled in group smaller than 36 and it was great. It was also good because 95% of our group were solo travellers like me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2023
Shannon B - Traveled, February 2023
Get to experience more of the local culture compared to travelling alone I.e homestays and local guides. Hassle free, good balance between included activities and time to explore on your own
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2023
Samuel A - Traveled, February 2023
I enjoyed the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2023
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