12 - 24th October 2027
Thailand and Laos: Timeless Culture and Tranquil Landscapes
Step into Southeast Asia’s heart, where rich traditions and natural beauty unfold along winding rivers, temple towns and peaceful landscapes. Thailand and Laos combine a striking mix of cultural heritage, local life and memorable scenery shaped by centuries of history.
In Thailand, explore the energy of Bangkok before heading north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Khong, with temples, artisan villages and rural scenery along the way. Cross into Laos and travel the Mekong by boat to Luang Prabang, where Buddhist traditions, local markets and village life create a deeper sense of place. An overnight stay at an elephant sanctuary adds a meaningful and memorable highlight, offering the chance to connect with conservation in a responsible setting.
Remarkable places rich in spirituality, history and culture.
Are you ready to uncover the treasures of Thailand and Laos?
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Bangkok to Vientiane Adventure
From Thailand’s capital to Laos’ peaceful riverside cities, this 13 day trip combines major highlights, local culture and scenic travel. Temples, Traditions and Timeless Cities Visit some of the region’s most important temples, explore historic towns and experience ceremonies that offer a real insight into local life. River Journeys and Scenic Travel Cruise the Mekong, travel by overnight train and highspeed rail, and enjoy some of the best landscapes in Thailand and Laos. |
Local Life and Cultural Encounters
See traditional villages, artisan centres, markets and community projects that bring you closer to everyday life in both countries. Wildlife and Conservation Experiences Spend time at the Elephant Conservation Centre and learn more about responsible wildlife care in a meaningful setting. Waterfalls, Mountains and Hidden Beauty From Kuang Si Falls to Vang Vieng’s limestone scenery, this route includes plenty of natural highlights as well as cultural ones. |
Provisional Itinerary
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Day 1 – Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Bangkok, famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious local food. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and group of fellow travellers. It’s recommended you arrive a few days early to explore the city – uncover the Chinatown area, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down Khao San Road, indulge in a Thai massage or see the backstreets of Bangkok by bike on an Urban Adventure. Meet your group and local leader at the welcome meeting before heading out for a delicious welcome dinner. |
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Day 2 – Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Begin the day with a visit to Wat Arun, the iconic “Temple of Dawn,” where you’ll have the opportunity to dress in traditional Thai attire for a unique cultural experience and memorable photos. Afterward, enjoy a river cruise along the Chao Phraya River, exploring the famous khlongs (canals), where life feels a world away from the bustling city streets. Return to the hotel and spend a leisurely afternoon at your own pace. This evening, we’ll head north to Chiang Mai on an overnight train journey. Train: Overnight Train Bangkok to Chiang Mai – 2nd Class Sleeper Train #9 @18:40 - 07.15 (+1) Upgrades to a 1st Class Sleeper Train or a Private Compartment can be requested, subject to limited availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
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Day 3 – Chiang Mai
The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. On arrival, we'll embark on a scenic, winding drive to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes – Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. Take in the hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and the sweeping views over the city. After making our way back down, we’ll check into your hotel and have a free afternoon and evening to explore. Maybe wander through the Night Bazaar or relax at a restaurant along the riverfront. Make sure to sample some traditional northern Thai food – the signature dish is kao soy (yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef). |
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Day 4 – Chiang Mai
Today, we visit the renowned Bo Sang Umbrella Village, famous for its traditional handcrafted paper umbrellas and local artisan workshops. We'll enjoy lunch at the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center (Krua Chuan Chom), a social enterprise that provides vocational training and career development opportunities through its well-regarded Thai cuisine. After lunch, we continue with a walking tour through the charming artisan communities, including Kalm Village, where you can explore local crafts, creative spaces, and cultural heritage. The tour also includes a visit to the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, offering deeper insight into the city’s rich history and cultural identity through its engaging exhibitions. |
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Day 5 – Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong
Take a journey through rural countryside to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong. On the way, visit privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple – a must visit in Chiang Rai. This contemporary temple is constantly being updated, and its strange design references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman. Formerly known as Juon, riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and for trade with Laos. Stretch your legs with a stroll around town, then maybe continue to Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang. Tonight, why not enjoy a final Thai drink and dinner, while Laos beckons from across the mighty Mekong. |
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Day 6 – Chiang Khong to Pak Beng
After crossing into Laos, we’ll be joined by additional Laos guides (a local government requirement). Begin your journey along the Mekong River by boat to Pakbeng, enjoying the scenic landscapes and riverside life along the way. Lunch will be served on board. En route, visit Ban Houi Phalam, a traditional Lao Teung ethnic village, where you will gain insight into the local culture and way of life. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay |
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Day 7 – Pak Beng to Luang Prabang
Continue by boat to Luang Prabang while enjoying an included lunch on board. Along the way, visit the famous Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images nestled within limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong River. Continue to Ban Sanghai, a traditional riverside village known for its local handicrafts and textile weaving. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, transfer to our hotel for check-in. Later, we'll relax at a charming Tea House and enjoy a drink before exploring the vibrant Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can browse local crafts and sample regional flavors. A local snack is included during the night market visit. |
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Day 8 – Luang Prabang
Enjoy a day of culture and scenery, beginning with the Alms Giving Ceremony (Sai Bat), followed by an immersive experience at Living Land Farm, where you will gain insight into traditional Lao rice farming and participate in hands-on activities alongside local farmers. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, stopping en route at Ban Na Ouan, a Hmong village, where you can observe local life and culture. After exploring the cascading turquoise pools of Kuang Si, we return to Luang Prabang. Later, we head to Ban Sang Khong village to take part in a traditional Baci ceremony, a meaningful Lao ritual believed to bring good luck and blessings. |
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Day 9 – Luang Prabang
Travel from Luang Prabang by minivan, followed by a scenic boat transfer to the Elephant Conservation Centre at Nam Tien Lake. After settling in, enjoy a guided forest walk, passing elephant enclosures and activity areas. Savour a traditional Laotian lunch by the lake, then visit the nursery to watch young elephants and their mothers during bath time. Return by boat to explore the elephant hospital, where the veterinary team shares insights into elephant care and treatment. Witness elephants bathing and socializing up close, learning about their behaviors and recovery stories. Later, follow them on a short trek as they return to the forest to graze for the evening. In the evening, attend a conservation presentation, followed by a family-style Lao dinner. End your day unwinding at the bar or enjoying games and cocktails. |
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Day 10 – Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Start your day with breakfast before heading into the forest to meet the elephants in their natural habitat. Observe them walking, foraging, and interacting, and enjoy watching their morning bath and playful social behavior. Continue to the Socialization Area, where elephants roam freely and form natural bonds. Learn about herd dynamics from your guide as you observe these gentle animals up close in a semi-natural setting. Return to the Centre for lunch, followed by some time to relax before our minivan transfer to Luang Prabang Train Station, before continuing our journey to Vang Vieng by a high-speed train. Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by towering limestone karsts and is a great place to enjoy being surrounded by nature. |
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Day 11 – Vang Vieng
Enjoy a free day at leisure in Vang Vieng. Relax at our hotel or explore the area’s stunning natural scenery. You may choose to visit the famous Blue Lagoon for a refreshing swim, go kayaking along the Nam Song River for a more active adventure surrounded by limestone mountains or enjoy a half day cooking class at an organic farm. |
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Day 12 – Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Today, we will travel to Vientiane by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we visit the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre, a meaningful and inspiring destination in Vientiane. Nestled in a beautiful garden setting along the Mekong River, just a short distance from the Friendship Bridge, the Centre offers visitors a unique and enriching experience. Women with disabilities from across Laos come to live and study here, gaining valuable life skills and vocational training that empower them to build independent and confident futures. Visitors are warmly welcomed to learn more about Lao culture, meet our remarkable students, and support a truly worthwhile cause. As the Centre is primarily funded through donations, your included visit plays an important role in helping us continue creating opportunities and improving the lives of people with disabilities in Laos. As part of your visit, you will take part in a special workshop experience. “Surn” is the Lao word for “sit,” a warm invitation used to welcome others to join in meals, homes, workplaces, and shared activities. This experience includes two engaging activities for those who wish to connect more deeply with Lao culture and daily life at the Centre. You will sit with our paper product team to learn how they transform recycled newspapers into beautiful handmade crafts, and create your own souvenir to take home. You will also have the opportunity to learn basic sign language from a hearing-impaired team member. And then we come together for one last dinner, giving us time to look back on our journey and share our favourite moments from the trip. |
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Day 13 – Vientiane
There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart at any time. If you'd like to extend your stay or continue your travels that can be arranged! |
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Price per person will be in the region of ~CAD$5200*
Exact amount will be set once the itinerary if finalised.
based on two sharing and a minimum of 8 passengers (limited to a maximum of 12)
Single supplement CAD$tbc (limited availability)
* ~US$3670/ GB£2780/ AUS$5290/ €3215
Approximate currency conversion provided for reference only, all payments must be made in CAD$
Travelling Solo? I will match you with a roommate or you can opt for the single supplement
A note on Single Supplements:
You may have seen companies advertising tours with "no single supplement." This means the cost of a private room is included for everyone, which isn’t ideal if you’re travelling with a friend or prefer to share.
My single supplement covers only the genuine extra cost of a private room, providing transparency and giving you the choice.
