North Laos & Thailand Explorer - 13 Days

On arrival in Luang Prabang, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a welcome drink before choosing to relax or explore the nearby sights at your leisure.

We begin our exploration of Luang Prabang with a leisurely walk around the old quarter. Visit the bustling morning market, stroll along the city's main street, and stop by the National Museum. Later, admire Wat Xieng Thong, often regarded as Laos' most beautiful temple. We end the day with a scenic sunset cruise along the Mekong River.

This morning, we drive to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, known for their cascading turquoise pools. Visit the nearby Bear Rescue Centre to learn about the conservation efforts for rescued Asiatic black bears. On our return to the city, we stop at the Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre to gain insight into Lao textile traditions. In the evening, enjoy a bamboo-themed dinner and traditional 'baci' ceremony at Bamboo Experience.

Optional Activities: A stop at Buffalo Dairy offers the chance to try ice cream made from fresh buffalo milk.

We depart Luang Prabang and journey into the scenic mountains of north-central Laos, stopping en route at Hmong villages. The Hmong are an ethnic group known for their rich cultural heritage. We continue to the riverside town of Vang Vieng, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and the Nam Song River.

Today we travel to the capital, Vientiane, known for its laid-back charm and French colonial architecture. Take a tuk tuk from your hotel to Patuxai Monument, then walk along Lane Xang Avenue, visiting the Morning Market and COPE Centre.Explore Wat Si Muang and Wat Sisaket, with a stop at the Presidential Palace. Pause for a Lao coffee and croissant at Anouvong Park before continuing to the Mekong riverfront.

After crossing the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge and completing immigration formalities, meet your Thai guide and drive to Sala Kaew Ku, a park of giant religious sculptures blending Buddhist and Hindu imagery. Continue to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park to explore its prehistoric rock formations and ancient shrines.

After breakfast, visit the Red Lotus Sea (seasonal, best viewed November-February), where blooming pink lotuses cover the lake. Then, explore the UNESCO-listed Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, home to ancient artefacts over 5,000 years old. In the afternoon, visit Ban Noen Kok village to learn traditional Thai silk and batik techniques, and try creating your own design using natural lotus leaf dyes.

We head to Khon Kaen to visit Wat Thung Setthi, a unique blend of modern and traditional Buddhist architecture. Continue to Phimai Historical Park, one of Thailand's major Khmer ruins, with links to Angkor Wat. Then visit the ancient banyan trees of Sai Ngam before continuing to Korat for check-in at Kantary Hotel.

Begin with a visit to the local market in Korat, followed by the Silk Weaving Centre where we observe the traditional process of Thai silk production. En route to Khao Yai, stop at Wat Khao Chan Ngam to view prehistoric cave paintings depicting daily life from 3,000-4,000 years ago. End the day with a visit to a vineyard for a guided tour and wine tasting.

This morning, embark on a 2-3 hour guided nature walk in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the scenic Haew Suwat Waterfall before continuing to Wat Phra Buddha Bat in Saraburi, known for housing a revered footprint of the Buddha. We then drive to the historic city of Ayutthaya.

This morning, embark on a 2-3 hour guided nature walk in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the scenic Haew Suwat Waterfall before continuing to Wat Phra Buddha Bat in Saraburi, known for housing a revered footprint of the Buddha. We then drive to the historic city of Ayutthaya.

Today we visit Bangkok’s highlights, starting at the Grand Palace and the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Then visit Wat Pho, home to the magnificent reclining Buddha. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.