Thailand and Laos
Wonderful lazy days await you after a trip in Thailand to the famous Golden Triangle and an exciting journey along the mighty Mekong River. Our trip to Thailand and Laos includes highlights in two of Asia’s most fascinating countries. We discover exciting parts of Thailand far from the tourist crowds along the coasts. Sparsely populated Laos offers a glimpse of what the whole of Asia once was. Here it is as if time has stood still. We travel through untouched countryside and explore old colonial cities. Our trip to Laos goes north with a quiet trip on the Mekong River to take us from Thailand into Laos and Luang Prabang. During the trip we can in peace and quiet soak up the quiet life along the river, before we reach Luang Prabang; one of Asia’s most idyllic cities filled with monks and gold-clad temples. The city as a whole has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. We then round off the trip with a few nights on the beach south of Bangkok. Here we enjoy the sun and the heat and relax with a refreshing bath. We spend the last days in peace and digest all the impressions of the trip before the trip home.
Day 1: Travel to Thailand
Flight to Bangkok. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.
Day 2: Bangkok
We land in Bangkok and after the arrival formalities we head into the bustling big city to start with a city tour where we do a boat trip on the city’s canals. We gather in the evening for a welcome dinner. Overnight in Bangkok. (Dinner)
Day 3: Bangkok
Today we make an excursion to the Summer Palace and Ayutthaya which was once the capital of Siam, what we today call Thailand. Ayutthaya stands in stark contrast to Bangkok’s metropolitan jungle. Ayutthaya Historic Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we walk through the beautiful, peaceful landscape, surrounded by ruins, monasteries and temples, in what was once the country’s prosperous capital between 1350 and 1767. In the afternoon we see Bangkok’s highlight Grand Palace and pay a visit to the flower market. Overnight in Bangkok. (Lunch)
Day 4: Bangkok – Chiang Mai
We fly to Chiang Mai in the morning. Here is an elephant school where we get to know these huge and for Thailand so important animals. Anyone who wants to can in connection with the visit here also do an elephant ride in the lush jungle that dominates the area (optional). Today we have lunch at an orchid garden. Overnight in Chiang Mai. (Lunch)
Day 5: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
Today it’s off to Chiang Rai. On the way we stop in a craft village. Chiang Rai has about 73,000 inhabitants and was founded by King Mengrai as early as 1262. It was then part of the kingdom of Lanna. Overnight in Chiang Rai. (Lunch)
Day 6: The Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai is known or infamous, depending on how you see it, as the gateway to the famous Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. The area has since 1950 been one of the world’s largest producers of opium poppy, which is used, among other things, to produce heroin. We head into the Triangle after a stop in Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost city, where we have the chance to stop and shop a bit at the local market. During the day we also visit the small town of Chiang Saen where we see the beautiful Buddhist temple Wat Phra That Chedi Luang. After lunch we visit the Hall of Opium, where we see an exhibition that deals with the history of opium in the area and its consequences, both for the farmers and for the addicts. Overnight in the golden triangle. (Lunch)
Day 7: Chiang Khong – Pakbeng
In the morning we leave the hotel for Chiang Khong, where we cross the border into Laos. We then board the Luangsay Cruise and begin our journey to Luang Prabang. During the day we get to follow life along the river at a comfortable pace and from time to time we will make shorter beach trips for lunch and for a visit to a minority village before we reach Pakbeng, where we enjoy our dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Mekong. Overnight at Luangsai Lodge. (Lunch and dinner)
Day 8: Pakbeng – Luang Prabang
The early risers can visit Pakbeng’s morning market, where people from the nearby villages come to sell and exchange goods. Today we continue our cruise in silence. After lunch we see the famous caves at Pak Ou, filled with Buddha images that pilgrims have donated over the years. We also stop at a village belonging to the minority people Hmong and in connection with this we get to learn the noble art of rice whiskey distillation. Late in the afternoon we arrive at Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Lunch and dinner)
Day 9: Luang Prabang
After breakfast, we explore the city and its rich remains of historic temples and colonial buildings. The old royal palace has now been converted into a museum, with many interesting objects and works of art. At the not so high but still spectacular waterfall Kuangsi, we eat our picnic lunch. Here we can cool off in the fresh water and relax in the nice surroundings. In the evening we climb Phousy Hill and from the top of the mountain we can enjoy a beautiful view of the old city and the Mekong River at sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (Lunch and dinner)
Day 10: Luang Prabang – Cha Am
Today we head to Luang Prabang Airport and fly to Bangkok, a journey that takes about two hours. After arrival, we travel on by bus to the King of Thailand’s own holiday destination, Hua Hin. Overnight in Cha Am.
Day 11: Cha Am
The day is free for your own walks. Overnight in Cha Am.
Day 12: Cha Am
Day free for your own walks. Overnight in Cha Am.
Day 13: Cha Am – Bangkok
The morning is free for your own walks. Our journey through Thailand and Laos ends with a transfer back to Bangkok where we gather for a joint farewell dinner. Overnight in Bangkok. (Farewell dinner)
Day 14: Return from Bangkok
Transfer to the airport and flight to the boarding place. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.
