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SEA-09 Thailand & Laos – Northern Laos and Golden Triangle

Day 1: Arrival Chiang Mai D

Arrival in Chiang Mai, the cultural and historical capital of Northern Thailand. Afternoon free to explore this charming, friendly city or just recover from jetlag by the pool before an evening tour of the famous night-bazaar.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 2: Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai B/L

Leisurely morning to wander around one of the local markets before a scenic afternoon drive through the mountains to neighbouring Chiang Rai Town, main commercial centre for the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’ region – so called because of it’s former notoriety for warlords and opium cultivation.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Day 3: Chiang Rai - Mae Sai - Sob Ruak - Chiang Khong B/L

Day tour of some of the main sites of this far northern region: beginning at the bustling trading town of Mae Sai on the Burmese Border and on to Sob Ruak where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet, for a visit to the unusual Opium Museum, before following the Mekong River via the historic, ruined city of Chiang Saen to our day’s destination, the scenic riverside town of Chiang Khong.

Overnight in Chiang Khong

Day 4: Chiang Khong - Luang Nam Tha B/L

Time to cross the Mekong into Laos itself where we’ll begin with a drive upcountry with a drive though mountains and jungle to the remote town of Luang Nam Tha near the Chinese border. Stop-off on the way to visit the scenic, and only recently discovered, Kao Rao limestone cave system. Overnight at a beautifully situated eco lodge on the banks of the Tha River.

Overnight in Luang Nam Tha

Day 5: Luang Nam Tha B/L

Day trip into the surrounding Nam Ha National Protected Area to hike through some of the spectacular scenery and visit some of the local hill-tribe villages to discover the traditional way of life of the area’s ethnic Akha people. Guides will show you some of the various forest plants used by the hill-tribe peoples as medicine or food as well as cooking up a traditional style Akha ‘jungle lunch’!

Overnight in Luang Nam Tha

Day 6: Luang Nam Tha - Nong Khiaw B/L

Drive across the mountains of Oudom Xai Province to the picturesque village of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Ou River. Stop-offs to visit Hmong and Lanten villages and a hill-tribe market on the way and overnight in traditional Lao style wooden chalets set spectacularly on the banks overlooking the river.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Day 7: Nong Khiaw B/L

Day relaxing in this superb mountain setting; discover the area on foot or bicycle or just sit back on your balcony and admire the mountains and river below.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw

Day 8: Nong Khiaw - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang B/L

Boat ride down the scenic Ou River, winding through mountains, limestone escarpments & pristine forests to the ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang with stops to visit various riverbank villages as well as the spectacular cave temples at Pak Ou.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 9: Luang Prabang B/L

Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world, we’ll discover World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, French colonial architecture and taste Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes. Morning walking tour of the town including the National Museum & former king’s palace, Wat Xiengthong, Phu Si Hill Temple and the Fine Arts School to see how traditional Lao arts and handicrafts are being preserved. The afternoon is at leisure to allow you to wander the quiet, picturesque lanes or check out the hill-tribe handicraft market.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 10: Luang Prabang B/L

Day trip through the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls and to discover the fascinating, traditional village life of some of the local peoples.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 11: Luang Prabang - Phonsavan Town

Early departure for a drive along scenic mountain roads to Phonsavan Town in Xieng Khouang province – location of the famous and mysterious ‘Plain of Jars’. Stops on the way include Khmu and Hmong villages as well as a reminder that this region played a major part during the Vietnam War as we visit a hidden cave temple that served as an army hospital during the combat. Late afternoon arrival in Phonsavan and atmospheric dusk visit to one of the famous jar sites.

Overnight in Phonsavan

Day 12: Phonsavan - Vientiane B/L

Morning visit to the Mines Action Group or MAG office to learn about the work they do in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in the area. We then transfer out to the picturesque Jar Site 2, and begin our 1 hour trek along the ridge to the impressive Jar Site 3, consisting over around 150 jars located on top of a hill, offering great views over the surrounding countryside. Lunch in Phonsavan before a flight to the Lao capital of Vientiane and time perhaps to stretch our legs with a stroll along the Mekong waterfront for sundowners in a riverbank cafe.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day 13: Vientiane B/L

Day tour of some of the city’s fascinating sites; Si Saket Temple with its thousand Buddha images, the bustling morning market and Vientiane’s most famous monument – the That Luang Stupa as well as the unusual ‘Buddha Park’. Less cheerful, but we feel important and highly informative stops, will also be made at the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a major problem many of the local people face daily in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of the heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War era.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day 14: Departure Vientiane B

Thansfer to the airport for leaving flight. End of service.

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