Thailand & Laos Adventure

Day 1

Fly to Bankok
Fly to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
- Dinner
Day 2

Discover Bangkok
Bangkok is an exotic assault on the senses, a whirlwind of chaos, refinement and rewarding sights where you can go from tranquil golden temples to forests of gleaming skyscrapers before experiencing authentic Asia on bustling streets. Today's sightseeing includes Wat Pho, the dazzling Grand Palace and Chinatown. Take to the Chao Phraya River on a longboat, getting an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market. This evening enjoy a Thai dinner whilst watching a traditional music and dance show.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3

Floating Market
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and experience the Maeklong railway market. Board an overnight train to Chiang Mai.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4

Explore Chiang Mai by Cyclo
The antithesis of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a chilled out, nonchalant city in the foothills of Thailand's northern highlands. Take a cyclo tour of the city, visit Flok Life Museum, admire Wat Chedi Luang and ascend to Wat Doi Suthep perched on top of Doi Suthep Mountain. This evening, enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner and a performance of the ancient songs and dances of northern Thailand and wander through the buzzing night bazaar in search of bargains.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5

H'Mong Hilltribe Lodge
Start the day with a relaxed mind as you join a group meditation session before heading up into the Suthep-Pui Mountains. Tonight you will spend the night at the H'mong Hilltribe Lodge amidst the striking natural beauty of the region. This evening enjoy a barbecue dinner and a cultural show.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6

Elephant Rescue
Depart the Hilltribe Lodge for an ethical elephant rescue centre to spend some time meeting and feeding the beautiful residents. Later, board a longtail boat on Mae Kok River to Baan Pha Tai, where you'll continue by road to Chiang Rai. Explore the colourful night market.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7

Chiang Rai
Explore the laidback, small town charm of Chiang Rai, visiting the eccentric White Temple and Doi Mae Salong, a hill village once at the heart of the area's notorious opium trade.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8

Cruise the Mekong
Transfer to Huay Xai on the Thai-Laos border and enjoy a cruise along the upper Mekong, taking in the scenery as you go. Stop at Pakbeng with time to visit the village of Ban Houei Lumpane before settling in for the night.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 9

Cruise to Luang Prabang
Back on the river, continue your leisurely cruise down to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang, stopping at the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, a riverside cavern that is full of statues of Buddha that can no longer be used for worship.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 10

Explore Luang Prabang
An enchanting city, Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos – a place of vivid colours with an extremely rich heritage and enduring French legacy. Visit Ban Xang Khong craft village where you can see Sa Paper and local handcraft production. Take a city tour, seeing sights including Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong. Later, spend some time at a local wat, chatting with the friendly monks who love to practise their English.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 11

Kuang Si Waterfalls
Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat or alms-giving. After breakfast, ascend Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the town and see the treasures at the National Museum. Head out of the town to enjoy the cascading turquoise waters of the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls before returning to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 12

Fly to Vientiane
Catch a flight to Laos' capital city, Vientiane.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 13

Discover Vientiane
Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city. Spend the day exploring with a visit to Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo (a former temple that now houses a museum), That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. Finally, explore the sculptural Buddha Park. Later, enjoy dinner and a traditional Laos music and dance performance.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Days 14-15

Fly Vientiane to Australia
Enjoy a free morning in Vientiane, making the most of the languid pace of life. Fly back to Australia via Bangkok, arriving the following day.
- Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Night 1

Furama Silom Bangkok

Furama Silom Bangkok is centrally located, close to the Patpong Night Market, and stylishly modern. The hotel's numerous facilities include a fully equipped gym, steam room, rooftop pool and rooftop restaurant which have fantastic views over the city. The accommodation is spacious with contemporary décor with Thai touches. Floor to ceiling windows keep it light and the en suite bathroom has a shower, bathrobe and slippers.
Night 1

Duangtawan Hotel

Excellently located right next to the famous night bazaar, the Duangtawan Hotel has a full range of facilities, from seven bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The spacious, light and airy rooms have city views and a bathroom with both a bath and shower.
Night 1

Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge

An hour outside of Chiang Mai, nestled amongst the hills that Hmong communities also call home, the Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge has a beautiful natural setting of lush vegetation and rice fields. This is the perfect place to experience tribal culture and the beauty of north Thailand’s highlands. Rooms are spread through 10 buildings with a communal area at their heart. Each has a balcony and ensuite bathroom but are made extra cosy with the addition of a colourful Hmong quilt. The pool overlooks the surrounding rice fields and a spa and massage treatments are available.
Nights 2

Laluna Hotel & Resort

Just minutes from the famous night bazaar, the Laluna offers cosy Thai-style bungalows tucked amongst lush, tropical gardens. The lagoon-style pool, Jacuzzi, massage service and deck makes the friendly, relaxed atmosphere even more pronounced. The bungalows are spacious and simple with large beds and an en suite bathroom and views over the gardens.
Night 1

Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge

Located off-the-beaten-track in lush forest on the banks of the Mekong, the Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge offers a relaxed and peaceful stay. Accommodation is dotted along the riverfront and hillside; each room complete with balcony to full enjoy your surroundings. Each has a traditional, local feel – cosy and comfortable along with the en suite shower room. The hotel also has two bar/restaurants, a botanical garden and sports area.
Nights 3

Chitchareune Muang Luang Hotel

Combing traditional elegance and modern comfort, the three-star Chitchareune Muang Luang is housed in a building that is contemporary Laotian in style. Excellently located just a 10-minute walk from the heart of the old city, the 56 rooms are set around a swimming pool in peaceful gardens. Within you’ll find a modern and comfortable space, with plenty of Laos textiles and local touches and a private balcony. The hotel also offers a gym and spa.
Nights 2

Mercure Hotel Vientiane

This four-star hotel has a wealth of facilities including outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness centre and sauna. Well-located for the airport and just a three-minute stroll to the Mekong River, there is also a restaurant and bar and spacious and contemporary rooms with an en suite bathroom plus robe and slippers.