The route8 days, 2 countries, one private team
- Chiang Mai
- Mae Ping River
- Doi Suthep
- Singha Park
- Chiang Rai
- Golden Triangle
- Chiang Khong
- Huay Xai
- Pakbeng
- Pak Ou Caves
- Luang Prabang
- Kuang Si Falls
Highlights
- Ride a longtail boat on the Mae Ping River and sit with monks for a conversation at Wat Suan Dok.
- Explore Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's craft villages and Singha Park on the way to Chiang Rai.
- Stand at the Golden Triangle and cruise the Mekong where three countries meet.
- Spend two days on a Mekong slow boat with a night in the river town of Pakbeng.
- Arrive in Luang Prabang by river after visiting the Pak Ou Caves.
- Watch the alms round at dawn and swim in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls.
Day by dayItinerary
IArrive in Chiang Mai, Ping River boat and khantoke dinner
Your guide meets you at Chiang Mai airport and takes you for a lunch of khao soi, the northern curry noodle soup. Ride a longtail boat along the Mae Ping River, past wooden houses and gardens, and stop at a farmer's home. Walk through Warorot Market, the city's oldest, and in the evening enjoy a khantoke dinner with Lanna dances.Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: L, D
IIBotanic garden, Doi Suthep and a monk chat
Drive north to Mae Rim and the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, with glasshouses of orchids and a canopy walkway. In the afternoon, wind up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, visit the forest temple of Wat Pha Lat beside a waterfall and sit with monks at Wat Suan Dok to learn about Buddhist life.Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: B
IIICraft villages, Singha Park and Chiang Rai by tuk tuk
Visit the handicraft villages east of Chiang Mai, where artisans paint paper umbrellas, carve wood and weave silk. Drive about three hours to Chiang Rai, stopping at Singha Park, an estate of tea plantations, lakes and flower gardens. In the evening, a tuk tuk takes you past the golden clock tower to the night market.Overnight: Chiang Rai · Meals: B
IVGolden Triangle, Mekong boat ride and Mae Sai
Drive to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong, and visit the House of Opium museum. Take an hour-long boat ride on the river, have a Thai set lunch and continue to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town, before returning to Chiang Rai.Overnight: Chiang Rai · Meals: B, L
VCross into Laos and board the slow boat to Pakbeng
Leave Chiang Rai at dawn for Chiang Khong, about two hours, and cross the Friendship Bridge to Huay Xai, where the boat team helps with Lao visa formalities. Board the slow boat for a day on the Mekong between forested hills. Lunch is served on board, with a stop at a Khmu village of around ninety families. Arrive in Pakbeng before dark; dinner at your lodge.Overnight: Pakbeng · Meals: B, L, D
VIDown the Mekong to Pak Ou and Luang Prabang
Continue downstream after breakfast. On board, learn to prepare a Lao dessert and drink, then stop at Ban Baw, a riverside village known for rice wine. In the afternoon, visit the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha images, and arrive in Luang Prabang before 4:30 pm. Your private guide meets you at the pier.Overnight: Luang Prabang · Meals: B, L
VIIAlms round, Royal Palace and Kuang Si Falls
Rise early to watch the alms round, then browse the morning market. Visit the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong, the most graceful temple in town. In the afternoon, swim in the pools of Kuang Si Falls and visit the Bear Rescue Centre, with a stop at the Ock Pop Tok weaving center on the way back.Overnight: Luang Prabang · Meals: B
VIIIOld town morning and departure
Take a last walk through the old town with your guide, past Wat Mai and the French-era houses along the Mekong, perhaps with a coffee on the riverbank. Then transfer to Luang Prabang airport for your onward flight.Meals: B
B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Every day can be changed before you confirm.
PriceWhat it costs
| Guest | Per person | Deposit (30%) |
|---|
| Adult | From US$1,590 | from US$477 |
| Child | From US$1,192 | from US$358 |
| Infant | From US$795 | from US$239 |
“From” prices in US dollars per person, private tour, hotels shared in twin/double rooms; the final price depends on dates, group size and hotel level. Peak-season surcharges, if any, are shown in your quote before you pay.
What you getIncluded & not included
Included
- Private guide in your language (Laos & Cambodia subject to availability) in Thailand and in Luang Prabang
- Shared slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang with the boat's English-speaking guide, lunches on board
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all transfers and touring
- Hotels as listed (twin/double room) with daily breakfast
- Meals as stated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner), including the khantoke dinner
- Entrance fees in the itinerary
- Longtail boat on the Mae Ping River and boat trip on the Mekong at the Golden Triangle
- Monk chat at Wat Suan Dok and evening tuk tuk tour in Chiang Rai
- Government taxes and service charges
Not included
- International flights
- Flights to Chiang Mai and from Luang Prabang
- Visa fees (Laos visa on arrival at Huay Xai)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Meals not mentioned and drinks
- Peak-season and holiday surcharges
