Northern Thailand and Laos Cultural Adventure

Day 1

Arrival Chiang Mai, Thailand

Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be escorted by car to your accommodation.

In the evening, enjoy a walking tour through Chiang Mai to the traditional street food market where you’ll sample local dishes, including deep fried pancakes, sweet mango with sticky rice, and typical rice noodle dishes.

Day 2

Chiang Mai

This morning you’ll visit a local home to learn more about daily life in Chiang Mai. You’ll have the opportunity to join an interactive cookery class to prepare traditional Northern Thai cuisine, before dining together.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time exploring Chiang Mai. Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can recommend activities that suit your interests prior to departure.

Day 3

Chiang Mai

Today, you’ll have an early start for a guided tour of the sacred site of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Here you’ll witness monks emerge for their daily alms collection before visiting the temple.

The tour continues at Wat Umong, a tranquil temple with a unique system of tunnels adorned with Buddha statues. Afterwards, you’ll sample Chiang Mai’s famous crispy noodles with coconut curry sauce before returning to your accommodation.

Day 4

Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai

After breakfast, you’ll head north to Chiang Rai in the Golden Triangle, stopping en route for a coffee at a restaurant supporting rural communities.

You’ll also visit Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple, to experience its unique sculpture and artworks.

Day 5

Chiang Rai

Enjoy a day at leisure at your camp in Chiang Rai, soaking in the spa, participating in cookery lessons, taking a cruise down the Mekong, or observing and interacting with elephants at the elephant camp.

Day 6

Chiang Rai – Pakbeng, Laos

After breakfast, you’ll board the Luang Say Cruise for a journey down the Mekong into Laos.

You’ll stop to explore the traditional Kamu village of Ban Houy Phalam, where 85 families live in stilt houses over the Mekong, and enjoy lunch on board the boat.

Upon arrival at Pakbeng, check into your accommodation and enjoy a typical Laotian dinner on a riverside terrace.

Day 7

Pakbeng – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang

After breakfast you’ll board the boat to continue your Mekong journey.

En route, you’ll stop at Bow village, home to three different ethnic tribes that live together in harmony. You’ll also visit the famous Pak Ou cave temples, and enjoy lunch while cruising along the river.

You’ll arrive in Luang Prabang in the early evening, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8

Luang Prabang

This morning you’ll head on a half-day cycling tour of Luang Prabang. You’ll learn about the history of Laos at the National Museum, visit the temples of Wat Mai, Wat Visoun and Wat That, and end your trip at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in the city.

Next you’ll be escorted to the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls to enjoy a picnic and have the opportunity to swim in the turquoise pools. You can also visit the Asiatic bear sanctuary.

Day 9

Luang Prabang

Today’s excursion takes you to a local village to participate in a community project. You’ll learn about the struggles of daily life in the village, help to hand out donation packs, and share lunch with the villagers.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Luang Prabang.

Day 10

Departure

Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.