Discover Laos & Thailand - One Serene Journey

Following a satisfying breakfast, your guide leads you into the dramatic northern landscape of Vang Vieng. The morning begins with an exploration of Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), named for a remarkable limestone formation resembling an elephant, situated picturesquely on the banks of the Nam Song River. Nearby, we delve into the deep corridors of Tham Hoi Cave (Snail Cave). The true highlight is Tham Nam (Water Cave), where you float through the long, mysterious passages on inflatable tubes, admiring the wonderful limestone formations overhead. A pool of cool spring water awaits at the cave's mouth for a refreshing swim. After a picnic lunch amidst this stunning scenery, we embark on a gentle trek through lush rice paddies and vegetable gardens to reach an authentic Hmong village. The grand finale of the day is a breathtaking return to Vang Vieng by kayaking down the Nam Song River, gliding through idyllic scenes of rural life with the iconic limestone mountains towering in the background. As the sun begins to set, the experience culminates with a spectacular Hot Air Balloon ride (25–30 minutes), offering a magical, panoramic view over the entire valley.

Accommodation: Amari Vang Vieng.

The morning starts with an invigorating ascent up Pha Ngeun, also known as Silver Cliff. The moderate, 40-minute climb is rewarded with one of the most stunning panoramic views in Vang Vieng, a perfect vantage point to capture the expansive, rugged landscape. Once you descend, the real fun begins: we embark on an exhilarating Buggy Ride, traversing the scenic countryside all the way to the famed Blue Lagoon 1. Here, you have the option to hike up to Tham Pou Kham, before relaxing by the turquoise waters. For those seeking extra adrenaline, the optional Zipline offers a thrilling glide over the lagoon (paid on site). The day is a perfect blend of exercise, exploration, and exhilarating motion across Vang Vieng’s distinct terrain.

Accommodation: Amari Vang Vieng.

After an early breakfast, you are transferred to the Lao-China Train station for a scenic ride to Luang Prabang (note: this part is unguided). The modern train journey offers stunning views as you travel deeper into the Laotian heartland. Upon arrival, you are met by your local guide and transferred to your elegant hotel. The afternoon is dedicated to a spiritual exploration across the mighty Mekong River to Chomphet Village. Here, we embark on a soft hike through quiet villages, beginning with a visit to Wat Long Khoune, an 18th-century pagoda historically used as a sanctuary for spiritual rejuvenation. We proceed to Wat Tham Sakkarine, the "Buddha Cave," believed to be a sacred repository filled with Buddha statues accumulated over centuries. A challenging but rewarding climb up over 100 steep steps takes you to the Chomphet temple, providing an unforgettable panorama of the surrounding hills, the winding Mekong, and Luang Prabang town itself. The hike continues to Ban Xieng Men, passing charming villagers’ houses and vegetable gardens, granting an intimate view of life along the river. Finally, we sail to Ban Chan, a pottery village of just 300 inhabitants. You are warmly invited to get your hands muddy and try your skill at making pots from the river clay, a genuine cultural exchange before returning to your boutique travel agency accommodation.

Accommodation: My Banlao Hotel.

The day begins at 8:30 AM with a fascinating immersion into Laotian agriculture at the Living Land Farm. Here, you will learn and participate in the entire lifecycle of rice, from planting and harvesting to processing, experiencing a total of fourteen distinct traditional techniques. This truly hands-on experience allows you to become a rice farmer for the day. Next, we travel south to the famous Kuangsi Waterfall, a cascade of pure natural magic. The water’s distinctive turquoise color, set against a backdrop of pristine white limestone cliffs, creates an ethereal swimming and viewing opportunity. Before the falls, we visit the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise producing delicious cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. You will learn how these pampered animals are cared for. The day culminates at the Sun Bear Reserve, a vital conservation center dedicated to rescuing animals from the illegal wildlife trade, offering a moment of quiet reflection on ethical tourism.

Accommodation: My Banlao Hotel.

From 8:00–8:30 AM, you join a specialized tour dedicated to ethical elephant interaction. Upon arrival at the Elephant Village Camp, you receive a warm welcome and a briefing on elephant anatomy and behavior. The highlight of the morning is getting intimately close to the elephants by feeding them and enjoying an unforgettable experience as you "become a Mahout," learning to communicate with your elephant one-on-one. You explore the camp, visiting the museum, photo gallery, and the elephant hospital, and observing the process of making paper from dung. We then take a traditional Lao long boat to the stunning Tad Sae Waterfall, where you can swim in the refreshing waters (swimsuits advised). A satisfying meal is enjoyed at the Elephant Camp restaurant (with vegetarian options available) before you are transferred back to your hotel around 1:00 PM. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to stroll the charming streets of Luang Prabang at your leisure, reflecting on your gentle interactions with the magnificent creatures.

Accommodation: My Banlao Hotel.

An early start sees your boat departing Luang Prabang at 7:00 AM for a magnificent two-day cruise upstream on the legendary Mekong River toward Pakbeng. A continental breakfast is served on board as the stunning river scenery unfolds around you. The morning includes a stop to visit the revered Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting), a pair of sacred limestone caves housing over two thousand Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the Lao people. A traditional Lao lunch set is served as you continue cruising. In the afternoon, your English-speaking guide will enrich your journey with a small lecture explaining the diverse ethnicities and cultures of Laos. The boat gently arrives in Pakbeng just before nightfall.

Accommodation: The Sanctuary Pakbeng.

Note: The boat journey can be cool; please ensure you bring a jacket. It is recommended to leave large luggage on the boat and only take a small daypack for your overnight stay in Pakbeng.

The cruise resumes early at 7:00 AM. Your hotel in Pakbeng will have prepared a take-away breakfast box to enjoy on board as the sun rises over the river. The morning offers a unique culinary demonstration where your guide and the onboard cook show you how to prepare authentic Lao desserts and local drinks, which you will enjoy later in the afternoon. Just before lunch, the boat pauses at Ban Kaeng Lae, a tiny, cozy Kamu village of about 70 families. This intimate stop allows travelers to learn about the remote rural lifestyle of the people living along the riverbanks. A traditional Lao lunch set is served on board. Before reaching the Houay Xay pier, you get to savor the homemade desserts and drinks prepared by the team and assisted by the travelers. The boat arrives before 4:30 PM, where a cruise escort will assist you with the final leg of your journey. You are met at the Chiang Khong Friendship Bridge on the Thai side of the border by your private guide and transferred to your luxury travel agency hotel in Chiang Rai.

Accommodation: The Reverie by Katathani.

After a refreshing breakfast, we begin the day by driving to Chiang Saen, an ancient city steeped in history, located beautifully on the Khong Riverbank. We gain historical context at the Opium Museum, which details the past of opium in Thailand. A local lunch prepares us for the afternoon's highlight: the Golden Triangle. Here, we take a boat trip along the vast Mekong River to witness the famed meeting point of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The transfer continues to Chiang Mai, with an essential stop en route to visit the dazzling Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). This modern architectural marvel, covered entirely in white plaster and shimmering glass, is an aesthetic, spiritual icon before we arrive in the vibrant cultural hub of Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: The Raya Heritage, or SYN Boutique Hotel.

Today is dedicated to a deeply moving and responsible wildlife experience, orchestrated by your bespoke travel planner. Your private transfer and guide take you approximately 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai through rolling hills and local farming areas. We arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary around 10:30 AM. After a short 10–15 minute walk into the jungle, you change into traditional Karen clothing and receive an introductory lesson on elephant anatomy, history, and behavior. At 11:00 AM, you meet the elephants, spending time feeding, interacting, and playing with them in their natural environment, capturing joyful photos and learning about their history. After a delicious lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit at noon, the immersive afternoon begins: learning to make herbal medicine balls, feeding the elephants, and walking with them to the river for a communal bath and brush. The experience culminates in a therapeutic mud spa with these gentle giants. After changing clothes, we drive a short distance for a unique cultural handicrafts experience before the return transfer to Chiang Mai, filled with memories of the majestic creatures.

Accommodation: The Raya Heritage, or SYN Boutique Hotel.

An invigorating full-day excursion takes us south towards Chom Thong and the magnificent Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest mountain, towering 2,565 meters above sea level. This natural sanctuary boasts rugged terrain, lush tropical forests, and is renowned as one of the best places in Thailand for bird watching, with cool, misty weather year-round. We arrive to enjoy the magical Ang Ka Nature Trail, a short circular boardwalk through a dense, mossy, and remarkably lush forest sustained by the cool temperatures. After this walk, we pay homage to the Great Holy Relics Pagodas, a mausoleum and twin stupas dedicated to Their Royal Majesties, The King and Queen, found atop the peak. A sumptuous lunch is served at the Royal Agricultural Station. The afternoon’s highlight is a gentle and easy 2.5-hour downhill hike from Pa Dok Siew Waterfall. Accompanied by a local Karen escort, you descend through a picturesque jungle trail, passing magnificent terraced rice paddy fields until reaching a small Karen hill tribe village. Here, you have the opportunity to sample a cup of Arabica coffee, hand-made by the hill tribe farmers (own account). On the drive back to Chiang Mai, we stop briefly at the Vatchirathan waterfall, a majestic 40-meter drop, where the brave can take a dip in the icy cold pool at the base.

Accommodation: The Raya Heritage, or SYN Boutique Hotel.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, your private vehicle will collect you from your boutique travel agency accommodation in Chiang Mai and transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport for your departure flight, concluding this exceptional journey through the wonders of Laos and Northern Thailand.