Laos and Mekong Discovery Overview
Travel to South-East Asia and discover the region's natural beauty, delicious food and lively spirit on a trip that includes a leisurely Mekong boat ride to Luang Prabang.
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Total price tool tip
GBP £1,155NZD $2,220ZAR R19,970USD $1,970AUD $1,995EUR €1,370CHF FR1,660CAD $2,035*
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- Comfort
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Trip Validity
- 2015-01-01 - 2015-12-31
Cruise down the Mekong River in Thailand and Laos
Thailand and Laos are two of South-East Asia’s most prized gems. On one side you have bustling Bangkok, loaded with shopping malls, high-end restaurants and more wats then you can poke an incense stick at. Across the border, sleepy Laos is dotted with glorious natural wonders, historic sites and some of the friendliest local folk in the world. Both endearing in different ways, the one thing that connects them is the Mekong River, a waterway that snakes between these two vibrant nations. Leisurely cruise along South-East Asia’s most famous river, stopping off in local villages, meeting tribal people and absorbing the traditional ways of life.
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What's included in this trip
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Laos and Mekong Discovery Summary
Add to ShortlistDay 1 Bangkok
Begin your adventure smack-bang in the centre of Bangkok’s bustling city. Refuel with a bowl of pad thai or papaya salad at a local restaurant before exploring the city’s array of temples, markets and shopping plazas. Perhaps stop by a Thai kickboxing match or just take an evening boat ride down the Mekong.
Day 2 Chiang Rai
Jump in a tuk-tuk and spend the morning visiting the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, before boarding a flight to Chiang Rai in the evening.
Day 3 Pakbeng
Wake early to cross the border into Laos via the port of Huay Xai. After a busy morning, cruise at a more relaxed pace aboard a slow boat while voyaging down the Mekong River. Take the opportunity to do some people-watching and learn more about local life before stopping overnight in Pakbeng.
Days 4-5 Luang Prabang
Continue a slow boat cruise downriver before admiring the hundreds of mini Buddha statues at the Tam Ting Caves. Sail on to Luang Prabang, a small town proclaimed by Unesco to be the ‘best preserved city in South-East Asia’. In the morning, wake early to view the flurry of orange-clad monks collecting daily alms, before temple-hopping around the area’s local wats. Spend some time at the Kuang Si Falls, a picturesque setting perfect for a refreshing dip. Perhaps hike to the top of the waterfall for a scenic view or just admire the pristine blue falls from below.
Day 6 Phonsavan
Cool down in the mountainous hills of Xiangkhouang while coming to terms with the devastation this region suffered between 1964 and 1973. Later, visit a Hmong village to better understand the customs and traditions of this brightly dressed hilltribe.
Days 7-9 Vientiane
Visit the mysterious Plain of Jars site before boarding a flight to Laos’ capital. Settle in with a city tour to the imposing Patuxai monument and spiritual Wat Si Saket temple. With a pinch of French-chic in the air, there is no better way to experience the vibes of Vientiane than sipping a drink while watching the sun set over the Mekong River.
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- 9
- TLKA
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Total price tool tip
GBP £1,155NZD $2,220ZAR R19,970USD $1,970AUD $1,995EUR €1,370CHF FR1,660CAD $2,035*
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- Comfort
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