Real Thailand & Laos

13 days528 reviews
18 to 35s
From
GBP £870
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

Get to know the real Thailand and Laos and explore countryside, riverside and mountainside havens

This 13-day exploration of the Southeast Asian countryside will keep you guessing at every turn. Kick off in old Bangkok, wind through northern Thailand with some good times in Chiang Mai and then cross the border into Laos, where you’ll be able to see the authentic side of this landlocked country. Cruise on the mighty Mekong, laze in the beautiful Luang Prabang, explore a natural paradise in Vang Vieng and finish up in sleepy Vientiane. From cycling tours and sunset hikes to heaps of free time to go cave exploring, get a massage or donate some food to a procession of monks – this trip shows you so many sides of Thailand and Laos that you never knew.

Map of Real Thailand & Laos including Lao Pdr and Thailand
Trip code: TLYS
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
End
Vientiane, Laos
Destinations
Thailand, Laos
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
Public bus, Slow boat, Private vehicle, Songthaew, Tuk-tuk, Train
Accommodation
Guesthouse (8 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Days
13
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 18- Max 35
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
18 to 35s
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Orginal: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Basix
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 32 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

Why you'll love this trip

From the nightlife and delicious cuisine of Bangkok to cycling and bar hopping in Chaing Mai – northern Thailand will kick off your epic adventure the right way (zipline anyone?).

Head out on a sunset hike to Wat Phu Si in Luang Prabang for some pretty epic views over Phu Si Mountain. After the sun descends, head to Talad Mued Night Market for a BBQ feast – a local favourite.

Chill out in chilled Laos with loads of free time to explore at your own pace. Give food to a procession of monks at dawn, explore Kuang Si Waterfalls for a refreshing swim or go kayaking on the gorgeous Nam So River.

Cruise down the Mekong River in a traditional-style boat – a classic favourite in Southeast Asia for good reason. Take in the overhanding reeds and enjoy more photo-ops than you can shake a bamboo cane at.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang – between the French villas and the blazing sunsets over the Mekong, you won't know which way to look!

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, MandaLao Elephant Conservation. Donations help them promote ethical elephant care and create local employment opportunities in communities in Laos.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Real Thailand & Laos including Lao Pdr and Thailand

Inclusions and activities

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Public bus, Slow boat, Private vehicle, Songthaew, Tuk-tuk, Train

Accommodation

Guesthouse (8 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Included activities
  • Bangkok - Chinatown walking tour
  • Nan – Orientation Tour
  • Pua – Hand Weaving Demonstration
  • Muang Ngern – Local Village Visit
  • Luang Prabang - orientation walk
  • Luang Prabang - Talad Mued Night Market
  • Luang Prabang – Wat Phu Si Sunset Hike
  • Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
  • Luang Prabang – Mekong River Cruise (Half Day)
  • Luang Prabang - Alms giving ceremony
  • Vientiane - Wat Si Saket
  • Vientiane - COPE visit
  • Vientiane - Leader orientation walk

Optional activities
  • Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2900
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) - THB200
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance) - THB50
  • Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School - THB1400
  • Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB200
  • Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB990
  • Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) - THB1900
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex - THB50
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary - THB1900
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon (Entrance) - THB300
  • Chiang Mai – Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
  • Chiang Mai – Muay Thai - THB400
  • Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls - USD2
  • Luang Prabang - Laos Red Cross sauna - LAK10000
  • Luang Prabang - Laos Red Cross massage - LAK40000
  • Luang Prabang - Mt Phu Si - USD2
  • Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong - USD3
  • Luang Prabang – Royal Theatre Performance (from) - LAK150000
  • Luang Prabang – National Museum (Entrance Fee) - LAK30000
  • Luang Prabang – Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre (from) - USD45
  • Luang Prabang – Wat Visun (Entrance Fee) - LAK20000
  • Luang Prabang – Cooking Class - USD38
  • Luang Prabang – UXO Lao Visitor Centre (Entrance Fee) - LAK20000
  • Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre - USD2
  • Vang Vieng - Tham Jung Cave - USD2
  • Vang Vieng - Bicycle hire - USD2
  • Vang Vieng - Kayaking - USD20
  • Vang Vieng - Blue Lagoon (Entrance Fee) - LAK10000
  • Vientiane - That Luang - USD1
  • Vientiane - Laos National Museum - LAK10000
  • Vientiane - Aerobic class - LAK3000
  • Vientiane - Pratu Xai - USD1

Is this trip right for you?

  • Accommodation is basic but clean and comfortable. The simplicity of life in Laos is one of its many charms.
  • There's a lot of travelling on local transport, with some long travel days. Things take time in Laos. But you're on holiday, right?
  • Some activities and meals are included, but most are optional. The good thing about this is you have loads of free time and can choose how to spend it.
  • This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Epic South East Asia.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Overnight train) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested if required.
2. A Laos visa will need to be applied for in advance at the Laos Embassy in your home country. An E-visa or Visa on Arrival is not accepted at Nam Ngeun border crossing. For further information on visa requirements, please visit the "Passports, visas and entry requirements" section of your Essential Trip Information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 28 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Alex · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 13 Jul 2024

Jacob · Traveled April 2024
Review submitted 20 Apr 2024

Jeremy · Traveled April 2024
Review submitted 16 Apr 2024

Vaheesan · Traveled April 2024
Review submitted 17 Apr 2024

Ronja · Traveled March 2024
Review submitted 16 Mar 2024
Real Thailand & Laos
From
GBP £870