Get to know the real Thailand and Laos and explore countryside, riverside and mountainside havens
- Start
- Bangkok, Thailand
- End
- Vientiane, 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
- ThemeEvery trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
- 18 to 35s
- StyleBasix: 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 ratingIndicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions and activities
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Public bus, Slow boat, Private vehicle, Songthaew, Tuk-tuk, Train
Guesthouse (8 nights), Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
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
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.
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.
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