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Visit three of Asia's heavyweights on this incredible family adventure.

Visit Thailand, Laos and Vietnam on this epic family adventure. Travel by overnight train to Chiang Mai and by boat from Thailand to Laos. Witness the sights and smells of Laos' hawker markets and climb the steps of Bangkok's ancient Buddhist temples. Pop into Hanoi and kayak around stunning Halong Bay before heading home, filled with tales of adventure. 

Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Hanoi, Vietnam
Destinations
Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
Style
Original
Theme
Family
Code
TLFA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 2, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Experience an overnight train ride from Bangkok and wake up in the morning to dazzling Chiang Mai

  • Discover a slower pace of life on a boat journey down the Mekong River, with a night spent in the remote village of Pakbeng

  • Kayak around stunning Halong Bay and explore its secret beaches and caves

  • Challenge the family to see who can make the best pad thai in a cooking class

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves some long travel days. Simply sit back, relax, watch the scenery go by, and embrace travelling like a local.

  • Laos is less developed than many other Southeast Asian countries. The roads can be bumpy, delays are common, and accommodation can be basic but always clean and comfortable. A little bit of patience will go a long way towards your enjoyment of this beautiful country!

  • One night is spent on the Mekong River in Pakbeng, a very remote and quiet town.

  • It can be quite cool from November to February, so make sure you have some warm gear packed for this period.

  • This trip includes bike ride in Chiang Mai – there is a minimum age of 11 years old for this activity. Please see notes in the itinerary for those with younger children.

Map of Asia Family Holiday including Lao Pdr, Thailand and Vietnam
thailand tuk tuk driver
thailand_sukhotai_biking-to-temple
thailand bangkok reclining buddha

Itinerary
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Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. This city is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today. You can check into your hotel from early this afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Nuovo City Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bangkok - Bangkok by Bike Urban Adventure - THB1904
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Begin the day with a an hour-long river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals) . Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the ‘trinity’ of Bangkok temples, with a 46-metre long gold plated Buddha reclining inside. This evening, head north to Chiang Mai on an overnight train journey. Multi share train compartments are air-conditioned, with bunk beds, sheets and pillows provided. Your baggage travels in the carriage with you. There is a food and drink service available on board.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Sleeper train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bangkok - Khlong boat (canal) tour
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city to explore. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (around 45 minutes) to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads up to the temples and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a most memorable experience.
Accommodation
  • De Charme Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Hit the road with two wheels on a cycling tour of Chiang Mai. During the past few years Chiang Mai has developed a thriving cycling culture, with the emergence of numerous local clubs, teams and several homegrown events. In the evening take part in a Thai cooking class and see which member of the family can make the best Pad Thai!

Bike tour: this part of the trip is suitable for children 11 years and older. For those children younger we will take them on a ride around of Wieng Kum Kam Historical Park which is off the street. Child size bikes are provided as well as helmets.
Accommodation
  • De Charme Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chiang Mai - Thai cooking class
  • Chiang Mai - Half Day Cycling Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Take a journey through rural countryside to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong (approximately 5.5 hours). Formerly known as 'Juon', peaceful riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and for trade with Laos. Stretch your legs with a stroll around town and, if time allows, perhaps fit in a visit to nearby Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang. In the evening enjoy a final Thai drink and dinner while Laos beckons from across the mighty Mekong.
Accommodation
  • Chiang Kong Teak Garden Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Cross the border into Laos and board a slow boat for the two-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The journey is a relaxed experience, mirroring the slow pace of village life and allowing time to experience the breathtaking scenery up close. The river boat is basic in nature, with a toilet, covered roof, and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch. Dock at the small town of Pak Beng (after about 8 hours) and head to a local guesthouse for the night.
Accommodation
  • Phonemany Guesthouse or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mekong River - 2 day boat trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Reboard the boat and cruise to the Pak Ou Caves. An important religious site overlooking the river at the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, the revered Pak Ou Caves consist of two sacred limestone caverns filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes, brought by devoted villagers over the centuries. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is entered from the river by a series of steps and can easily be seen in daylight. The higher cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and requires a torch for viewing.

Afterwards, continue to the atmospheric World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang, a favourite of many travellers (approximately 7 hours in total). Nestled in the hills of northern Laos where the Mekong and Khan rivers meet, the city is claimed to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’ by UNESCO.
Accommodation
  • My Lao Home Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom and designated a World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture. The city is also home to some of the country's most refined cuisine, a multi-ethnic population and a rich culture. Enjoy a guided tour around the Traditional Art & Ethnology centre, a non-profit museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of its traditional arts and lifestyles. In the afternoon, head south of town to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, a picturesque, multi-level cascade that offers fantastically blue pools that are perfect for a mid-afternoon dip. Back in Luang Prabang this evening you’ll have free time to make further discoveries, including walking around the popular Night Bazaar.
Accommodation
  • My Lao Home Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum
  • Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is mainly a travelling day as the you drive south from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (approximately 7 hours). Take in the mountain scenery and snippets of small village life along the hilly highway to Vang Vieng. Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by towering limestone karsts and is a great place to walk through local markets or along the riverside and just watch the world go by.
Accommodation
  • Villa Vang Vieng Riverside or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading out on a hike to Tham Jang Cave. Tham Jang was used as a bunker to defend against marauding jęen hór (Yunnanese Chinese) in the early 19th century. The caves are steeped in history and are an incredible natural phenomenon. There are some steep steps to climb but the view is worth it.

After lunch, you are free to explore on your own. Maybe jump onboard a kayak to explore at water level. Or a wander around town.
Accommodation
  • Villa Vang Vieng Riverside or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vang Vieng - Kayaking
  • Vang Vieng - Tham Jang Caves
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue by bus to the Laos' capital, Vientiane (approximately 4 hours). Possibly Asia's most laidback capital, Vientiane is a city where daily affairs are conducted at a relaxed pace. Hardly touched by the modernisation that has completely changed the face of other cities in Southeast Asia, it has a wealth of cultural delights to discover on foot, or for the less energetic, by jumbo (tuk tuk). Faded colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples create an atmosphere of timelessness, particularly in the older part of town along the Mekong River. We make a visit to Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and home to almost 7,000 Buddha images. Visit COPE, an Intrepid Foundation-sponsored organisation dedicated to assisting those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded devices across the country. This is an excellent cause and a chance to educate yourself about Laos' devastating war history.
Accommodation
  • Manorom Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vientiane - Wat Sri Saket
  • Vientiane - COPE visit
Optional Activities
  • Vientiane - Vientiane temples - USD1
  • Vientiane - Tuk Tuk to Buddha Park - USD25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning is free, enjoy your last breakfast in Laos before being transferred to the airport by midday.

Fly to Hanoi and enter the third country on this trip – Vietnam. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to the hotel. Relax with your group leader, who will prepare you for the last few days of your holiday.
Accommodation
  • Hong Ngoc Cochinchine Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning jump on the bus and drive to Halong Bay (approximately 3 hours). Surrounded by clusters of karst limestone cliffs topped by rainforest, this is an incredible and unique place. Settle into your junk boat, which will be your home for the next night, and drift out into a secluded harbour with some 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf.
Accommodation
  • Halong Bay Junk Boat (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning, enjoy a tour around the wonderful Halong Bay. Visit isolated caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and climb out onto beaches of the South China Sea. You will stop at Titop beach for a refreshing swim. After lunch, return to Hanoi for your last night as a group, enjoying a farewell dinner and perhaps some last minute shopping.
Accommodation
  • Hong Ngoc Cochinchine Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This trip ends after breakfast and you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. For those who have booked a flight inclusive package you will be transferred to the airport to catch your onward flight home.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Longtail boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private bus, plane

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Overnight boat (1 night)

Included activities

  • Bangkok - Khlong boat (canal) tour
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho Temple
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple
  • Chiang Mai - Thai cooking class
  • Chiang Mai - Half Day Cycling Tour
  • Mekong River - 2 day boat trip
  • Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
  • Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum
  • Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls
  • Vang Vieng - Kayaking
  • Vang Vieng - Tham Jang Caves
  • Vientiane - Wat Sri Saket
  • Vientiane - COPE visit

Dates & availability

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Important notes

Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

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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Reviews

Our Asia Family Holiday trips score an average of 4.67 out of 5 based on 3 reviews in the last year.

Family Thailand, Laos and Vietnam Holiday, December 2017

Benjamin Barlow

Review submitted 08 Jan 2018

Family Thailand, Laos and Vietnam Holiday, September 2017

Melissa Gardner

Review submitted 25 Oct 2017

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