Chiang Rai To Luang Prabang Overland (12 days)
This two-week tour showcases an inviting overland route between the northern provinces of Thailand and Laos. Rich in mountain scenery and minority villages, the road and river journey brings adventure and charm in equal measure, whilst keeping firmly away from the beaten path. Beginning in Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost city, the tour heads across to Chiang Khong province for two nights at the alluring Lanjia Lodge. This basic but beautiful lodge sits high in the hills, close to the Laos border, and is a wonderful base from which to explore hill tribe villages, and learn more about a slower, bucolic pace of life. You then cross into Laos and join a shared river cruise up to Luang Prabang, en route spending a night each in the village of Pak Beng, and then at the activity-based Kamu Lodge. Arrive into Luang Prabang for three nights exploring this ancient capital, before spending a final night back in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Guide Price
From £2,995 per person based on a shared room for departures in April.
Day by Day Itinerary
Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.
Flight: BR68 London Heathrow - Bangkok 21.20 - 15.45 (overnight)
Flight: PG235 Bangkok - Chiang Rai 17.55 - 19.25
Meet & greet: Upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, you will be welcomed to Thailand by a private English-speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Legend Chiang Rai (Superior Studio)
Morning tour of Chiang Rai: After breakfast, you will meet your guide and driver to visit some of the sights of Chiang Rai. Head to the clocktower which marks the centre of Chiang Rai, making a stop at the memorial to King Mengrai, where locals come throughout the day to give offerings and prayers. You will then visit Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai's most revered temple, which houses a deeply auspicious replica of the Phra Sing Buddha (Lion Buddha). Later, venture outside the city to visit the magnificent Wat Rong Kun or White Temple. The bright white colour of the temple, and its many ornamental mirrors, are said to symbolise the purity of Buddhism.
Afternoon at leisure: You will then be dropped back into the city. After your tour, you have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax at the hotel, or explore the city independently.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Legend Chiang Rai (Superior Studio)
Meals: Breakfast
Road journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong: After breakfast, you will be driven out of the city, heading north into Chiang Khong. Chiang Khong, right on Thailand's northern border with Laos, is a deeply rural district and you will pass through very attractive scenery as you climb into the hills towards your lodge. The journey will take around 2 hours, depending on local traffic.
Morning activities: On arrival at the Lodge, you will check in and enjoy a herbal juice made from local fruits. You will then watch a presentation about the Hmong and Lahu tribes, the Golden triangle area, and also about the giant catfish (locally known as Pla Buek). Pla Buek is the world's biggest fresh water fish, found stretches of the Mekong River nearby. You will also learn about activities that affect the Mekong River, especially for those people, whose lives depend on it. You will then be taken out for a tour the Hmong and Lahu hill tribe villages nearby, including a visit to the house of the resident Hmong shaman. Sample some tea with him, and learn about local customs and practices. Return to the lodge for a lunch served on the charming terrace that looks to the Mekong River and Laos.
Afternoon activities: In the afternoon, you will meet some ladies of the village, and be given firsthand advice on how to make Hmong batik handkerchief with Hmong ladies. Alternatively, you can learn how to make and set animal traps. Then you will help villagers to plant trees at the Herbal Plant Nursery Project. The project was started to commemorate the Thai King's 84th birthday, on December 5th 2011. The main objective of the project is to improve the quality of life of local people by educating them on how to grow vegetables and the importance of the eco-system in their village.
Evening activities: This evening, dinner will be served on the terrace, accompanied by traditional Hmong performances.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Lanjia Lodge (Standard Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full day activities: After breakfast, you will be taken for days' walk in the hills which surround the Lodge and Kiew Karn village. The walk begins from the lodge as you head up hill towards the Lahu community. At the Lahu village, you can observe families waking to the morning lights and doing their morning chores, or see the farmers getting ready to head into to the fields with their tools. You will walk along the trails, keeping the Mekong River and Laos to your right. The path will give you full view of the valleys, where you will walk through plantations, corn fields with small bamboo huts dotted throughout. You will learn about the burial ground of the Hmong Hill tribe, where tall grass grows under the shade of the trees. Along the walk, you will meet numerous farmers tending to their fields of various crops and rice. A picnic lunch will be taken in the forest, and later you will circle back and walk along the path on the other side of the hill, where you will drink in views of steep mountain ranges and valleys. Return to the lodge for dinner, and to spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Lanjia Lodge (Standard Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Private transfer to the border at Huay Xai: After breakfast at the lodge, you will be picked up and transferred to the Thai / Laos border. Say goodbye to your Thai companions, cross into Laos, and join your 2-night river cruise.
Luang Say Cruise: In Huay Xai you will be met by your Laotian guide and after the completion of immigration formalities, you will be transferred directly to the local, pier where you will embark on the Luang Say for the journey downstream to Pak Beng. This is a shared cruise with other passengers. En route one stop is made to observe rural life along the Mekong and visit minority ethnic groups; then, a buffet lunch on board. Arrive at Pak Beng before sunset and check-in at the Luang Say Lodge. You can then enjoy dinner on the terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Please note that the cruise itinerary is subject to alteration dependent on sailing conditions.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Luang Say Lodge (Standard Bungalow)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Luang Say Cruise: A continental breakfast is served on the terrace at 7am. The cruise then leaves the Luang Say Lodge at 8am, stopping mid-morning at Ban Baw village to observe the process of making traditional rice alcohol. Return to the boat, where a buffet lunch is served on board. The cruise will arrive at the Kamu Lodge around 2pm, and after checking in, you will be able to participate in a variety of activities including: visiting a Kamu village, joining an archery contest, or learning about rice planting and harvesting, traditional fishing and gold panning. A set menu dinner is served at the open air restaurant and you will stay overnight at Kamu Lodge in tented accommodation.
Please note tents at the Kamu Lodge do not have air-conditioning.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Kamu Lodge (Basic Tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Luang Say Cruise: After breakfast, you have the morning to further enjoy the activities on offer at Kamu Lodge. Lunch will be enjoyed at the lodge, and you will then check out around 2pm and travel upstream to Luang Prabang.
Private transfer: You will reach the ancient city in the early evening, where you will be met by a private guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel to relax.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mekong River View Hotel (Superior River View Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning tour of Luang Prabang: You can discuss with your guide the option of an early morning start (5.30am) to witness and partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat', or giving alms to the monks. This is a unique ritual still followed by the locals in Luang Prabang. Afterwards, you can also visit the local fresh market to see how the locals shop, before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, your tour starts with a visit to the quaint Royal Palace Museum, which gives a good overview of the local history. Next, you will visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style.
Afternoon visit to Kuang Si Waterfall: This afternoon, drive out of Luang Prabang to Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre, where you will see the process of silk weaving and see some traditional textiles. You will then drive out of the town towards the waterfalls, and there will be the option of stopping to visit Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum villages which are the main ethnic groups of Laos. Upon arrival at the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools, or walk along the forest trails. After spending time relaxing by the falls, you can visit the Bear Rescue Centre which does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear. Return to the city, where you will take the gentle climb to the top of Mount Phousi, which offers a spectacular panoramic sunset view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mekong River View Hotel (Superior River View Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Day at leisure: You have a full day at leisure today to explore the atmospheric ancient capital independently. Side trips, such as trips up the river to Pak Ou or trekking to nearby villages, can be arranged locally or through your guide. Staying within the city, there are a number of excellent cooking classes, plus great shopping opportunities in local craft centres.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mekong River View Hotel (Superior River View Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer: This morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your Bangkok Airways flight to Bangkok.
Flight: PG942 Luang Prabang - Bangkok 12.20 - 14.20
Private transfer: You will be met on arrival by a private guide and driver, who will transfer you to your city hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to unwind at the hotel, or dive in to the many attractions of the Thai capital.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ariyasomvilla (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer: After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport in Bangkok, where you will check in for the Eva Air flight to London Heathrow.
Flight: BR67 Bangkok - London Heathrow 13.05 - 19.20
Meals: Breakfast