The Golden Triangle | Thailand and Laos Tour
Travel overland from Chiang Mai through the remote and picturesque mountains of the infamous Golden Triangle to UNESCO World Heritage Luang Prabang
Northern Laos and the Golden Triangle
Our 2-week Thailand and Laos tour, Northern Laos and the Golden Triangle is a superb introduction to the spectacular scenery, still very traditional culture and rich history of this truly fascinating, yet relatively little known, region.
We’ll begin the tour in Thailand’s northern capital – the delightful and historic city of Chiang Mai – before heading north through spectacular mountain scenery to Chiang Rai and the infamous Golden Triangle. Until recently, a remote lawless area of opium caravans and competing warlords, today we can discover its bucolic scenery, ancient cities, fabulous temples, vibrant markets and tranquil riverside towns.
From here, we’ll cross the Mekong into northern Laos. Travelling by road and boat through rugged mountain landscapes populated by myriad hill-tribe groups, we’ll arrive at the stunning ancient capital, now UNESCO World Heritage Site, of Luang Prabang. Time to explore the beautiful temples, colonial architecture and surrounding villages of what is considered the best-preserved town in Southeast Asia, with ample opportunity to relax in riverside cafes and check out the town’s unique cuisine.
From Luang Prabang, a scenic drive across the dramatic central highlands takes us to the fascinating and enigmatic Plain of Jars – also recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Our last stop is the laid-back, present-day capital, Vientiane with its scenic Mekong side location.
For those with more time, there’s the option of extending your Thailand and Laos tour south from Vientiane into the surreal limestone landscapes of Khammouane Province and serene 4,000 Islands on our Mekong Adventure while a variety of extensions and/or extra nights can be arranged in Chiang Mai prior to your tour.
Also note that, while a land-locked country, a variety of beach and island extensions are available in Lao’s neighbours Vietnam and Thailand should you have the time and inclination to add on a few days ‘R and R’ after your tour.
Since airfares are fluctuating wildly at present, as well as varying considerably from period to period, our ‘with flight’ prices, below, are approximate only.
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 1 - Chiang Mai - arrival and time to explore
Arrival in Chiang Mai, the cultural and historical capital of Northern Thailand. Time to explore this charming city or just recover from jet lag by the pool, before an evening walk along the nearby Mae Kha Canal and one of the vibrant street markets.
Overnight: Chiang Mai Transport: Walk, Meals: D,
Day 2 - Chiang Rai - travel north through the mountains
Morning departure for a scenic drive through the mountains to neighbouring Chiang Rai, formerly the main commercial centre for the infamous Golden Triangle region – so-called because of its previous notoriety for warlords and opium cultivation. Stops on the way include some hot springs as well as Wat Rong Khun, the spectacular ‘White Temple’.
Overnight: Chiang Rai Transport: Minibus, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 3 - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle tour
Day tour of some of the sites of this northern region. Travel to Sob Ruak where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet, and visit the unusual Opium Museum, before following the Mekong River via the historic ruined city of Chiang Saen to our day’s final destination, the scenic riverside town of Chiang Khong.
Overnight: Chiang Khong Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 4 - Luang Nam Tha - cross the Mekong to Laos
Cross the Mekong into Laos where we’ll travel through mountains and jungle to the remote town of Luang Nam Tha near the Chinese border. Stops on the way include the scenic, and only recently discovered, Kao Rao limestone cave system, as well as some of the area’s traditional minority villages. Overnight at a beautifully situated eco-lodge on the banks of the Tha River.
Overnight: Luang Nam Tha Transport: Minibus, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 5 - Nam Ha National Park - day trek
A day trip and hike through the spectacular scenery of the Nam Ha National Protected Area, including a visit to a hill-tribe village to discover the traditional way of life of the area’s ethnic Akha people. Guides will show you some of the various forest plants used by the hill-tribe peoples as medicine or food, as well as cooking you a traditional Akha jungle lunch. (Maximum hiking 5-6 hours, but hikes can be tailored to suit all abilities.)
Overnight: Luang Nam Tha Transport: Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 6 - Nong Khiaw - scenic mountain drive
Continue across the mountains of Oudom Xai Province to the picturesque village of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Ou River. We’ll stop to visit a Hmong village and hill-tribe market and stay overnight in traditional Lao-style wooden chalets set spectacularly on the banks overlooking the river.
Overnight: Nong Khiaw Transport: Minibus, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 7 - Nong Khiaw - boat trip up the Ou
Boat trip up the scenic Nam Ou. The section north of Nong Khiaw is the most spectacular stretch of the river, winding through dramatic limestone escarpments. We’ll stop at a Khmu/Hmong village only accessible by boat and return to Nong Khiaw in the afternoon with some time to relax in this superb mountain setting. Discover the area on foot or by bicycle, or just sit back on your balcony and admire the mountains and river below.
Overnight: Nong Khiaw Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 8 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves and on to Luang Prabang
Morning drive south through the Ou River Valley, to the famous cave temples of Pak Ou. Lunch in a riverside café, followed by a visit to a local village, with an afternoon boat journey down the Mekong River to the ancient Lao mountain capital of Luang Prabang.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Minibus, Boat, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 9 - Luang Prabang - morning walking tour and afternoon at leisure
Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world, discover World Heritage Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, French colonial architecture and sample Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes. A morning walking tour includes the old king’s palace, Wat Xiengthong, Phu Si Hill Temple and the Fine Arts School while an afternoon at leisure allows you to wander the quiet lanes or check out the hill-tribe market.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 10 - Luang Prabang - into the surrounding countryside
Day trip through the surrounding scenic hills where we’ll visit the spectacular Kuang Si Falls and adjacent Free the Bears project. Stops on the way offer the opportunity to discover the fascinating traditional village life of some of the local villagers as well as take in the bucolic landscapes.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 11 - Central Highlands - overland to Phonsavan
Early departure for a drive along scenic mountain roads to Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang province – location of the famous and mysterious Plain of Jars. Stops on the way include Khmu and Hmong villages and a hidden cave temple that served as an army hospital during the Vietnam War. Late afternoon arrival and an atmospheric dusk visit to one of the famous jar sites.
Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Minibus, Meals: B, L,
Day 12 - Plain of Jars - morning tour and transfer to Vientiane
Morning visit to the Mines Action Group, (MAG), office to learn about the work they do in clearing land mines and unexploded ordnance in the area. We then travel out to the picturesque Jar Site 2, and begin our 1-hour trek along the ridge to the impressive Jar Site 3, consisting of over around 150 jars located on top of a hill and offering great views over the surrounding countryside. Lunch in Phonsavan before a flight to the Lao capital of Vientiane and time perhaps to stretch our legs with a stroll along the Mekong waterfront for sundowners in a riverside café.
Overnight: Vientiane Transport: Plane, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 13 - Vientiane - in and around the capital
Our tour of some of the city’s sites includes picturesque Si Saket Temple with its 1,000 Buddhas, the colourful morning market, Vientiane’s famous That Luang Stupa, plus the highly unusual Buddha Park. Less cheerful, but we feel important and very informative, is a stop at the COPE Visitors Centre, established to highlight a problem the local people face daily in the form of unexploded war ordnance.
Overnight: Vientiane Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 14 - Vientiane - morning at leisure and departure
Morning at leisure in Vientiane and departure at your convenience.
Extra nights in Vientiane after your tour or in Chiang Mai beforehand are available on request.
Airport transfers are included if you purchase the 'with flights' package. If you purchased your own flights, airport transfers can be arranged.
Overnight: Departure Transport: Walk, Meals: B,
Details
The nitty-gritty, the things you need to know, the answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
Departures
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Hotels
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Visa Info & Notes
Just a few of the many highlights
Through the glorious mountain landscapes of Thailand's once infamous Golden Triangle Region to the beautifully preserved UNESCO site and ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang
- Discover the ancient temples, bustling markets and quiet lanes of Thailand's charming northern capital Chiang Mai
- Our Luang Nam Tha stay includes a stay at the Boat Landing eco-lodge and a hike in Nam Ha Biodiversity Area
- A 2-night stay in picturesque northern Laos' Nong Khiaw village on the banks of the Ou River
- A tour of the infamous Golden Triangle region - scenic landscapes, ancient cities and of course the famous opium museum
- Explore the ancient temples, colonial architecture and bustling markets of UNESCO World Heritage Luang Prabang
- ...and last but not least sample the renowned Lao and Thai cuisines in restaurants, street stalls and markets
Air Departures (UK) *From
- 13 June 23 2,790 GBP
- 18 July 23 2,790 GBP
- 15 August 23 2,790 GBP
- 19 September 23 2,790 GBP
- 17 October 23 2,790 GBP
- 14 November 23 2,840 GBP
- 10 December 23 2,840 GBP
- 6 January 24 2,940 GBP
- 3 February 24 2,840 GBP
Land Departures
- 14 June 23 1,990 GBP
- 19 July 23 1,990 GBP
- 16 August 23 1,990 GBP
- 20 September 23 1,990 GBP
- 18 October 23 1,990 GBP
- 15 November 23 2,040 GBP
- 11 December 23 2,040 GBP
- 7 January 24 2,040 GBP
- 4 February 24 2,040 GBP
Guaranteed Places Left Special Price Solo Traveller Closed
*Air departures are from the UK. Land departures start from Chiang Mai
*Land departure dates correspond to the FIRST day of the itinerary.
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
Sugar Cane Chiang Mai view
- Small, family-run, boutique style accommodation
- Well-appointed with pool, garden, bar and restaurant
- Excellent quiet yet central location
20 Lodge Chiang Mai view
- Delightful lush garden setting & pool
- Quiet location in the Old City
- Small, friendly and a welcoming family style
Laluna Resort Chiang Rai view
- Comfortable individual chalets in a stunning tropical garden
- 5 minute tuk-tuk ride from the town's lively night bazaar
- Pool, spa, massage and excellent in-house restaurant
Namkong Riverside Hotel Chiang Khong view
- Namkong Riverside in the small border town of Chiang Khong
- Perfect location overlooking the Mekong River and Laos
- Comfy well-appointed rooms and friendly service
Nong Kiau Riverside view
- Spectacular riverside location on the banks of the Ou
- Traditional Lao-style wooden stilt chalets
- Convenient location, a short stroll to Nong Khiaw Village
Villa Chitdara Luang Prabang view
- 'French colonial' chic at Luang Prabang's Villa Chitdara
- Friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere and central location
- Great spot for exploring the old World Heritage town
Chanthapanya Hotel Vientiane view
- Well-appointed rooms with pool, restaurant, bar and gym
- Great location, a short walk from town centre and riverside
- Centrally located yet quiet position
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
Visa Info & Notes
Visas:
Thailand: No visa in advance is required. A free 30-day visa for Thailand is issued on arrival at an international airport.
Laos: 30-day tourist visas are issued to most nationalities at the visa on arrival counters at international airports as well as any land entry point. (You can check the list at this link.) For some reason, Swiss, Luxembourgeois and Russian passport holders are exempt from visas while any nationalities not included in the visa on arrival list will need to apply at a Lao embassy or consulate beforehand.
Requirements are at least 6 months passport validity, a minimum of 1 blank page and 2 passport-sized photos. Application forms are available at immigration counters though if arriving by flight they are usually handed out by cabin crew while for land crossings our guides are on hand with forms and assistance.
The fees are only payable in $US except for Thai/Lao land crossings where baht are accepted and this is where things do get slightly complicated as pricing does vary from country to country. Most European passport holders plus South African, Australian and NZ are charged $30 with the exception of Swedish who pay $1 more and British who pay an extra $5. US citizens are also charged $35 while, for reasons we can’t fathom, Canadians pay $41. (Note a $1 overtime fee is charged for public holidays and outside of standard Lao office hours.)
A Lao tourist visa is a 1-page stick on type and you’ll receive additional, regular-sized, entry and exit stamps.
Tipping: we recommend a kitty system for the smaller, daily tips such as hotel/restaurant staff and local guides and drivers. Amounts inevitably vary with group size but would generally be in the region of $3-4 per person, per day. With regards guides accompanying you for longer periods we’d recommend a separate tip of approximately $5 per person, per day though of course, this is always discretionary and performance-related. (Local currency or USD are fine.)
Meals: Breakfasts are generally hotel buffets with lunch and dinners based on local food. Your tour-leader will usually order a selection of dishes, local-style, while a number of meals are not included, which allows you to ‘do your own thing’ or take a break if you’re feeling ‘riced out’.
Although you may assume Lao cuisine is little-known outside of Laos the fact that it’s hugely popular in neighbouring Thailand is a good reference and indeed many well-known Thai dishes such as the famous green papaya salad (som tam) and spicy minced pork salad (laap) are of Lao origin. Certain dishes can be pretty firey – though your tour-leader can, of course, ask for them to be toned down – while the more Chinese and Vietnamese influenced dishes, which will be more familiar to foreign travellers, being generally mild.
Both vegan and vegetarian diets are easily catered to.
Accommodation: all choices fall into the comfortable boutique-style 3* range and are en-suite and air-conditioned. We have posted a selection of sample accommodation on the lefthand hotel tab but please note that as we try and avoid the larger hotels, availability, in high season particularly, means we use several options in each destination. Please note that since many establishments are on the small size, swimming pools are not a guaranteed feature.
Activities: note that no activities are compulsory and that any offered, including trekking, can be tailored for any fitness level or alternatives suggested.
Further info: detailed descriptions and photos can be found on the corresponding page of our travel blog.
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