The Golden Triangle | Thailand and Laos Tour

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 stroll along the nearby Mae Kha Canal or visit to 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, 

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 - Across to Laos and take the slow boat down the Mekong

Cross the Thai-Lao border at the nearby Friendship Bridge to Huay Xai Town where we’ll board our comfortable craft for a one-day boat cruise down the Mekong River. With a stop to stretch your legs at a hill-tribe village, we’ll arrive late afternoon at Pak Beng for an overnight stay in a beautifully situated riverside lodge. (Precise timing and village depend upon water levels)

Overnight: Pak Beng Transport: Boat,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 5 - North to an eco-resort in remote Oudomxai

A morning drive northeast up the valley of the Beng River takes us to Oudomxai Town and on to our secluded and well-appointed eco-resort set in a lush garden amid forested hills for an afternoon at leisure. Explore the area or simply relax by the resort’s well-situated pool.

Overnight: Oudomxai Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 6 - Nong Khiaw - scenic mountain drive

Leisurely morning with an optional stroll along a nearby canopy walkway for the more energetic before continuing east to Nong Khiaw and an stay overnight in traditional Lao-style wooden chalets set spectacularly on the banks overlooking the Ou River.

Overnight: Nong Khiaw Transport: Minibus,  Meals: B, 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, 

Day 10 - Luang Prabang - into the surrounding countryside

Morning drive into the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular turquoise ponds, cascades and falls at Kuang Si as well as the nearby Free the Bears site which houses moon, (Asiatic black) and sun bears rescued from hunters, the illegal animal trade and private zoos. Return to Luang Prabang after a stop for a riverside lunch at the Ock Pop Tok community weaving project.

Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 11 - Central Highlands - overland to Phonsavan

Early departure for a drive along 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.

Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Minibus,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 12 - Plain of Jars

Tour of spectacular Jar Site 1 and return to Phonsavan Town for lunch and a visit to the well-laid out Xieng Khouang Museum to learn about the background to the famous jars, as well as the region’s more recent history when it played a key role during the Vietnam conflict. In the afternoon we travel to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and begin our 1-hour hike to impressive Site 3, consisting of over 150 jars and offering great views over the surrounding countryside.

Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Plane, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 13 - Vientiane - in and around the capital

Short morning flight to Vientiane with an afternoon tour of some of the capital’s varied sites including Si Saket Temple with its 1,000 Buddha images and Vientiane’s most famous monument, That Luang Stupa. Less cheerful, but we feel important and highly informative, is a stop at the excellent COPE 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, 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,