‘Unexplored, The Far North’ | Thailand, Laos and Vietnam Tour
A real 'there be dragons' tour as only a little over a hundred years ago much of this remote, mountainous region of northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam was still just a large blank on the map
Number 1 in Wanderlust Magazine's Top 9 Long Journeys for 2020
Our Unexplored, the Far North is a 3-week off-the-beaten-track Thailand, Laos and Vietnam tour. Little more than one hundred years ago much of these northern reaches of Southeast Asia were still marked on maps as simply – ‘unexplored’!
This northern Indochina tour will offer you the chance to journey overland through some of these remote, rarely-visited, but truly spectacular regions, from Thailand’s infamous Golden Triangle, across the dramatic mountains and forests of Northern Laos and into the lush valleys and high peaks of Northwest Vietnam, inhabited by myriad, still very traditional, hill-tribe minorities.
Travelling from our starting point in northern Thailand’s famous Golden Triangle, we’ll discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Luang Prabang and the enigmatic Plain of Jars as well as exploring the unusual ‘Hidden City’ of Vieng Xai. Crossing the Lao Vietnam border at Nam Meo, we’ll continue to Pu Luong National Park and the spectacular rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, set amid the awe-inspiring karst mountains (the Tonkinese Alps to the early French explorers) and myriad traditional hill-tribe villages of northwestern Vietnam.
Our tour finishes in the Vietnamese capital – also World Heritage-listed – Hanoi offering, for those with an extra couple of days to spare, the possibility of adding on a 2-day, 1-night extension to fabulous Halong Bay with an overnight stay onboard a traditional-style wooden junk.
Conversely, for those with less time, a shorter, 2-week version, of this tour, Mountains and Hill-tribes, begins in Lao’s Luang Prabang before following a similar itinerary to the Plain of Jars, Mu Cang Chai, Pu Luong and Hanoi.
Also note that for anyone wishing to add on a few days quality ‘R and R’ after your Thailand Laos and Vietnam tour domestic flights from Hanoi can whisk you directly to Phu Quoc Island or, by way of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Airport, to Mui Nei.
Since airfares are fluctuating wildly at present, as well as varying considerably from period to period, our ‘with flight’ prices, below, are approximate only.
Includes: Meals: B x 20, L x 16, D x 11
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. Afternoon free to relax or explore this charming, friendly city before an evening tour of the famous night bazaar and a local-style welcome dinner.
Overnight: Chiang Mai Transport: Walk, Meals: D,
Day 2 - Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai - over the mountains
Scenic drive through the mountains to neighbouring Chiang Rai Town – the main commercial centre for the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’ region – so-called because of its former notoriety for warlords and opium cultivation. A stop on the way to visit the unique ‘White Temple – Wat Rong Khun – and overnight in charming chalet-style accommodation set in a lush tropical garden.
Overnight: Chiang Rai Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 3 - The Golden Triangle - botanical gardens and ancient city
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 the Mekong - into Laos
Cross the Mekong into Laos and upcountry through scenic mountains to the remote town of Luang Nam Tha near the Chinese border. Stops on the way at villages of the Lanten and Khmu ethnic minorities, as well as the recently discovered, Kao Rao limestone cave system.
Overnight: Luang Nam Tha Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 5 - Luang Nam Tha - Nam Ha National Park
Visit the Nam Ha National Protected Area. Hike through the spectacular scenery and visit hill-tribe villages 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 villagers as medicine or food, as well as cooking up a traditional-style, Akha ‘jungle lunch’!
Overnight: Luang Nam Tha Transport: Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 6 - Road trip - mountain drive to scenic Nong Khiaw
Drive across the mountains of Oudom Xai Province to the picturesque village of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Ou River. On route we will visit a Hmong village and a hill-tribe market with an overnight stay in traditional Lao-style wooden chalets set high on the banks overlooking the river.
Overnight: Nong Khiaw Transport: Minibus, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 7 - Nong Khiaw - boat trip up the Ou
Journey by boat up the Ou River. The section north of Nong Khiaw is perhaps the most spectacular stretch of the river as it winds its way through dramatic limestone escarpments where we’ll stop at a Khmu/Hmong village accessible only by boat. Return to Nong Khiaw, with some time to relax in this superb mountain setting, explore the area on foot or bicycle or just sit back on your balcony and admire the scenery.
Overnight: Nong Khiaw Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 8 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves and on to Luang Prabang
Morning drive south, following the Ou River Valley, to the famous cave temples near Pak Ou. Lunch in a riverside café with an afternoon arrival in the ancient Lao capital and now World Heritage site of Luang Prabang and perhaps sunset at the nearby Phu Si hill temple?
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 9 - Luang Prabang - walking tour and afternoon at leisure
Walking tour to discover the fabulous temples and French colonial architecture with the afternoon at leisure to allow you to wander the quiet, picturesque lanes, check out the hill-tribe handicraft market or a well-placed riverside café at your own pace.
Overnight: Luang Prabang Transport: Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 10 - Kuang Si - into the surrounding countryside
Head into the picturesque, surrounding hills where we’ll visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls and excellent Free the Bears Rescue Centre. Stops en-route allow us to discover the fascinating, and still very traditional, village life of some of the region’s local people.
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, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 12 - Plain of Jars - Muang Khoun ancient city
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.
In the afternoon we’ll take a scenic drive across the plateau to visit the atmospheric ruined city of Muang Khoun – a once opulent royal capital sacked by both Siamese and Vietnamese invaders and largely finished off by US B52s.
Overnight: Phonsavan Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 13 - Hua Phan - mountain scenery, menhirs and village visits
Departure for the remote town of Sam Neua in far north-eastern Laos. Our journey includes a visit to the mysterious Hintang menhirs, (Lao’s own mini-Stonehenge), stops at Hmong and Khmu settlements and a Tai Phong weaving village, as well as plenty of photo opportunities of the breath-taking scenery.
Overnight: Sam Neua Transport: Minibus, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 14 - Sam Neua - Vieng Xai Caves
After a stroll around Sam Neua town, including a riverside walk to the local fresh market, we’ll set off on the short drive to visit the former Communist Vieng Xai cave complex, now known as the Hidden City. The fascinating tour includes the famous tunnels, as well as lesser-visited sites hidden among the area’s beautiful karst, scenery.
Overnight: Sam Neua Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 15 - Pu Luong- across the border into Vietnam
Early morning departure through more spectacular countryside and past traditional Black Tai villages to the nearby border crossing at Nam Meo. From here we’ll head into the stunning scenery of Vietnam’s Pu Luong with an orientation hike into the national park and overnight at a superb eco-resort.
Overnight: Pu Luong Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 16 - Pu Luong National Park hike
Our 1-day exploration of stunning Pu Luong National Park includes nature hikes through the area’s differing ecosystems and (water levels permitting) a bamboo rafting trip, as well as visits to some of the local villages.
Overnight: Pu Luong Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 17 - On to Moc Chau
On through the mountains to Moc Chau – a small town set atop a 1,000-metre plateau, famous for tea plantations and inhabited mainly by people of the Hmong minority. Our afternoon’s activities include the ‘Pine Forest Trail’ and or the chance to participate in an unusual Hmong cookery class. Accommodation is chalet-style at a delightful village homestay in Hua Tat.
Overnight: Hua Tat Village Transport: Walk, Meals: B, D,
Day 18 - The terraces of Mu Cang Chai
Continue north to stunning Mu Cang Chai district – a sparsely inhabited region of rugged limestone mountains where most of the locals we’ll encounter are of the various Tai or Hmong minorities. In the afternoon we’ll explore the area’s spectacular and world-famous rice terraces before continuing to Tu Le, beyond Khau Pha Pass, and accommodation at the superb Le Champ Resort.
Overnight: Tu Le Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Day 19 - Tu Le - local villages and hot springs
Tu Le; another picturesque region, inhabited by a kaleidoscope of Hmong, Dzao, Muong and Black Tai groups. We’ll spend the morning discovering the stunning scenery and traditional villages with an afternoon at leisure to perhaps visit the area by bicycle or just sit back and enjoy the resort’s very own natural hot spring baths and mountain vista infinity pool!
Overnight: Tu Le Transport: Walk, Meals: B,
Day 20 - On to Hanoi
Time perhaps for a last dip before the last leg of our odyssey takes us southeast to Vietnam’s capital Hanoi where we’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in the bustling but fun Old Town district. An evening farewell dinner completes our day and tour.
Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 21 - Hanoi - morning at leisure and end of tour
Morning at leisure and departure at your convenience. Airport transfers are included if you purchase the ‘with flights’ package. If you purchased your own flights, airport transfers can be arranged.
A 2 day/1 night extension to explore the incredible scenery of World Heritage Halong Bay is available
Extra accommodation in Chiang Mai or Hanoi after your tour is available if required.
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
Visit some of the most spectacular, yet little-known, destinations of Indochina on this 3-week tour through remote mountains of northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam
- Discover the ancient temples, bustling markets and quiet lanes of Thailand's charming northern historic capital, Chiang Mai
- Explore the ancient temples, colonial architecture, narrow lanes and bustling markets of UNESCO World Heritage Luang Prabang
- Journey through some of Southeast Asia's most spectacular, yet least-known, landscapes
- Tour of the infamous Golden Triangle region: border markets, scenic landscapes, ancient cities and the famous opium museum
- Spectacular karst mountains, rice terrace-filled valleys and myriad hill tribe villages of Vietnam's remote northwest
- Discover the delicious and contrasting cuisines of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam in local cafes, street markets and even a jungle picnic
Air Departures (UK) *From
- 26 December 23 3,985 GBP
- 6 January 24 3,885 GBP
- 3 February 24 3,885 GBP
- 28 April 24 4,175 GBP
- 26 May 24 4,075 GBP
- 24 June 24 4,075 GBP
- 21 July 24 4,075 GBP
Land Departures
- 27 December 23 3,275 GBP
- 7 January 24 3,275 GBP
- 4 February 24 3,275 GBP
- 29 April 24 3,225 GBP
- 27 May 24 3,225 GBP
- 25 June 24 3,225 GBP
- 22 July 24 3,225 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
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
Pu Luong Eco Garden view
- Well-appointed and beautifully-located eco lodge
- Delightful garden setting and stream fed infinity pool
- Convenient setting on the edge of Pu Luong National Park
Le Champ view
- the resort comes with its very own natural, hot spring
- Excellent in-house restauarat with local and Western dishes
- Individual, chalet-style accommodation in a lush garden
MK Premier Boutique Hotel Hanoi view
- Located right in the heart of Hanoi's picturesque old town
- Great staff, coffee shop, rooftop bar and cracking breakfast
- Handy for exploring or just relax in their street-side cafe
*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 of charge 30-day visa for Thailand is issued on arrival at an international airport.
Laos: 30-day tourist visas are issued at the visa on arrival counters at international airports as well as any land entry point. ($30-50 depending upon nationality.) These are available for most nationalities with the exception of certain African and Middle Eastern countries. (If in doubt please check with your nearest Lao consulate or embassy.)
Vietnam: Visas are no longer required for citizens of certain, (mainly Western European), countries including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Scandinavian nations and the UK for single-entry visits of up to 45 days. (As of 15th August 2023.)
Note that there are some notable omissions from the list – Belgium and the Netherlands for example – as well as Canada, Australia, NZ and the US. For passport holders of countries not covered under the waiver scheme, a visa, or visa on arrival certificate, must be obtained before arrival in Vietnam and we strongly advise checking the latest requirements at your nearest Vietnamese consulate.
Visas are available from your nearest Vietnamese consulate or embassy at a cost of about £40 (c. $60). (Costs do vary from country to country.) Further information, as well as e-visas on arrival, are also available online at the following link; Vietnam e-visa. (You may find numerous, additional agents’ sites advertising Vietnam e-visas although bear in mind a commission will be charged.)
All: Your Thai entry point is Chiang Mai International Airport and exit point is the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge #4 (Chiang Khong). For the Lao section, the entry point is as per the Thai exit point while your exit point is Banteui/Nam Soy (Vieng Xay). The standard entry point for the Vietnam section of this tour is Na Meo Landport and the exit point is Noi Bai Int Airport (Hanoi). (A Vietnam e-visa is accepted at both entry and exit.)
Passport: Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam and Cambodia. You may be refused entry if your passport is damaged, in poor condition or does not have at least 2 blank pages remaining.
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: while all choices generally fall into the comfortable 3* range – en-suite and air-conditioned – certain of these destinations are seriously off the beaten track so please don’t expect anything too fancy! 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 common feature.
Activities: note that no activities are compulsory and that all, including trekking, can be tailored for any fitness level or alternatives suggested.
Further info: more details and photos of our ‘Unexplored – the Far North‘ tour or check our Lao reading and viewing list here.
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