Discover the inspirational heights of Northern Thailand and Laos.

This trip is for those who want a soul-quenching journey into the spiritual and action-packed heights of the Mekong River and Laos! Traverse jungle landscapes and dive into wondrous waterfalls, admire shimmering caves and the mighty Mekong river, and learn about Buddhist beliefs by studying the temples and watching the orange-clad monks.

We spend 8 days exploring Thailand, Laos. We visit Chiang Mai, Chiang Khong, Mekong River Delta, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane.

What Is Included...

  • Your legendary Busabout crew

  • 7 nights’ accommodation

  • 7 breakfasts and 3 lunches

  • All transport incl. Mekong boat and private bus

  • 2

  • day Mekong cruise

  • Visit Khun Korn Waterfall in Chiang Rai

  • Visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai

  • Entrance to Pak Ou Caves in Laos

  • Alms giving in Laos

  • Mt. Poussi sunset trip in Luang Prabang

  • Entrance to Kuang Si Falls

  • Kayaking trip in Vang Vieng

  • Visit to Ock Pop Tok Laos Handicrafts Centre

  • Visit the COPE Centre in Vientiane

Trip Highlights
  • Sail down the mighty Mekong River
  • Kayak the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng
  • Appreciate the colonial town of Luang Prabang

Check these off your bucket list

Mekong River Mekong River
White Temple Chiang Rai White Temple Chiang Rai
Explore Vientiane Explore Vientiane

8 Day Itinerary

Northern Thailand & Laos Adventure 8 day full itinerary breakdown and route map

Day 1

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong

Get excited, it’s time for the adventure to begin! We’ll depart early this morning for the mountainous district of Chiang Khong. We’ll have a stop en route in the picturesque Chiang Rai district, where you can grab a quick lunch before visiting the stunning ivory temple of Wat Rong Khun. The old dilapidated building was completely renovated by a local artist and the result is this incredible White Temple. Next up, we’ll visit the thundering falls of Khun Korn. The route is very slippery, so make sure you’ve got decent footwear, and snap some epic photos! Explore the surrounding jungles and have a refreshing swim before heading off on the final leg towards the border with Laos. We arrive into Chiang Khong and check in to our accommodation, before an evening spent by the Mekong River enjoying our last night in Thailand.

Day 2

Chiang Rai to Pakbeng (Mekong Cruise)

Rise and shine, this morning we leave early so we don’t have to queue at the border of Laos for too long. After passing through immigration we board the friendship bus and cross the bridge into Laos! We then board our long boat on the mighty Mekong River, and it’s time to kick back and relax as we cruise along the meandering river. Get snap happy and capture the natural beauty of Laos, listen to music, enjoy an included on-board lunch, and chat with your travel mates as we make our way to the village of Pakbeng. We arrive in the early evening before strolling the exciting markets of the village. Tonight, enjoy a refreshing Beerlao or some fiery Lao Lao as we watch the sunset over the Mekong before heading out for your first restaurant visit in stunning Laos. - Breakfast and lunch included

Day 3

Pakbeng to Luang Prabang (Mekong Cruise)

This morning we make our watery way east to the UNESCO-listed villages that collectively form the city of Luang Prabang. We have a stop en route at the Pak Ou Caves, at the mouth of the Pak Ou river, where you’ll see hundreds of miniature Buddha statues! We’ll fill our bellies with another fantastic included on-board lunch before our arrival at Luang Prabang port. Check in and join your guide for an afternoon exploring this awesome city. Spend your time roaming the streets and exploring the numerous markets and temples of this cultural wonderland. Watch the sunset from the best vantage point available high atop Mount Phousi before heading off to explore the night markets. - Breakfast and lunch included

Day 4

Luang Prabang

Up and at ‘em! Join your guide today for an unmissable trip to the incredible Kuang Si Falls. Take in the scenery and snap some jealousy-inducing pics as you relax and swim in the picturesque surroundings. Before returning we have a stop at Ock Pop Tok, a vibrant community of artisans with a tonne of quality handmade trinkets on offer. - Breakfast included

Day 5

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

It’s an early start this morning but trust us, it’s worth it! Join in the unique local experience of giving alms to the procession of monks as they make their way through the city streets on their daily trek. Then it’s time to head south for the majestic karst hills of Vang Vieng. Enjoy the lush greenery of the Laotian countryside, followed by a delicious optional lunch before we explore the town and surrounds. Tonight, we head out for a delicious dinner by the river and a few warm up drinks. Vang Vieng is renowned as a party town, so if you’re up for it, head out for an unforgettable night. - Breakfast included

Day 6

Vang Vieng

Do a bit of shopping before joining us for an exciting included day trip kayaking the Nam Song River. Cruising along this refreshing lifeline is the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of Laos. Wind your way through shimmering rice paddies with stops to explore caves, frolic in the water and hike to viewpoints. Tonight, we head out for a delicious dinner followed by a few drinks and another night in this eclectic paradise. - Breakfast and lunch included

Day 7

Vang Vieng to Vientiane

It’s time to set a course south for the Laotian capital of Vientiane. We stop en route at the Ban Houei Mo, a local fish market to get a taste of rural life in Laos before continuing on to make our midday arrival in Vientiane. We’ll explore all the best sights including the humanitarian COPE Centre, the Patuxai War Monument, and Buddha Park just to name a few! Tonight, we’ll do some last-minute shopping at the night markets before we head out for the big send off to our incredible Asian adventure! - Breakfast included

Day 8

Vientiane

Check-out is after breakfast. We hope to see you again! - Breakfast included

See full itinerary

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