Laos & Thailand - Food & Adventure
Now's the time to explore Laos and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Wander the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang, admire the limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng before taking a slow boat down the Mekong, and explore the streets of Bangkok, a city that pulses with endless colour and character. See a side of Southeast Asia like you've never seen before.
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Day 1 - Vientiane
Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital.
After meeting your CEO and fellow travellers this evening, wander through the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Pick up a street beer or tea as you browse through the stalls of souvenirs and local delicacies. Follow your CEO to grab the best street food — or, you know, follow your nose.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Connect with New Friends - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
- City Inn Vientiane (or similar)
Optional Activities
Wat Pha That Luang Visit - Vientiane
See Laos’ national symbol and most important sacred monument, Pha That Luang (Great Stupa), completely covered in gold leaf. Every November, devoted Buddhists come here to celebrate Vientiane’s most important festival, Bun That Luang, with parades, music, and religious ceremonies.
Day 2 - Vientiane/Vang Vieng
Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to a famous local view point for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary. This evening, enjoy a drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!
Meals included
Private Vehicle transport - Vientiane – Vang Vieng, 3h-4h - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Vang Vieng Guided Hike - Vang Vieng, 1h-2h
Set off on a guided hike to Pha Ngeun, the highest viewpoint in Vang Vieng. Enjoy beautiful views of the valley below, surrounded by rice paddies.
Vang Vieng Nightlife - Vang Vieng
Follow your CEO to the best bar in town to celebrate new adventures with newfound friends. Enjoy a drink on our tab and immerse yourself in the Vang Vieng nightlife. Try your hand at some games, enjoy the music, and dance the night away.
Day 3 - Vang Vieng
Pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour.
Meals included
Enjoy a day of time to spend how you wish, perhaps set off and explore the beautiful Vang Vieng area, or relax to your heart's content.
Optional Activities
Hiking - Vang Vieng
Set off along the banks of the river to explore nearby caves, countryside and meet local villagers to find out more about their way of life.
Caving - Vang Vieng
Explore some of the many caves in the area. Some have lagoons for tubing in the dark or smooth terrain perfect for walking through. Ask your CEO for recommendations on which cave to visit for the best time.
Bike Rental - Vang Vieng
Rent a bike and explore the countryside.
Kayaking - Vang Vieng
Explore the stunning landscape of Vang Vieng by kayak, a great way to see the caves and wildlife in the area.
Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle - Vang Vieng
Head North of Vang Vieng where you’ll grab a kayak and depart downstream on the NamSong river. Passing greenery, mountain karst, and small rapids, you’ll arrive at the Tham None cave. Adventure through the cave to the other side of the mountain where you will enjoy lunch before continuing on towards Vang Vieng. The last stop will be at the infamous Blue Lagoon; swim or hang out along the banks after an afternoon of adventure before heading back to the town.
Day 4 - Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang
Continue to colourful Luang Prabang and make your first acquaintance with this ancient city during an afternoon orientation walk. Afterward, embark on a short trek up sacred Mount Phousi, climbing the stone stairs with scaly golden handrails, past the Monks quarters and Buddha's footprint cave, to reach the temple at the top - Wat Phousi. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sun setting upon Luang Prabang and the Mekong River before an evening street food crawl.
Meals included
Private Vehicle transport - Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang, 7h - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk - 30m-1h
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Sunset at Wat Phousi - Luang Prabang
Watch the sunset from Luang Prabang's number one hilltop temple, Wat Phousi, with a 360-degree view of the city and Mekong River.
Street Food Crawl - Luang Prabang, 1h-2h
Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!
Day 5 - Luang Prabang
Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk through town before dawn. Dressed in saffron robes, they receive daily alms from local residents. Then, visit the Kuang Si waterfalls on a guided excursion before free time in the evening.
Traditional Laotian culture involves giving daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Should you rise early, you’ll get to watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos.
Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion - Kuang Si Falls – Luang Prabang
Journey to this magnificent tiered waterfall, where relaxing is highly recommended. Opt for a dip in the turquoise waters and explore multiple picture-perfect pools, framed by the jungle landscape.
Enjoy free time today to spend as you choose! From witnessing the giving of alms in town to exploring the countryside, Luang Prabang has something for everyone. Get out and explore!
Meals included
Optional Activities
Wat Visoun Temples - Luang Prabang
Originally built in 1513 and still operational, Wat Visoun is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple. Over the year’s invaders stole many of its priceless Buddha images, but this temple still offers some unusual architecture like the domed lotus flower stupa, designed by a royal and affectionately called "The Watermelon Stupa."
Phousi Temple Visit - Luang Prabang
Climb more than 300 steps to the top of Mount Phou Si for a panoramic view of the sunset over Luang Prabang. Ornate Buddhist shrines dot the pathway up and the glistening seven-tiered golden pagoda of Wat Chom Si awaits at the summit.
Royal Palace Museum Visit - Luang Prabang
The ornate rooms of this royal palace-turned-museum house the country’s crown jewels, many religious artifacts, and a 50kg (110 lb) Buddha, cast of gold, silver and bronze. Gifts from visiting heads of state are on display, as are the beautiful silk screens crafted by the Queen.
Wat Xien Thong Visit - Luang Prabang
Once a royal temple where Kings were crowned, the importance of this 16th-century Buddhist temple as a religious monastery is not lost on visitors. Wat Xieng Thong stands resplendent among shrines, pavilions, chapels, towers and gardens, and its gilded wooden doors, mosaics, and ceiling displays are representative of typical Laos art and craft.
Cooking Class - Luang Prabang
Enjoy the sights and smells of fresh produce, local spices and exotic ingredients and learn the secrets of Laotian cuisine.
Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre Visit - Luang Prabang
Visit Ock Pop Tok "East Meets West" Living Crafts Centre on the banks of the Mekong River to learn from artisans about Laos handicrafts and the importance of woven textiles in Laos culture. Opt to enjoy a drink in the cafe.
Royal Ballet Theatre - Luang Prabang
Enjoy a traditional performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre and learn more about Laotian culture through the art of dance.
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Entry - Luang Prabang
Take an independent tour of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) to learn about the traditional arts and cultures of Laos’s many diverse ethnic groups. Shop in the TAEC Boutique for authentic village-made handicrafts and relax with a drink at the museum café.
Sunrise Alms-giving - Luang Prabang
Rise early and watch the daily dawn ceremony of saffron-robed monks walking through town to receive alms from local residents. Residents prepare food for the monks to subsist on. Seeing this custom is a beautiful way to gain some insight into the local culture and Buddhist religion. Please be respectful and quietly observe.
Day 6 - Luang Prabang/Pak Beng
The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long, cosy houseboat that will take you on a two-day journey up the Mekong River en-route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Today, cruise to a village homestay for the night, experience a Baci welcome ceremony, and enjoy dinner with your hosts.
Mekong River Slow Boat activity - Luang Prabang – Muang Pakbèng, 8h-10h
Enjoy the ride down the Mekong River on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.
Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony - Muang Pakbèng
G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation have worked with two communities in the Mekong River to help develop their homestay programs, providing a unique cultural experience for travellers and the local community.
Here you have the chance to stay overnight in a Mekong village to get a glimpse into rural daily life. Experience a traditional Baci Ceremony, typically held to celebrate weddings, the Lao New Year, a housewarming or the arrival of guests. A village elder (called "mor phon") will lead our group through the experience, calling on local deities and spirits through chanting, with foods such as sweets, eggs, and sticky rice presented during the ceremony. As the Baci Ceremony ends, a symbolic white thread will be tied around travellers' wrists - a tradition which bestows good luck upon those who visit the Mekong River.
Accommodation
- Homestay Pakbeng (or similar)
Meals included
Day 7 - Pak Beng/Chiang Khong
New day, same magnificent Mekong. Today’s your second travel day, where you’ll cross into Thailand arriving in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon. Sit back, relax, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and enjoy the scenic ride.
Mekong River Slow Boat - Muang Pakbèng – Ban Houayxay, 8h-10h
Enjoy the ride down the Mekong on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.
Border Crossing (Laos - Thailand) - Ban Houayxay – Chiang Khong
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation
- Namkhong Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals included
Day 8 - Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai
Take in the rolling countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai nestled alongside Thailand's northern mountains. Spend the afternoon getting to know this peaceful city known for traditional markets and glorious temples. Choose to visit Doi Suthep, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Private Vehicle transport - Chiang Khong – Chiang Mai, 6h-7h - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
In the afternoon, enjoy time at your leisure, get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.
Accommodation
- Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Optional Activities
Muay Thai Fight - Chiang Mai
Watch a round of Muay Thai -- it's a sport unique to Thailand that’s gaining popularity around the world. Muay Thai has many of the same principles as kickboxing. Learn more about this engrossing sport with a visit to a match -- don't worry, you're not expected to pick up your gloves and fight.
Massage (Southeast Asia)
Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.
Night Market - Chiang Mai
Pick up a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts.
Doi Suthep Temple – Chiang Mai
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Chiang Mai Cycling Tour
Meander through Chiang Mai by bike and get an alternative view of this bustling city.
Khantoke Dinner and Show - Chiang Mai
Enjoy dinner northern Khantok style, with local entertainment. The main dishes on the Khantok usually include sticky rice, Hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chilli pasted with crispy pork.
Northern Thai Cooking Class - Chiang Mai
Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cosy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.
Day 9 - Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace making the most of this unique city. Visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep as it stands watch over the city from the hills above, take a bicycle ride in the countryside, or relax with a massage. Or learn how to drive a tuk tuk and explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.
Enjoy a day of leisure time, get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.
Meals included
Accommodation
- Basic Overnight Train (beds) transport - Chiang Mai – Bangkok, 12h-13h
Note: Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en-route to your next stop.
Optional Activities
Massage (Southeast Asia)
Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.
Doi Suthep Temple Visit – Chiang Mai
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Chiang Mai Cycling Tour
Meander through Chiang Mai by bike and get an alternative view of this bustling city.
Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure - Chiang Mai
Learn how to drive a classic Thai mode of transport—the tuk-tuk—then set off for a full-day Northern Thailand adventure like no other. With your very own guide, explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai, drive past rice fields and temples as you weave through the countryside, and experience Thai hospitality at its finest over lunch and chatting with the local people. Drinking water throughout the day, as well as pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai, is included. Please note: if you wish to drive the tuk-tuk, you must have a valid driver’s license (manual driver’s license for certain countries) and successfully learn tuk-tuk manual gear/stick shift during the training session, otherwise you will be chauffeured.
Day 10 - Bangkok
After arriving in Bangkok, the day is yours to freely explore the many sights of Thailand's bustling capital. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Use this time to buy any last-minute souvenirs or treat yourself to a Thai massage. In the evening, celebrate the end of this amazing journey with your fellow travellers during a night out you won’t soon forget.
Free Day to spend as you choose, Bangkok has so much to offer its visitors. Get out and explore!
Accommodation
- Bangkok Centre Hotel (or similar)
Optional Activities
Grand Palace Visit - Bangkok
Visit the King’s official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Po Visit - Bangkok
This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Klong Riverboat Tour - Bangkok
Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River. Go through the smaller klongs (canals) to see skyscrapers, temples, and shops in the distance, and the densely populated waterfront settlements up close.
National Museum Visit - Bangkok
See Thai artifacts on display from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods as well as other Southeast Asian collections.
Jim Thompson's House Visit - Bangkok
Tour the Jim Thompson House, a Bangkok museum that was once the home of American businessman Jim Thompson, the “Legendary American of Thailand.” See his collection of Buddhist and secular art, amassed while building his silk company.
Day 11 - Bangkok
Today, it’s time to say farewell to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.
Meals included
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