13 Days Lao-Thailand Mekong Cruise and Hiking Tour from Vientiane to ChiangMai

Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos’ laid-back capital.

After meeting your guide and fellow travelers 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. Welcome dinner at the local restaurant.

Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to a famous local viewpoint for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary. This evening, enjoy a drink with us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!

Get the most out of Vang Vieng with a day to freely explore. Check out the caves by bicycle or trek through the countryside. Choose to kayak through Tham None cave and venture to the Blue Lagoon by booking the adrenaline bundle.

Continue to colorful 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 monk’s 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.

Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk through town before dawn. Dressed in saffron robes, they receive daily alms from 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 that 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.

The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long, cozy 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.

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.

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.

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 learn how to drive a tuk-tuk and explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure.

It’s time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you’ll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hill tribe communities is. Every village you’ll see has its language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It’s a few hours to the first village of hill tribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.

Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you’ve got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night.

Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.

After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie’s paradise. Try the city’s most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town and grab a drink on our tab to cheer for a completed trek and life-changing adventures!

Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok. or flight to Bangkok by your own account. End The Tour.