South East Asia Bucket List [Northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam] - 12 days (Weekly Departures)

 

Let’s go… hit the must see spots in Thailand & Laos (+ Hanoi, Vietnam) !!! This incredible 12 day adventure takes you through the major sites and some hidden gems in Thailand and Laos, finishing in Hanoi. Check out the spectacular views Bangkok, get to know some elephants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, explore the famous temples of Chiang Mai, watch a Muay Thai boxing match, discover hidden waterfalls, hop on the slow boat down the Mekong River to Laos, soak up some history in Hanoi, hike through beautiful jungles, sleep in a treetop housing complex…and more!

 

Memories that will last a lifetime!

 

We will be kicking off our adventure in awesome Bangkok…

...playing with elephants in an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai (Thailand)…

...exploring the Northern Thai countryside on bicycles...

...exploring amazing temples…

...checking out beautiful Luang Prabang (Laos)…

...cruising down the Mekong River…

..hopping on tubes and floating down the river in Laos…

...swimming in the Blue Lagoon...

… and more!!!

Day 1 - Bangkok, Thailand

 

Arrive in Bangkok and meet your trip leader and your group.

Grab some dinner with the group in rooftop restaurant with awesome views.

And we’re off!! Sleeper train departs for Chiang Mai (19:35 departure)

 

Day 2-3 - Chiangmai, Thailand

 

Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand, is a must on any visit to Thailand.  Check out beautiful traditional temples, visit an elephant sanctuary and get up close and personal with the elephants, watch a real live Muay Thai boxing match, learn some Thai cooking, and more!!

 

Day 2

Spend the morning feeding, washing and walking elephants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, an ecotourism project set up by The Karen Hilltribes Trust

Chill out for a bit at the hostel pool before heading to dinner and live music at the food market

 

Optional: Take a Thai cooking class

 

Day 3

Check out the cultural side of the city and explore its magnificent temples

Watch local fighters go at it at a live Muay Thai boxing match

For our first night out in the city, head over to the iconic Zoe in Yellow bar

 

Optional: Up for some adventure? Go rafting on the Mae Taeng River, zip lining, to ride around on a 4x4

Day 4-5 - Chiang Dao, Thailand

 

The third destination on this trip is a truly an incredible one - Chiang Dao (“City of Stars”) - cycle around the Northern Thai villages surrounding Chiang Mai, hike through the jungle to an amazing waterfall, spend the night in a treetop housing complex, and gaze at the night sky.

Day 4

Take a quick drive out to the countryside and hop on bicycles to check out the villages near Chiang Mai

Take an incredible hike through the jungle to find a “hidden” waterfall

Spend the night in local treetop houses for an unparalleled view of the stars

 

Day 5

Early wakeup to check out the amazing sunrise over the countryside.

Head back to Chiang Mai for breakfast and get on the bus to Chiang Kong

Check out the mysterious contemporary temple - Wat Rong Khun

Spend the evening chilling out on the town. Grab some cold drinks and relax.

 

Day 6 -  Mekong River, Laos

 

It’s time to slow down and enjoy the scenery as we float down the Mekong River, crossing the border into Laos.

 

Hop on the slow boat to Laos and relax as we make our way down the  Mekong River boat to Laos, check out the water buffalo and the awesome scenery as we pass through the area

Get off the boat at Pak Bek village for a short stop and try some buffalo curry (a local specialty) for dinner, grab some Pak Bek sandwiches (a remnant from the areas French colonial past) or other snacks before getting back on for the night

 

Day 7-8 -  Luang Prabang, Laos

 

Next stop, UNESCO Heritage Site Luang Prabang, famous for its waterfalls, beautiful temples, rich culture, and laidback vibe.  Help local kids practice their English at a children's center, swim in the Kuang Si Falls, and check out the Hmong market.

 

Day 7

Arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon (around 4:30 pm) and check into our accommodation

Spend the evening wandering around the Hmong Market, chilling out in the city, grab some drinks on the riverside and watch the sun go down

 

Day 8

Spend the first part of the day giving back at the Big Brother Mouse volunteering program.  Meet local children who are learning English and learn more about the local Laotian culture.

Head over to the three-tiered Kuang Si Falls, the biggest waterfalls in the Luang Prabang area. Go for a swim, slide down, get wet!

 

Optional: Learn about rice production at the Rice Experience Farm, an interesting foray into the ‘farm to table process’.

Day 9-10 - Vang Vieng, Laos

 

Vang Vieng is definitely a backpackers paradise.  Head over to the Blue Lagoon for some swimming and rock climbing, then grab an inner tube and float down the river and hit the bars (or just relax) on the way.

 

Day 9

Head over to Vang Vieng (arrive by late afternoon)

Spend the rest of the evening exploring the town- a true backpackers paradise

 

Day 10

Go for a swim in the Blue Lagoon and try some rock climbing

Time for the ultimate backpacker experience: hop in an inner tube and float down the river, stopping at bars along the way as you explore the area

 

Optional: Spend the morning exploring Tham Phu Kham Cave and swim in the dark by switching off your headlights if you dare, an insane experience.

Day 11-12 - Hanoi, Vietnam

 

The final stop on our tour is one not to be missed.  Explore the city’s colonial architecture, learn about the history of the area, and enjoy the food!

 

Day 11

Catch our flight to Hanoi.  It’s time to head to Vietnam! (arrival at the hostel- 6:30pm)

Join the free bar crawl for a night of fun in the city’s Old Quarter

 

Day 12

Make the most of the last day on the tour - explore the city, sample some Vietnamese street food…. The day is yours.

 

Optional: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum and learn about the communist party of Vietnam. Then, visit the ancient Hanoi Citadel (UNESCO), used by Imperial emperors.

Optional: End at the Temple of Literature, the city’s main temple.

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE BEST SOUTHEAST ASIA HAS TO OFFER!

 

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