This 13-day exploration of the Southeast Asian countryside will keep you guessing at every turn. Kick off in old Bangkok, wind through northern Thailand with some good times in Chiang Mai and then cross the border into Laos, where you’ll be able to see the authentic side of this landlocked country. Cruise on the mighty Mekong, laze in the beautiful Luang Prabang, explore a natural paradise in Vang Vieng and finish up in sleepy Vientiane. From cycling tours and sunset hikes to heaps of free time to go cave exploring, get a massage or donate some food to a procession of monks – this trip shows you so many sides of Thailand and Laos that you never knew.
  • To get you ready for the Laotian lifestyle, make your way through northern Thailand and through charming Chiang Mai – the true temple city.
  • Laos equals laidback. This is one of the most chilled-out countries going around, and you’ll have heaps of free time to explore at your own pace.
  • Two days of cruising down the Mekong River in a traditional-style boat is one Southeast Asia's classic trips, with more photo-ops than you can shake a bamboo cane at.
  • The UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang is a serious slice of history. Between the French villas and the blazing sunsets over the Mekong, you won't know which way to look.
  • You know those pictures of that Laos lagoon, the ones of cascading pools drenched in gorgeous rays of sun? That's Kuang Si Waterfalls, and you’ll have the chance to swim there!
  • From the nightlife and delicious cuisine of Bangkok to cycling and bar hopping in Chaing Mai – northern Thailand will kick off your epic adventure the right way (zipline anyone?).
  • Head out on a sunset hike to Wat Phu Si in Luang Prabang for some pretty epic views over Phu Si Mountain. After the sun descends, head to Talad Mued Night Market for a BBQ feast – a local favourite.
  • Chill out in chilled Laos with loads of free time to explore at your own pace. Give food to a procession of monks at dawn, explore Kuang Si Waterfalls for a refreshing swim or go kayaking on the gorgeous Nam So River.
  • Cruise down the Mekong River in a traditional-style boat – a classic favourite in Southeast Asia for good reason. Take in the overhanding reeds and enjoy more photo-ops than you can shake a bamboo cane at.
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang – between the French villas and the blazing sunsets over the Mekong, you won't know which way to look!
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, MandaLao Elephant Conservation. Donations help them promote ethical elephant care and create local employment opportunities in communities in Laos.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin basis.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.