Bangkok to Luang Prabang - From £1,480

Asia Thailand
OVERVIEW
Get ready for 15 days of diving straight into the energy of Thailand and Laos — from Bangkok’s buzzing streets and Northern Thailand’s mountain towns to slow Mekong cruising, village stays and laid-back days in Laos. Expect street food, local encounters, simple overnight stays and a mix of rail, road and river travel that shows you more than just the headline stops.
EXPERIENCES
Ban Laesivilay: Boat time, people. We’ll hop on a local boat and glide along the Nam Xeuang River, passing jungle-covered banks and quiet village scenes. Along the way we’ll stop to try traditional river skills like gold panning and fishing — a hands-on look at how the community lives alongside the river.

Ban Laesivilay: Head out with our host for a walk through Ban Laesivilay and get a proper look at the village rhythm. Expect a deeper dive into rural Laos — from learning how locals farm and plant to pitching in with seasonal tasks and everyday chores that keep the community running. It’s hands-on, human, and the kind of morning that makes the homestay feel real (and not just a place to sleep).

Ban Laesivilay: Settle into a homestay in Ban Laesivilay and experience village life the local way. Expect a warm welcome, time to wander the surrounding plantations, and a shared family feast where we’ll help cook authentic Lao dishes before sitting down together to eat and swap stories.

Chiang Dao: Step into Chiang Dao Cave, a vast limestone cavern packed with stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden Buddhist shrines. With a Local Guide leading the way, we’ll wander through echoing chambers and learn how this place became both a natural wonder and a spiritual site.

Chiang Dao: Time to test the name. Head to Bua Thong Waterfall, where the mineral-rich rock makes the surface surprisingly grippy (meaning you can actually climb straight up the cascading tiers!). Shoes off, camera ready, and straight into nature’s version of a jungle gym.

Fang: Deep in the hills, we’ll visit Doi Pu Muen — a beautiful town that's home to the Lahu hilltribe community. Expect tea plantations, warm welcomes, and a look into everyday village life and what shapes the rhythm of the day.

Luang Prabang: Definitely the most surreal caves we’ve ever seen. Rock caverns packed with thousands of mini-Buddha statues. Pics or it didn’t happen. 

Luang Prabang: Hop onto the train from Luang Prabang, travelling at a dashing 160 km/h. You’ll catch some breathtaking views on the way.

Luang Prabang: Kuang Si waterfalls have a beautiful aqua colour. With transfers and entry included you can check out the 4 different swimming areas. You might even be fortunate enough to check out the nearby bear conservation centre.

Luang Prabang: Step inside the Living Crafts Centre in Luang Prabang and watch over 50 Lao artisans at work, creating beautiful clothes and homeware using traditional weaving techniques. Learn how Ock Pop Tok, founded by Joanna Smith and Veomanee Douangdala in 2000, empowers women by turning their skills into a viable career, while promoting Laotian textiles and crafts across the globe.

Pak Beng: Float down the Mekong from Pak Beng, past craggy caves and sleepy hillside villages. A proper taste of Laos life. 
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
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(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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06/04/2027 20/04/2027 £1,480   Book
13/04/2027 27/04/2027 £1,480   Book
20/04/2027 04/05/2027 £1,480   Book
27/04/2027 11/05/2027 £1,480   Book
04/05/2027 18/05/2027 £1,480   Book
11/05/2027 25/05/2027 £1,480   Book
18/05/2027 01/06/2027 £1,480   Book
25/05/2027 08/06/2027 £1,480   Book
01/06/2027 15/06/2027 £1,480   Book
08/06/2027 22/06/2027 £1,480   Book
15/06/2027 29/06/2027 £1,480   Book
22/06/2027 06/07/2027 £1,480   Book
29/06/2027 13/07/2027 £1,480   Book
06/07/2027 20/07/2027 £1,480   Book
13/07/2027 27/07/2027 £1,480   Book
20/07/2027 03/08/2027 £1,480   Book
27/07/2027 10/08/2027 £1,480   Book
03/08/2027 17/08/2027 £1,480   Book
10/08/2027 24/08/2027 £1,480   Book
17/08/2027 31/08/2027 £1,480   Book
24/08/2027 07/09/2027 £1,480   Book
31/08/2027 14/09/2027 £1,480   Book
07/09/2027 21/09/2027 £1,480   Book
14/09/2027 28/09/2027 £1,480   Book
21/09/2027 05/10/2027 £1,480   Book
28/09/2027 12/10/2027 £1,480   Book
05/10/2027 19/10/2027 £1,480   Book
12/10/2027 26/10/2027 £1,480   Book
19/10/2027 02/11/2027 £1,480   Book
26/10/2027 09/11/2027 £1,480   Book
02/11/2027 16/11/2027 £1,480   Book
09/11/2027 23/11/2027 £1,480   Book
16/11/2027 30/11/2027 £1,480   Book
24/11/2027 08/12/2027 £1,480   Book
30/11/2027 14/12/2027 £1,480   Book
07/12/2027 21/12/2027 £1,480   Book
15/12/2027 29/12/2027 £1,480   Book
21/12/2027 04/01/2028 £1,480   Book
28/12/2027 11/01/2028 £1,480   Book
04/01/2028 18/01/2028 £1,480   Book
11/01/2028 25/01/2028 £1,480   Book
18/01/2028 01/02/2028 £1,480   Book
25/01/2028 08/02/2028 £1,480   Book
01/02/2028 15/02/2028 £1,480   Book
08/02/2028 22/02/2028 £1,480   Book
15/02/2028 29/02/2028 £1,480   Book
22/02/2028 07/03/2028 £1,480   Book
29/02/2028 14/03/2028 £1,480   Book
07/03/2028 21/03/2028 £1,480   Book
14/03/2028 28/03/2028 £1,480   Book
21/03/2028 04/04/2028 £1,480   Book
28/03/2028 11/04/2028 £1,480   Book
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ITINERARY

Welcome to Bangkok! Get ready for a wild mix of food, heat, and glorious chaos. Tonight, you’ll roll into Khao San Road with your Trip Manager and the crew for your first hit of neon lights, street eats, and that proper first-night buzz.

Bangkok's all yours today — tuk-tuks, temples, street stalls - the whole lot. You can go big with an optional half-day Floating Markets mission and see the city’s waterways in full swing, or even jump on a street food tour and let Bangkok feed you properly.

One last day to soak up Bangkok’s energy. Opt in for a hit of royal history at the Grand Palace and cruise the city’s klongs to see the city from the water.In the evening, we’ll transfer to the station and board an overnight bus to Chiang Mai (a proper Thailand travel rite of passage). The ride will take around 11 hours, so you’ll rest on the way and wake up ready for fresh air and mountain views.

Morning, sleepyheads. This morning, we'll wake up to Northern Thailand’s fresher air and roll into Chiang Mai where a Local Guide will be waiting for us.Today's yours to tailor. Join an optional local market wander followed by a cooking class to dish out your fave Thai cuisine. Wanna turn up the energy? Book an optional Muay Thai session.

A free day? In Chiang Mai? Oh my. Yup, this laid-back mountain city is all yours to explore today too. You can choose to visit Elephant Nature Park to see the biggest and cutest local residents up close. Later, you’ll also have the option to jump on a Vespa tour and see the city in night mode.

Catch ya later, Chiang Mai. Today, we'll hit the road to Chiang Dao, rolling past rice paddies and big green views. You’ll stop at Sri Lanna National Park, then climb up Bua Thong “Sticky” Waterfall (yep, you ain't slipping here).Next, we’ll head into Chiang Dao Cave for a guided walk through huge limestone chambers, epic formations, and hidden Buddhist shrines. In the afternoon, we'll continue on to Chiang Dao and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is all yours to do what you please.

Fuel up with breakfast, then head further north towards Fang. Today will be all about slowing down and soaking up Thai highland scenery. We'll stop at Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park for its natural hot springs, where you can dip into mineral-rich pools, chill in the sauna, and watch steam rise with mountain views in the background.After a very special spa session with Mother Nature, we’ll roll into Fang. Use up the rest of the day to explore the local town. Or do absolutely nothing and enjoy that quiet mountain air.

Time to swap the main roads for a 4WD ride into the hills, heading to the secluded village of Doi Pu Muen.Wander through tea and coffee plantations, try your hand at picking leaves, and learn how tea is heated and dried using traditional methods passed down through generations in the Lahu community. Then you’ll sit down with your hosts to taste the goods, hear their stories, and share a delish local lunch.After lunch, we’ll head back down the mountain and transfer to Chiang Rai.

Bye-bye, Thailand. We'll cross into Laos via the Huay Xai border, then jump on a private slow boat for a two-day cruise down the legendary Mekong River. This ain't just transport — you’ll kick back on deck, watch river life roll by, swap stories with the crew, and even enjoy lunch onboard before docking for the night in riverside Pak Beng.Once you arrive, we’ll check into the hostel and have the evening to settle in.

Back on the boat and cruising onward, we'll leave Pak Beng behind on a roughly 7-hour journey to UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. Along the way, we'll also visit the stunning Pak Ou caves and grab a simple lunch onboard.Hey there, Luang Prabang. This is place where ancient temples and French-colonial streets will set the vibe straight away. If you’re keen, you’ll have the option to hike up Mount Phousi at sunset for panoramic views over the city and river.

Prepare to be absolutely stunned! Today, we'll head out to the postcard-worthy Kuang Si Falls — a multi-tiered cascade with turquoise pools (that’ll be begging for a swim). Afterwards, we’ll visit a local social enterprise supporting women through traditional weaving, where you’ll learn about the craft and the impact behind it. Next: free time to wander Luang Prabang’s night market and maybe even lock in the perfect souvenir.

You can choose to start the day with Alms Giving (a quiet, meaningful Luang Prabang moment before the pace switches up). Then jump on the high-speed train and rocket your way to Vang Vieng.Limestone cliffs on full display and the river running the show - that's how you know you're in Vang Vieng. You’ll have the rest of the day free to choose your own adventure, whether that’s chilled-out exploring or turning the dial up.

Today's a you-do-you kinda day. Need ideas for things to do in Vang Vieng? Your Trip Manager will point you in the right direction. Feeling adventurous? Join the crew for some kayaking on the Nam Song River.

Next stop: Luang Prabang. We'll jump on the high-speed train and be back by the river in about an hour.Rolling into Luang Prabang, you’ll transfer out to Ban Laesivilay and get the kind of welcome that makes you instantly relax.Once you’ve dropped your bags, we’ll head out into the plantations to see what’s growing in season and get a real feel for village life. We’ll hop on a local boat and cruise the Nam Xeuang, with stops along the banks to try gold panning and traditional fishing. Then it’s back to the homestay for a big shared family feast — you’ll get involved in the cooking, learn a few Lao faves, and sit down together for a night of food and stories.

Start the morning with an included Lao-style breakfast made by your hosts, then head out on a village walk to see how daily life runs out here. Expect farming chats, hands-on moments, and a proper look at the rural rhythm beyond the tourist trail.And just like that, our Southeast Asian adventure has come to an end. Hug it out, say your goodbyes, and hop on for a transfer to Luang Prabang.
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Lilit Bang Lumphu Hotel (or similar) - Meals:
DAY 2: Lilit Bang Lumphu Hotel (or similar) - Meals:
DAY 3: Overnight Bus - Meals:
DAY 4: 99 The Gallery Hotel (or similar) - Meals:
DAY 5: 99 The Gallery Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Marisa Resort & Spa (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Phumanee Lahu Home Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: B2 Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Boutique & Budget Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9: Mekong Backpackers (or similar) - Meals: Lunch
DAY 10: Mad Monkey Luang Prabang (or similar) - Meals: Lunch
DAY 11: Mad Monkey Luang Prabang (or similar) - Meals:
DAY 12: Mad Monkey Vang Vieng (or similar) - Meals:
DAY 13: Mad Monkey Vang Vieng (or similar) - Meals:
DAY 14: Ban Laesivilay Homestay (or similar) - Meals: Dinner
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