From the eclectic energy of Bangkok to the tranquil treasures of Luang Prabang, this two-week private tour explores the best of Northern Thailand and Laos.
After spending two nights in vibrant Bangkok, head north to explore the temples and markets of Chiang Mai as well as the rolling highlands and Golden Triangle located near Chiang Rai. Once you have crossed into Laos, take a two-day Mekong river cruise where you can observe local daily life and visit the wonderful Pak Ou Caves. Finish the tour in Luang Prabang, Laos’ crowning jewel, which perfectly packages the culture, history and beauty of this wonderful country.
Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pakbeng – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang – Bangkok
Trip Highlights
- Memorably interact with rescue elephants at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary near Chiang Mai
- Enjoy a two-day Mekong river cruise, observing vibrant local life along the river
- In Luang Prabang experience Alms giving where locals offer food to robed monks
- Marvel at the epic scenery and traditional villages of Thailand’s ‘Golden Triangle’ region
- Visit the Pak Ou Caves which house thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on a direct flight to Bangkok.
Day 2
Arrive Bangkok
On arrival to Bangkok Airport you will be met by a representative and privately transferred to the hotel. Eccentric, intriguing and unforgettable, Bangkok is not only the gateway to Thailand but also to the wider Indochine region. With a history stretching back a little over two-hundred years, Bangkok has always been a modern forward-thinking place yet much traditional Thai culture remains, as do beautiful temples, bustling markets and opulent palaces.
Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
The Siam
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Day 3
Bangkok
This morning you will embark on a street food walking tour of Bangkok. As you meander through the old town sample delicacies such as kafae boran (old-style Thail coffee), khanom thua paep (mung bean rice crepe), gui chaii (a vegetable dumpling) and homemade coconut ice-cream. After this tasty experience take a city tour to see Bangkok’s highlights. The Grand Palace is an impressive complex of temples, palaces pavilions and museums as well as the main attraction, the enchanting Emerald Buddha which according to legends is almost 2,000 years old. Continue to nearby Wat Pho, the city’s oldest temple, and arguably the most remarkable. Home to a 45-metre-long reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is also a place of education and served as Thailand’s first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage.
- Breakfast
Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
The Siam
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Day 4
Bangkok to Chiang Mai – by air
This morning you will be transferred to the airport and fly to northern Thailand’s most important city, Chiang Mai. On arrival you will be met and taken to the hotel. As the gateway to the north, Chiang Mai is also the setting for some of Thailand’s most important monasteries, temples and night markets.
- Breakfast
Tamarind Village
137 Pillars House
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Day 5
Chiang Mai
This morning enjoy an authentic cookery class and learn the secrets behind the famous and delicious Thai cuisine. Head to a local market with the chef to collect your ingredients before returning to the open air sala to start cooking. Chop vegetables, create spicy sauces and fry up sizzling meats before sitting down to feast on all your creations. In the afternoon take a journey of spiritual discovery. Starting with an exploration of Chiang Mai’s old town, venture through the crumbling city walls and admire the glittering pagoda spires illuminated by the late afternoon sun. Head to the secret jungle temple of Wat Phalad, which is said to have been built to enshrine a piece of bone from the Buddha. Here you will visit a monk and receive a blessing of good health and fortune. Leaving the city towards the hills, climb up the staircase of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to see the 14th century pagoda with its towering gilded stupa and spectacular views.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Tamarind Village
137 Pillars House
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Day 6
Chiang Mai
Today enjoy a memorable elephant adventure. After an hour drive north of Chiang Mai through rolling hills and farmland, arrive at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Change into traditional clothing and prepare fruit for the elephants as you learn about these gentle giants. Once you meet the elephants you can feed, interact and play with them in a natural environment before walking alongside them to the river for bathing time. Back in Chiang Mai spend the afternoon at leisure. We would recommend a visit to the night market in the evening to try the various street food on offer.
- Breakfast
Tamarind Village
137 Pillars House
Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Day 7
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai – 187kms
Depart Chiang Mai this morning and travel further north to Chiang Rai. En route stop at Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as the White Temple, a modern monument designed by the revered local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat that features unusual Buddhist sculptures and paintings. On arrival to Chaing Rai check into the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
- Breakfast
The Legend Boutique River Resort
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Day 8
Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing in northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle region. Starting in Doi Tung, a region set high in the mountains, visit a community project which sets out to eradicate the cultivation of opium and encourage more sustainable agricultural practices. Continue with a visit to Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Wat Prathat Doi Tung, a hilltop temple built in 911. Continue to the lowlands and on to Mae Sai, a bustling trade town located at the Thai-Myanmar border where you can explore the market and town before making the short distance to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge. Here you will learn about the area’s past when it was the centre of Asia’s opium trade. Make a final stop in Chiang Saen, a now sleepy riverside town which was once a former Thai kingdom. Here you can discover the town’s impressive ancient ruins before returning to Chiang Rai.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
The Legend Boutique River Resort
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Day 9
Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong – 104kms / Houay Xay to Pakbeng – by river cruise
Early this morning you will be transferred to Chiang Khong where you will cross the Thailand-Laos border. On entry to Laos in Houay Xay, you will be met by a representative who will transport you to the Shompoo River Cruise (shared). En route to the boat make a stop at a local hill tribe settlement where you can learn about the authentic and rural way of life in Laos. On board the boat enjoy a delicious lunch and admire the scenery as you pass sleepy riverside villages. Reach Pakbeng in the late afternoon, and depending on the current you may catch a pretty sunset over the river. Check into the hotel for the night and enjoy a dinner.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Le Grand Pakbeng
Day 10
Pakbeng to Luang Prabang via Pak Ou – by river cruise
After breakfast return to the boat where you will sail to Luang Prabang and enjoy two sightseeing trips and lunch en route. The first stop is at a local village where you can observe the traditional process of rice wine production. Back on board, sail downstream to the Pak Ou Caves which are famous for the thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues that sit inside the towering limestone cliff. After two hours arrive in Luang Prabang. Encircled by the mountains of northern Laos and resting on the banks of the Mekong River, the former Royal capital is an eclectic mix of old French colonial mansions, glistening temples and beautiful surrounding countryside.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Maison Dalabua
Villa Maly Boutique Hotel
Satri House Hotel
La Residence Phou Vao
Rosewood Luang Prabang
Day 11
Luang Prabang
Breakfast will be a little different today as you head to a local market with Chef Somsack who will introduce you to Lao specialities including khaosoi noodle soup, Luang Prabang sausage and cheow ging (ginger peanut sauce). After learning more about the country’s cuisine take a half-day cycling tour of the city whose quiet and flat streets are perfect for riding. Visit the traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre which showcases the rich diversity of Lao culture as well as the Royal Palace which is now the National Museum. Pedal to Wat Mai, known for its golf-leaf bas-relief before ending at Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most revered temple famous for its intricate carvings and mosaics. In the evening, attend a theatre performance in a concerted colonial house. Accompanied by traditional music, the show brings mystical legends to life using local actors and dancers.
- Breakfast
Maison Dalabua
Villa Maly Boutique Hotel
Satri House Hotel
La Residence Phou Vao
Rosewood Luang Prabang
Day 12
Luang Prabang
Early this morning you will have the unique opportunity to experience Alms giving, a typical Buddhist procession that occurs daily. Travel to a nearby village where you will watch the centuries-old ceremony unfold and see the way locals celebrate their faith and show their gratitude to the Buddha. Continue to Kuang Si Falls, a series of cascading turquoise pools surrounded by dense forest where you can hike to the top or relax in the lower pools. There is also a chance to visit the Free the Bears project, a sanctuary that houses Asiatic Blacks Bears and aims to rescue these endangered creatures from poachers.
- Breakfast
Maison Dalabua
Villa Maly Boutique Hotel
Satri House Hotel
La Residence Phou Vao
Rosewood Luang Prabang
Day 13
Luang Prabang to Bangkok – by air
After breakfast depart the hotel and transfer to the airport where you will take a flight back to Bangkok for your last night. Afternoon and evening at leisure for you to explore the city as you wish.
- Breakfast
Ariyasom Villa Boutique Hotel
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok
Capella Bangkok
The Siam
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Day 14
Bangkok to the UK
This afternoon transfer to Bangkok Airport for the non-stop flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Enjoy an authentic elephant experience from Luang Prabang. After an introduction to elephant behaviour and feeding time, take the therapeutic trek where you will walk alongside these gentle giants through the jungle making stops for them to enjoy to the cool stream water.
Continue your journey to Luang Namtha, an important trading centre for northern Laos which is frequented by many different minority groups, a crossroad of tribes that have cohabited for centuries. Stop at local village for lunch with the local chief and meet weavers from the Lanten people.
Nam Kat Yorla Pa is eco-tourist resort nestled amongst the rugged and beautiful landscapes in northeastern Laos. There are numerous outdoor activities such as ziplining, rock climbing and hiking trails available as well as cultural experiences and village visits.
Travel south from Luang Prabang to the Laotian capital of Vientiane. Set on the banks of the Mekong, the city has retained much of its charm with well-preserved French colonial buildings and wide tree-lined boulevards. Highlights include That Luang Stupa, one of the country’s holiest Buddhist monuments.
Guide to Price
14 days from £4000 - £4800 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4000 - £4800
Travel Information
Getting There
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok are available from British Airways, Thai Airways International and Eva Airways. Plenty of airlines offer indirect flights to Bangkok from London and regional airports including Manchester and Glasgow.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights take from around 11 hours. Flights with stops en-route take around 15 hours.
Time Zone
Thailand is +7 hours ahead of GMT
Visa Requirements
British citizens can visit Thailand for 60 days without a visa and will receive a ‘Visa Exempt’ stamp on arrival. Starting 1 May 2025, all non-Thai nationals must complete a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering Thailand. The TDAC form can be filled out starting three days before the date of arrival. Access the official TDAC website to complete the digital registration.
Do’s & Don’ts
It is illegal to import, transport, use, store or sell vapes or e-cigarettes in Thailand. This ban applies to both visitors and locals. If found in possession of a vape or e-cigarette the device will be confiscated and a fine, or more significant penalty, enforced. We strongly advise not to bring or use any vape or e-cigarette during your stay in Thailand.
Smoking is prohibited in many places – from air-conditioned buildings and public transport to the parks of Bangkok and beaches in the provinces of Phuket, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri and Songkhla as well as Koh Samui. If caught smoking it may result in a fine.
Carry your passport, or a photocopy of it, with you – it is a legal requirement for visitors.
In temples, dress conservatively, remove shoes and do not sit with your feet pointing towards Buddha as this is disrespectful.
Use metered taxis if you need to get around. If you use a tuk-tuk be aware that many drivers make commission by encouraging tourists to visit shops. Hail a taxi with your hand horizontal, fingers facing down – facing up is rude.
Money
Thailand's currency is the Baht and exchanging it is easy and usually offers much better value than exchanging it at home. ATMs are plentiful and credit cards are widely accepted. Do not step on notes or coins, even to stop them rolling away, and do not deface them either – all Thai currency carries a portrait of royalty, and Thai laws expressly forbid acts that could be considered disrespectful.
Tipping
Tipping is not a big issue in Thailand and large tips will not be expected. For service workers, 20-50 Baht will go a long way to supplementing their wages and will be genuinely appreciated. Taxis will generally round up fares to the nearest 10 Baht whilst restaurants commonly include a 10% service charge in their bills. Leave loose change on the table at a restaurant. If you have a massage, be aware that the person doing all the work will be getting very little so a 100 Baht tip is acceptable. A guideline for tipping drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Thai food is complex, aromatic and draws its influences from many sources. Rice is the staple base and, indeed, the word for rice is also the word for food – khao, pronounced 'cow'. Many varieties of rice are used, and many types of noodle too. Expect to come across fish sauces and chilli pastes in the cooking with copious use of fresh herbs and spices. Thai food, as a rule, is also light and often deliciously spicy. Favourites include khao phat, fried rice with various meat or vegetables, phat Thai, noodles with fish sauce, lime juice, peanuts, eggs and chicken, prawns or tofu, and tom yum – a hot, sour soup with meat of some sort. There are four regional cuisine styles and, within these, dozens of cultural variations. Thai food is an adventure in itself and visitors should indulge whenever they can.
Accommodation
Hotels in Thailand are varied in price, amenities and style, covering everything from simple homestays and eco-focussed hotels to charming boutique properties and luxurious resorts. There may be less choice in rural locations, however, we will always recommend options that are comfortable and full of local charm. The islands of southern Thailand have a wide range of excellent options. The majority have beachfront positions and some of the higher-end properties may even be based on their own private island. In the mountainous north rural lodges allow the opportunity to fully understand the local Hmong and Lahu culture whilst houseboat accommodation is used at remote and little-visited Khao Laem National Park.
Shopping
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, with its local crafts, and Phuket, with its raucous night markets and street stalls are great places to shop. Markets can be found throughout the country and here haggling is expected so wear a smile and be prepared to pay what you bid.
Suggested Reading
Good sources of information include Rough Guides, Bradt and Footprint. If cookery is your interest, Michelin starred chef David Thompson's ‘Thai Food’ is a fantastic book packed with recipes and cultural insights to inspire a foodie trip. For an in-depth look at the country's roots, turn to ‘A History of Thailand’ by Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit or ‘Thailand: A Short History’ by David K Wyatt. If it's an epic novel that you are after, look no further than Kukrit Pramoj's ‘Four Reigns’ which takes in the country's development from the late 1800s to World War II through the eyes of a girl who lives a somewhat eventful life both inside and outside of the royal palace in Bangkok.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Thailand the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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