Travel and hiking along the Mekong River: between Thailand & Laos

Today, we're off to explore Bang Pa-in Palace in Ayutthaya. From the palace, we'll take a traditional boat trip on the river to Ayutthaya and observe local Thai life. Next, we'll discover the city's historic center with its important temples: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Chai Watthanaram . Finally, our driver will take us to the airport for our flight to Chiang Mai, the capital of the North.

In the morning, we'll make a detour to the large central market of Warorot , where you can find all sorts of specialties such as fruits, food, and clothing. We'll then head out of town to discover the magnificent Doi Suthep temple. On the way, we'll stop at Pha Lat Temple. Finally, we'll end our day with a visit to Wat Umong , a 13th-century underground Buddhist temple. At 6:00 PM, we'll go to a Muay Thai boxing school for a private one-hour demonstration of the discipline.

This morning, we'll explore the Rose of the North by bicycle. Starting from Chiang Mai's famous Tha Phae Gate, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we'll venture into the city's traditional streets and alleyways. You'll discover numerous ancient temples, monks walking the streets, bustling markets, and glimpses into the daily lives of locals in their neighborhoods. In the late afternoon, we'll head to a traditional cooking class taught in French in the countryside outside the city, in an old Lanna-style house.

Upon arriving in Chiang Rai , we visit the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple , a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most renowned artists: Chalermchai Kositpipat. We then continue to Wat Rong Sua Ten , known as the "Blue Temple," a work by Chalermchai's disciple. There, you will see sculptures of the Buddha in the lotus position, as well as figures of demons, legendary half-man, half-serpent nagas, and paintings illustrating events from Gauttam's earthly life.

An early departure takes you to a village in the Mae Chan district to discover rural life. You will be welcomed by the village lady, who will offer you tea and show you her veritable Noah's Ark of all the animals she and her husband have rescued over the past twenty years. Among them are three elephants who have found an ideal refuge here to live in peace. You will learn more about their lives and have the opportunity to feed them before setting off with them and their mahout for a walk in the surrounding jungle where the pachyderms will continue to feed. Lunch will be a Karen specialty by a small lake, with the option of a short bamboo raft ride on the water. Back at the camp, we will witness the elephants bathing.

Departure for Mae Salong (25-30 km mountain road), a region of Chinese refugee villages from the last century and large tea plantations. Visit to the 101 Tea Plantation, followed by a stroll through the small village of Santikiri to learn about the history of the KMT refugees—refugees from the former Kuomintang army. At the port, we board a water taxi and cruise for about an hour on the Mekong River. We continue along the banks of the Mekong to a viewpoint overlooking the river and the enormous casino in a decadent "Sino-Roman" style, located on the Laotian bank.

This morning, we depart for the Laotian border. We begin our journey in Laos with a cruise, gliding gently along the Mekong River through peaceful and authentic landscapes. On board, we'll enjoy lunch at the river's pace, as the hills and stilted villages pass by. We arrive in Pakbang at the end of the day.

At dawn, you'll embark on a Mekong River cruise, with breakfast served on board as the scenery unfolds before you. In the early afternoon, you'll stop at the Pak Ou Caves and then at the village of Ban Xang Hai, famous for its rice wine. The cruise continues towards Luang Prabang, with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong temple before arriving at your hotel. The evening is free to stroll through the night market.

This morning, enjoy a tour by Deluxe Tuk-Tuk of Luang Prabang's main monuments: the Royal Palace, Wat Mai, TAEC, and the temples of Wat Visoun, Aham, and Xieng Mouane, as well as the Heritage House. After lunch, depart for Kuang Si Falls to enjoy the natural surroundings and, if you wish, take a dip. We then visit the Asiatic Black Bear Rescue Center and stop at a buffalo farm before returning to the city.

Early morning departure by train to Vang Vieng , then drive to Ban Pha Tang , a charming village on the banks of the Nam Song River offering spectacular natural scenery. In the afternoon, cross the river to visit Tham Xang , the "Elephant Cave," a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. The day continues in the Vang Vieng Valley, renowned for its caves and turquoise lagoons.

This morning, we depart for Nam Ngum Lake for a four-hour cruise through its islands. Along the way, we learn about the lake's formation and local activities such as fishing, rice cultivation, and charcoal production. We stop at an island for a net fishing demonstration, followed by a barbecue lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Vientiane ; check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city.

We begin our tour of Vientiane with two major sites: Wat Sisaket , the oldest temple in the capital, and Ho Pra Keo , now a Buddhist art museum. We continue to the COPE Center, dedicated to the history of unexploded ordnance and aid to victims. Then, we discover That Luang , the iconic golden stupa of Laos, and Patuxay , the local triumphal arch. The afternoon continues at Buddha Park , famous for its sculptures blending Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Return to the hotel before your departure for the train station to experience the overnight train to Bangkok .

Our driver will be waiting at the train station to take you to your hotel. Then, we'll begin the day with a boat trip along the canals (khlongs) towards Taling Chan , a typical local floating market. Next, we'll visit the Grand Palace , a masterpiece founded in 1782, which houses Wat Phra Kaew and its 14th-century Emerald Buddha. We'll then cross the river to discover Wat Arun , the "Temple of Dawn," before arriving at Wat Pho , famous for its immense reclining Buddha. In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore Chinatown , where the lively lanes of Yaowarat light up and offer a wide variety of Thai and Chinese specialties.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day and transfer to the airport at your chosen time.