chiang mai & the north Tours Highlights of the North: Thailand to Laos

Itinerary:

Day 1  Chiang Mai, Thailand        
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.        

Day 2  Chiang Mai        
Explore ancient and modern Chiang Mai by trishaw visiting the city’s temples, markets and main sights. Finish the morning at two of the most famous and beautiful temples, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.        

Day 3  Chiang Mai to Mae Chan      
Today travel to Mae Chan. Stop en route to visit the intricate and unconventional ‘White Temple’ Wat Rong Khun and the eerie Baan Dam or ‘Black House’, created by a local artist to reflect the darkness in humanity. Continue through spectacular scenery to the forest-clad mountains and rice fields of Mae Chan.        

Day 4  Mae Chan to Chiang Rai    
Leave in the morning and drive to Doi Mae Salong, perched in the hills, where you will visit the hill tribe village of Hloyo and learn about the Akha traditional way of life. After Hloyo continue to Santhikhiri which is an old Chinese settlement and relax with a coffee overlooking the hills. Finish the day with a stop at a tea plantation before transferring to your hotel.        

Day 5  Golden Triangle        
This morning visit the Doi Tung Development Project, assisting local farmers with sustainable agriculture. Continue onto the spectacular Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens, spend some time exploring the ornate colourful gardens. Later, visit the Hall of Opium Museum and stop at viewpoint overlooking the point where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet.               

Day 6  Chiang Rai to Pakbeng, Laos      
Set off early for the Laos border at Huay Xai and board the charming Luang Say Cruise. Spend a leisurely day meandering along the Mekong River, enjoying the lush scenery and visiting a hill tribe village before arriving at your simple riverside lodge.      

Day 7  Pakbeng to Luang Prabang
Continue your cruise downstream, with a stop at a local village and later at the Pak Ou Caves, sacred caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. This ancient city offers visitors an enchanting fusion of traditional architecture and French colonial influences.      

Day 8  Luang Prabang        
Today enjoy a tour of Luang Prabang by bike stopping at the National Museum and some of the city’s most interesting temples. After lunch, cycle out of town to Phosy Market and on to Ock Pop Tock, an organisation seeking to preserve traditional weaving techniques.  

Day 9  Luang Prabang        
After breakfast drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where you can swim in the clear pools and enjoy a picnic lunch. End your day with a visit to a local temple where both monks and nuns live. Here you will take part in a traditional blessing ceremony.      

Day 10  Luang Prabang        
Transfer to the airport..

Additional Options:

Experience an evening of royalty (inspired) dining on a unique food tour. Begin your night with sunset cocktails and canapés overlooking the Mekong before indulging in iconic dishes, first created for the royal family, like fish mok at L’Elephant and tamarind grilled duck at the fabulous Manda de Laos, set around beautiful Lily ponds. Finish your evening with dessert and traditional rice whiskey in the historical centre. This is one of many foodie tours available. Please ask your consultant for more details.          

Your Bespoke Tour can depart on any day you please.