THAILAND & LAOS | CHIANGMAI TO LUANG PRABANG - 9 DAYS

Chiangmai, The northern rose of Thailand! 

For centuries Chiangmai was part of Lanna Kingdom that reigned over the Northern Thailand. The city retains a captivating energy that emanates from the antique walls, intriquate temples, and lively street food and restaurant scene.

The modern urban developement wraps around the ancient city center and walls but history and cultural heritage remain the focus of Chiang Mai, which dates back to the 13th century.

After settling in to your hotel your private transfer will lead you to Wat Phra Singh for an introduction to the sensational history of the city.  The 14th-century temple combines a gold leaf chedi with immaculate pagodas built around and enshrines the most revered Buddha image of the city. 

Next continue your exploration of Chiang Mai’s fascinating history with a drive up to lush mountain rising majestically on the western edge of the city to visit the picture perfect  Doi Suthep temple.  Perched on a mountain slope dotted with gold gilded chedi/stupa, pagodas and monasteries around  Wat Doi Suthep offers rewarding view over the city and cultural experience. It is perhaps the most iconic attraction of Chiangmai always teeming with pilgrims and best appreciated with a short hike up impressive stair case lined with mythical naga (snakes) leading up to the temple grounds on top a hillock. For those who have mobility restrictions it is also possible to take a lift up. 

Return back to the city for a wonder around one of the evening markets. Why not try some of the northern delicacies?  Hang Lay pork curry, Khao Soi noodle soup or local sausages with small chillies among other all time favourites. 

Overnight in Chiangmai

Mae Rim, Mon Cham and Sticky Waterfall

Breakfast at your hotel.  Day trip to the nature out of Chiangmai. Short 30min drive to gorgeous Mae Rim where lush green hills and mountain region begins. We'll make a stop at sustainable tourism destination, elephant park where a guided tour will unveil secrets of making elephant poop in to wonderful recycled products. 

Next we'll drive up to cooler and scenic Mon Cham hill for lovely views over the surroundings and stop for a delicous northern style lunch. 
This afternoon we'll head to sticky waterfall located 70km outside of Chiangmai and spend rest of the afternoon enjoying the national park and walking up the cascading waterfall that flows over sticky soil. 

Return back to Chiangmai for the night. 

Overnight in Chiangmai

Drive Chiangmai to Chiangrai & visit the White Temple

Breakfast at hotel and depart for a 3hr drive to Chiangrai. En-route travel over jungle covered mountain range and hilly region. Sleepy Chiangrai is small town located on the banks of Kok River and served as the capital Lanna kingdom during its hayday. It is a gateway to golden triangle and situated only 1,5-2hr drive from Myanmar and Laos border crossings. The Chiangrai region is hilly and home to many ethnic minorities (hill tribes) like Akha, Lisu and Hmong and Chinese decendants of former Kuomingtang who lost war to Mao and fled to hill regions in Burman and eventually ended in Thailand border regions. 

We have saved the best for last the 'White temple'. This is truly an architectural wonder like no other created by famous Thai artist.  On the way to the city we'll make another stop at Singha park to marvel at enormous tea plantation. There is also a nice tea / coffee shop here with a view. 

We'll drive out of the city for another hour or so to a wonderful hill resort. 

Overnight in a hillside resort

Chiangrai explorations

Wake up to fresh mountain air and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Today we'll explore the mountainous terrain of Mae Salong and learn about the history of Kuomingtang troops by visiting a museum dedicated to tell the story of Chinese democratic government fighting communist troops and migration.  Prior to roads improvement and citizenship gradted in the '80s the KMT troops were involved with poppy cultivation and mingled with war lords. There are no more opium fields but plenty on tea plantations and dramatic vistas.  Ask your driver for photostops when ever you like and make sure to stop by some tea plantations and tea tastings. 

Afternoon visit to Doi Tung and Mae Fa Luang, former royal summer residence with botanical park and cultivations a great place to take a stroll and enjoy beautiful flower gardens.  

OR 

Alternatively visit Hall of Opium showcasing history of opium and the illicit trade of the region. Reserve at least 2hrs for this visit. There are many halls, stories and videos to entertain guests. 

Overnight in hillside resort

Early morning transfer to Chiang Khong and Huay Xai border. Where you will cross the border to Laos and board a traditional river cruise boat for a scenic 2-day journey to Luang Prabang.  

Enjoy the ride and arrive late afternoon to Pakbeng riverside village where you will spend the night in a cozy resort. 

After breakfast it is time to continue the journey along the Mekong passing small villages and forested hills. We will make a stop at Pak Ou village to explore the temple caves with hundreds of Buddha images decorating this special place.  Arrive to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free. Check out the evening market, have a Lao massage or a drink by the river or in one of the many charming cafes in town. 

Luang Prabang Highlights 

The day begins by exploring the former Royal Capital city on a 'walking tour' which includes visits to the former royal temple Wat Xieng Tong and the unique Wat Visoun which is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang.

Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant where you will have the chance to sample several famous local dishes including Luang Prabang sausage, Orlam (Lao Stew) and Khai Pean (Dried fried river weed - it tastes a lot better than it sounds!) After enjoying lunch the afternoon is spent visiting the fascinating Royal Palace Museum and many different beautiful temples around the city before heading up to the top of Mount Phousi to watch the sunset over the beautiful cityscape and surrounding forests and mountains.

Hiking tour and Kuang Si Waterfall

Begin your day by enjoying breakfast at your hotel after which you will be met by your friendly professional guide and board the awaiting transport for the short transfer to Long Laow village about 40 km outside of Luang Prabang, a Hmong hill tribe village set in a valley between many large karst limestone mountains. From here we start our trekking by following a nice walking trail to Kuang Si waterfall!

Lunch will be served as a picnic lunch amid the jungle. After lunch we continue to Kuang Si waterfall, this stunning waterfall is fed by several natural springs meaning that the waterfall remains greatly impressive and crystal clear all year round, unlike many other waterfalls which completely dry up in the dry season. The afternoon is spent relaxing around the waterfall, an excellent place for swimming and relaxing. Towards the end of the afternoon, we will visit the nearby bear sanctuary which is home to many different species of bears which have been saved from the wildlife trade.

You will return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and be taken directly to your hotel leaving you the remainder of the day free to enjoy as you please.

After breakfast free time until transfer to Luang Prabang airport for your departure flight.