DAY 1 CHIANG RAI

On arrival transfer to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. In the evening take the opportunity to explore Chiang Rai's little, but colorful night- and food market. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

DAY 2 CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - THATON

After breakfast drive first to Chiang Saen, the former royal Thai town. Then follow the mighty Mekong River until you will reach the well known Golden Triangle. Visit the small Opium Museum. Travel on to Mae Sai, the border- and market town. An optional side trip to the Burmese border town of Tachilek can be arranged (one day border pass available). In the afternoon the tour continues through the mountain wilderness, passing many hill tribe villages, such as Akha, Yao or Lisu and also stop at some of them. Late afternoon arrive at the small town of Thaton. Overnight at a riverside resort on the banks of the Kok River.

DAY 3 THATON - CHIANG MAI

Drive up Wat Thaton, the picturesque hill top temple with its giant Buddha images and great views. Go further up the mountain to visit a remote Lahu hill tribe village. Then continue towards Chiang Mai. On route visit a traditional rice mill, a mystic cave temple, as well as a local market and an orchid farm. If you wish to do so and time does allow, some sightseeing in the northern capital is possible, too (during today's tour an optional elephant ride can be arranged as well). Overnight in Chiang Mai.

DAY 4 CHIANG MAI - LUANG PRABANG

In the morning sightseeing tour in- and around Chiang Mai. After lunch transfer to the airport and short flight to Luang Prabang. Transfer to the hotel and some time is left to explore the former royal town on the banks of the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 5 LUANG PRABANG

After breakfast enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Mekong River to Pak Ou, where the Ou River flows in to the Mekong. See the holy Thum Ting caves with its enshrining numorous Buddha images. In the afternoon drive to the picturesque Kuangsi waterfall. On route stop at a Hmong hill tribe village. Finally take a tour through the former royal town, which will show you the old King Palace and it's famous ancient temples. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 6 LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE

In the morning transfer to the airport and then take a short flight to the Laotian capital of Vientiane. Transfer to the hotel. After lunch go on for a sightseeing tour in Vientiane, which includes all major sights, such as the That Luang stupa, Pratu Xai, Wat Si Saket and the central market. Overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 7 VIENTIANE

Transfer to the airport or Lao/Thai border at the Friendship Bridge near Nong Khai. Also transfer all the way to Udon Thani (Thailand) is possible, depends on your further schedule.

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

Visa for Laos available on arrival in Luang Prabang against a fee of US$ 30.- (you should bring a passport photo with you).
This program is also available with start in Chiang Mai incl. some small changes to the itinerary.
Extra nights in Luang Prabang or Vientiane can be added to this itinerary, too. Specially in Luang Prabang you got the opportunity to explore the nice town by yourself as well.
As well it is possible to travel the part from Luang Prabang to Vientiane overland. If you wish to do so, then we highly recommend to add one more night on route in Vangvieng.
Another option would be to travel overland from Luang Prabang to the Plain of Jars, spend one night there and then on the next day flight to Vientiane.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at good middle class hotels/resorts incl. breakfast, half board (lunch during tours), entrance fees, air tickets Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang - Vientiane

NOT INCLUDED:

Visa for Laos, drinks, tips and personal expenses