20 day Thailand and Laos Adventure

Day 1 - DEPART HOME/VIENTIANE (LAOS)

Just after midnight today, we board our Thai Airways flight bound for Vientiane. Before we arrive to our destination, there will be an approximately 5 hr transit time in Bangkok airport before we reboard our flight. Upon arrival into Laos, your trusty local guide will be on hand to meet and greet you. We will check into our hotel and then settle in before our Welcome dinner tonight.

Accommodation - Lao Poet Hotel or similar

Included Meals - As per fight / Dinner

Day 2 - VIENTIANE/PAKSE (FLIGHT)

After breakfast, we take a short flight to Pakse, where you will embark on a journey to the Bolaven Plateau, famous for its stunning waterfalls and coffee plantations. Visit Tad Yeug and the majestic Tad Fan waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery. This region is also known for its rich agricultural heritage, particularly in tea and coffee cultivation. Return to Pakse for an overnight stay.

Accommodation - Champasak Grand or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 3 - PAKSE/DON KHON ISLAND

This morning, we travel to Don Khon Island, a destination filled with natural beauty and historical significance. Explore the ancient Umong Kmer temple ruins and the breathtaking Khone Phapheng waterfall, the widest in Southeast Asia. Afterward, take a local boat from Ban Nakasang village to Don Khon Island. In the afternoon, visit Liphi waterfall, accessible via a picturesque suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Accommodation - Sengahloune Resort or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 - DON KHON ISLAND/PAKSE

After breakfast, return by boat to the mainland and head to Ban Moung village. Here, you will take a ferry across the Mekong River to Champasak, where you can explore Wat Phu, a UNESCO World Heritage site revered for its ancient ruins and stunning hillside views. After your visit, journey back to Pakse for an overnight stay.

Accommodation - Champasak Grand or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 - PAKSE/VIENTIANE (FLIGHT)

Today, we fly back to Vientiane and immerse yourself in the city’s cultural highlights. Explore Wat Prakeo, known for its exquisite architecture, Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of Buddha images, the iconic That Luang stupa, and Patouxay, a war memorial resembling the Arc de Triomphe.

Accommodation - Lao Poet Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 - VIENTIANE

Take a day to delve deeper into the local culture. Visit Buddha Park, a unique collection of over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues set in a peaceful garden. Then, head to the Cope Visitor Center, which raises awareness about unexploded ordnance (UXO) and its impacts on local communities, offering a poignant look at Laos’s history. Enjoy some free time for relaxation or further exploration.

Accommodation - Lao Poet Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 - VIENTIANE/LUANG PRABANG

Travel to the train station and board a scenic train to Luang Prabang. Check into your hotel upon arrival, and in the afternoon, visit Wat Xiengthong, a temple known for its stunning mosaics and traditional architecture. Climb Phusi Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Mekong River, and spend the evening exploring the vibrant night market.

Accommodation - Le Bel Air Resort or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 - LUANG PRABANG/PAK OU CAVE/LUANG PRABANG

For an optional early morning experience, witness the serene ritual of saffron-robed monks collecting alms, providing a glimpse into the spiritual life of the Laotian people. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking a picturesque Mekong River cruise to Ban Sanghai, famous for its sticky rice alcohol. Continue to the Pak Ou caves, home to thousands of Buddha images tucked into limestone cliffs. After exploring, have lunch at a local restaurant in Pak Ou village and then a bit of free time before the day ends.

Accommodation - Le Bel Air Resort or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 - LUANG PRABANG/KUANGSI WATERFALLS/LUANG PRABANG

Today after breakfast, we visit the Royal Palace, now a museum, along with the beautiful Wat Sane and Wat Visoun temples. Venture on a road excursion to the awe-inspiring Kuangsi waterfall, known for its turquoise waters and multiple cascading tiers. During this visit, we will also make stops into a local buffalo farm and an elephant camp, offering insights into the region's wildlife and nature.

Accommodation - Le Bel Air Resort or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - LUANG PRABANG/BANGKOK (THAILAND)

We bid farewell to Laos this morning and take a short flight to the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok. Upon arrival, our local Thai guide will be on hand to greet us and take us to our hotel. Bangkok is closely linked to the Chakri dynasty that still reigns but does rule in Thailand. Before dinner, enjoy a bit free time.

Accommodation - Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 11 - BANGKOK

After breakfast, explore the grandeur of Bangkok. Visit the Grand Royal Palace and the majestic Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha. Continue to Wat Pho, famous for its Reclining Buddha, and then visit Wat Traimit, known for the Golden Buddha. In the afternoon, enjoy a long-tail boat trip on the Chao Phraya River and its scenic canals, with a stop at Wat Arun. Conclude the day with leisure time at the hotel.

Accommodation - Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 - BANGKOK/KANCHANABURI

Embark on an exciting journey as you visit the Maeklong Railway Market for a glimpse of local life followed by a boat ride at the picturesque Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Next, travel to Kanchanaburi, where you’ll visit the World War 2 memorials, including the JEATH War Museum. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant by the Kwai River and then we take a scenic train ride along the historic railway.

Accommodation - U Inchantree Kanchanaburi hotel or similar or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 -KANCHANABURI/AYUTTHAYA

After breakfast we depart for Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, and discover its rich history. Visit Wat Phu Khao Thong, the ancient palace, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, along with Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, home to a large bronze Buddha statue. Finally, explore the impressive Wat Lokaya Sutha, which features a reclining Buddha.

Accommodation - Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14 - AYUTTHAYA/BANGOK/CHIANG RAI (FLIGHT)

On this day, you'll visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, an eclectic site showcasing European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles, once favored by the Thai kings. After exploring the palace, you'll transfer back to Bangkok airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and taken to your hotel, where the remaining time is yours to relax and explore at your leisure.

Accommodation - The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Dinner

Day 15 - CHIANG RAI

Start your day with breakfast and visit a local market to explore regional products. Discover Wat Phra Kaew, once home to the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Phra Singh, which houses beautiful Buddha images. Later, visit the unique Black House, an artistic creation by Thawan Duchanee. Enjoy a boat cruise on the Mae Kok River before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation - The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16 - CHIANG RAI/CHIANG MAI

Today, visit Chiang Saen, an ancient city near the Golden Triangle, and tour the Opium Museum to learn about the region's history. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then take a boat trip along the Mekong River to see the convergence of Thailand, Burma, and Laos. This afternoon we then transfer to Chiang Mai for check-in.

Accommodation - Bodhi Serene Boutique Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17 - CHIANG MAI

After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of Chiang Mai's old town, visiting the iconic Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang temples. Stroll through the vibrant Warorot Market in the afternoon and head to Doi Suthep hill for stunning views. Conclude your day with dinner and browsing at the Chiang Mai Night Market.

Accommodation - Bodhi Serene Boutique Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18 - CHIANG MAI/MAE SAPOK TREK/CHIANG MAI

Set off early for a day of trekking in the hill tribe villages of the White Karen community. Start with a jungle walk which will take around 2 hours, visiting the village and interacting with the villagers. After this, we go on another 1 hour walk and then have a chance to enjoy a picnic lunch near a beautiful waterfall (here, you also have the option to swim as well). In the afternoon, embark on a bamboo raft ride along the river before returning to Chiang Mai in the evening.

Accommodation - Bodhi Serene Boutique Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 19 - CHIANG MAI/BANGKOK/HOME

Today after breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Thailand at leisure before transferring to the airport for your international flight back home. There will be a stopover in Bangkok airport before we reboard our flight bound for home.

Accommodation - N/A

Included Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

Day 20 - ARRIVE HOME

Your overnight flight arrives back early this morning.

From everyone at Friendly Travel, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed your Thailand and Laos adventure!

Accommodation - N/A

Included Meals - As per flight