A trip to Thailand and Laos is an adventure tinged with serenity and authenticity. The regions visited break with the commonplaces of tourism. Refinement, gentleness and smiles, that’s what awaits you! An original tour in Thailand that takes you from Bangkok to the edge of the Golden Triangle, between jungles and rice fields. You then only have to cross the Mekong to find yourself in neighboring Laos, in the heart of wild nature, to meet ethnic minorities.
Departures year-long
Price to come* (land only)
INCLUDED
24/7 assistance from your travel expert.
Transfers and ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
The services of a local French-speaking guide in Thailand and Laos.
Activities mentioned in the program, including cruises on Day 9 and 10.
Accommodation: At the hotel in a double room.
Meals: breakfast only.
EXCLUDED
International flights.
International airport taxes.
Lunches and dinners throughout the trip.
Visa fees.
Entrance fees to temples, monuments or historical sites offered in the program.
Repatriation assistance insurance.
Drinks and personal expenses.
Tips.
Anything not listed under “price includes”.
Insurances
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Destination
1
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
First steps in Thailand
You have just landed at the airport. Your driver is there to welcome you. Take the time to drop off your belongings at your hotel before setting off to discover Bangkok, nicknamed "the Venice of the East". Why not stroll through the heart of the traditional districts? Soak up the unique atmosphere of the Damnoen Saduak floating market , stroll on foot or by bike in the old districts located along the city's canals. Feel the energy that emanates from this city around the Grand Palace and the Chinatown district . In the meantime, enjoy your first pad-thai , the tasty stir-fried noodle dish.
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Day 2: Ayutthaya - Sukhothai
Thai tranquility
Today, your day is dedicated to history, architecture and Buddhism. After breakfast, you take the road to Sukhotai , to meet the ancient ruins contained in the city's magnificent historical park. You begin your guided tour through Ban Kheay , a typical rural village that marks the entrance to the small Thai roads, through the rice fields. The opportunity to admire many Buddha statues, sometimes reaching up to 12 meters high as at Wat Saphan Hin . Continue your way along the small irrigation canals before reaching your hotel.
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Day 3: Sukhothai - Chiang Mai
Heading for the Rose of the North
Today, your driver will take you to Chiang Mai. Short stop in Lampang . You will visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang , the most emblematic Lanna-style temple in the province. Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, set off without delay to discover this dynamic city full of cultural treasures. Stroll through the alleys of the old town and visit, for example, Wat Chiang Man . At the end of the day, climb into a songtaew , or collective taxi, to go to the temple of Doi Suthep and enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city. In the evening, do not miss the night markets where many street food stands offer you the best local specialties.
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Day 4: Chiang Mai
Free time in Chiang Mai
Today, free time to enjoy Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North". Visit one of the city's many markets to soak up the scents of Asia and the fervor of the city. Then, set off to discover some of the city's iconic temples, such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or Wat Phra Singh.
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Day 5: Cgiang Mai - Chiang Khong - Luang Namtha
Heading for Laos
This morning, you cross the border a few kilometers from Chiang Khong to go to Laos. Your French-speaking Thai guide accompanies you to the border to help you with the procedures. Then you cross the Mekong by taking the friendship bridge , 4th Friendship Bridge, to reach Laos. On the other side, a new local guide welcomes you and together, you go to the mountainous region of Bokeo, populated by multiple ethnic groups. Stop at the typical Lanten village of Ban Nam Chang. You continue your route to Luang Namtha, a small town at the foot of the mountains. Take the opportunity to live your first taste experiences at the night market.
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Day 6: Luang Namtha - Oudomxay
Meeting the ethnic groups
After breakfast, you leave Luang Namtha by taking pretty mountain roads to reach Oudomxay, provincial capital of a mountainous and landlocked region. On the way, you make a few stops in ethnic minority villages to observe, exchange and share good times. It is also an opportunity to discover their traditional crafts. You then reach the large city of Oudomxay, a commercial crossroads between Vientiane and neighboring China and between Vietnam and Thailand. Be curious, and stroll through the large central market where unfortunately Chinese manufactured products have supplanted textiles and ethnic crafts.
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Day 7: Oudomxay - Muang Khua - Nong Khiaw
In the heart of Laos
This morning, you take the road through the beautiful Laotian countryside to reach the village of Muang Khua. On the way, you stop at a traditional Khamu market to discover the secrets of making traditional Laotian alcohol: Lao Lao. Arriving in Muang Khua, you board a traditional boat for a cruise on the Nam Ou River . The Nam Ou is one of the most important rivers in the country. The ride immerses you in an authentic Laos with spectacular landscapes and immense limestone cliffs. You disembark in the village of Nong Khiaw , land of Thai Leu, Hmong and Khamus peoples where you will spend the night in an enchanting setting.
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Day 8: Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang
Along the water
You leave Nong Khiaw by taking a beautiful road that runs along the Nam Ou River. A short stop at the village of Ban Na Nyang, famous for traditional cotton weaving, passed down from generation to generation for nearly 300 years. This is an opportunity to meet the Tai Leu, an ethnic group from Yunnan province, who migrated here during the 18th century. You return to the banks of the Mekong where your boat awaits you for a very nice cruise to Luang Prabang . You explore the sacred caves of Pak Ou, home to hundreds of Buddha statuettes. You disembark in Luang Prabang in the afternoon for a first contact with this city with its captivating charm.
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Day 9: Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Waterfalls
At dawn, watch the monks wandering through the city to collect some donations from the villagers. Then go and visit the national museum and the various temples of the city including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong . After lunch, head to the Laotian countryside to begin your initiation to rice cultivation. The whole process is explained to you until you have mastered each step. Take the opportunity to taste the local delicacies made from rice and sugar cane. A refreshing break at the spectacular Kuang Si waterfalls . Back in Luang Prabang, go to a terrace on the banks of the Mekong to watch the sunset.
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Day 10: Luang Prabang
Return flight
This morning, take the time to wake up peacefully to make the most of the ambient serenity. For a last shopping session, we recommend you visit Ock Pop Tok . Located in a tropical garden on the banks of the Mekong, this weaving center offers guided tours of their workshop to learn more about Laotian fabrics. Then rush to one of their boutiques in the city center to make your ethical purchases . Depending on the schedule of your international flight, you are then taken to the airport. End of our services.