Mekong Symphony

Start your day with an airport pick-up and drive to Chiang Saen (approximately 1 hour). Chiang Saen is a river town that straddles the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, and is arguably known as one of the oldest city in Thailand. Chiang Saen is teeming with temples and steeped in centuries of history. Check-in for a 2-night stays at Athita, The Hidden Court. The entire building is made of teak wood and handmade bricks, connecting with the nearby temple, Wat Athi Ton Kaeow. A beautiful piece of living history tucked away, overlooking a 700-year-old ancient temple. Catch the sunrise on the edge of the river or even enjoy traditional Thai food in the evening overlooking the vibrant Mekong. Explore the old city walls of Chaeng Saen and delve into local markets with local farmers selling fresh fruit and vegetables. Local venders will be selling traditional Thai snacks, herbs and insects. No arrangement for dinner.

After a restful sleep, enjoy breakfast before embarking on an exploration of The Golden Triangle. This region was historically the primary opium-growing and trading area in Southeast Asia, situated at the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. The term 'Golden Triangle' refers to the geographical area formed by the borders of these three countries. Traders used to exchange opium or heroin for gold, giving rise to the name Golden Triangle. The Mekong River serves as the boundary between Thailand and Laos. At 8:30 am, your guide will be ready to accompany you to the impressive "Hall of Opium," an excellent museum that delves into the history of the Golden Triangle and the opium trade. Following this, enjoy a short boat ride around the Golden Triangle before having lunch at a riverside restaurant. After lunch, explore the ancient temple in Chiang Saen, one of the oldest settlements in Northern Thailand. It boasts well-preserved city walls and captivating centuries-old ruins. The visit will focus on our favorite temple ruin, Wat Pa Sak. Following the city walls back to the Mekong River, we'll head to Wat Phra That Pha Ngao. This extensive temple complex is often overlooked by foreign visitors, but it holds various attractions. Explore the small yet thrilling weaving center, a textile museum, and a viharn adorned with marvelous wood carvings. The highlight is the white chedi atop a hill, known as Phra Borommathat Putta Nimit Chedi. We'll drive to the chedi for its majestic view over the Mekong River and Laos, offering a superior perspective compared to the actual Golden Triangle. Later this afternoon, transfer back to the hotel.

On the third day, you will have an early breakfast so that you are ready for a 90-minute drive to the Thai-Lao Bridge by 8 am, where you will cross over into Laos. At this point you will be escorted onto the beautiful Grand Cruise, a wooden slow boat equipped with all the amenities you need to relax while the Mekong gently pulls you along downstream. As your journey downriver, you will stop at some Khmu ethnic minority village and experience observing their traditional local lifestyle. Lunch is served on board while cruising. Arriving at Pakbeng late afternoon, you will check into your bungalow and enjoy a few drinks while watching the sunset over the mountains and the Mekong River at the swimming pool side terrace. Overnight at The Grand Pakbeng Resort nestled in the jungle.

After breakfast , you will return to the pier and board at 7:30 am to continue the second leg of the cruise downstream, passing through unspoilt forest, tiny villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with its mahout. You will visit a Hmong village and explore their ancient temples. Lunch is served on board as we enjoy the slow-paced cruise. We will pull over for a visit to Pak-Ou Caves, an ancient pilgrimage site and containing thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years. Upon arriving in Luang Prabang, you will disembark at Le Calao pier around sunset, where a driver will pick you up and drive you to Satri House. It is one of the most exquisite hotels in Luang Prabang, inspired by colonial-style architecture. Here, you can enjoy tranquility and truly unwind, despite being located in the heart of Luang Prabang. While centrally located, you can easily venture out and explore all that the ancient city has to offer during your two full days of leisure.

At sunrise, you will have the opportunity to participate in the local tradition of giving alms to monks, an act of making merit and contributing food for their twice-daily meals. This provides you with a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the local people, allowing you to actively engage in this cultural practice.The entire day is yours to explore at your own pace.

The entire day is yours to explore at your own pace. If you desire, we can arrange a one-day excursion for you (additional charges apply). Additionally, we can make a dinner reservation for you at one of our Secret Tables in town.

After a restful sleep, you will have breakfast and a driver will assist you to the Luang Prabang airport or station to your next destination.

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End of our services.