Mekong Symphony

Depending if you fly to Chiang Rai Airport or arrive from North Thailand (Chiang Mai or Mae Chane), we will arrange a pick up and drive to Chiang Saen to reach the river town that straddles the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos; 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 2 nights Athita, The Hidden Court. The whole building is of teak wood and handmade bricks that connect 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. Whilst local venders will be selling traditional Thai snacks, herbs and insects. No arrangement for dinner.

After a restful sleep, you will have some breakfast and we start exploring The Golden Triangle. This region used to be the main opium-growing and trading region in Southeast Asia around the Golden Triangle. Triangle refers to the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Traders used to pay for opium or heroin with gold, hence the name Golden Triangle. The Mekong River forms the border here between Thailand and Laos.
At 8:30 am, a guide will take you to the impressive Hall of Opium Museum, which offers excellent insight into the history of the opium trade. Then, enjoy a short boat ride around the Golden Triangle as part of your Laos Mekong River tour experience. Lunch will be served at a riverside restaurant.
After lunch, visit around the ancient temple in Chiang Saen which is one of the oldest settlements in North Thailand. It has impressive, well-preserved city walls and some beautiful, centuries-old ruins. We limit ourselves to our favorite temple ruin, Wat Pa Sak. Then we will follow the city walls back to the Mekong River and head for Wat Phra That Pha Ngao. Few foreign visitors make it to his extensive temple complex, which is a pity. It is a very active temple with lots of things to see.
Many local people visit this temple. There is a small but exciting weaving center, a textile museum, and a viharn with marvelous wood carvings. The main attraction is the white chedi on top of a hill. This chedi is called Phra Borommathat Putta Nimit Chedi. We drive up to the chedi because of our majestic view over the Mekong River and Laos. This view is so much better than the view at the actual Golden Triangle. Transfer back to hotel later this afternoon.

On the third day, you will have an early breakfast so that you are ready for a 90mn drive to the Thai-Lao Bridge by 8 am, where you will cross over into Laos. Here, you’ll board the Grand Cruise, a traditional wooden slow boat offering comfort and authentic charm. Following the slow boat route from Thailand to Laos, you will be escorted on to the beautiful Grand Cruise, upon a wooden slow boat with all the amenities you need to relax while the Mekong gently pulls you along downstream. You'll stop at a Khmu ethnic minority village and observe traditional lifestyles. Lunch is served on board while cruising.
Arrive in Pakbeng late afternoon and check in at The Grand Pakbeng Resort, a jungle retreat overlooking the Mekong River. This stop is one of the highlights of a Mekong River tour in Laos, offering stunning sunsets over the river from the poolside terrace. Overnight in The Grand Pakbeng Resort nestled in the jungle.

After breakfast , you will go back to the pier and board at 07:30am 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 his 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. 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, one of the most exquisite hotels in Luang Prabang inspired by colonial style architecture where you will be able to enjoy yourself in peace and truly unwind even though being located in the heart of Luang Prabang. Centrally located, it allows easy exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage city — an essential stop on any Laos Mekong tour.

At sunrise, participate in the sacred alms-giving ceremony, offering food to monks as part of a centuries-old tradition. This cultural ritual gives you a glimpse into the daily life of locals and is a highlight for many travelers on a Laos Mekong River tour. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

Another full day to explore Luang Prabang’s temples, markets, and French colonial architecture at your own pace. Optional excursions or Secret Tables dining can be arranged upon request to enhance your Mekong River tour in Laos experience.

After a restful sleep and breakfast, a driver will assist you to Luang Prabang train station to catch the scenic train ride past mountains and rice fields to Vang Vieng (around 1hr). Upon arrival at Vang Vieng’s train station (15 minutes away), a driver will be waiting to take you to your next resort, Riverside Boutique Resort — the perfect serene hideaway by the Nam Song River. With its mountain views and riverside setting, the property offers the ideal spot to unwind after the journey. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the town at leisure as part of your Mekong Thai Laos tour package.

Have breakfast after waking up to the beautiful mountainside and then get ready for a guide to pick you up, who will take you to meet the important ethnic people that live in Laos. The local guide will take you to a local picturesque Lao Loum village, north of Vang Vieng filled with life, a perfect photo opportunity. From there you will go on a one-hour walk through rice fields and canals to an important Hmong Village that has kept strong in their traditions. You will see people making woven baskets and Hmong embroidery for their daily lives. Next, continue by road to a Khmu village, where a family will welcome you with a traditional home-cooked lunch. You’ll also discover “Lao Hai,” the famous local rice wine, and see how it is prepared. After the meal, walk through nearby rice fields to a traditional hut where you’ll sit and share Lao Hai with your hosts. This authentic experience provides deep insight into Hmong and Khmu culture, an essential aspect of any Laos Mekong tour. Return to the resort in time to enjoy the riverside sunset.

After breakfast at the hotel, and a relaxing morning, check out by noon and a driver will be ready to pick you up to take you to Vientiane (2hrs drive) for you last hotel: Lao Poet. After you settle and refresh, a guide will be waiting for you to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the capital city. You will be taken to see Wat Si Saket, a 19th-century temple in the center of Vientiane. A temple that survived the rampage of the Siamese armies. You will next pay a visit to Hor Phra Keo, a highly revered temple, now turned into a museum, with an enshrined 200-year-old Emerald Buddha. After paying respects to the Buddha, you will go to visit Patuxay, the “Victory Gate”, an impressive memorial arch for those who lost their lives in the wars. After visiting the arch, you will see That Luang Stupa, the most respected shrine in Laos recognized for its distinct banana flower shape. This cultural immersion complements your Mekong River tour in Laos adventure perfectly.
Back to you hotel for the evening.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before checking out. Depending on your travel plans, a transfer will be arranged to Vientiane Airport for your onward journey — whether continuing south to Pakse, exploring the 4000 Islands, or flying home. This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable Mekong Thai Laos tour package. There will be a transfer prepared for you to take you to the airport.

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