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 8.30am, a guide will waiting to take you to visit the impressive “Hall of Opium”, an excellent museum focusing on the history of the Golden Triangle and the opium trade. Then, take a short boat ride around the Golden Triangle. We will have lunch 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. At this point you will be escorted on to the beautiful Grand Cruise, upon a wooden slow boat with the 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 in to your bungalow and enjoy a few drinks watching the sunset over the mountains and the Mekong River at the swimming pool side 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. Whilst being centrally located, you can easily nip out and enjoy all the ancient city has to offer and truly explore to your hearts content with two full days all to yourself.

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.

Full day to yourself and to explore at your own pace. We can arrange one day of excursion (additional charges) if you like us to. We can also make reservation for dinner at one of our Secret Tables in town.

After a restful sleep, you will have breakfast and 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). When arriving at Vang Vieng ’s train station (15mn) , there will be a driver waiting to take you to your next resort, Riverside Boutique Resort, the perfect serene hideaway, by the Nam Song River. You will get the rest of the day to yourself and to explore the town.

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. After which you will take a drive to a Khmu Village, where you will have lunch with a local Khmu family all traditionally dressed for the occasion. This is where you will also discover local “Lao Hai“, a local rice wine, and see how it is made. After your meal, you will go for a walk in the rice fields to a traditional hut where you will sit and finally be able to drink some “Lao Hai“. After enjoying the rice field you will be dropped back at the resort at sunset so that you enjoy the rest of the evening.

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. Back to you hotel for the evening.

In the morning, you will enjoy your breakfast and prepare yourself to check out so you are ready for your next destination, Pakse and the south of Laos or flight back home. There will be a transfer prepared for you to take you to the airport.

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