Thailand14 days
Thailand & Laos: Bangkok to Vientiane, 14 Days
Overland journey across two countries by train, river, and road—from Bangkok's markets through northern Thailand's hill villages to the Mekong towns of Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
This 14-day route traces a path across Thailand and Laos by train, river, and road. Starting in Bangkok, it moves north by overnight train to Chiang Mai, then continues to the highlands where homestays in H'mong villages provide overnight stays. From Chiang Rai, the journey crosses into Laos at Huay Xai and descends the Mekong River by long-tail boat over two days, passing riverside settlements and limestone geography before reaching Luang Prabang. A southern leg via Vang Vieng follows, ending in Vientiane. The itinerary includes stays in city hotels, a sleeper train, a village homestay, and Mekong riverboat sections. All transport, guide services, entrance fees, and most meals are included.
Highlights
- Overnight train journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- Homestay in an H'mong hill village with evening cultural performance
- Elephant camp visit and bamboo river rafting on the Mae Ping River
- Two-day Mekong River descent from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang by long-tail boat
- Takbat alms-giving ceremony at dawn in Luang Prabang
- Kuang Si Waterfalls visit from Luang Prabang with H'mong village stop
- Temple sightseeing in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, including Wat Xieng Thong and Pha That Luang Stupa
Day by day
1Arrival in Bangkokairport · Bangkok hotel
Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your Bangkok hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
2Bangkok: Temples, Markets & RiverWat Pho · the Grand Palace · Chao Phraya River · Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market · Chinatown
Visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, both filled with gilt and carved detail. A long-tail boat carries you along the Chao Phraya River to Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market. Conclude with a walk through Chinatown's shop-lined alleys and market stalls.
3Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Overnight TrainBangkok to Chiang Mai · Damnoen Saduak floating market · Railway Track Market
Visit Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Railway Track Market in the morning. Board the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai in the afternoon.
4Chiang Mai: Markets, Temple & Night Marketnight market · Talat Warorod · Wat Doi Suthep
Arrive and visit Talat Warorod, Chiang Mai's largest market, browsing produce and local goods. Ascend to Wat Doi Suthep in the hills and watch sunset from the temple grounds. Return to the city for an evening performance of northern Thai music and dance, followed by time in the night market.
5H'mong Hill Village Homestaya small village home to H'mong hill tribes · a family homestay
Travel by road to a small village home to H'mong hill tribes. Stay overnight in a family homestay, join a cultural performance, and share a BBQ dinner with your hosts.
6Elephant Camp, Bamboo Rafting & Chiang RaiChiang Rai · Chiang Dao Elephant Camp · Mae Ping River · Thaton to Baan Pha Tai
Visit Chiang Dao Elephant Camp for a guided interaction and ride. Continue downstream on the Mae Ping River by bamboo raft. Travel by road to Thaton, then transfer via long-tail boat on the Mae Kok River to Baan Pha Tai before arriving in Chiang Rai by road.
7Cross into Laos: Huay Xai to PakbengPakbeng · Thai-Lao border at Huay Xai · Mekong River · minority villages along the banks
Cross the Thai-Lao border at Huay Xai and board a long-tail boat for a downstream journey on the Mekong River. Stop at minority villages along the banks before arriving in Pakbeng.
8Mekong Descent: Pakbeng to Luang PrabangBan Khok Ek · rice alcohol distillery · Pak Ou Caves
Continue downstream, passing Ban Khok Ek, a traditional Laotian river village. Visit a rice alcohol distillery, then stop at Pak Ou Caves—two limestone cave temples set into the riverbank—before reaching Luang Prabang.
9Luang Prabang: Temples & City ViewsWat Mai · Wat Sensoukarahm · Wat Visoune · Wat Xieng Thong · Phousi hill · the colorful hill-tribes market on the town edge
Tour four temples by tuk-tuk: Wat Mai, Wat Sensoukarahm, Wat Visoune, and Wat Xieng Thong. Climb Phousi hill for views across the city and Mekong valley. Spend time in the colorful hill-tribes market on the town edge.
10Takbat Ceremony, Waterfalls & Villagesstreets · National Museum · Kuang Si Waterfalls · H'mong village · Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre
Rise early to observe a Takbat (Buddhist alms-giving) ceremony conducted by monks in the streets. Visit the National Museum, then travel to Kuang Si Waterfalls where multiple tiers cascade into turquoise pools. Stop at an H'mong village and visit Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre before returning to Luang Prabang.
11Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng via Phoukhoun and PathangLuang Prabang to Vang Vieng · Vang Vieng · Phoukhoun · Pathang
Travel south to Vang Vieng, stopping at Phoukhoun and the striking village of Pathang along the way. Settle into Vang Vieng for the night.
12Vang Vieng to Vientiane via Tham Chang CavesVang Vieng to Vientiane · Tham Chang Caves
Visit the limestone passages of Tham Chang Caves before traveling by road to Vientiane for the night.
13Vientiane: Temples, Market & Cultural EveningVientiane · Thongkhankham Market · Wat Si Saket · Wat Phra Keo · Pha That Luang Stupa · Patuxai Victory Monument
Visit Thongkhankham Market, Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, the gold-plated Pha That Luang Stupa, and Patuxai Victory Monument. In the evening, dinner features traditional Lao cuisine followed by a dance performance.
14Vientiane DepartureVientiane
Enjoy a free morning in Vientiane before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Where you go
- 1Wat Pho
- 2Chinatown
- 3Damnoen Saduak floating market
- 4Chiang Rai
Included
- Hotel with daily breakfast, village homestay, sleeper train, lunches & dinners as indicated, English speaking local guides, entrance fees to sites listed on the itinerary, private A/C transportation with expert drivers, and airport transfers.
Not included
- Meals and drinks unless specified
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activity costs
- Peak season surcharges may apply.
- International flights are not included, please enquire.