Welcome by our team, then transfer to your hotel. Rooms available from 2:00 PM.

Rest of the day free for you to gently recover from your trip at your charming hotel.

Night at Praya Palazzo

We set off to explore the Bang Pa-in Palace, built in the 17th century and abandoned after the destruction of Ayutthaya. The palace was restored and expanded in the mid-19th century by the King, who made it his summer residence.

From the palace, we will travel to Ayutthaya by traditional boat on the river. Along the way, we will discover the Thai way of life along the water, the wooden stilt houses, the rice barge convoys towed to Bangkok warehouses, and the temple spires pointing towards the sky.

We will arrive in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

After lunch, we'll explore the historic center of the city, including Wat Mahathat , dating back to the late 14th century. We'll then continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which once served as the royal temple and is the largest in the city. Finally, we'll visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, famous for its reclining Buddha.

The afternoon in Ayutthaya will be guided by an English-speaking guide.

In the evening, we board our first-class night train to Chiang Mai.

Note: Ticket sales are 30 days before departure, so we cannot guarantee first class. If not available, you will either travel in second class (if available) or by plane. This may result in a price change, either up or down.

07:15 - Our train arrives at the station. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and driver who will take us to our hotel.

Note: Room availability may be until 14:00. If your room is not ready upon arrival, you can drop off your belongings and start exploring the city.

With our guide, we make a stop at the Warorot central market, where we can find all sorts of northern Thai specialties, such as Sai ua (northern Thai sausage), Moo yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam phrik num (northern Thai green chili paste), dried fruits, etc. In addition to local food, you can also find clothes, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery equipment, flowers, and more.

We then head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple, located on the mountain at 1,200 meters above sea level.

This stunning Buddhist temple invites you to a pious meditation in an atmosphere imbued with silence and mysticism, where every stone, every statue, every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism.

On the way, a stop at the Wat Pha Lat Temple.

Finally, we will end our day with a visit to the Wat Umong temple, an underground Buddhist temple from the 13th century. Nestled at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountains, Wat Umong is a haven of peace.

Discover the history of the monastery, walk through old underground tunnels, and take the time to talk with the resident monks.

The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.

Night at De Lanna Hotel in a Deluxe room.

This morning, we hit the road for the mountains overlooking the city of Chiang Mai, in the Doi Inthanon National Park, where we will embark on a guided hike in the mountains, as well as exploring the Karen populations of northern Thailand.

We start our Doi Inthanon Hilltribe Trail trek. We walk along a mountain stream before reaching the lush green rice fields of the region at higher altitudes. We have lunch near a waterfall where we can also cool off.

In the afternoon, our hike continues uphill. We reach a Karen village where we stop before venturing into the rice fields where our guesthouse is located.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Excursion duration approximately 5h30 including about 3h30 of effective walking

Tonight, we are welcomed for dinner and the night by a Karen family in a stunning setting.

After breakfast at our hosts' home and a morning stroll in the village, we drive to Chi's camp, a young Karen who will show us his elephants and way of life. Upon arrival, we prepare fruits to feed the elephants. We then walk together in the jungle, where the elephants continue to feed and we can interact with them in a natural environment. Our guide provides more information about their behavior. Finally, we witness the elephants bathing in the river.

The activity is private and in the company of Chi.

In the afternoon, to cool off, we will take a short ride down the Mae Wang River on a bamboo raft.

A peaceful activity lasting about 40 minutes.

Night at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, a charming lodge on the banks of the Mae Wang.

Early departure for Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North and former capital of the Lan Na kingdom, which enchants with its way of life, hundreds of temples, gastronomy, smiles, and traditions.

On the way, we'll stop at the Suan Lahu Organic Farm. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy the superb view of the surroundings over a cup of organically grown coffee.

Your hosts will introduce you to the organic farm project here before taking you on a tour of the farm. You will witness the production and processing of coffee, tea, and fruits. Depending on the season, you will also witness the harvest.

Then, we'll visit the rural highland community, where we'll get an insight into the indigenous Lahu culture.

Then, we'll visit the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun , also known as the White Temple, in Chiang Rai. This temple is a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most famous artists, Chalermchai Kositpipat.

While the site resembles a religious complex, its purpose is different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from meditating Buddha statues to idols of pop culture like Michael Jackson, and murals celebrating the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the building a unique and surprising charm.

Continuing to Wat Rong Sua Ten, also known as the "Blue Temple," in Chiang Rai. This temple is the work of a disciple of the architect Chalermchai.

There, you'll observe sculptures of Buddha in lotus position, as well as figures of demons and legendary nagas, half human and half serpent, along with paintings illustrating the events of Gautama's earthly life.

The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.

Night at Laluna Hotel & Resort.

Departure for Mae Salong (25 to 30 km of mountain road), region of the villages of Chinese refugees from the last century and large tea plantations.

Visit to the 101 Tea Plantation - stroll in the small village of Santikiri to discover the history of the KMT refugees - refugees from the former KuoMingTang army fleeing the end of the civil war in China.

We continue our journey through the mountains to Tha Ton, a charming village located not far from the Burmese border. With its hill tribes, picturesque guesthouses, and unique setting along the Kok River, it has all the qualities to enchant you. The road to get there is also magnificent, with valleys, hills, and lush rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

From Thaton, we board our long-tail boat and begin our cruise on the Kok River, which will take us back to Chiang Rai. Along the way, you will appreciate the magnificent landscapes of the region, the life of the villagers, and observe herds of water buffaloes cooling off in the muddy waters, as well as a rich and varied birdlife.

Halfway through, we stop at a tribal village to rest and buy some cold drinks.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Early in the morning, your driver will take you to the border with Laos.

Upon arriving at the border between Thailand and Laos, you will need to complete the Thai exit formalities individually. Take the public shuttle that will cross the bridge to reach Laos.

You will need to carry your luggage during this short transfer. The fee for crossing the bridge is approximately 40 THB (1 EUR). To be paid individually.

Individual immigration processing to complete the entry formalities for Laos.

Visa valid on arrival for 40 USD/person. Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of stay + 1 ID photo.

Once in Laos, just after immigration, you will be welcomed by your French-speaking Laotian guide.
Then, head to Luang Namtha. The province contains the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area and is one of the main areas for sugarcane and rubber production in Laos, with numerous plantations.
Lunch on your own.

This afternoon, take a bicycle excursion to explore the town of Luang Namtha, including the iconic and very notable local stupa, as well as the nearby countryside village.

This evening, dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Luang Namtha.

Breakfast, then meet your guide at the hotel reception.

The trek begins at Ban Jaluensouk, a Khmu village. From there, we follow a trail that leads us to the ridge. We continue along the path that crosses mountain rice fields and forest. The guide will explain how we work with the villagers to conserve and regenerate the forest.

Lunch along the way.

As we continue along the trail, we will meet local villagers going to and from the market before descending to the village of Ban Nalan Tai, located on the banks of the Nam Ha River.
Arrival at your local village to spend the night and have dinner with the locals.
Overnight in Ban Nalan Tai or Ban Nam Goy. If we stay in Ban Nam Goy, we will continue walking along the riverbank for an additional 40 minutes.

Approximately 30 minutes of transfer (between the meeting point and Ban Jaluensouk) and 5 to 6 hours of trekking.

After breakfast, we head through the forest towards the banks of the Nam Ha. Deer and monkeys live in this area, so if we walk quietly and luck is on our side, we may spot them!

We continue until lunchtime, where we meet villagers in the forest and enjoy a picnic together.

After lunch, we cross the Nam Ha River to enter the Nam Ha National Protected Area. Here, the trail follows a stream through dense jungle, where you’ll see signs of abundant wildlife in the area. As we keep walking, the forest opens up, crossing rice fields before reaching the banks of the Nam Tha River. Here, we cross the river by wooden canoe to reach Ban Hat Yawng.

From the village, we return to Luang Namtha by minibus and drop you off at your hotel.

Approximately 5 to 6 hours of trekking and 1 hour of transfer.

You will join Route 2W and head north towards Laos. Along the way, you'll have the chance to pass through various ethnic villages and enjoy stunning mountain views.

Also, as you may know, China has a significant presence in Laos, especially in the north, to help build the upcoming railway lines that will connect China and Laos from Kunming to Vientiane before extending further to Bangkok and Singapore (they are already constructed between Vientiane and Boten). During the journey, you will occasionally witness this massive project.

Once in Oudomxay, climb to the top of Mount Phou That for a panoramic view before heading to your hotel, located less than 18 km away at Nam Kat Yorlapa, right next to a Khmu ethnic village.

We recommend having lunch at Kanya Restaurant, at your discretion, along the way.

Upon arrival at the resort, enjoy a welcome drink and check-in starting from 2 PM. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the property's facilities and services.

Breakfast at your hotel, then head to Muang La, about forty minutes away, at the foot of hot springs.

Next, you will board a 4x4 to take you into the heart of the countryside, crossing the region's mountains to meet local communities and learn about their ways of life. This unique immersion will give you a deeper understanding of the daily lives of these inhabitants, which vary from one moment to another, from one village to another, and from one season to another.

A picnic will be enjoyed along the way.

You will first follow Route 2 towards a small roadside ethnic market before arriving at Ban Kor, a Khmu village. From there, the vehicle will take a track to climb the mountains towards Ban Ano, where you’ll reach the impressive "sea of clouds" at the summit (weather permitting). You will pass through the village of Ban Houay Sang, where a Khmu community practices basket weaving. In Ban Tong Seu, you’ll discover one of the few Hmong villages in the region, and if you're there in December, you might have the chance to participate in the colorful Hmong New Year celebrations. At Ban Akhang, an Akha village (also called Ikhos), you’ll be surprised to see houses with brightly colored doors and windows.

Arriving at Ban Ano, after passing through the sea of clouds, you’ll find an Akha village with an old airstrip dating back to the Vietnam War.

Then, return to Route 2 and the village of Ban Pakho, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover tobacco drying sheds. We continue our journey towards Muang La. Once in Muang La, you’ll visit the hot springs, highly valued by locals for their health benefits, and also have the chance to discover salt mines.

Return to your resort at the end of the day. Dinner is on your own, and overnight at the resort.

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Take only what is necessary for 2 days and 1 night in a backpack. Your suitcase will be stored at the hotel’s luggage facility.

Then you will head to the village of Nam Haeng. During the journey, you will discover several old Khmu and Hmong villages along the way. The guides will explain the tribal culture and the lifestyle of the local populations.

Depart from Nam Haeng to Chom Ong and have lunch in the village.

Begin a village tour where you will have the opportunity to discover and learn more about the traditions, culture, and lifestyle of the people of Chom Ong, as well as the different types of local craftsmanship.

Dinner and Baci ceremony with the locals. Overnight in the village.

Breakfast in the village with the locals before continuing your walk in the region. You will start exploring the Chom Ong cave for a few hours, with the same path back (the cave visit will depend on your physical condition).

Lunch near the entrance of the cave.

Visit the waterfall, and if you'd like to experience swimming in natural waters, the natural pool in front of the cave is one of the best choices.

Return to Oudomxay.

1:30 PM: Transfer to Oudomxay train station. Complete security and identity checks before boarding train K11 to Luang Prabang, departing at 2:58 PM.

Arrival in Luang Prabang at 4:10 PM. Disembark and exit, then transfer to your hotel.

Dinner is on your own. We recommend the refined and very fresh local cuisine by Chef Linda, which will charm you, at her small restaurant, Bamboo Tree, that she passionately runs along the Nam Khan River, right in the heart of the old town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

You will begin your visit in a “Deluxe” Tuk-Tuk, exploring the main monuments of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995.

Starting with the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, which features a lovely collection of vintage cars in the garage, a precious state gift from the United States, along with a fragment of moon rock and royal insignia.

Don't forget to visit Vat Prabang, which houses the sacred statue of the Buddha Prabang that gives the city its name, followed by the adjacent Vat Mai Royal.

You will pass by Vat Xieng Mouane, providing a unique opportunity to discover a training center for some crafts related to Buddhist art.

Next, the Heritage House (Heuan Chan Heritage House) will give you a better understanding of the protection, enhancement, and preservation policies of Luang Prabang. Its architectural heritage, including the stilt house, is an archetypal example.

11 AM: Transfer to the pier and depart for the Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers, nestled in limestone cliffs (private tour).

Lunch will be served on board during the cruise.

The caves house hundreds of Buddha statuettes of all sizes. It is an important pilgrimage site for Laotians, especially during the Lao New Year in mid-April.

After this visit, you will return to Luang Prabang with a stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai, known for its rice alcohol production. Be cautious, as the alcohol content varies between 25 and 45 degrees!

Continue by boat and conclude your cruise back to Luang Prabang.

Enjoy admiring the Vat Xieng Thong temple, the city’s iconic monastery with its typical local architecture. It is a site of veneration located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

Transfer to your hotel, with the rest of the afternoon free at your discretion.

For those feeling up to it, you can hike to the top of Mount Phou Si, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings at sunset.

Don’t miss the night market, a true gem of local craftsmanship (you can also explore it another evening, at your convenience).

Return to the hotel.

For dinner, we suggest experiencing a local favorite, the “sin dat,” a Lao barbecue where you grill thinly sliced meat on a metallic dome while simultaneously boiling a soup into which you can add your ingredients (vegetables, noodles, herbs, spices, etc.) at Dyen Sabai restaurant!

Full day hike "Kuang Si Waterfall Insight" (group tour).

You will walk for about 4 hours. Expect to climb and descend on rugged jungle trails. These paths can become muddy and slippery during rain. It’s approximately 10 km in total, with an elevation gain of 200 m and a negative elevation change of about 400 m.

This morning, head by minivan to a Khmu ethnic village where you will begin your adventure. You’ll start with a hike to a nearby Hmong village, where you can learn more about the lifestyles of the Khmu and Hmong peoples, two culturally distinct minorities, and see how they work together daily, even sharing the same school.

As you progress, the trail crosses rice paddies and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way, you'll explore a cave that was used as a bomb shelter by local villagers during the Second Indochina War.

After visiting the cave, continue your hike to one of the many springs that feed the Kuang Si waterfalls, where you can see a beautiful natural pool filled with sacred fish. After descending from the top of the waterfall, you’ll enjoy a Lao-style lunch in a beautiful natural setting!

After lunch, there will be time to relax near the waterfall, with plenty of opportunity to swim and take photos of the stunning falls and turquoise pools.

Don’t forget your swimsuits and towels! Ladies, please also remember to bring a sarong, as out of respect for local culture, you might encounter monks who come to refresh themselves in the area.

Before leaving the Kuang Si waterfalls, you will pass by a rescue and rehabilitation center for bears saved from illegal wildlife trade. Visit the permanent exhibition that explains the various actions being taken to protect the last Asian Black Bears. It’s a great way to consider the protection of often-threatened Asian biodiversity.

If time permits and payment is arranged on-site, on the way back.

Laos, with the aim of increasing its buffalo population, has decided to implement breeding and prevention programs. To benefit from expert advice, the government has partnered with the "Laos Buffalo Dairy" farm in the Luang Prabang countryside to conduct research programs in collaboration with local farmers. This farm was born out of a desire from a group of friends from Singapore to escape urban life and settle in the countryside. Noticing an almost nonexistent dairy and cheese industry, they were challenged to create this farm... after all, mozzarella is originally made from buffalo milk!

A visit of about 30 minutes to this center can only be enriching. You will start by receiving several explanations about the situation of buffaloes in Laos, the care they require, and the program. You’ll have the chance to get close to the buffaloes and even bottle-feed the calves.
And don’t miss out on tasting the homemade ice creams made from buffalo milk at the end of the visit. Depending on the season, they are flavored with fruits, lemongrass, or sesame.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Dinner is on your own; we recommend the MGallery 3 Nagas restaurant, which has a superb terrace with umbrellas and century-old mango trees. It’s located in a quiet area off the main street of Luang Prabang, ideal for a comfortable and intimate dinner away from the crowds.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

This morning, you will learn more about the secrets of bamboo, which is omnipresent in Laotian culture. You will enjoy the surrounding nature with its rice fields on the outskirts of Luang Prabang.

Your exploration will begin with a bamboo weaving class taught by an experienced weaver. Following this, you will participate in activities that will raise your awareness of the usefulness of bamboo products in daily life (fishing and hunting equipment, musical instruments, dance, among others). You will then attend a cooking class focused on bamboo-based dishes. You will participate in the preparation of the dishes, which you will enjoy at the sala overlooking a stunning landscape (group activity).

12:20 PM: Direct transfer to Luang Prabang train station and drop-off. Individual completion of identity and security checks, followed by waiting for boarding.

1:45 PM: Departure of train C81 (EMU, 2nd Class) to Vang Vieng, arriving at 2:45 PM.

Disembark and exit. You will be greeted by your local guide.

Travel through the countryside of Vang Vieng between the Nam Song River and the sugarloaf karst hills. The countryside is dotted with rice fields, and several hiking trails have recently emerged, offering charming viewpoints from the tops of some rocky outcrops. We recommend the views from Pha Ngeun or Nam Xay, for example. These locations are now highly "photogenic" sites popular with both passing visitors and locals.

The Vang Vieng valley is famous for its caves, many of which house Buddha statues. It is also known for its water holes ("Lagoons") and rivers characterized by beautiful blue gradients. Young people come here to cool off and play Tarzan!

The Nam Song River itself is sought after for motorboat rides, or more actively, with canoes and kayaks. Coordination with your guide is necessary, and payment is to be arranged on-site if needed.

Rocky roads and paths are explored by buggy rentals.

Arrival at your hotel and check-in in the late afternoon.

In the early morning or late afternoon, you can take advantage of the updrafts and feel like a bird in a hot air balloon. If you’re interested in enjoying the stunning views from the sky, coordinate with your guide for a unique experience in a hot air balloon! Generally, pickups are around 4:30/5:00 PM, and we recommend Above Laos Ballooning Adventures. This is at your discretion, and payments should be made directly to the service provider.

The end of the day is at your disposal for some rest and to enjoy the natural setting by the peaceful Nam Song River, especially at sunset.

Breakfast at your hotel and check-out.

This morning, you will be introduced to Vang Vieng and its various facets. At 9:00 AM, you will be picked up by an English-speaking local guide and head north of Vang Vieng to start a pleasant kayaking excursion on the Nam Song River, flowing alongside stunning limestone formations. After about 2 hours, you will reach a local Khmu village where you will explore the Khmu and Lao communities living together. Your French-speaking local guide will join you.

Visit one of the neighbors, a knife blacksmith, an elderly man who uses techniques passed down through generations to create new knives for his daily income. You will have the opportunity to try this yourself.

From there, you will continue to one of the Khmu families, where you will be welcomed for a typical Khmu lunch in the family garden. (If the weather is not favorable, lunch will be served inside the house).

Here, you will also learn about the animist traditions and culture practiced by many ethnic minorities in Laos. After spending time discussing with the family, you will also learn how the local rice wine, "Lao Hai," is produced. Later in the afternoon, your guide will take you through the rice fields to a cave on the other side of the river, passing by farmers working in the fields. On the way back to the village, you will rest in one of the local rice huts and taste rice alcohol while learning more about the importance of agriculture in Laos.

Return to town around 4:30 PM. Collect your luggage at the hotel and enjoy a little stroll around the town.

5:45 PM: Direct transfer to Vang Vieng train station and drop-off. Individual completion of identity and security checks, followed by waiting for boarding.

7:12 PM: Departure of train C83 (EMU, 2nd Class) to Vientiane. Arrival in Vientiane at 8:13 PM. Disembark and exit.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the day free for discovering the city at your own pace.

Your guide will advise you on recommended walks in Vientiane. Many active temples line the main street (Setthathirath). You can also admire the beautiful colonial houses in the city center or stroll through the night market or Chao Anouvong Park, where locals like to gather.

Dinner is on your own; we recommend the Pha Khao Lao restaurant, located in the alley between the Mekong and Vat Ong Teu. This Lao restaurant offers good cuisine in a truly intimate setting, without being overcrowded with tourists.

8:15 AM: Meet your guide and driver at the hotel reception. You will begin your exploration of the Laotian capital with two must-see sites:

First, visit Vat Sisaket, where photography enthusiasts will appreciate the different perspectives of the lined-up Buddha statues. This is the oldest temple that has remained intact throughout the history of the capital since the mid-1500s. Next, you will proceed to the Sacred Buddhist Arts Museum of Ho Prakeo, particularly to see its standing statues. The former Vat Ho Pra Keo housed the Emerald Buddha, which can now be admired within the Royal Palace grounds in Bangkok.

You will then head to Patuxay, the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. The view from its summit offers a glimpse of the expanse of the Laotian capital and the flat terrain of the Mekong Valley.

Next, make your way to That Luang and its grand golden stupa, which stands atop a small hill. This stupa is the symbol of the city and appears on all Laotian banknotes (yes, check it out!) and on official seals. It is said that the stupa houses a relic of Buddha. The site is popular among engaged couples who come to take photos in traditional attire a few weeks before their wedding. Photographers, assistants, costume designers, and makeup artists gather to capture this moment. The niches in the cloister walls provide lovely perspectives and opportunities for original photos. The wrought iron gates also offer views of the stairs and gilding through transparency.

Lunch on your own.

Continue the journey to the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), where eccentric sculptures were built in 1958. Located about thirty kilometers from the capital, this park, on the banks of the Mekong opposite the Thai town of Nong Khai, is notable for its originality and a strong desire to blend Asian religions within a park of statues. It offers a better understanding of the evolution of Hinduism to Buddhism in Laos.

After this last visit, we will transfer you to the Laos-Thai Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Nong Khai. Drop-off on the Laos side and proceed through immigration on your own.

Upon arriving in Nong Khai, you will take a Tuk-Tuk to the train station, which is 1.5 km away.

In the evening, we board our night train #26, heading to Bangkok. Departure at 7:40 PM.

Please prepare meals and snacks before boarding the train.

Traveling in a 2nd class sleeper compartment.

6:00 AM - Arrival at Bangkok train station where your driver is waiting for you. Transfer to your hotel.

Please note that rooms are available from 2:00 PM at the earliest. If your room is not available upon your arrival, you can drop off your luggage and begin your city tour.

Departure in the morning to reach the pier and take the public boat-buses to the center, on the right bank and the Pak Klong Talad flower market district.

Then, we walk to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, to see its reclining Buddha.

We then cross the river by a small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.

Private traditional long-tail boat taxi ride on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most important rivers in the country. Discover the Venice of the East and the traditional life of the city's inhabitants, half of whom still live by the water.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Settling in at the Shanghai Mansion, a boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of the capital's Chinatown.