Thailand & Laos Highlights

This private, tailor made journey covers the highlights of Thailand and Laos on a journey from Bangkok to the north of Thailand, through the Golden Triangle, down the Mekong to Luang Prabang and on to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

In Bangkok you'll have 3 nights with a full day excursion to see the temples and Grand Palace, travelling around the city by a variety of means.

We've included a day trip out to the River Kwai and floating market at Damnoern Saduak.

In Chiang Mai, discover Thailand’s second city begining with an evening at some of Chiang Mai's best temples, where you'll see things from a different perspective.

We have included a full day city tour for you and an excursion outside of Chiang Mai which will give you a glimpse into the lives of the hilltribe people that live in this part of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai drive by private car to the Golden Triangle region, with a full day tour included the following day to explore this remote corner of Thailand.

From the Golden Triangle you will transfer to the border with Laos and board your Mekong cruise on the Luang Say.

Cruise down the Mekong River, visiting some riverside villages and spending the night in a comfortable lodge by the Mekong with all meals included.

Stop to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves before arriving in Luang Prabang.

Spend 3 nights in the cultural capital of Laos, with a full-day city tour and a visit to the Elephant Conservation Centre included.

Finally, fly down to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, where you'll have two nights to discover the laid-back, sleepy charms of Asia's most tranquil capital city.

As with all of our Laos and Thailand holidays, this one is entirely amendable to suit your interests, time and budget. So just let us know your preferences.

On Board

Luang Say Mekong Cruises has three boats travelling from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang and vice versa.

All programs stop over for one night at Luang Say Lodge in Pakbeng.

Each boat is 34 metres long with a 420 HP engine and a steel hull for strength and safety.

The boats have a capacity for 40 people seated in comfortable chairs and benches. Each seat has an open air vista.

There are also some coffee tables with magazines and booklets to read during the cruise.

The central section of the boats have bench seats, a perfect spot for a game of cards, to share your Mekong stories, or to have lunch.

Luang Say Lodge

On the left bank of the river, the Luang Say Lodge is backed by mountainous jungle.

The Luang Say Lodge sits peacefully above the river, blending artfully into the natural environment through careful landscaping, raised platforms and indigenous styling.

It features 20 large pavilions, each elegantly furnished in dark-toned wood and white fabrics, and offering stunning panoramic views on three sides of the Mekong.

The large pavilions of solid teak and rosewood all have beautiful views over the Mekong and the mountains beyond.

The traditional Laotian architecture provides accommodation of comfort and character, each bedroom equipped with high ceiling mosquito nets, electric fans and a large private bathroom with hot shower and western style toilet.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you.

You will have your own private car, driver and guide on excursions on our tailor made tours.

Shore excursions on the Luang Say cruise are on a shared basis.

What are the departure dates?

Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.

The Luang Say departs daily in both directions.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to this part of the world.

Typically for journeys to Thailand and Laos, Thai Airways would be the airline we most often use as they have normally have the most direct flights and best fares.

However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.

Which Hotels do you use?

We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.

We keep on top of hotel developments in Thailand and Laos from our office in Vietnam and regularly inspect the hotels we use.

Luckily in Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang there is a great choice of boutique hotels and very nice places to stay.

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Thailand Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.