Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang

Overview

  • Trek the Monks' Trail past ancient temples
  • Soak up the views from Thailand's highest mountain
  • Cycle down the Road of 3,000 Curves
  • Take a leisurely cruise to the Thailand/Laos border
  • Visit rescued elephants in Luang Prabang
Chiang Mai is the hub of Northern Thailand. Located on a plain, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than Bangkok, and has a cosmopolitan air. Factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this ‘rose of the north.’ The area surrounding Chiang Mai is where your journey begins. Hike along hilly, jungled trails where you’ll meet local minority tribes and sample authentic northern Thai dishes prepared in villages. Upon reaching Mae Hong Son, cycle along mountainous roads with the most arresting views. Travelling northward, you arrive in Chiang Mai’s sister city, Chiang Rai. Here, you cycle to the golden triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. When you reach Pak Beng by local boat, you will then move to an even larger boat to sail east on the Mekong River to Luang Prabang, Laos. A charming old city recognized for its French-colonial architecture, profound Buddhist beliefs, rugged topography and surrounding waterfalls. Both Laos and Thailand encapsulate eco-friendly adventure with sweeping mountains, hills and ethnic tribes. There is truly no better way to experience these countries than by hiking and cycling across their rolling hills and boating down their magnificent rivers.

Details

13 Days

N/N

Multi-activity

30%

Price
on request

Single Supplement
on request

Deposit
on request

Days
13

Fixed Departure Dates
on request

Best Time to Travel
November-April

Itinerary

Download itinerary here
  1. Day 1

    Your guide will meet you at Chiang Mai's airport, then transfer you to your hotel in the Old City. You have the remainder of the afternoon free to wander the narrow streets on Chiang Mai.

  2. Day 2

    Today we will explore the Monks Trail on Doi Suthep, a pilgrimage hike for devote Buddhists, the hike passes old temples and waterfalls as it winds its way through thick forests.

  3. Day 3

    After an early breakfast, drive south to Doi Inthanon National Park (roughly 2 hours), home to Thailand's tallest mountain. After visiting the top to enjoy the amazing views, we will warm up with a short stroll through the cloud rainforest to the visitors’ center. Partake in a 2-hour hike.

  4. Day 4

    We will shuttle through the high mountain range, the Doi Inthanon, over to the town of Khum Yuan and into the valley of the Mist. Then, we are fitted to our bikes and will cycle the remainder of the way, stopping overnight in Mae Hong Son.

  5. Day 5

    Today you start on your bikes along the Road of 3000 Curves from Mae Hong Son to Pai, a renowned mountain ride with spectacular, panoramic views.

  6. Day 6

    At Mae Malai we will get the bikes to travel through rural countryside, visiting Bua Tong Waterfalls and the massive Wat Ban Den. When we reach the main highway, we will drive to the market town of Fang and switch to four–wheel drive vehicles to reach the village of Doi Pu Muen to spend the night.

  7. Day 7

    Load up and drive to Doi Mae Salong, a former refugee camp for the KMT who fled Chin after the revolution. Now a major tea growing area, notice the differences between the traditional methods of the Lahu and modern tea farming. Afterwards we will continue to Chiang Rai for the night.

  8. Day 8

    The bikes are out for our final ride from Chiang Rai to historic Chiang Saen, a former Lanna Kingdom dating back more than 800 years. After exploring some of the historic ruins, we will drive up to visit the famed Golden Triangle.

  9. Day 9

    This morning, you will be transferred to the border and then depart to Hoay Xai for your trip to Pak Beng by boat. The first stop will be to visit a Hill Tribe village along the Mekong River.

  10. Day 10

    After lunch, the first stop will be at Pak Ou to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its thousands of Buddha images.” The next stop is the Lao Lao village, commonly known as the Whiskey Village. From here you will arrive in Luang Prabang and check into your hotel for the night.

  11. Day 11

    Wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to a procession of hundreds of saffron–robed monks in the early morning light, truly a spiritual event.

  12. Day 12

    Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle with our recently rescued elephants as your companions. In the afternoon, head outside Luang Prabang to the jungle to visit an elephant sanctuary.

  13. Day 13

    After check out, the day is spent at your leisure. Depart from Luang Prabang.

13 days

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