- 4.9/5 350 Latest reviews
- Destination: Thailand, Laos
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This Thailand and Laos Tour is a carefully designed 12-day cultural journey that brings together the most iconic highlights of both countries. Starting in vibrant Bangkok, you will explore royal landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, experience lively floating and train markets, and enjoy authentic canal cruises. The journey continues north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where ethical elephant encounters, hill tribe villages, and the legendary Golden Triangle reveal the rich traditions and diverse cultures of northern Thailand.
Crossing into Laos, this Thailand and Laos Tour unfolds at a slower, more spiritual pace along the Mekong River. Scenic cruises lead you to Luang Prabang, where you will witness the sacred alms-giving ceremony, explore ancient temples, and admire the natural beauty of the Kuang Si Waterfalls. The tour concludes in Vientiane, visiting historic sites such as Wat Si Saket, That Luang Stupa, and the iconic Patuxay Monument. Privately guided and thoughtfully paced, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, culturally immersive Thailand and Laos experience.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 7
Thailand
Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Exotic Markets
Chiang Mai: Elephant Park, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Rai: Golden Triangle, Mae Sai Border
Chiang Khong: Khong River Boat Tour
8 - 12
Laos
Pakbeng: Mekong River Boat Tour, Pakbeng Market
Luang Prabang: Alms-Giving Ritual, Kuang Si Waterfalls
Vientiane: Wat Si Saket, That Luang Stupa, Buddha Park
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok – Gateway to Your Thailand and Laos Tour
Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital and the starting point of your immersive Thailand and Laos Tour. After a warm welcome by your private guide, transfer to your hotel and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely walk around nearby neighborhoods, explore local street food stalls, or relax after your long flight. This gentle introduction allows you to absorb Bangkok’s energy at your own pace.
Highlights: Airport meet & greet • Bangkok first impressions • Leisure time
- Bangkok
- Day 2: Bangkok Cultural Icons – Grand Palace, Canals & Temples
Your Thailand and Laos Tour continues with a deep dive into Bangkok’s cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to the bustling flower and produce market, offering insight into daily Thai life. Explore the magnificent Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, symbols of Thailand’s royal and spiritual identity. Later, cruise along historic canals by long-tail boat, passing traditional wooden houses, before ending the day at Wat Arun, beautifully positioned along the Chao Phraya River.
Highlights: Flower market • Grand Palace • Wat Phra Kaew • Canal cruise • Wat Arun
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- Bangkok
- Day 3: Train Market & Floating Market Experience
An early start rewards you with one of Thailand’s most fascinating sights—the iconic Train Market, where vendors swiftly clear the tracks as trains pass through. Continue to the lively Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, tasting fresh tropical fruits and local snacks sold from wooden boats. In the afternoon, return to Bangkok to visit the Jim Thompson House, gaining insight into Thai silk heritage and traditional architecture.
Highlights: Train Market • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market • Local snacks • Jim Thompson House
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- Bangkok
- Day 4: Bangkok to Chiang Mai – Northern Thailand Traditions
Fly to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand and an essential stop on your Thailand and Laos Tour. Visit a traditional Meo Hill Tribe Village to learn about ancient customs and rural lifestyles. Continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched high on a mountain overlooking the city, where golden spires and panoramic views create a memorable spiritual experience.
Highlights: Flight to Chiang Mai • Hill tribe village • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep • City views
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- Chiang Mai
- Day 5: Chiang Mai – Ethical Elephant Experience
Today is a meaningful highlight of your Thailand and Laos Tour. Travel to Baan Chang Elephant Park, an ethical sanctuary dedicated to elephant care and conservation. Spend the day learning about these gentle giants, preparing their food, bathing them in natural surroundings, and observing baby elephants in a nursery setting. This hands-on experience emphasizes respect, sustainability, and wildlife protection.
Highlights: Ethical elephant sanctuary • Feeding & bathing elephants • Conservation experience
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- Chiang Mai
- Day 6: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle & Hill Tribes
Depart Chiang Mai for Chiang Rai, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way. Stop at a natural hot spring before reaching the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Visit the Mae Sai Border and explore traditional Akha and Yao hill tribe villages, where colorful costumes, handicrafts, and ancient beliefs offer insight into northern Thailand’s ethnic diversity.
Highlights: Scenic drive • Golden Triangle • Mae Sai Border • Akha & Yao villages
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- Chiang Rai
- Day 7: Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong – Mekong Cruise to Pakbeng
Your Thailand and Laos Tour transitions into Laos with a journey to Chiang Khong and border crossing at Houayxay. Board a boat for a scenic cruise along the Mekong River, witnessing rural villages, riverbanks, and agricultural life. Arrive in Pakbeng by evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner overlooking the Mekong, one of Southeast Asia’s most important waterways.
Highlights: Border crossing to Laos • Mekong River cruise • Riverside villages • Sunset views
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- Pakbeng
- Day 8: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang – Life Along the Mekong
Visit the morning Pakbeng Market, where locals trade fresh produce and handmade goods. Continue cruising along the Mekong, stopping at Ban Baw Village to learn about traditional rice wine production. Explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues, before arriving in Luang Prabang, the spiritual heart of Laos.
Highlights: Pakbeng Market • Ban Baw Village • Pak Ou Caves • Mekong scenery
- B , L
- Luang Prabang
- Day 9: Luang Prabang – Spiritual & Cultural Heritage
Wake before sunrise to witness the revered alms-giving ceremony, a deeply spiritual moment and a highlight of any Thailand and Laos Tour. Explore UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang, visiting historic temples such as Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun, and Wat Mai, along with the Royal Palace Museum. End the day by climbing Mount Phou Si for panoramic views and browsing the vibrant Night Market.
Highlights: Alms-giving ceremony • UNESCO temples • Royal Palace • Night Market
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- Luang Prabang
- Day 10: Kuang Si Waterfalls & Flight to Vientiane
Travel to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls, where turquoise pools cascade through lush jungle scenery. Visit a nearby Hmong village to learn about ethnic minority traditions before enjoying lunch near the falls. Later, fly to Vientiane, the relaxed and charming capital of Laos, continuing your Thailand and Laos cultural journey.
Highlights: Kuang Si Waterfalls • Hmong village • Scenic nature • Flight to Vientiane
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- Vientiane
- Day 11: Vientiane Highlights – Temples, Monuments & Buddha Park
Discover Vientiane’s most important landmarks, including Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, and the sacred That Luang Stupa, the national symbol of Laos. Visit Patuxay Monument, offering city views from the top, and conclude with a trip to Buddha Park, home to hundreds of intriguing Buddhist and Hindu sculptures.
Highlights: Wat Si Saket • That Luang Stupa • Patuxay Monument • Buddha Park
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- Vientiane
- Day 12: Departure – End of Your Thailand and Laos Tour
After breakfast, enjoy free time to relax or explore nearby cafes and markets. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Thailand and Laos Tour, enriched with cultural discovery, spiritual moments, and scenic river landscapes.
Highlights: Free time • Airport transfer • Tour conclusion
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