Elephants & Colonial Cities – Thailand & Laos
Itinerary
Days 1-4 – Elephant Encounters in Chiang Mai
When you arrive in Chiang Mai, you’ll make your own way to your hotel in the centre of the city. With a laid-back, spiritual atmosphere, Chiang Mai is a walkable city scattered with sacred temples and shrines. If you have time, it’s worth stopping at the night market, packed with souvenirs and aromatic street food stalls.
Next you will learn all about these gentle giants at the Elephant Nature Park. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Chiang Mai and transferred to the park an hour away. You will learn all about the issues faced by elephants in Asia and the personal stories of those rescued by the park. You will have the chance to observe these majestic animals and aid in their rehabilitation before returning to Chiang Mai in the early evening for another night in the city.
Days 4-6 – Cruising the Mekong to Laos
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel bright and early to start your trip by slow boat into Laos. Over the next 3 days you’ll travel along the Mekong on a comfortable boat from Chiang Mai to the former capital of Laos; Luang Prabang. On the first day you’ll stop off at the Mae Kachan hot springs and the Golden Triangle where the borders of Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. After crossing the border on the second day you’ll step on board a boat and enjoy 2 days of cruising on the river; make yourself comfortable and sink into the colourful cushions, with magnificent views of the Mekong and the lush Laos countryside as your backdrop. During this trip you’ll spend 1 night in a comfortable hotel in Chiang Khong and 1 night in a simple guest house in Pakbeng. On the last day you’ll make a stop at the famous Pak Ou caves before arriving in Luang Prabang.
Days 6-9 – Experience Luang Prabang
On arrival into Luang Prabang you will make your own way to your hotel. Step into a heady, spiritual world of golden spires, saffron-robed monks, frangipani flowers and crumbling French mansions. Prepare to be instantly caught in the spell of Luang Prabang, a heartwarming place slung along the banks of the Mekong River. You’ll spend four days getting lost in the magic of Luang Prabang, watching monks file into the temples at sunrise and floating down the Mekong at sunset.
Days 9-11 – Plain of Jars
Next you’ll travel by minibus roughly 6 to 7 hours from Luang Prabang to Phonsovan, the gateway to the Plain of Jars. Puzzle over the ancient mystery of giant stone jars scattered across hilly plains and visit an inspiring community project dedicated to educating young people in north eastern Laos. Nobody knows how, when or why the huge jars appeared, making the Plain of Jars a truly mind-boggling place. During this trip you’ll wander across the bizarre and beautiful plains on a guided tour and meet the spirited students of the Buffalo Foundation, committed to improving opportunities for young people with English classes and football coaching.
Days 11-13 – Vive Vientiane
Next, you’ll make your own way to the small airport for your short 30 minute flight to Vientiane. Explore Vientiane, a sleepy, scenic capital curled around a bend in the Mekong River, packed with tuk-tuks, French bakeries and friendly monks. Marvel at temples crammed with thousands of Buddha statues, watch daily life unfold over a croissant in a pavement cafe and stroll along the riverfront. Vientiane feels more like a village than a capital city, with laid-back locals and a languid pace of life. During this trip, you’ll explore the city’s cuisine on a food tour through the colourful markets.
Today your holiday draws to a close and you’ll make your own way to the airport and catch your flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Elephants & Colonial Cities – Thailand & Laos - In Style Accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
