Laos & The Golden Triangle

9 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Discover the intrigue and mystery of the opium trade in the famed Golden Triangle on this beautiful adventure through Thailand & Laos, cruising along the Mekong River to the historic cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Visit local villages, Buddhist temples, turquoise waterfalls and Parisian-inspired monuments.
From$2,716
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Cruise the Mekong River, stopping at unique cave locations and observing rural life along the riverbanks
    • Observe the traditional rice whiskey-making process in a village on the banks of the Mekong
    • Swim in the crystal-clear Kuang Si Waterfalls
    • Explore colonial Vientiane and visit the National Monument of Pha That Luang

What's this trip about?

    Discover the intrigue and mystery of the opium trade in the famed Golden Triangle on this beautiful adventure through Thailand & Laos, cruising along the Mekong River to the historic cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Visit local villages, Buddhist temples, turquoise waterfalls and Parisian-inspired monuments.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age range36 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityChiang Rai
End CityVientiane

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Educational/ Learning
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • River Cruise
  • Short Cruise
  • Swimming

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 2

Trip includes

    • Meet & greet on arrival and private airport transfers
    • Economy class flight within Asia
    • 2 days cruising along the Mekong River on the Luang Say riverboat
    • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles (excluding long boat)
    • Sightseeing in Chiang Rai including White Temple, a contemporary privately owned Buddhist Temple
    • Travel through the Golden Triangle region of northern Thailand including visits to the Opium Musum and ancient ruins in the old city of Ching Saen.
    • Travel by long boat on the Mekong river to Pakbeng, stopping at Ban Houy Phalum(Kamu Village).
    • Explore Luang Prabang including local market, Wat Visoun, , Wat Aham, Wat Xieng Thong, National Museum (Royal Palace), Hor Phrabang and Wat Mai.
    • Visit Kuang Si Water Falls with breathtaking cascades of water via three tiers. Enroute stop at hill villages Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane Village.
    • City tour of Vientianne including Pha That Luang Monument, Wat Si Saket and Putuxai.

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive Chiang Rai

Welcome to Chiang Rai and northern Thailand! On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today begins with a visit to Wat Rong Khun - the unconventional Buddhist temple, before travelling to Mae Sai for lunch. Afterwards, explore the Opium Museum at the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, before arriving in Chiang Khong.

Day 3: Chiang Khong – Pakbeng

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, you will cross the border into Laos and embark on a two-day Mekong River cruise. Along the way, visit local villages and observe life on the Mekong. Arrive at Luang Say Lodge in time to watch the sun set.

Day 4: Pakbeng - Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Another day spent cruising the Mekong! Today you will visit a local distillery and learn about the process of making traditional rice whiskey. We’ll also visit the incredible Tam Ting Caves and the Cave of a Thousand Buddha, before arriving in the ancient city of Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

Discover charming Luang Prabang today. Starting at a local market, you will visit Wat Visoun – the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang; the beautiful monastery of Wat Xieng Thong; the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace; and the richly decorated Wat Mai. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to further explore.

Day 6: Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will visit Kuang Si Waterfalls and have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or simple soak up the beauty of this multi-tiered waterfall. There is time at leisure, before you visit Mount Phousi to watch the sun set over Luang Prabang.

Day 7: Luang Prabang – Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Vientiane – the capital of Laos. On arrival, you will explore the city, including the gleaming National Monument of Pha That Luang, Ho Pha Keo, Wat Si Saket and Patuxai – inspired by the Arc de Triomphe.

Day 8: Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a day at leisure.

Day 9: Depart Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to Vientiane Airport for your onward flight.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,716
Price per day$302
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Season Start

Season End

Double Standard Price

Availability

01-April-2017

31-March-2018

$2,716

Limited

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Bunnik Tours.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

8 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star)

listed is subject to change and the list should be used as a guide only. Every effort is made to avoid changes however if a change becomes necessary then accommodation of a similar standard will be used.

 

Imperial River House Resort, Chiang Rai

Situated in a serene location in Chiang Rai along the Kok River, this hotel is a tranquil retreat. The in-house restaurant specialises in Northern Thai cuisine, guests can also sit outside at the garden terrace for views of the Kok River. The restort features an outdoor pool, bar/lounge, spa services and a health club.

Facilities: air-conditioning; free wifi; fridge/minibar; safe deposit box; outdoor swimming pool; tea & coffee making facilities

 

Chiang Khong Teak Garden Hotel

Chiang Khong Teak Garden enjoys a beautiful riverfront location on the border between Thailand and Laos, on the Mekong River.  One of the key features of this hotel is the 100+ year old garden of golden teak trees. The rooms use the same classic wood construction of Thailand’s Lanna style blended with more contemporary furnishings.  Surrounded by ancient trees ample shade provides a comfortable area to sit and reflect on the enduring nature of these wonders. All rooms have AC, Free WiFi and in-room safe.

 

Sanctuary Hotel, Luang Prabang

Located in the historic heart of Luang Prabang, between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the Sanctuary Hotel is close to the night market, temples and restaurants. Exuding charm, the property boasts traditional character and exotic gardens.

Facilities: air-conditioning; free wifi; fridge/minibar; safe deposit box; tea & coffee making facilities

 

Luang Prabang View Hotel, Luang Prabang

Boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside, this hotel represents a myriad of cultures and eras in its style and design. The property features a restaurant, terrace café & bar and a lounge bar, as well as a pool bar and spa. Each room also includes an outside balcony.

Facilities: air-conditioning; free wifi; fridge/minibar; safe deposit box; outdoor swimming pool; tea & coffee making facilities

 

Ansara Hotel, Vientiane

Ideally located on a quiet lane in the centre of the historical capital, the colonial-style Ansara Hotel offers easy access to Vientiane’s most popular sights and attractions. The in-house restaurant ‘La Signature’ offers French dining with indoor or outdoor dining options.

Facilities: air-conditioning; free wifi; fridge/minibar; safe deposit box; outdoor swimming pool; tea & coffee making facilities

 

Mercure Hotel, Vientiane

A charming hotel conveniently located close to the International Airport, the Mekong River, the Vientiane waterfront and town centre with its many restaurants, cafes and bars. The property features a restaurant and two bars, as well as an outdoor pool, sauna and fitness centre.

Facilities: air-conditioning; free wifi; fridge/minibar; safe deposit box; outdoor swimming pool; tea & coffee making facilities

Guides
English-speaking locally based guides
Cancellation policy

Cancellation of reservation/s must be provided to us in writing and is subject to the following cancellation fees:

  • 90 days or more before departure - loss of deposit
  • 89 to 64 days before departure - 25%
  • 63 to 43 days before departure - 50%
  • 42 to 31 days before departure - 75%
  • Within 30 days of departure - 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 1 Dinner

Age Requirements
36 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
bunnik-LaoGolBun

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