Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising

Now's the time to explore Laos and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Wander the...

Laos, Thailand

Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising

DAY 1 Vientiane

Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital. After meeting your CEO and fellow travellers this evening, wander through the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Pick up a street beer or tea as you browse through the stalls of souvenirs and local delicacies. Follow your CEO to grab the best street food — or, you know, follow your nose.

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Administrative

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

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Optional Activities - Day 1Show

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel

Hotel
DAY 2 Vientiane/Vang Vieng

Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to a famous local view point for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary. This evening, enjoy a night out to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!

Bus

Private Vehicle

Vientiane- Vang Vieng3h-4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Landsport

Vang Vieng Guided Hike

Vang Vieng1h-2h

Set off on a guided hike to Pha Ngeun, the highest viewpoint in Vang Vieng. Enjoy beautiful views of the valley below, surrounded by rice paddies.

People

Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife

Vang Vieng

Follow your CEO to the best bar in town to celebrate new adventures with newfound friends. Enjoy a night out and immerse yourself in the Vang Vieng nightlife. Try your hand at some games, enjoy the music, and dance the night away.

Accommodation

Thavisouk Riverside Hotel

Hotel
DAY 3 Vang Vieng

Get the most out of Vang Vieng with a day to freely explore. Check out the caves by bicycle or trek through the countryside. Choose to kayak through Tham None cave and venture to the Blue Lagoon by booking the adrenaline bundle. Pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour.

Free Time

Vang ViengFULL_DAY

Set off and explore the beautiful Vang Vieng area, or relax to your heart's content.

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Optional Activities - Day 3Show

Accommodation

Thavisouk Riverside Hotel

Hotel
DAY 4 Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang

Continue to colourful Luang Prabang and make your first acquaintance with this ancient city during an afternoon orientation walk. Afterward, embark on a short trek up sacred Mount Phousi, climbing the stone stairs with scaly golden handrails, past the monks quarters and Buddha's footprint cave, to reach the temple at the top - Wat Phousi. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sun setting upon Luang Prabang and the Mekong River before an evening street food crawl.

Land Tour

Sunset at Wat Phousi

Luang Prabang

Watch the sunset from Luang Prabang's number one hilltop temple, Wat Phousi, with a 360-degree view of the city and Mekong River.

Rail

Bullet Train

Vang Vieng- Luang Prabang1.15h132km

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Cuisine

Street Food Crawl

Luang Prabang

Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

Land Tour

Orientation With CEO

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Accommodation

Flora by Sanakeo Hotel

Hotel
DAY 5 Luang Prabang

Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk through town before dawn. Dressed in saffron robes, they receive daily alms from local residents. Then, visit the Kuang Si waterfalls on a guided excursion before free time in the evening. Traditional Laotian culture involves giving daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Should you rise early, you’ll get to watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos.

Nature

Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion

Kuang Si Falls- Luang Prabang

Journey to this magnificent tiered waterfall, where relaxing is highly recommended. Opt for a dip in the turquoise waters and explore multiple picture-perfect pools, framed by the jungle landscape.

Free Time

Luang PrabangFULL_DAY

From witnessing the giving of alms in town to exploring the countryside, Luang Prabang has something for everyone. Get out and explore!

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Optional Activities - Day 5Show

Accommodation

Flora by Sanakeo Hotel

Hotel
DAY 6 Luang Prabang/Pak Beng

The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long, cozy houseboat that will take you on a two-day journey up the Mekong River en route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Today, cruise to a village homestay for the night, experience a Baci welcome ceremony, and enjoy dinner with your hosts.

Watersport

Mekong River Slow Boat

Luang Prabang- Muang Pakbèng8h-10h

Enjoy the ride down the Mekong River on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.

Planeterra

Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance

Muang Pakbèng

G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation have worked with two communities in the Mekong River to help develop their homestay programs, providing a unique cultural experience for travellers and the local community. Here you have the chance to stay overnight in a Mekong village to get a glimpse into rural daily life. Enjoy dinner with your hosts. Experience a traditional Khamu Cultural Performance, and enjoy the chance to dance with the locals.

Accommodation

Ban Huay Thum Homestay

Homestay
DAY 7 Pak Beng/Chiang Khong

New day, same magnificent Mekong. Today’s your second travel day, where you’ll cross into Thailand arriving in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon. Sit back, relax, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and enjoy the scenic ride.

Watersport

Mekong River Slow Boat

Muang Pakbèng- Ban Houayxay8h-10h

Enjoy the ride down the Mekong on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.

Administrative

Border Crossing (Laos - Thailand)

Ban Houayxay- Chiang Khong

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Accommodation

Namkhong Guesthouse

Guesthouse
DAY 8 Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai

Take in the rolling countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai nestled alongside Thailand's northern mountains. Spend the afternoon getting to know this peaceful city known for traditional markets and glorious temples. Choose to visit Doi Suthep, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Chiang Khong- Chiang Mai6h-7h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

Chiang MaiAFTERNOON

Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.

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Optional Activities - Day 8Show

Accommodation

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel

Hotel
DAY 9 Chiang Mai/Bangkok

Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace making the most of this unique city. Visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep as it stands watch over the city from the hills above, take a bicycle ride in the countryside, or relax with a massage. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.

Free Time

Chiang MaiFULL_DAY

Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.

Rail

Basic Overnight Train (beds)

Chiang Mai- Bangkok12h-13h

Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

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Optional Activities - Day 9Show

DAY 10 Bangkok

After arriving in Bangkok, the day is yours to freely explore the many sights of Thailand's bustling capital. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Use this time to buy any last-minute souvenirs or treat yourself to a Thai massage. In the evening, celebrate the end of this amazing journey with your fellow travellers during a night out you won’t soon forget.

Free Time

Bangkok

Bangkok has so much to offer its visitors. Get out and explore!

People

Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out

Bangkok

Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

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Optional Activities - Day 10Show

Accommodation

New Siam 2

Hotel
DAY 11 Bangkok

Today, it’s time to say farewell to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.

Administrative

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Day
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