Laos, ThailandLaos to Northern Thailand: Treks & Trails
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Vang Vieng Guided Hike
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.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife
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
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
Set off and explore the beautiful Vang Vieng area, or relax to your heart's content.
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Accommodation
Thavisouk Riverside Hotel
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.
Sunset at Wat Phousi
Watch the sunset from Luang Prabang's number one hilltop temple, Wat Phousi, with a 360-degree view of the city and Mekong River.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Street Food Crawl
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!
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
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.
Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion
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
From witnessing the giving of alms in town to exploring the countryside, Luang Prabang has something for everyone. Get out and explore!
Optional Activities - Day 5Show
Accommodation
Flora by Sanakeo Hotel
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.
Mekong River Slow Boat
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.
Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance
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
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.
Mekong River Slow Boat
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.
Border Crossing (Laos - Thailand)
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
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, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Free Time
Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 8Show
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
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, or take a bicycle ride in the countryside.
Free Time
Get out and explore this bustling northern Thai city.
Optional Activities - Day 9Show
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.
Pickup Truck
Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.
Hilltribe Trek Day 1
Hit the road in an open pickup truck for Mae Malai where there is time to visit a local market to purchase food and snacks. Start the trek through forests and rugged terrain to Baan Mae Jok, a Karen village.
Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night. Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.
Hilltribe Trek Day 2
After breakfast, trek 3.5-4 hrs to reach the lunch stop. Take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Enjoy lunch before carrying on another hour or so to the Karen village of Ban Pa Khao Lam.
After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!
Bamboo Rafting to Lahu Village
Board the traditional bamboo raft for a leisurely ride down the Mae Tang River. Reach the Lahu hill tribe village near Ban Pong Ngan. Enjoy a visit with the locals here and learn about the life and unique culture of the Lahu tribe.
Lahu Village Visit
Take a bamboo raft down the Mae Tan River for one hour journey to a Lahu village to witness a lifestyle that dates hundreds of years.
Bamboo Rafting to Shan Village
Board a traditional bamboo raft and enjoy a ride through some small rapids on the Mae Tang River.
Pickup Truck
Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration
Tonight's the night to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you've just shared with new friends. Head out into the city and reminisce the night away!
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.
Free Time
Enjoy a final day to check out Chiang Mai.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 13Show
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos with your newfound friends and exchange social medias before you head on your way. This adventure ends in Bangkok, on arrival at the train station (approximately 8am).
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
