Explore Thailand and Laos: 14-Day Trip Experience in Southeast Asia!

Sa-wat dee, welcome to Thailand! Your adventure begins in the country’s bustling capital, Bangkok, famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. If you arrive in Bangkok with time to spare, we can take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and greeted and transferred to the hotel.

This morning head to Ayutthaya, one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a World Heritage site. Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai, and it became one of the most powerful in Asia with over a million residents by the 18th century. Trading brought great riches to the city, and merchant tales tell of golden palaces, elaborate ceremonies, and breathtaking temples. You’ll see the remains and reminders of its golden age with a guided tour of the historic ruins and temples spread across the town. The rows of headless Buddhas at Wat Phra Mahathat, sacked by the Burmese in the 18th century, are very atmospheric, and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. In the evening, we catch the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

First, we'll join our host for a Thai cooking class on a stroll through the market. They'll explain the exotic fruits and vegetables before taking us back for our cooking workshop. You’ll learn the key ingredients, how to use them, and what to use in their place if you can’t get them at home. As well as taking your own comprehensive recipe book with you after the class, you’ll feast on the fruits of your labor for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (around 45 minutes) to one of the country’s most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a most memorable experience. After making our way back down from the temple, you can choose to wander through the enormous, colorful Night Bazaar or perhaps relax at a fine restaurant along the riverfront. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food – the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.

Take a journey through rural countryside to Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple, is a must-visit in Chiang Rai. This contemporary temple is constantly being added to and its strange design features references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons. Visit The Black House, or “Baan Dam” in Thai, is one of the strangest and most interesting landmarks in Northern Thailand. At first glance, it looks like a traditional Lanna-style Buddhist temple. The buildings of the Baan Dam Black House are gathered around a large garden. The outdoors is delightfully bright and calming, in stark contrast to the dark buildings and their shadowy indoors. Later, drive further up north to Chiang Khong. Formerly known as ‘Juon’, peaceful riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and for trade with Laos. Stretch your legs with a stroll around town, and if you find yourself with time, then Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang are both well worth a visit while you’re here. Tonight, why not enjoy a final Thai drink and dinner, while Laos beckons from across the mighty Mekong sitting at a riverside restaurant tonight for your dinner.

After crossing into Laos and for the duration of our time in the country we will be joined by additional Laos guides. At 8:00am, the guests will meet Shompoo’s cruise English-Speaking guide with a welcome sign at Shompoo immigration office (Lao border). The guide will assist customers to apply for the visa. After getting the VISA, guests will take a sharing transfer (minivan) to the slow boat pier to embark on the boat. During the morning, Quick lecture about Do’s and Don’ts in Laos and fun facts will be presented by our guide. Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.

Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and designated a World Heritage site in 1995. Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture, not to mention some of the country’s most refined cuisine, a multi-ethnic population and rich culture. Start the morning with a weaving class along the Mekong river. You'll learn about fabrics and dyeing as well as work with local artisans to try your hand at weaving. Afterwards, enjoy a nice meal riverside before heading out on our afternoon excursion. In the afternoon, head south of town and stop for a sweet (socially responsible) treat at Laos Buffalo Dairy, an enterprise that works with the surrounding villagers by renting their buffalo, in order to produce delicious products including yoghurt, cheese and ice cream. The Dairy ensures a regular income for locals while ensuring the buffalo and their calves are well looked after. Why not contribute to this local business by purchasing an ice cream! Continue on to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, a picturesque, multi-level cascade that offers fantastically blue pools that are perfect for a mid-afternoon dip. Back in Luang Prabang this evening you’ll have free time to make further discoveries, including visiting the popular night market.

Take the new Chinese built train that reduced the trip between these two villages from 7 dusty, winding hours to 1 relaxing hour. Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by towering limestone karsts and is a great place to enjoy being out in and surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, you can opt to enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful mountains and river you explored earlier in the day.

Continue by train to the country’s capital, Vientiane (approximately 1.5 hours). Possibly Asia’s most laid back capital, even here everything seems to be conducted at a relaxed pace. Vientiane has a wealth of cultural delights to discover on foot, or for the less energetic, by jumbo (tuk-tuk). Faded colonial mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples create an atmosphere of timelessness, particularly in the older part of town along the Mekong River. Pay a visit to Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Visit COPE vistors centre, an organisation dedicated to assistance those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country. This is an excellent cause and a chance to educate yourself about Laos’ devastating war history as well as buy a snack or drink from their Karma Cafe. This evening, maybe join your fellow travelers for dinner tonight.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. For those with more time here, there are plenty of choices, including the Pha That Luang Monument. Say farewell to your guide and board on a flight back to Bangkok. Optional 2 days in Bangkok