Overview
Itinerary
Fly to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)
Bangkok is an exotic assault on the senses, a whirlwind of chaos, refinement and rewarding sights where you can go from tranquil golden temples to forests of gleaming skyscrapers before experiencing authentic Asia on bustling streets. Today's sightseeing includes Wat Pho, the dazzling Grand Palace and Chinatown. Take to the Chao Phraya River on a longboat, getting an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market. This evening enjoy a Thai dinner. (B/L/D)
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and experience the Maeklong railway market. Fly to Chiang Mai this evening. (B/L/D)
The antithesis of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a chilled out, nonchalant city in the foothills of Thailand's northern highlands. Take a cyclo tour of the city, visit Flok Life Museum, admire Wat Chedi Luang and ascend to Wat Doi Suthep perched on top of Doi Suthep Mountain.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner and a performance of the ancient songs and dances of northern Thailand and wander through the buzzing night bazaar in search of bargains. (B/L/D)
Visit the Elephant Care Centre in Mae Rim, which offers a peaceful retirement for elephants rescued from logging camps and elephant shows. After lunch continue to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge amidst the striking natural beauty of the region. This evening enjoy a barbecue dinner and a cultural show. (B/L/D)
Depart the Hilltribe Lodge and continue 90 minutes to Tha Ton, a small town by the Mae Kok River, and board your long tail motorboat for your cruise to Baan Pha Tai. Upon arrival, drive a further 2 hours to Chiang Rai where you may wish to take a walk around the night market before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)
Today, peek into some of the hidden artistic gems of Chiang Rai with a visit to Wat Rong Kun, also known as the White Temple, where you will see some surprising imagery. After lunch, visit a tea plantation on Doi Mae Salong to taste the local tea. (B/L/D)
Transfer to Huay Xai on the Thai-Laos border and enjoy a cruise along the upper Mekong, taking in the scenery as you go. Stop at Pakbeng with time to visit the village of Ban Houei Lumpane before settling in for the night. (B/L/D)
Back on the river, continue your leisurely cruise down to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang, stopping at the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, a riverside cavern that is full of statues of Buddha that can no longer be used for worship. (B/L/D)
An enchanting city, Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos – a place of vivid colours with an extremely rich heritage and enduring French legacy. Visit Ban Xang Khong craft village where you can see Sa Paper and local handcraft production. Take a city tour, seeing sights including Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong. Later, spend some time at a local wat, chatting with the friendly monks who love to practise their English. (B/L/D)
Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat or alms-giving. After breakfast, ascend Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the town and see the treasures at the National Museum. Head out of the town to enjoy the cascading turquoise waters of the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls before returning to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre. (B/L/D)
Catch a flight to Laos' capital city, Vientiane. (B/L/D)
Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city. Spend the day exploring with a visit to Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo (a former temple that now houses a museum), That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. Finally, explore the sculptural Buddha Park. Later, enjoy dinner and a traditional Laos music and dance performance. (B/L/D)
Enjoy a free morning in Vientiane, making the most of the languid pace of life. Fly back to Australia arriving the following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Cruise the Chao Phraya River
- Discover old Chiang Mai by cyclo
- Stay with a H'mong hilltribe
- Support retired elephants at a local sanctuary
- Stroll through Chiang Rai
- Meet monks in Laos
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
- 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
- Furama Silom Bangkok, Bangkok (4 star): Furama Silom Bangkok is centrally located, close to the Patpong Night Market, and stylishly modern. The hotel's numerous facilities include a fully equipped gym, steam room, rooftop pool and rooftop restaurant which have fantastic views over the city. The accommodation is spacious with contemporary décor with Thai touches. Floor to ceiling windows keep it light and the en suite bathroom has a shower, bathrobe and slippers.
- Duangtawan Hotel, Chiang Mai (4 star): Excellently located right next to the famous night bazaar, the Duangtawan Hotel has a full range of facilities, from seven bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The spacious, light and airy rooms have city views and a bathroom with both a bath and shower.
- Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge, Chiang Mai (3 star): An hour outside of Chiang Mai, nestled amongst the hills that Hmong communities also call home, the Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge has a beautiful natural setting of lush vegetation and rice fields. This is the perfect place to experience tribal culture and the beauty of north Thailand's highlands. Rooms are spread through 10 buildings with a communal area at their heart. Each has a balcony and ensuite bathroom but are made extra cosy with the addition of a colourful Hmong quilt. The pool overlooks the surrounding rice fields and a spa and massage treatments are available.
- Laluna Hotel & Resort, Chiang Rai (4 star): Just minutes from the famous night bazaar, the Laluna offers cosy Thai-style bungalows tucked amongst lush, tropical gardens. The lagoon-style pool, Jacuzzi, massage service and deck makes the friendly, relaxed atmosphere even more pronounced. The bungalows are spacious and simple with large beds and an en suite bathroom and views over the gardens.
- Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge, Pakbeng, Laos (3 star): Located off-the-beaten-track in lush forest on the banks of the Mekong, the Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge offers a relaxed and peaceful stay. Accommodation is dotted along the riverfront and hillside; each room complete with balcony to full enjoy your surroundings. Each has a traditional, local feel – cosy and comfortable along with the en suite shower room. The hotel also has two bar/restaurants, a botanical garden and sports area.
- Chitchareune Muang Luang Hotel, Luang Prabang, Laos (4 star): Combing traditional elegance and modern comfort, the three-star Chitchareune Muang Luang is housed in a building that is contemporary Laotian in style. Excellently located just a 10-minute walk from the heart of the old city, the 56 rooms are set around a swimming pool in peaceful gardens. Within you'll find a modern and comfortable space, with plenty of Laos textiles and local touches and a private balcony. The hotel also offers a gym and spa.
- Mercure Hotel Vientiane, Vientiane (3 star): This four-star hotel has a wealth of facilities including outdoor pool, tennis courts, a fitness centre and sauna. Well-located for the airport and just a three-minute stroll to the Mekong River, there is also a restaurant and bar and spacious and contemporary rooms with an en suite bathroom plus robe and slippers.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 01 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$75pp (AU$112pp) is paid locally in Thailand.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Wendy Wu's Go Beyond touring range are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
