Hanoi to Bangkok

from USD 1150 for 14 days

The northern areas of Vietnam and Laos have been virtually off limits to travellers for years, and many places have remained a mystery since the days of the Vietnam War. On this trip we spend time with ethnic minorities of both Vietnam and Laos in homestays, we explore the mysterious 'Plain of Jars' and the even more mysterious 'Stonehenge of Laos'. We travel on the mighty Mekong and walk in the serenely peaceful streets of Luang Prabang.

Brief Description Show detailed

Day 1 - HANOI

Arrive and check into your hotel. No meals.

Day 2 - MAI CHAU HOMESTAY

Today we drive east through stunning scenery to Mai Chau where we are guests of a White Thai family in their stilt house. (BLD)

Day 3 - SAM NEUA

Today we travel across the border into Laos and onto Sam Neua. (B)
 

Day 4 - SAM NEUA

Visit the dramatic Pathet Lao caves used by the revolutionary insurgency during the Vietnam War.   

Day 5 - PLAIN OF JARS

Today we drive on to the ‘Stonehenge’ of Laos, a little known collection of monolithic slabs of stone that protrude from the ground. We arrive in Phonsavan which will be our base for exploring this mysterious area.

Day 6 - PLAIN OF JARS

Today you have a whole day to explore the ancient and mysterious Plain of Jars. Nobody knows the exact origin or use of these amazing artefacts, some as big as 6 tonnes!
 

Day 7 - LUANG PRABANG

Continue by road to Luang Prabang, one of the most enchanting towns in South East Asia. 

Day 8 to Day 9 - LUANG PRABANG

Two full free days to explore this wonderful centre of religion and royalty of old Laos. Hire a bike or wander the leafy streets, stopping at golden temples to chat with the monks. You may wish to explore further afield to one of the many waterfalls, temples or hilltops. 

Day 10 - PAKBENG

Travel by minivan or pickup truck through jungle clad mountains via the market town of Udomxai. Our afternoon drive leads us to the mighty Mekong. We spend the night in a simple guesthouse in Pakbeng.  

Day 11 - HOUAY XAI

Start our journey up the meandering Mekong, travelling by public boat and passing through thick jungle and observing life on one of the world’s most famous waterways. We transfer to our guesthouse in Houay Xai. 

Day 12 - Chiang Mai

Today we cross the Mekong and take either a songthaew (pick-up truck) or minivan to Thailand’s northern capital Chiang Mai, where, on arrival, we transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Bangkok.
 

Day 13 - BANGKOK

Arrive and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Day 14 - BANGKOK

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)