A river journey from Laos to Thailand

Enjoy complimentary UK airport lounge access before boarding your overnight flight from the UK to Luang Prabang, arriving on day two. 

On arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be based for the next three nights. Nestled in a valley surrounded by forested mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, Luang Prabang offers a delightful introduction to Laos, with its scenic setting, relaxed ambience and attractive blend of French colonial architecture and ornate Buddhist temples. Although no longer the capital, it remains the largest city in the north of the country and holds UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of its rich cultural heritage. In the evening, you might be tempted to visit the night market, where local vendors sell a vast array of handicrafts, including ceramics, jewellery and paintings. 

On your first morning in Luang Prabang, you’ll have the chance to witness ‘Tak Bat’, a traditional ritual whereby saffron-robed monks move through the streets collecting alms (food donations) from local residents, before visiting the morning market and returning to the hotel for breakfast. You’ll then be met by a local guide for a guided walking tour, in which you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the history of Luang Prabang while taking in its architectural highlights and lesser-known gems. A traditional lunch is served at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Kuang Si waterfalls and the Bear Rescue Centre, where you’ll learn all about the conservation of black bears in northern Laos. The three-tiered waterfalls are a majestic sight, and you’ll have the chance to take a refreshing dip in them if you fancy. Later on, back in Luang Prabang, you’ll venture out on a food and cocktail tour, as a local guide will lead you between the city’s bustling bars, food markets and street vendors – a wonderful way to sample authentic Laotian cuisine and experience the local nightlife scene.

Having had your first taste of Laotian cuisine, the following day presents the opportunity to learn how to make it yourself, as you join a local family in a cooking workshop, preparing a delicious lunch accompanied by traditional drinks. In the afternoon, you’ll visit several of Luang Prabang’s most majestic Buddhist temples, with the chance to receive your own personal blessing from a monk as you go. If there’s enough time, you might also climb Phou Si hill for wonderful views overlooking the city and the surrounding nature. 

* Dinner is also included on day three.

This morning, you’ll board Heritage Line Anouvong as you embark on a three-night river cruise along the Upper Mekong. It’s a small, boutique luxury ship that seamlessly blends Laotian artwork and decor with French finesse, featuring elegant staterooms and suites and a host of superb onboard amenities. The first stop of your voyage is the Pak Ou Caves, two riverside grottoes that house around 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. After this, you’ll have the choice between kayaking or visiting Ban Muang Keo, a village known for silk weaving and whisky distilling. In the evening, you’ll moor at the village of Ban Khok Phou, where you’ll learn about the local practices of mountain farming and enjoy a welcome cocktail and barbecue dinner on the sandbank.

On the second day of your cruise, you might be keen to take part in an early morning yoga session on the terrace deck before breakfast. You’ll visit two villages today, offering an immersive introduction to the region’s distinct ethnic communities and an insight into the traditional way of life in this rural northern region of Laos. Later on, a traditional dance performance will take place on the ship or on the sandbank, followed by dinner and a movie screening in the cosy lounge area.

The final full day of your river cruise is sure to be a memorable one. First, you’ll get to tap into your creative side in a bamboo weaving workshop, before heading to Laos’ most sustainable elephant sanctuary in the jungle just outside Pakbeng. After spending some time in the company of these majestic creatures, there may also be time for a short hike to a hilltop vantage point for magnificent views overlooking Pakbeng. As the sun begins to set, savour an aperitif and a farewell dinner onboard – the perfect way to cap off your Mekong river cruise in style. 

As your journey along the Mekong draws towards a conclusion, you’ll approach the Golden Triangle region, where the borders of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet. An onboard cooking class then sets the stage for a bountiful farewell brunch, which you can enjoy in the restaurant, on the terrace deck or in the lounge while taking in the scenery. Docking in Huay Xai in the mid-afternoon, you’ll disembark Heritage Line Anouvong for a transfer to the Laos-Thailand border. From there, you’ll be taken to your mountain sanctuary hotel, tucked away in a remote jungle area that hosts its own elephant camp, a spa, a gorgeous infinity pool, a fabulous restaurant and a unique treetop dining experience.

As well as a ticket to the nearby Opium Museum, one activity is included per person for each night stayed; choose from an elephant camp experience, local Golden Triangle excursions, a Thai cooking class, a 60-minute private yoga or pilates session or a 60-minute spa treatment. Additional activities are also available for an extra supplement, ranging between boat trips, temple visits and tea plantation tours. Thrill seekers, meanwhile, might try the Sky Bike ride, tandem biking along a 300-metre zipline through the treetops of the bamboo forest. There’s plenty of scope for both blissful relaxation and captivating adventures here – with no set agenda, it’s entirely your choice how you choose to spend your time. 

After breakfast, a private transfer will bring you from your hotel to Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost major city and the first capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. A half-day guided sightseeing tour by rickshaw will introduce you to several of its most significant landmarks, including the Chiang Rai Clock Tower, the Lanna king monument, the local fresh food market and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, considered to be among Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temples. The latter is named as such because it once housed the Emerald Buddha statue in the 13th century, which is now found in the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. 

Stay: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa

Today, you’ll check out of your hotel in Chiang Rai and head to the airport in time for your southbound flight to Bangkok. On arrival in Thailand’s capital, you’ll be met for a transfer to your boutique riverside city centre hotel, where you’ll be based for the final two nights of your trip. Take some time to settle in, unwind and familiarise yourself with your new surroundings, perhaps taking the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and a drink or two at the riverside bar.

The next day, you’ll set off on a half-day sightseeing tour, taking a boat ride along the canals to the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, around 100 kilometres north of Bangkok, where merchants paddle along canals in boats filled with an eclectic variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and handicrafts to sell to passers by. It’s a wonderful place to try some local delicacies and interact with the locals while soaking up the vibrant, humming atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll also make a short stop at a coconut farm and the Railway Market, where trains run right through the heart of the market between the stalls. Finally, it’s time to return to Bangkok for the last evening of your trip. 

Stay: Riva Surya Hotel Bangkok

Enjoy one last breakfast and a final morning at leisure before a transfer brings you back to Bangkok Airport in time for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving the following day.