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Join this amazing cross-border 15-day tour to discover the main attractions of Thailand and Laos. This well-designed tour will give you a great opportunity for cultural immersion, outstanding natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, from Bangkok's bustling streets to serene landscapes in Luang Prabang.
Unforgettable experiences from Thailand to Laos (Credit: Mathew Schwartz)
Overall, you will explore two of Southeast Asia's most fascinating countries with their own special charm, let’s find out now with Asia King Travel!
Hailed as the ideal 15-day destination, Thailand reveals itself to be a nation with an elusive blend of rich panoramic beauty, and warm hospitality that will entice any traveller to venture into its midst.
Bustle and hustle Bangkok at night time (Credit: Jimmy Art Devier)
Laos, on the other hand, whispers of its relaxed nature, ancient traditions, and sheer beauty. This landlocked country is home to centuries-old working monasteries and faded French colonial architecture. Away from the hustle neighbourhood, the country opens up to a tapestry of lush forests, winding rivers, and scenic villages - small glimpses of traditional ways of life.
A normal day in Laos (Credit: Leo Visions)
These two nations are the perfect canvas for an unforgettable journey through Southeast Asia - a land of exciting and rich tapestries of culture, and great authentic food combined with mixed and varied landscapes. Thailand and Laos will shower you with adventures that will leave you enchanted and wanting more.
Get ready to kick-start your 15-day Laos and Thailand tour amidst dynamic, busy Bangkok, an ideal blend of old and new, within which ancient traditions have come with modern marvels. It's a fine introductory collection to the rich tapestry of culture here.
If you want to experience the real Bangkok, do not miss out on one of its biggest and oldest temple complexes—Wat Pho. Stroll through the serene courtyards, appreciate the giant reclining Buddha, and finish the visit with a traditional Thai massage, perfected here for hundreds of years.
Inside Wat Pho (Credit: Traveloka)
While you're in Bangkok, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy? Explore the labyrinth of stalls at the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you can find everything from exquisite handicrafts and unique souvenirs to trendy fashion and antique treasures. For a more upscale shopping experience, you can visit glitzy malls like Siam Paragon, where luxury brands and international designers await.
Siam Paragon (Credit: Siam Paragon)
With its mesmerizing blend of ancient wonders and pulsating energy, Bangkok sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through Thailand and Laos.
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Chiang Mai is the northern capital city of culture and is really an amazing place. It combines ancient traditions with modern comforts. Spend three nights in this great city and get a feel for the unique charm of Chiang Mai.
You simply have to see the following in Chiang Mai: The Wat Doi Suthep Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple on a hill with great views over the city. It's 306 steps to the entrance decorated with gods, snakes, and dragons, where you can witness the city of Chiang Mai below. The temple has an emerald Buddha statue, where you'll also get to see monks praying and meditating.
Wat Doi Suthep (Credit: Tripadvisor)
Then, you really shouldn't miss out on the Wat Phra Singh either – it's the most beautiful and important temple in Chiang Mai. The sophisticated Lanna-style architecture and striking murals are sure to impress.
Wat Phra Singh (Credit: Along Walker)
Moreover, your journey in Chiang Mai wouldn’t be complete without meeting Thailand's giants: the elephants. Kanta Elephant Sanctuary is one of the most ethical sanctuaries where you can see the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You can learn about the protection and conservation efforts being made to save them while seeing firsthand their remarkable intelligence and social behaviour.
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary (Credit: Oh Hoo)
Pai is just another one of those ultra-small, hidden hippie towns in northern Thailand's mountainous region. It holds a vibe suitable for everyone, whatever your style. The atmosphere here is nice and relaxed—a welcome change from the big, busy cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There is a laid-back atmosphere with much to see regarding natural beauty and the bohemian way of life.
Rice terraces in Pai (Credit: Free Tour)
From the minute you enter this town, you can feel its pulse. Colorful street art, quaint shops, and enough coffee shops to lazily wander around populate the place. Take a walk down Walking Street for some great window shopping interspersed with several local artists peddling their handmade wares, and treat your taste buds to some great street food.
Pai Walking Street (Credit: Shutterstock)
The real beauty of Pai, however, comes from the ample beauty of nature surrounding the town. Take a motorbike ride and cruise down winding roads fringed by dense forests and towering mountains. You can seek out hidden waterfalls like the beautiful Mor Paeng Waterfall and swim in its crystal-clear pools, or stop at local hot springs like Tha Pai Hot Springs to bathe in therapeutic waters with breathtaking views.
Mor Paeng Waterfall (Credit: My Chiang Mai Travel)
Once you've had a wonderful time in northern Thailand, it'll be time to cross the border into Laos! From Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, you can head to the lovely Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge crossing, which links the beautiful Thai town of Nong Khai to the wonderful Lao capital, Vientiane. After a quick stop in Vientiane, we'll be off to the lovely Vang Vieng, known for its outdoor activities and absolutely gorgeous natural scenery.
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Credit: Rent Connected)
Vang Vieng is the perfect place for adrenaline-pumping with thrilling adventure sports and activities, especially rock climbing. There are lots of routes to choose from, with something to suit all levels of experience. The incredible limestone cliffs really make the area the perfect place for climbing, and the views from the top are just awesome!
If you're one of those who loves exploring the world underground, you're in for a treat! There are many great caving expeditions and you'll see some amazing caves with all their hidden chambers.
Tham Phu Kham Cave in Vang Vieng (Credit: Shutterstock)
Also, tourists may probably recognise the most popular activity here: tubing down the Nam Song River! Hop into an inner tube and let the current take you wherever your heart desires! You'll float past looming cliffs, placid blue lagoons, and gushing waterfalls from utter rawness – it's an incredible experience!
Nam Song River (Credit: iStock)
Of all the amazing places in Laos, Luang Prabang is definitely the standout. Take in the magical alms-giving ceremony at dawn. Every morning, hundreds of monks in saffron robes take turns collecting rice offerings from locals, it's a long-standing tradition.
Monks take turns collecting rice offerings from locals (Credit: Getty Photos)
Once you've done that, you can explore the rest of this charming town, which boasts French colonial architecture, traditional Lao houses, and numerous temples. You've got to see the amazing Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th-century Buddhist temple with loads of gorgeous wood carvings and mosaics.
Wat Xieng Thong (Credit: Wikimedia)
If you have bonus time, you might want to drive out of the city to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls. It's got a multilevel design and a lovely blue-green pool surrounded by greenery. You could even take a refreshing dip in the pool or hike up to enjoy the stunning views.
Kuang Si Waterfalls (Credit: Flickr)
Another place you shouldn't miss is the well-known Pak Ou Caves, located upstream on the Mekong River. The cave is home to a collection of thousands of Buddha images, each with its own story and incredible beauty.
Pak Ou Caves (Credit: Traveloka)
Afterwards, take a stroll through Luang Prabang's night markets. Put up with all of that because the local cuisine is really rather special. It makes Lao food unique – think famous Laap, a spicy salad of meat, or a fantastic French-influenced baguette.
A Luang Prabang's night market Credit: Freepik
Tucked away on the Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw is a serene town among beautiful limestone mountains and green vegetation. By day, hike to surrounding villages and explore the breathtaking countryside views. Take an afternoon kayaking up the river, paddling around towering karst formations, and absorbing the serenity.
Something a bit more adventurous is fantastic opportunities for rock climbing, whereby challenging routes are available in Nong Khiaw for both beginner and more advanced climbers. After that, end a lively day by easing off toward sunset, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink while sitting beside the riverside.
Nong Khiaw from above (Credit: Travelers and Dreamers)
The car-free population of Muang Ngoi, far-flung and quiet, accessible only by boat, seems to belong to another era. Wander around village lanes to witness local life at its most genuine. You will get a feel of the place and meet some friendly people.
You can walk through the hills and forests to discover hidden beautiful waterfalls and enjoy the astounding view, or just spend repetitive days lazing by the Nam Ou River and watching the world go by in its atmosphere. For dinner, join the locals to get to know them over a traditional Lao meal. You'll also learn about their rich culture.
Picturesque Muang Ngoi (Credit: Travelers and Dreamers)
Both Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi offer a glimpse into the real lifestyle of Lao, off the beaten track. Get close to nature and visit villages isolated from the rest. These will be lifelong memories in the two riveting destinations by the river.
The itinerary has included the busiest cities and the most tranquil countryside in these Southeast Asia countries. We hope the sample tour will truly give you an intense experience that lets you appreciate the rich cultures and natural beauty of both countries
Book your cross-border adventure today and discover the hidden gems of Thailand and Laos! For more information and to customize your tour, contact us here. See you soon!
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