Bangkok, the Golden Triangle & the Mekong to Luang Prabang
Day by day
A fast-track welcome at Suvarnabhumi airport and a private transfer to your riverside hotel. The evening is yours.
The Grand Palace and Wat Pho with your guide, then a private longtail through the Thonburi canals and past Wat Arun.
Breakfast
The UNESCO-listed ruins of Ayutthaya, the old royal capital, returning to Bangkok by boat along the Chao Phraya.
Breakfast · Lunch
A flight to Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, on the way, and on to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
Breakfast
A morning walking with and learning about rescued elephants alongside the camp's specialists, with no riding, then a longtail on the Mekong.
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
A private transfer to the border at Chiang Khong, the crossing into Laos at Huay Xai, and your boat down the Mekong. Villages, sandbanks and forested hills slide past; the first night is on the river.
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
A full day on the river, stopping at Khmu and Lao villages along the banks, with meals on board or at your lodge.
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
The last stretch of the river, a stop at the Pak Ou caves and their Buddha statues, then arrival in Luang Prabang and a transfer to your hotel.
Breakfast · Lunch
An early, quiet moment as the monks collect alms (watched respectfully, from a distance), then Wat Xieng Thong, the Royal Palace and the old town's lanes with your private guide. At sunset, a private boat on the Mekong.
Breakfast
A private drive to the turquoise pools of Kuang Si before the day visitors arrive, a picnic lunch in the shade and a stop at the bear rescue centre by the falls.
Breakfast · Lunch
A market visit and private cooking class with a local chef, then a baci, the Lao blessing ceremony, held for you in a family home.
Breakfast · Lunch
A private transfer to Luang Prabang airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Where you stay
Luxury
Refined five-star and boutique hotels with real character.
- Bangkok Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
- Golden Triangle Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
- Pakbeng Luang Say Mekong cruise (Luang Say Lodge & Kamu Lodge)
- Luang Prabang Sofitel Luang Prabang
Iconic
The legendary addresses, for the very best room in each place.
- Bangkok Capella Bangkok
- Golden Triangle Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
- Pakbeng The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms (Mekong cruise, whole boat)
- Luang Prabang Rosewood Luang Prabang
Hotels shown are examples we recommend and book directly; your travel designer confirms availability for your dates.
Included
- Accommodation in your chosen hotel category (Luxury or Iconic), with daily breakfast
- Private air-conditioned car with driver throughout
- Private English-speaking guide on touring days
- Meet and greet at your arrival airport
- Meals as shown in the programme (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
- Private boats, entrance fees and experiences in the programme
- Regional and domestic flights in economy class
- 24/7 support from our team on the ground
- Mekong river journey Huay Xai – Luang Prabang with meals on board
Not included
- International flights
- Thailand: US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens are visa-exempt for up to 30 days; the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card must be completed online before arrival
- Laos visa: e-visa online or visa on arrival at Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Pakse airports; the Lao Digital Immigration Form must be completed online within 3 days before arrival
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the programme
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses