The Golden Triangle & The Mekong River Adventure 14 Days / 13 Nights

The lands around the forest-crowned mountains at the confluence of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos have long been known as the Golden Triangle. Once home to insurgent armies and opium smugglers these lands are now a safe but still exciting and incredibly atmospheric and interesting, not to mention beautiful, place to visit.

Traveling at the unhurried pace of the Mekong itself, your voyage will have you admiring traditional crafts, tasting authentic regional cuisine, and relaxing among unspoiled wild scenery. And all along the way, whether in urban centers or remote jungle outposts, you'll be treated to some of the finest luxury and boutique accommodation in Asia.

Duration: 14 days/13 nights

Tour Code: MTSD01

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Khong - Huay Say - Pakbeng - Kamu Lodge - Luang Prabang - Xieng Khuang - Vientiane

• Day 1 - Bangkok Arrival

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals:

  Upon your arrival in Bangkok you will be transferred to your hotel. Then you'll free time for relaxing or shopping. Overnight in Bangkok.

  Day 2 - Bangkok: Visit Grand Palace - Prasat Museum

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  On your first morning in Bangkok you'll experience the majesty of the Grand Palace, one of Thailand's most revered historical and religious sites. Later, cross the Chao Phraya river to sample the spices and flavors of Thai cuisine at Supatra River House. In the afternoon, drive out to the Prasat Museum, for a special glimpse into a private collection of priceless Thai art and antiquities. Overnight in Bangkok.

  Day 3 - Bangkok - Ayutthaya

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Heading north out of Bangkok, we'll take you for a stroll through the gardens and pavilions of Bang Pa In, the unbelievable summer palace of King Chulalongkorn. From there, you'll board a traditional rice barge for a cruise up the Chao Phraya that will take you back into Thailand's regal past. After enjoying lunch on board, you'll disembark at the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, a city of graceful chedis and ruined temples, before returning to Bangkok by car. Overnight in Bangkok.

  Day 4 - Bangkok - Chiang Rai

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast

  Leave Thailand's central plains behind, and journey north to Thailand's Golden Triangle. Upon arriving in Chiang Rai, you'll be met by your guide, and transferred to your accommodation. After settling in to the comforts of your surroundings, you'll have the opportunity to delve into the secret history of the region on a visit to the Hall of Opium. Overnight in Chiang Rai

  Day 5 - Chiang Rai

  Place Transport: Elephant
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Come face to trunk with one of Thailand's most graceful creatures as you learn how to be an elephant mahout. After mastering the necessary commands, you'll climb onto the back of an elephant for a thrilling ride that will put your new skills to the test. Once you're ready, you'll take your elephant through bamboo forests and across riverine flood plains on a trek to in search of local wildlife and breathtaking views. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

  Day 6 - Chiang Rai

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  In the morning, you'll depart for Mae Sai, a trading town at the northern tip of Thailand that will be your entry point into Myanmar. Cross the border for a samlor ride through the village of Tachilek, where you'll enjoy lunch at a local Burmese restaurant, then admire crafts at the market. Next, enjoy the spectacular views from Doi Tung, the former home of the King of Thailand's mother, then stop at the Royal Handicraft Center to observe the production of mulberry paper, pottery, and weaving. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

  Day 7 - Golden Triangle - Chiang Khong - Huay Say - Pakbeng (Laos)

  Place Transport: Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  An early wake up will see you passing through unforgettable scenery along the Mekong River as you travel to the border town of Chiang Khong. After completing the immigration formalities, you'll climb on board your boat for a journey into the jungles of Northern Laos. Before enjoying lunch on board, you'll stop at a hill-tribe settlement to wander around and observe the local lifestyle. Overnight in Pakbeng.

  Day 8 - Pakbeng - Kamu Lodge

  Place Transport: Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  Take breakfast on a terrace overlooking the river, then climb back on board to continue your trip down the Mekong. At midday, you'll stop at Ban Baw, a village that offers you the chance to watch the making of traditional rice alcohol. In the afternoon you'll arrive at your lodge, a magical retreat near a Kamu village where you'll have the opportunity to engage in a variety of local customs and activities.
  Overnight at Kamu Lodge.

  Day 9 - Kamu Lodge - Luang Prabang

  Place Transport: Boat->Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  In the morning we'll set out once again, on a riverine journey that will take you through bamboo groves and towering limestone pinnacles to the town of Luang Prabang. A stop at the Pak Ou village will allow you to step into an extraordinary cave complex that conceals thousands of Buddha statues and images. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you'll have the chance to freshen up in your hotel room, before we visit some of this charming town's most engaging sites, like Wat Visoun and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. Enjoy the views from atop Mount Phousi, then take a stroll through the evening hill tribe market.
  Overnight in Luang Prabang.

  Day 10 - Luang Prabang

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Waking early, you'll be witness to the most unforgettable ritual in Laos, as dozens of saffron-robed monks walk the dirt lanes to receive alms from the townspeople. After breakfast at your hotel, take in the National Museum, the Central Market, and the five-tiered Wat Mai. Later, visit the astounding Wat Xieng Thong, a gracious compound of pastel wats decorated in colored glass mosaics, and the most important Buddhist monastery in the country. Later, splash into the Khuang Xi Waterfalls, then tour a local factory where handmade paper is produced.
  Overnight in Luang Prabang.

  Day 11 - Luang Prabang - Xieng Khuang

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Departing from Luang Prabang, your journey today will take you to the mysterious Plain of Jars. Along the way, you'll pass through breathtaking mountainous setting as you visit Hmong villages and the Tham Pha Cave. With time permitting, you'll head out to view the jars, all of which are thousands of years old, and some of which weigh as much as 6 tons. Overnight in Xieng Khuang.

  Day 12 - Xieng Khuang

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Your exploration of the Plain of Jars continues with a visit to Phou Sa La Tou and Hai Hin Lad Kai, where the jars sit atop a hill surrounded by rice paddies. Continuing on, you'll visit Muang Kham to enjoy hot water springs in a subdued forest setting. Said to be infused with magical powers, the warm waters are believed to have curative properties. Overnight in Xieng Khuang.

  Day 13 - Xieng Khuang - Vientiane

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After browsing at the morning market, visit Hmong Villages and ruined temples along the way on a short drive to the ancient capital of Muang Khoune. An afternoon flight will transport you to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, a relaxed city of leafy boulevards and gracious French architecture. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, strolling along the Mekong waterfront or slipping into an inviting café.
  Overnight in Vientiane.

  Day 14 - Vientiane Depature

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  Enjoy your final day in Vientiane with a tour of the city's most important sites, from the humble niche Buddhas of Vat Sisaket, to the venerated That Luang, to the grand arch of the Patuxai monument. Time permitting, you'll visit Carol Cassidy's famed textile studio before heading off to the airport for your departure flight.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 13 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.

  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
  
  - Boat as indicated in the itinerary.
  
  - Domestic flight tickets as indicated in the itinerary.

  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

  - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - Visas on arrival

  - International flight tickets and airport tax.

  - Dinners, except as specified above.

  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
  
  - Travel insurance 

  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  Additional Information

  Importance note
  - The itinerary is just a sample of our Thailand tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
  
  What to bring?
  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
  
  How to start?
  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
  - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Thailand, Laos Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).