Koh Samet,Thailand
Thailand and Laos Explorer
18 Days
Bangkok • Ayutthaya • Chiang Mai • Chiang Rai • Chiang Khong • Huay Xai • Pakbeng • Luang Prabang • Vang Vieng • Vientiane • Koh Samet
A richly layered journey through Thailand and Laos, combining grand temples, historic capitals, mountain landscapes and the timeless rhythm of the Mekong. From Bangkok’s vibrant streets and Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins, travel north through Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai before crossing into Laos. Continue by river to Luang Prabang, explore Vang Vieng and Vientiane, then retreat to the white sands of Koh Samet.
Highlights
Bangkok’s royal and riverside heritage
Ayutthaya’s ancient temple ruins
Chiang Mai’s Lanna heritage
Chiang Rai’s remarkable temples
Cross the Mekong into Laos
Cruise the Mekong
The sacred Pak Ou Caves
UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang
Visit Kuang Si’s turquoise cascades
Vang Vieng landscapes
Vientiane’s Buddhist monuments
Day 01 — Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand’s energetic capital where ornate temples, historic waterways and modern city life exist side by side. Meet your local representative and transfer to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and begin absorbing the atmosphere of this remarkable Southeast Asian metropolis.
Overnight stay: Bangkok
Day 02 — Bangkok
Begin with Bangkok’s most significant cultural landmarks. Explore the Grand Palace complex and Wat Phra Kaew, followed by Wat Pho and its celebrated reclining Buddha. Continue towards the Chao Phraya River, observing the contrast between historic temple districts and the rapidly evolving skyline. Later, wander through atmospheric neighbourhoods and local markets at your own pace.
Overnight stay: Bangkok
Day 03 — Bangkok to Ayutthaya and return to Bangkok
Travel north to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and one of Thailand’s most evocative historic landscapes. Explore the atmospheric temple ruins, monumental Buddha images and remnants of the ancient royal city. The day offers an illuminating perspective on Thailand’s historical development before returning to Bangkok.
Overnight stay: Bangkok
Day 04 — Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. On arrival, discover the character of the old city, enclosed by its historic moat and punctuated by temples, quiet lanes and traditional houses. Explore Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, then allow the evening to unfold around the city’s lively markets.
Overnight stay: Chiang Mai
Day 05 — Chiang Mai
Spend the day discovering Chiang Mai’s distinctive Lanna heritage. Visit the revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, dramatically positioned above the city, before exploring the old quarter and its quieter temple precincts. The remainder of the day provides time to experience Chiang Mai independently, whether browsing local crafts or simply enjoying its relaxed northern atmosphere.
Overnight stay: Chiang Mai
Day 06 — Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Travel through the mountainous countryside towards Chiang Rai, following a scenic route through northern Thailand. Explore the extraordinary White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, whose contemporary interpretation of Buddhist architecture contrasts strikingly with traditional temples. Continue towards the wider Golden Triangle region, where the landscapes of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge.
Overnight stay: Chiang Rai
Day 07 — Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong to Huay Xai to Pakbeng
Continue north towards Chiang Khong and the Mekong frontier. Cross into Laos at Huay Xai and begin the river journey downstream. The Mekong becomes the central thread of the journey as forested hills, riverside settlements and agricultural landscapes pass slowly by. Arrive in Pakbeng, a small riverside settlement in northern Laos.
Overnight stay: Pakbeng
Day 08 — Pakbeng to Luang Prabang
Continue downstream along the Mekong towards Luang Prabang. En route, the river reveals a quieter side of Laos, with forested banks, traditional villages and daily life closely connected to the water. Visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, set within limestone cliffs overlooking the river, before continuing to Luang Prabang.
Overnight stay: Luang Prabang
Day 09 — Luang Prabang
Explore the historic heart of Luang Prabang, where Buddhist temples, traditional Lao architecture and carefully preserved colonial buildings form a remarkably harmonious townscape. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun and the former Royal Palace precinct before ascending Mount Phousi for expansive views across the town and surrounding mountains.
Overnight stay: Luang Prabang
Day 10 — Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Waterfalls
Travel into the countryside surrounding Luang Prabang to reach Kuang Si Waterfalls. Follow the forested paths to the cascading turquoise pools and enjoy the tranquil natural setting. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, with time to explore its atmospheric lanes, craft shops and riverside surroundings.
Overnight stay: Luang Prabang
Day 11 — Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Leave Luang Prabang and travel south towards Vang Vieng. The landscape gradually changes from the Mekong valley to dramatic limestone formations and rural countryside. On arrival, settle into the slower rhythm of this riverside destination, with the Nam Song River and surrounding karst mountains forming the backdrop.
Overnight stay: Vang Vieng
Day 12 — Vang Vieng
Explore Vang Vieng and its spectacular natural setting. Travel through the surrounding countryside, where limestone cliffs rise above fields and villages. Depending on conditions and interests, explore one of the area’s caves or enjoy a gentle river experience. The afternoon offers time to appreciate the scenery at a more leisurely pace.
Overnight stay: Vang Vieng
Day 13 — Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Continue south towards Vientiane, Laos’s relaxed capital on the Mekong. On arrival, explore the city’s distinctive mixture of Buddhist monuments, colonial-era architecture and broad riverside avenues. Visit That Luang and Patuxai, then experience the quieter rhythm of the capital as evening approaches.
Overnight stay: Vientiane
Day 14 — Vientiane
Spend a full day discovering Vientiane. Visit Wat Sisaket, one of the city’s most atmospheric historic temples, together with other important religious and cultural landmarks. Continue through the city’s quieter neighbourhoods and along the Mekong waterfront, where Vientiane’s unhurried character becomes especially apparent.
Overnight stay: Vientiane
Day 15 — Vientiane to Bangkok to Rayong
Depart Laos and return to Thailand, continuing south towards the eastern Gulf coast. The character of the journey changes dramatically as urban landscapes give way to coastal scenery and the tropical countryside around Rayong. Continue towards the mainland departure point for Koh Samet.
Overnight stay: Rayong
Day 16 — Rayong to Koh Samet
Cross by boat to Koh Samet, a compact island known for its beaches and clear Gulf waters. Settle into the island’s slower rhythm and spend the remainder of the day beside the sea. The transition from the cultural intensity of mainland Southeast Asia to an unhurried tropical setting provides a natural final chapter to the journey.
Overnight stay: Koh Samet
Day 17 — Koh Samet
A full day at leisure on Koh Samet. Explore the island’s sandy coves, walk along the shoreline or simply enjoy the sea and surrounding tropical landscape. For those seeking a more active day, optional boating or snorkelling experiences can provide another perspective on the island’s coastal environment.
Overnight stay: Koh Samet
Day 18 — Koh Samet to Bangkok and Departure
Enjoy a final morning by the sea before returning by boat to the mainland. Continue overland to Bangkok for your onward journey. Depart Thailand carrying memories of ancient capitals, mountain temples, the Mekong, historic Laos and the tranquil shores of Koh Samet.