Trekking, Cruise & Beach

Deluxe eco-adventure starting from Chiang Mai

19 Days
Artboard 18 VietnamLaosThailand
from $4099

Highlights

Elephant Safari in Chiang Mai
Hiking in Muang Ngoi (Northern Laos)
Luang Prabang cultural experience
Hanoi sightseeing
Sapa Hiking & Culture
Cruise in Ha Long Bay
Phu Quoc beach escape

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Chiang Mai

Welcome to Chiang Mai, the largest city in the mountainous northern Thailand. After you arrive at the airport, our local driver will take you to your hotel to relax and recover from your flight. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner (a Lanna Thai tradition) accompanied by performances of Lanna dances and songs. Then you spend the night in your Thai-style eco-bungalow overlooking a river and elephant trails.

(D)

Day 2

Full Day Elephant Safari

Today you will spend the whole day at an elephant camp and have a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic but so gentle mammals. After meeting with elephants, feeding them, and bathing them, you return to the camp in an ox cart and enjoy a Thai lunch there. In the afternoon, you will go bamboo rafting on the Mae Taeng River. Afterwards, on the way back to Chiang Mai, you will visit an orchid nursery before returning to Chiang Mai to spend the night in your ecolodge.

(B, L, D)

Day 3

Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang

Enjoy your free time in Chiang Mai until you get transferred to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Our local driver in Luang Prabang will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. You spend the night in Luang Prabang.

(B, D)

Day 4

Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Nong Khiaw

Today you have an option to participate in the almsgiving ritual in the very early morning. After the ceremony, return to your hotel to have breakfast and then we begin our drive to Nong Khiaw. Along the way, we stop and cross by boat to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Continue on to Nong Khiaw. and arrive in the late afternoon. You will have dinner and stay overnight in a traditional Laotian style boutique bungalow in Nong Khiaw. 

(B, L, D)

Day 5

Nong Khiaw - Hiking in Muang Ngoi

This morning you take a boat up to Muang Ngoi, a picturesque little fishing village 1 hour upstream from Nong Khiaw. From Muang Ngoi, you start the hike through paddy fields and beautiful landscape. On the way, you will get a glimpse of local life when passing by the hill tribe villages. You will also visit and take a break at Tham Kang Cave. After a picnic lunch, we will continue the hike to Ban Kioukhan, a Khamu hill tribe village. You will have dinner and stay overnight in Ban Kioukhan.

(B, L, D)

Day 6

Ban Kioukhan - Muang Ngoi - Luang Prabang

Today, you continue on your hike until you arrive in the village of Ban Hadsapheai, another Khamu hill tribe village lying by the Nam Ou River. From here, you will take a boat trip back to Muang Ngoi. Enjoy your lunch in a restaurant here before returning Luang Prabang. After you arrive, check in to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day. You will spend the night in Luang Prabang.

(B, L, D)

Day 7

Luang Prabang - Hanoi

This morning, you will visit the National Museum and the Central Market in Luang Prabang. Then you can stroll through the city and enjoy a last meal here before going to the airport and fly to Hanoi. After landing in Hanoi, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a dinner in a local restaurant before spending the night in Hanoi.

(B, L, D)

Day 8

Hanoi Sightseeing - Night train to Sa Pa

After breakfast in the hotel, a tour of the city is on. Starting with a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and the next door Ho Chi Minh Palace where lies the modest stilt house of the Vietnam's first president. Next stop is the one thousand year old One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam, known for its unique lotus blossom shape sitting on top of a wooden pillar erected from a lotus pond. Then on to the largest lake in Hanoi, West Lake, to enjoy the peaceful scenery. Next, you will explore the Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before visiting to the Museum of Vietnamese Ethnology. Afterwards, return to the Old Quarter to go on a cyclo tour around the lively streets before enjoying a unique show at the Water Puppetry Theatre. Have dinner in Hanoi before going to the train station to take the overnight train to Sapa. Spend your night swayed to sleep by the train and get rested for the next destination.

(B, L, D)

Day 9

Hike along rice fields to the Nam Cang Riverside Lodge

Your train ride arrives at Lao Cai train station in early morning, from where you will be transferred to Sapa. Upon your Sapa arrival, you will enjoy a nice breakfast in a local restaurant before enjoying a full day in Hoang Lien National Park exploring its rich and diverse flora and fauna. During your walk through the national park, you will also meet local ethnic villagers and native animals such as water buffalo. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild before making your way to Nam Cang Riverside Lodge, where you will have dinner and stay overnight.

(B, L, D)

Day 10

Hike along rivers and remote slopes

Today you will make a full day hike up to the mountain. On the way, take a break at a small village where you will be served a traditional and local lunch. Continue the hike to the top where you can take in the breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys. After the hike, you will be transferred to Lao Cai by private car and you will take the overnight train back to Hanoi.

(B, L)

Day 11

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - New Wonder of the World

Today you will go to Ha Long and embark on a two-day cruise trip in the amazing Ha Long Bay. After boarding, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before going on a cave excursion. Later, you can explore the bay by kayak, go swimming, or relax on the deck. Join a cooking class on board before enjoying your sunset dinner. Spend the night on board of the cruise. 

(B, L, D)

Day 12

Ha Long Bay - Hanoi

Start your day early with a Tai Chi session in the fresh air and watch the sun rise over the karst cliffs. Enjoy your breakfast followed by free time to sunbathe and relax on the deck. After lunch, you will soon be back in the harbor, from where you will be brought back to Hanoi. You will have dinner and stay overnight in Hanoi.

(B, L, D)

Day 13

Hanoi - Phu Quoc Island

Today you will be transferred to Hanoi airport to take a flight to Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, our local driver will take you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relax. Stay overnight on Phu Quoc.

(B)

Day 14

Phu Quoc Free Day

Enjoy your first full day on Phu Quoc island at your leisure. You can visit Phu Quoc National Park, explore the local markets, and try various local specialities. You will stay overnight in your beach resort on Phu Quoc.

(B)

Day 15

Phu Quoc Free Day

Another free day on Phu Quoc. Book a spa treatment at your resort or relax on the beach and pool all day long. They spend the night on the island.

(B)

Day 16

Phu Quoc Free Day

Another day on the island paradise. You can enjoy the pristine white sandy beaches or explore the island by bike. You can also book a snorkeling tour if you wish. You spend the night on Phu Quoc island.

(B)

Day 17

Phu Quoc Free Day

Enjoy another relaxing day on the tropical island of Phu Quoc. Try one of the on-site water activities or pamper yourself at the resort's spa. Stay overnight on Phu Quoc island.

(B)

Day 18

Phu Quoc Free Day

Enjoy your last full day on the island. A beach BBQ picnic can be arranged just for you upon request, a perfect way to enjoy the sunset on the beach. You then spend the night at your Phu Quoc resort.

(B)

Day 19

Phu Quoc Departure

Enjoy your free time until you are picked up and transferred to Phu Quoc airport to start your journey home.

(B)

Gallery

Route

The journey starts in Chiang Mai and takes you to Luang Prabang and on to Nong Khiaw. Then go to Hanoi, from there to Sapa and Ha Long Bay. The last destination is the island of Phu Quoc.

  • Artboard 18

    Destination

    Vietnam, Laos, Thailand
  • Departure

    Chiang Mai / Phu Quoc Island
  • Departure Time

    daily
  • Include

    Included

    2 hours free babysitter
    Accommodation as described in program
    Bike renting
    Boat trips as described in program
    Cooking class
    Domestic flights
    English speaking private tour guide
    Entrance fees & excursions as per tour program
    Handmade gifts
    Meals as specified in tour program (B,L,D)
    Mineral water during excursions
    private transfer in air conditioned car
    Train tickets as described in the program
    Travel insurance
  • Not Included

    Intl. flights
    Visa fees
  • Optional

    Additional tours & activities
    private tour guide in other languages ​​on request