Touching Laos

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4-days/3-nights. From the heart of Isan in Khon Kaen, to the Lao border in Nong Khai and Chiang Khan, to Sukhothai and then Chiang Mai, this tour will give you a sweeping overview of the beauty, culture, and history of this extraordinary region of Thailand.

Day 1. Nongkhai
Transfer to Nongkhai, a lively provincial city on the banks of the Mekong river at the border with Laos. It is the most important border place of the region because it is connected with Laos by the Thai-Lao “friendship bridge” via which the Laotian capital Vientiane can easily be reached. Walk through the quiet park Wat Sala Kaew Ku packed with bizarre statues from Hindu and Thai culture. Visit Tha Sadet, a lively harbor market where goods imported from Laos are offered for sale. You can buy for instance French baguettes, a remainder of the French colonial period of Laos. Lunch on a balcony overlooking the Mekong river.

In the afternoon you will visit the Thai-Lao friendship bridge. From the bridge you have a nice view over the Mekong river. You will end the day romantically with a river boat dinner on the Mekong river. When evening falls, a boat will take you upstream all the way to the Friendship bridge from where you can watch the beautiful sunset over the river. On the way back to the pier, the boat will sail close off the Laos riverside. You feel as if you can touch it. You will stay overnight in the Nongkhai Grand Hotel, a comfortable tourist hotel (L, D).

Day 2. Mekong route to Chiang Khan
Transfer from Nongkhai to Phu Phra Bat historical park, offering prehistoric rock paintings from about 2,000 to 4,000 years ago: various artifacts from Dvaravati and Khmer cultures and a Buddha's footprint. Lunch in Si Chiangmai on the Mekong riverbanks. Then a wonderful voyage will take you to Chiang Khan, a small and laid back border village on the Mekong. The route gently follows the Mekong river and offers beautiful views of the river and the mountains on both the Thai and Laos side of the Mekong. You can stop to admire the magnificent views and of course take pictures. Upon arrival in Chiang Khan you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Chiang Khan Guesthouse, a simple but romantic location along the Mekong river (B, L).

Day 3. Loei - Phitsanulok
Morning departure from Chiang Khan to Loei, one of Thailand's mountainous and most beautiful provinces (and also its coolest!) and long a favorite destination for nature lovers. Less known, Loei is also the place that pioneered Thailand’s winemaking industry. Nowadays Chateau de Loei is Thailand’s most serious and respected vineyard. Though still a young wine making area, Loei is an excellent place to see how wine is made. The best times to visit are February and July when winemaking is most active. While moving on to Phitsanulok, the road east to Lomsak passes through some spectacular scenery and you will stop at the famed Kaeng Sopha Falls in Thung Salaeng Luang National Park. Overnight stay in Phitsanulok (B).

Day 4. Sukhothai
Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai was the first capital of Thailand (then Siam), which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb palaces, temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a must-see for all travelers. You will explore this breathtaking old historical city by bicycle. The guide will supply you with a city plan so that you can find your own way in this maze of ruins and city walls. In the afternoon transfer to Chiang Mai. This tour ends upon your arrival in Chiang Mai (click the link for more information and to see our tours in Chiang Mai).

From: $ 356      per person View all prices or via the Booking form Touching Laos (4 days / 3 nights) Prices per person, see conditions Number of persons Single   2 3 4 + surchg USD $ 589 $ 434 $ 356 $ 86 Euro € 391 € 288 € 236 € 57 Start: Day 1  morning at the homestay location in Khonkaen province. End: Day 4  afternoon in Chiang Mai upon arrival. Included: 3 overnight stays based on twin sharing, All transfers by private aircon minivan, 3 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 1 x dinner, All entry fees, An English-speaking local tour guide