Northern Thailand & Laos

Temples & Mountains

Day 1-4: Chiang Mai

Whoever travels to the northern part of Thailand, most certainly will stay in Chiang Mai. And this is no mistake, as this city and its surrounding has so much to offer. From elephant sanctuaries to waterfalls, beautiful rainforest, temples and markets. And because there is so much to do, we here sum up our top picks:

– Take a mud bath with an Elephant
– Drive the Mae Sae / Samoeng Loop with a motorbike
– Go temple hunting in the old town
– Eat your way through the Saturday Night Market
– Go shopping
– Go out

Northern Thailand & Laos

Mud bath with the Elephants

Day 4: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

There are basically two kind of elephant parks in Thailand. Those where you can ride on the elephants and they force them to do tricks for the tourists. And then there are sanctuaries where they rescue elephants from miserable working conditions and let them behave in their natural way.
We’ve been to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Camp and absolutely loved it there.

Northern Thailand & Laos

Modern Temples & Cooking Classes

Day 5-8: Chiang Rai

There are two main reasons to continue your trip to Chiang Rai. You either want to see the blue and the white temple or you want to continue your trip to Laos. Both reasons are absolutely legitimate and if you can combine them, it’s even better. In addition, there are a few other things that make this place fantastic:

– Learn to prepare Thai dishes
– Stare at the details of the white temple (Wat Rong Kun)
– Challenge the dragons at the blue temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten)
– Eat Hot Pot at the Night Bazar
– Watch the lightshow at the Golden Clock Tower

Northern Thailand & Laos

2-Day-Cruise on the Mekong

Day 9-10: Mekong Cruise

It was maybe a bit a too long journey. But over all a great experience and we recommend it to everyone who can spare the time for it, as it provides you with an excellent insight into a part of the life of the Lao people.

Northern Thailand & Laos

Turquoise Waterfalls

Day 11-13: Luang Prabang

The former capital of the Lao Kingdom is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is partly owned to the fact that it is home to 34 Buddhist temples. But also because of its idyllic location within the lush rainforest and almost surrounded by two rivers. It’s the atmosphere that makes this city unique but there are also a few things to explore here:

– Swim in the Kuang Si Waterfall
– Explore Wat Xieng Thong
– Watch the sunset on Mount Phou Si
– Explore and eat at the Night Market

Northern Thailand & Laos

Rice Paddy Views

Day 14-16: Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng used to be a classical backpacker destination and famous for mainly one thing – tubing. Because those backpackers consumed lots of alcohol and drugs and performed some stupid stunts, a relatively large number of them died. In 2011 there were 27 tourist deaths recorded and therefore the government ended this Sodom and Gomorrah.

After the government clean out more reasonable backpackers came but also a lot of Korean tourists arrived. They still like to party but they come mainly to enjoy the mountains, caves, lagoons and rice paddies surrounding the city which are simply breathtaking.

Northern Thailand & Laos

Golden Capital

Day 17-18: Vientiane

The capital of Laos is not as buzzing as for example Bangkok or Singapore but it still has some things to offer. And when you are there anyway, because your flight leaves from the capital, why not explore some of its highlights.

– Walk around Pha That Luang
– Cross the Patuxai Gate
– Shop and eat at the night market