Welcome to Thailand! Today is all about finding your feet. There are no set plans during the day, so feel free to drop your bags, grab some street food, or catch up on sleep.
Arrival Tip: Try to get to the hotel by late afternoon so you’re settled and ready for the welcome chat.
The Meeting: We’ll all gather at the hotel at 18:00 to meet the group and go over the adventure ahead.
Today we trade the city streets for the water. We’ll jump on a private longtail boat for a one-hour tour of Bangkok’s klongs (canals) to see the city from a different angle. The boat drops us off at Wat Po, where a guide will show you the famous massive Reclining Buddha.
Free Time: The afternoon is yours. Grab a Thai massage, explore the Grand Palace, or wander the famous Khao San Road.
The Journey: In the evening, we board the overnight train. It’s a classic traveler experience—you’ll fall asleep in the city and wake up in the mountains of the north.
Note: If the weather or holidays disrupt the trains (usually between July and October), we’ll use a comfortable alternative to make sure we get to Chiang Mai safely.
We arrive in the north early this morning. After checking in, the day is wide open for you to discover the charm of Chiang Mai at your own pace.
Afternoon Highlight: In the late afternoon, we’ll head up the winding mountain road to Doi Suthep, one of Thailand's most beautiful temples. If we time it right, you might hear the peaceful evening chanting of the monks.
Make it Your Own: You can spend your morning wandering the "Old City" or pre-book a Northern Thai Cooking Class to learn the secrets of a perfect Green Curry.
Evening: Don’t miss the Night Market—it’s the best spot for handmade souvenirs and incredible street food.
Today you will drive to the border town of Chiang Khong. Along the way, you will visit Wat Rong Khun, which is famous for its bright white carvings and mirrored glass. Once you arrive in town, you have the afternoon to yourself to relax. You can wander through the local food market or find a quiet spot to enjoy a drink by the Mekong River.
You will spend the night right by the water where you can see Laos just across the river.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will cross the border into Laos and hop on a local bus to reach your traditional slow boat. You will spend the day drifting down the Mekong River, passing through thick jungles and green mountains.
Later, you will arrive at a small village for a local homestay. In the evening, you will share a traditional meal with a local family and learn exactly what life is like in this remote part of the world.
Meals Included: Dinner
You will spend most of the day continuing your journey down the Mekong River by slow boat. Before reaching your destination, you will stop to explore the Pak Ou caves, which are filled with thousands of small Buddha statues.
Afterward, you will get back on the boat and finish the trip to Luang Prabang, arriving in the early evening to settle into this famous heritage town.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your morning starts with a visit to the Ethnology Museum to learn about the different customs and clothing of the local people. Afterward, you will stop by the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre for an introduction to traditional Laotian weaving and handmade textiles.
In the afternoon, you will head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Make sure to pack your swimsuit so you can take a dip in the famous turquoise pools.
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Today is a full free day for you to enjoy Luang Prabang at your own pace. You can spend the morning visiting ancient temples, hiking up Phousi Hill for a view of the city, or renting a bicycle to explore the quiet side streets.
If you want to dive into the culture, you can book a traditional cooking class or enjoy a relaxing massage.
In the evening, the night market is the perfect place to shop for handmade souvenirs and try local street food.
This morning you will board the high-speed train for a quick and scenic ride through the mountains to Vang Vieng. Once you arrive and check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.
You can choose to spend the afternoon resting by the river or heading out to explore the stunning limestone cliffs that surround the town.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is your chance to dive into the natural beauty of Vang Vieng. The area is famous for its outdoor activities, making it the perfect spot to explore by bicycle or kayak.
If you are looking for even more excitement, you can add the Adrenaline Bundle to your trip for extra activities designed to make the most of this stunning, adventure-filled location.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will leave the mountains behind and travel to Vientiane, the quiet capital of Laos. You can spend the day exploring the city's highlights, such as Wat Sisaket, which is one of the oldest temples in town, or Wat Phra That Luang, a gold-covered stupa that serves as a national symbol.
If you are interested in history, you can stop by the National Museum.
For those who want to shop, the morning market is a great place to find local goods, and despite its name, it stays open all day.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly from the quiet capital of Laos to the energetic streets of Hanoi.
After arriving, head to the historic Old Quarter for a walk through its famous narrow lanes. It is the perfect introduction to the sights, sounds, and snacks of this bustling Vietnamese city.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dive into Vietnamese history with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the iconic stilt house. The afternoon is yours to explore—perhaps wander through the Temple of Literature, visit the Hoa Lo Prison, or simply enjoy a strong Vietnamese iced coffee by the lake.
Wrap up your day with a traditional water puppet show before heading out to discover why Hanoi is world-famous for its incredible street food.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end today, and you are free to head home at any time.
If you aren't quite ready to say goodbye to Southeast Asia, your Leader on the ground or our on hand team at Reight Escapes is available to help you arrange more local adventures or extend your stay in this vibrant city.
Safe travels, whether you are catching a flight or continuing your exploration!
Included Experiences
Mekong River Journey: A traditional slow boat excursion down the Mekong and a guided tour of the Pak Ou Buddha caves.
Cultural Immersion: A guided tour of the Ethnology Museum and Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre in Luang Prabang.
Nature: A half-day excursion to the turquoise Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Hanoi Highlights: Entrance and tours of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum (when open), the Presidential Palace, and the Stilt House.
Entertainment: Tickets to a traditional Water Puppet performance in Hanoi.
Meals & Accommodations
Homestay: One night in a local village with a traditional Laotian dinner and a "G for Good" community performance.
Daily Breakfast: Most mornings include breakfast at your hotel.
Local Lunch: A community meal at the Ban Ou project in Luang Prabang.
Hotels: Standard twin-share hotel accommodations for the other nights.
Transport & Staff
Tour Leader: Who stays with the group throughout the trip to handle logistics and provide local insight.
Internal Travel: The high-speed train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and your flight from Vientiane to Hanoi.
Local Rides: Various transfers via private vehicle, songthaew (local bus), and boat.
International Flights
To book external flights, please contact our team at Book@reightescapes.com
Most Lunches and Dinners
You should budget for meals not listed above.
Visas and Travel Insurance
Mandatory requirements you must arrange yourself, including Fees for entering Laos and Vietnam. Our Team can help assist with visa arrangements, please email Book@reightescapes.com
Reserve your spot on any of our Reight Escape tours for just £60pp Deposit. If you book on to one of our tours less than 70 days prior to departure, the full balance will be due within 3 days of booking.
Any bookings within 40 days prior to the departure are on a request basis. Please contact our team at Book@reightescapes.com to check availability.
Where does the trip start and finish?
This tour starts in Bangkok, Thailand and ends in Hanoi, Vietnam
When do the trips depart? Can I begin my trip on a non-listed date?
Our calendar allows you to select your preferred departure date and reserve your spot with a £60pp deposit, our team will verify availability with our tour partners and transport providers. We will contact you within 24–48 hours to confirm your date and finalize your reservation.
You can join a trip at any point – if you need to discuss a situation like this, such as joining a tour late, email our team on Book@reightescapes.com
Is my booking confirmed immediately?
Not quite. When you choose a date on our calendar, you are placing a booking request. Because our trips involve boutique homestays and sleeper trains, we manually check availability for your specific date before confirming. You’ll receive a confirmation email we confirm your dates or we will suggest alternative dates.
