Laos and Thailand Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Laos and Thailand Tours & Trips

• What Cultural Experiences Can You Actually Join In On?

  One of the most special things you can do is watch the alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang where monks in their bright orange robes collect offerings at sunrise. You can actually take part if you want just make sure to follow what your guide tells you about the proper way to do it. If you're interested in local cultures you should definitely check out the hill-tribe villages up in northern Thailand and Laos where different ethnic groups like the Hmong Karen and Akha still maintain their traditional way of life. You can usually arrange this through organized treks or homestays. Over in Chiang Mai there's the Takbat Lao Ceremony and in Luang Prabang you can experience a traditional Baci ceremony if you stay with locals in Ban Ou community.

• Where Are the Best Natural Areas to Visit and How Do You Get There?

  The Kuang Si Waterfall near Luang Prabang is absolutely stunning and getting there is pretty straightforward either with a tour or just hop in a tuk-tuk. If you're heading south in Laos the Bolaven Plateau is incredible with its waterfalls and coffee plantations you can reach it by bus or car whatever works best for you. Animal lovers should definitely check out the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai where you can spend time with rescued elephants through their organized programs. Don't miss the Pak Ou Caves either you'll need to take a boat trip on the Mekong but it's totally worth it.

• What About Those Hidden Travel Routes People Keep Talking About?

  The slow boat down the Mekong between northern Thailand and Luang Prabang is probably one of the most memorable ways to travel. Sure it takes about two days but you get these amazing views and can stop at villages along the way really getting to know the river's rhythm. Taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is another great option especially if you're not in a rush. The overnight journey lets you see so much more of the country than you would from a plane and you really get to experience local life. People choose these routes because they want that deeper connection with the place they're visiting and honestly the scenery alone makes it worthwhile.

• How Do You Actually Get Around in These Countries?

  Getting around is pretty straightforward really. In Thai cities tuk-tuks are everywhere and they're great for short trips. If you're in Chiang Mai look for the red trucks called songthaews they run set routes around the city. Bangkok's got these cool longtail boats perfect for exploring the canals and getting to riverside spots. For longer distances you've got domestic flights connecting the major cities. If you're taking the slow boat on the Mekong between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang the Shompoo Cruise runs several times a week usually Monday Thursday Friday and Sunday but check the season. In Laos the EMU C82 train connects Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang making travel between these popular spots pretty convenient.