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Elife Travel - Asia Tours - Thailand Tours - Thailand (Northern) Tours - Explorer Tours - Mekong - 16 days connoisseur trip
Explore Mekong - 16 days connoisseur trip for 16 days with Chamaeleon and discover unforgettable experiences - Photo 2

Mekong - 16 days connoisseur trip

Country:

Thailand

Flight:

Included

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Tour type:

Tour id:

285404

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  • Operator:

    Chamaeleon

  • Length:

    16 days

  • Group size:

    12 pax

  • Age:

    18 to 90

  • Difficulty:

    Difficulty levels:
    • Relaxing
    • Easy
    • Moderate
    • Serious
    • Heart-pumping
  • 29.09-14.10.25 scheduled icon
  • 15.12-30.12.25 scheduled icon
  • 26.01-10.02.26 scheduled icon
  • 28.09-13.10.26 scheduled icon
  • 19.10-03.11.26 scheduled icon
  • 12.11-27.11.26 scheduled icon
  • 23.11-08.12.26 scheduled icon

High up in Thailand's north, the lush jungles around Chiang Mai await to kick things off, followed by a Thai temple Swanstone in Chiang Rai. As always, the triangle with Laos and Myanmar is golden. As there is no need to rush, the beautiful Mekong Sun cruises leisurely along the mother of all rivers with you on deck for four days until you are softened up enough for a bike ride through Luang Prabang and for all the wats, golden stupas and river dragons.

Tour program

Day 1

Let it go!

Your journey to Thailand and Laos begins! Today you are flying to the land of smiles.
After landing in Chiang Mai, your friendly tour guide will be waiting for you. You will be taken to your accommodation and can first recover from the long flight and fortify yourself with a delicious breakfast. Your room will be ready for you to check in straight away. In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the life of Chiang Mai. The city is considered to be one of the most attractive cities in the country and impresses with its diverse offerings. Ancient temples, museums, markets and handicrafts dominate the cityscape. The square-shaped old town was once surrounded by a city wall and a moat and the remains of the wall can still be admired today in reconstructed form. On the outskirts of the city, you will first visit a herb garden and learn how the flavors of the exotic plants are used in Thai cuisine. Then continue with a longtail boat on the Mae Ping River. The Warorot market is an ideal place to mingle with the locals and stroll through the many rows of fruit and vegetable stalls. Continue by tuk-tuk to the legendary Wat Chedi Luang temple and visit the Monument of the Three Kings, where you will learn about the history of Chiang Mai when northern Thailand was still an independent kingdom called Lanna. Round off the first day of the trip with traditional Thai cuisine at the Sai Ping restaurant on the banks of the river of the same name.

Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included. Your tour guide will take you to the Sai Ping restaurant for dinner.

Accommodation
Puripunn Hideaway
At Puripunn Hideaway, the rich traditions of the Lanna Kingdom are combined with contemporary architecture, creating a unique elegance that will transport you back to a bygone era. The charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of one of Chiang Mai's centuries-old communities, where ancient Lanna treasures have been well preserved. The night market and Warorot market are just a few minutes' walk away. Your room has a balcony and is decorated with many wooden elements. It offers everything you need for a relaxing stay and is the ideal retreat after an eventful day. The inner courtyard with its small garden invites you to linger and the pool provides the necessary refreshment. In the morning, you can fortify yourself with a lovingly prepared breakfast. The accommodation also has a restaurant serving regional Thai dishes and a wellness area.

Notes
The driving distance is approx. 10 km.
Your room in Chiang Mai is available for immediate check-in.
Today you leave the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai behind you for the time being. During the train ride to Lamphun, the beautiful landscape passes you by like in a movie. The quiet and charming little town is one of the smallest provinces in Thailand and is rich in history. Since the 8th century, Lamphun was the capital of the Hariphunchai Kingdom before it was annexed to the Lanna Kingdom in the 13th century. After visiting Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, one of the most revered and oldest temples in Thailand, we continue to the Lamphun Yok Dok Thai Silk Learning and Conservation Center. There you will learn lots of exciting facts about the history, production and cultural significance of Yok Dok silk and can watch the skilled craftsmen and women at work. At the batik workshop, you will then get hands-on. Using plant-based materials, you will create a unique piece of fabric, which you can of course take home as a souvenir. You will then be served a delicious lunch in the Baan Phor Liang Meun terracotta garden, built in 1975, surrounded by countless terracotta statues and works of art inspired by Khmer architecture. After your return to Chiang Mai via the Ton-Yang road, which runs alongside giant rubber trees, a very special highlight awaits you: You discover the nightlife in Chiang Mai by Vespa. Your driver will take you to the most interesting places in the city to get to know the diverse regional cuisine at several stops, experience the urban culture and end the day together with the locals in a lively atmosphere and with live music.

Catering
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the price today.

Accommodation
Puripunn Hideaway [overnight stay]
The Puripunn Hideaway is also your accommodation today.

Notes
The route covers approx. 60 km.
The Vespa drivers are very experienced and drive very carefully. You don't need to be afraid. There are two of you on each scooter, one passenger behind each Thai driver. Don't miss out on this excursion, it is suitable for all ages and a unique experience.
In the morning, you start the day with a little early exercise, as you have to climb around 300 steps to reach the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. The fantastic view of Chiang Mai is definitely worth the climb. The temple with its exquisite golden pagoda is considered the holiest temple in northern Thailand. The octagonal gilded chedi is located in the center of the inner courtyard, which is decorated with many Buddha statues. Wat Pha Lat is located in the middle of a dense jungle landscape and therefore has a particularly idyllic atmosphere. With the blessing of a monk for the rest of your journey, you leave Chiang Mai behind you and head north to Chiang Rai. Along the way, you'll have wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and lush rice fields. After a short stop at a charming café, you visit the unusual "White Temple" near Chiang Rai, which was financed and created by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat himself. It is completely white, decorated down to the smallest detail and has depictions that you won't find in any other temple. The latest attraction at the temple is the artificially created "Cave of Art", which houses a variety of figures and sculptures. Your walk through the cave is accompanied by creative music and light installations. You arrive in Chiang Saen in the afternoon and move into your accommodation.

Meals
Breakfast is included in the price today.

Where to stay
Bansaeo Garden and Resort
The Bansaeo Garden and Resort welcomes you directly on the banks of the Mekong and impresses with its unique location on the river and in the middle of orchards that invite you to stroll around. Enjoy the unspoiled nature and the warmth of the people here. Your spacious room has its own balcony or veranda with a wonderful view of the surrounding idyll. You can end the day by the pool with a view of the Mekong or on the terrace with a cool drink in your hand. The accommodation also has a restaurant where you can indulge in delicious regional dishes.

Notes
The route is approx. 280 km by bus.
The Golden Triangle forms the core of the border triangle of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos and lies at the mouth of the Ruak River in the Mekong. The region is best known for its opium cultivation. You start your exploration of the area with a visit to Mae Sai, the bustling trading town on the border between Thailand and Myanmar, and get an impression of the different cultures. Then it's on to Sop Ruak, the place where the borders of the three countries meet, officially forming the Golden Triangle. Chiang Saen lies on the banks of the Mekong opposite Laos and is considered the cradle of the former Lanna Kingdom. In the city museum, you will learn lots of interesting facts about this city steeped in history and then visit Wat Pa Sak Ngam, a stupa from the 14th century that combines various architectural influences. Wat Phra That Chom Kitti is a tranquil temple with a beautiful view of the Mekong. You can learn about the history and importance of opium cultivation for this region in the Hall of Opium, a museum and educational center.

Meals
Breakfast is included in the price today.

Accommodation
Bansaeo Garden and Resort [overnight stay]
The Bansaeo Garden and Resort is also your accommodation today.
Let the lapping of the water gently wake you up in the morning and start the day in comfort. After a hearty breakfast, the boat docks on the shore. Pick-ups will take you to a village of the Khmu people, where you can visit a local school and experience life in rural Laos up close. In the afternoon, you will be back on the ship and enjoy the view from your sun lounger on the sun deck. On the journey between the Golden Triangle and the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, you are accompanied by a dreamlike coastal landscape of lush green mountains, impressive rock formations and remote villages. The upper Mekong is considered one of the most impressive rivers that can be navigated by a cruise ship.

Catering
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board the ship are included.

Accommodation
Riverboat Mekong Sun [overnight stay]
The comfortable riverboat Mekong Sun is your accommodation today too.
The trip continues downstream through mostly deserted nature. On the banks, you will see a wild lunar landscape of rocks and sandbanks. Tropical forests with exotic plants, teak trees and bamboo thickets rise above. On the way, you make another stop and visit another village where you meet friendly people. The further south you go, the busier the river becomes. There are still a few places in this region that have no direct road access and therefore the Mekong is often the only transport connection here. End the last evening of your river cruise in an impressive atmosphere with a barbecue on the riverbank.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Accommodation
River boat Mekong Sun [overnight stay]
The comfortable river boat Mekong Sun is also your accommodation today.
Today's program includes a visit to the famous Pak-Ou caves. The cave temple of Tham Ting, one of the most important Buddhist sites in Laos, is located here. Only accessible by boat from the Mekong, you will visit the lower cave Tham Loum and the upper cave Tham Theung, which contain numerous small Buddha statues that have been donated as offerings by pilgrims or passing boat people for centuries. Afterwards, you walk to a village where schnapps is still distilled in the traditional way. Back on the boat, you can enjoy the cooking skills of the kitchen staff one last time as you continue on the Mekong to Luang Prabang. Once there, disembarkation takes place in the afternoon. You say goodbye to the ship's crew and are met by your Laotian tour guide. In the evening, a very special dinner with a local family awaits you, where you will take part in a traditional Baci ceremony. Such a ceremony has a long tradition in Laos and is celebrated on special occasions in a person's life, such as births, weddings, annual festivals or to honor guests and visitors. Afterwards, you will enjoy dinner together in Laotian style.

Catering
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Accommodation
Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel
The Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel is located in the historic center of the city and is a small oasis of peace and serenity. The night market and other sights, temples and restaurants are just a few minutes' walk away. The fact that the hotel does not use plastic is just one example of many sustainable projects. The boutique hotel has been designed with numerous wooden elements and the elegant architecture exudes a special charm. The furnishings of the rooms were inspired by the traditional style of Luang Prabang and the light-flooded rooms have all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. From your own terrace, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the garden. The hotel has a restaurant where you can enjoy a breakfast buffet in the morning and regional cuisine in the evening. The wellness area invites you to relax and the pool provides refreshment after an exciting day.
Your means of transportation this morning is the bicycle. The city is flat and the quiet streets are perfect for exploring Luang Prabang by bike. The first stop is the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, where colorful costumes, tools and other artifacts of the Laotian people are on display, giving you an interesting insight into the diverse culture of the people. The former royal palace now houses the National Museum and introduces you to the history of the city with its informative exhibitions. Just around the corner is Wat Mai, a temple covered in gold leaf. Wat Visoun was completely destroyed by the Chinese army in the 1880s and rebuilt in the 20th century. You cycle on through the quieter side streets of Luang Prabang, past wooden houses, tropical gardens and temples to the banks of the Nam Khan river. The last stop on your bike tour is Wat Xieng Thong, one of the city's most important temples, which is covered in ornate carvings and mosaics. In the afternoon, you will experience Laotian petanque culture up close. Petanque is a form of boules that was brought over during the French colonial period and is a very popular game throughout Southeast Asia. You mingle with the locals, form teams with them and try to throw your metal ball as close as possible to the so-called "jack", the smaller ball. You'll see that it's great fun and a great way to get in touch with the Laotians. Dinner today is also something special: Laotian sin-dat barbecue. Enjoy the taste!

Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included.

Accommodation
Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel [overnight stay]
The Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel is also your accommodation today.

Notes
The cycling distance is approx. 7 km. The ride is leisurely with many stops and through flat terrain.
If you don't want to cycle, you can decide in advance to take a tuk-tuk. However, your travel service will then not be with you. Please let us know at least 4 weeks before departure so that we can organize the tuk-tuks accordingly.
Another eventful day begins today before breakfast. You drive to the village of Ban Nong Xai and experience the Buddhist procession Tak Bat, which translates as almsgiving. This centuries-old tradition is performed every day of the year by the Buddhist monks in many villages in the country and is a way for the villagers to celebrate their faith and show their gratitude to Buddha by giving food to the monks. Afterwards, you visit a market and then drive back to your accommodation, where breakfast is already waiting for you. You then travel to the village of Long Lao and get to know the life and culture of the Khmu and Hmong. From the village, you set off on a hike to the Kuang Si waterfalls. The trail leads you along green fields and vegetable gardens before you reach the forested mountains. You will be accompanied by a beautiful forest landscape and can visit a cave on the way. The path is steep in places, but the effort is immediately forgotten when you reach the clear waters of Kuang Si Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in Southeast Asia. There you can refresh yourself in the cool blue or relax. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Meals
Breakfast and lunch are included in the price.

Accommodation
Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel [overnight stay]
The Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel is also your accommodation today.

Notes
The driving distance is approx. 40 km.
The medium-difficulty hike is 10 km long and takes about 3 ½ hours. The path is mostly flat, but there are uphill and downhill stretches of around 20 minutes. If you don't want to take part in the hike, a bus will be waiting to take you directly to the waterfalls. Your tour guide will not be with you on the trip. Please let us know at least 4 weeks before departure so that we can organize the bus accordingly.
After a leisurely morning, you continue on to Vientiane. Once you arrive in the country's capital, you first make your way to the city center to visit the Patuxai Monument, which was erected in the 1960s after Laos gained independence from France. The upper platform of the triumphal arch offers a beautiful view over the city. The towering golden stupa That Luang is next on the agenda, as is the COPE visitor center, where you can learn more about the country's turbulent history. Dinner is prepared in the open air today. Our chef for tonight is already waiting for you in his open-air kitchen to show you how to conjure up khao niaw, laap, jeow and mok pa from fresh and local ingredients. You will find out on the spot what delicious things are hidden behind them and you will also get to try them out yourself. Of course, you will take the tips and tricks of Laotian cuisine home with you, but only after you have enjoyed your home-cooked meal together.

Catering
Breakfast and dinner are included in the price.

Where to stay
Lao Poet Hotel
The stylish Lao Poet Hotel welcomes you to the heart of Vientiane. You can expect the perfect combination of classic elegance in the style of 1930s Indochina paired with modern details and comfort. Your room is urban, colorful and designed with great attention to detail and offers you a suitable retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The sun terrace with pool and views over the whole city is certainly a highlight of your accommodation. Regional and international dishes are served in the restaurant and you can pamper yourself in the wellness area.

Notes
The route covers approx. 130 km.
You start your last day in Laos with a visit to two of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city. You stroll through the airy corridors of Wat Si Saket, where countless miniature Buddha statues are displayed. In the neighboring Haw Phra Kaew, a former temple and now a museum, you will see an impressive collection of religious art from Laos and the Khmer. Afterwards, make a stop at the Presidential Palace and get an impression of the country's colonial past. The building once served as the French governor's palace and now reflects the more recent history of Laos. As it is not open to the public, you can only admire the palace from the outside. You will be taken to the airport in time for your flight home and start your return journey.

Meals
Breakfast is included today.

Notes
The driving distance is approx. 5 km.
We have organized a late check-out for your last day in Vientiane so that you can freshen up before your departure in the evening. Your room is expected to be available until 6 pm.
With countless memories in your luggage, you land back in Germany and return to your home country.

Tour Details

accommodation

13 nights in hotels, resorts and on a riverboat

Accommodation

- Puripunn Hideaway Day 1

- Puripunn Hideaway [overnight stay] Day 2

- Bansaeo Garden and Resort Day 3

- Bansaeo Garden and Resort [subsequent overnight stay] Day 4

- Riverboat Mekong Sun Day 5

- Riverboat Mekong Sun [Sequence overnight stay] Day 6

- Riverboat Mekong Sun [overnight stay] Day 7

- Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel Day 8

- Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel [Sequence overnight stay] Day 9

- Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel [Sequence overnight stay] Day 10

- Riverside Boutique Resort Day 11

- Riverside Boutique Resort [subsequent overnight stay] Day 12

- Lao Poet Hotel Day 13

Scheduled flight with Thai Airways to Chiang Mai and back from Vientiane (booking class V/W)

Price including scheduled flight from/to Frankfurt

Guaranteed execution of all dates

German-speaking local tour guide

Daily breakfast, 8 x lunch, 8 x dinner

Pleasure trip with a maximum of 12 guests

Coach with air conditioning

Early check-in on arrival day

Late check-out on departure day

Vespa tour in Chiang Mai

Baci ceremony in Luang Prabang

Cooking class in Vientiane

Entrance fees

160 m² rainforest in your name

Feeder flights to/from Frankfurt: from € 200

Rail&Fly in 1st class with DB to the airport and back (https://www.bahnanreise.de/geltungsbereich)

4-day trip on a comfortable river boat on the Mekong

Ride on a longtail boat in Chiang Mai, boat trip in Vang Vieng, train ride from Chiang Mai to Lamphun and from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, tuk-tuk ride in Chiang Mai, bicycle tour in Luang Prabang

Good to know

Currency

THB

Baht

Thailand

Customer reviews

Operator

4.4

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?
You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.
Which payment options are available?
We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.
What documents are required to participate in the tour?
You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.

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