CROSS-BORDER: THAILAND – LAOS - CAMBODIA
Chiang Rai - Pakbeng - Luang Prabang - Pakse - Khong Island - Siem Reap
13 Days/12 Nights
13 Days/12 Nights
Nowadays more and more travelers choose border-crossing to travel between the countries in Southeast Asia. Many new highways have been opened and river cruises were launched to meet the demands of local trade as well as of tourism. It helps border-crossing become much easier and comfortable. We designed this tour itinerary for people who want to try something different and little bit challenging. The package is inclusive of 2 days of river boat cruise from Thailand border to the charming river-town of Luang Prabang, and a 7 hour drive from Pakse in Southern Laos, homeland of 400 islands to Siem Reap, kingdom of misty temples.
Day 1: Chiang Rai - Arrival
Arrival in Chiang Rai, you’re welcomed by our guide and check in to your hotel. The remainder of your fist day is free to visit the city’s tourist attractions, enjoy shopping and Thai food at night market or pamper yourself with a Thai massage. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 2: Chiang Rai – Hill tribe villages and Golden Triangle (B/L)
After breakfast, you will visit the authentic and colorful long-neck Karen, Lahu & Akha Hill Tribe Villages in Mae Chan district. Those villages are set up by Thai governments for Burmese refugees, who have neither Burmese nor Thai nationality. The hill tribes still keep their typical traditional life style, and customs. Continue your excursion to Mae Sai, the farthest northern town on the Thai-Burmese Border. Visit the Golden Triangle area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, stop to visit the Opium museum. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before visiting Chiang Saen, (A.D. 1260) located on the steep banks of Mae Khong Rive, bordering with Laos, to discover some magnificent ruins ancient temples and return to the hotel. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 3: Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong – Huay Xai – Boat to Pak Beng (B/L/D)
Early wake up today for 2 hours transfer to Huay Xai, border gate between Thailand and Laos. After completing Thai immigration formalities, Luang Say representative will help you get a shuttle bus to cross the bridge and go to Lao immigration.
Luangsay staff in Houei Say (Houayxay) will then welcome you to Laos and help with Lao immigration formalities.
Then transfer everyone to the Luangsay cruise boat, which is parked at the slow boat pier in Houei Say (about 1 kilometer out of the town center). Every slow boat docks here from huge dirty Chinese cargo boats, to small cross-river ferries, to long low-slung Lao passenger boats and many more.
The Luang Say boat leaves Houei Sai pier at 9.30am for a cruise down the Mekong River to Pakbeng.
– 10h30 – After one-hour journeying along the river, the boat stops at a traditional village. This is a chance to observe rural life along the Mekong and witness the daily life of ethnic minorities and their talented craftsmanship.
– 12h30 – Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a selection of starters and main course from Laos’ main culinary delights as well as a choice of fish and meat dishes.
– 16h00 – The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding nature. A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River. Overnight at Luang Say Lodge.
Day 4: Pak Beng – Boat to Luang Prabang (B/L)
– 7h00 – Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the peaceful neighboring mountains, often shrouded in mist, while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.
– 8h00 – The cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary river with two stops planned along the way to Luang Prabang.
– 10h30 – A few hours into the day after enjoying the sights of granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village of Baw, where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.
– 12h30 – Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a selection of starters and main course from Laos’ cuisine. A different choice of fish and meat dishes than on the first day is prepared for a greater culinary experience.
– 15h30 –Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translated as Rock Cave, it is famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals.
– 17h00 –Following a day along the wide Mekong river, with beautiful sceneries of mountains, wild nature, local life and delicious food, the cruise arrives at Luang Prabang, the former imperial capital of Laos.
Pick up by our guide at the pier and check in to your hotel in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Charming town of Golden Temples (B)
There is a very special dawn ceremony that you must see - monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Visit the Morning Market where you can find all ingredients for local food. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a precious collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue your city tour with the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.
In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang - Kuangsi Waterfall (B)
After breakfast, we take a drive of 30km out of Luang Prabang to visit Kuangsi Waterfall, which, though not very high, is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the preserved National park. We stop en-route to visit a fresh produce market namely Talad Phosi, and also visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of a hill-tribe group “Hmong”, probably the best-known minority group in Laos. Just before arriving at Kuangsi waterfall, there is another village of Khmu minority group, namely Ban Tha Pane that we will visit. If you are insect lovers, also stop at a butterfly garden, enjoy beautiful butterflies and a coffee before cooling off in blue, crystal water of Kuangsi (don’t forget to bring your swimming suit!).
Relax and enjoy swimming as much as you want at the falls before going back to your hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pakse by flight (B)
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for a flight to Pakse, the capital and the most populous city in the southern part of Laos. Upon arrival, you're greeted by our guide and start to discover Pakse town. Stroll around the town’s old French Colonial Building street, a quarter of Vietnamese people. Stop at Buddhist and Chinese temples or a Catholic church.
Later, check in to your hotel and overnight in Pakse.
Day 8: Pakse - Wat Phou - Khong Island (B)
After breakfast, we drive on the National Road No. 13th south to Champasak and visit the ruins of Wat Phou, which is well-known as the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire between 9th -13th centuries. Here is also a chance to visit some nearby Khmer temples and Buddhist shrine. After the visits, we continue to Khong Island, the biggest island in southern Laos and the start of the 4000 Islands Region. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and be free for a leisure walk or enjoying the cool river breeze on your room’s balcony. Overnight in Don Khong Island.
Day 9: Khong Island - Liphi & Khone Phapheng Waterfalls (B)
Today, we enjoy a cruise venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name "Siphandon". Along the way, we stop at the Liphi Waterfalls and the fisherman village of Ban Khone. On return, we take a short drive to Khone & Pha Pheng Falls, both are the largest in South East Asia. Overnight in Khong Island.
Day 10: Khong Island - Dom Kralor border gate - Siem Reap by car (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred by boat and road to Voeung Kam/Dom Kralor for border-crossing to Cambodia. You will get your Cambodian visa at the border gate and cross to the Cambodia side. Our Cambodian guide will greet you and take a 6 hours drive to Siem Reap along National Highway 64, passing through rustic villages and small towns along the way. Arrive in Siem Reap late afternoon, check in your hotel for refreshment and overnight.
Day 11: Siem Reap – Explore temples (B/L)
After breakfast, you start to explore Angkor complex with some significant temples outside of the town. Take 45 minutes drive through rice fields and rural villages to abandoned temples of:
Day 12: Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom (B/-/D)
After breakfast, we start a very special and busy day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples.
You will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourism:
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with Apsara Dance performance at a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 13: Siem Reap – Departure (B)
After breakfast, you will be free for relaxing at your hotel, explore the town further on foot, join with us in a cooking class, a boat trip on Tonle Sap lake, or adventurous Quad bike (if time permits) before checking out of your hotel and driving to the airport for your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Joined Luang Say cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang
> In-tour flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse with Laos Airlines, including airport taxes, economy class
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
Arrival in Chiang Rai, you’re welcomed by our guide and check in to your hotel. The remainder of your fist day is free to visit the city’s tourist attractions, enjoy shopping and Thai food at night market or pamper yourself with a Thai massage. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 2: Chiang Rai – Hill tribe villages and Golden Triangle (B/L)
After breakfast, you will visit the authentic and colorful long-neck Karen, Lahu & Akha Hill Tribe Villages in Mae Chan district. Those villages are set up by Thai governments for Burmese refugees, who have neither Burmese nor Thai nationality. The hill tribes still keep their typical traditional life style, and customs. Continue your excursion to Mae Sai, the farthest northern town on the Thai-Burmese Border. Visit the Golden Triangle area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, stop to visit the Opium museum. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before visiting Chiang Saen, (A.D. 1260) located on the steep banks of Mae Khong Rive, bordering with Laos, to discover some magnificent ruins ancient temples and return to the hotel. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 3: Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong – Huay Xai – Boat to Pak Beng (B/L/D)
Early wake up today for 2 hours transfer to Huay Xai, border gate between Thailand and Laos. After completing Thai immigration formalities, Luang Say representative will help you get a shuttle bus to cross the bridge and go to Lao immigration.
Luangsay staff in Houei Say (Houayxay) will then welcome you to Laos and help with Lao immigration formalities.
Then transfer everyone to the Luangsay cruise boat, which is parked at the slow boat pier in Houei Say (about 1 kilometer out of the town center). Every slow boat docks here from huge dirty Chinese cargo boats, to small cross-river ferries, to long low-slung Lao passenger boats and many more.
The Luang Say boat leaves Houei Sai pier at 9.30am for a cruise down the Mekong River to Pakbeng.
– 10h30 – After one-hour journeying along the river, the boat stops at a traditional village. This is a chance to observe rural life along the Mekong and witness the daily life of ethnic minorities and their talented craftsmanship.
– 12h30 – Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a selection of starters and main course from Laos’ main culinary delights as well as a choice of fish and meat dishes.
– 16h00 – The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding nature. A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River. Overnight at Luang Say Lodge.
Day 4: Pak Beng – Boat to Luang Prabang (B/L)
– 7h00 – Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the peaceful neighboring mountains, often shrouded in mist, while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.
– 8h00 – The cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary river with two stops planned along the way to Luang Prabang.
– 10h30 – A few hours into the day after enjoying the sights of granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village of Baw, where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.
– 12h30 – Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a selection of starters and main course from Laos’ cuisine. A different choice of fish and meat dishes than on the first day is prepared for a greater culinary experience.
– 15h30 –Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translated as Rock Cave, it is famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals.
– 17h00 –Following a day along the wide Mekong river, with beautiful sceneries of mountains, wild nature, local life and delicious food, the cruise arrives at Luang Prabang, the former imperial capital of Laos.
Pick up by our guide at the pier and check in to your hotel in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang - Charming town of Golden Temples (B)
There is a very special dawn ceremony that you must see - monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Visit the Morning Market where you can find all ingredients for local food. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a precious collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue your city tour with the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.
In the afternoon, we visit the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang - Kuangsi Waterfall (B)
After breakfast, we take a drive of 30km out of Luang Prabang to visit Kuangsi Waterfall, which, though not very high, is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the preserved National park. We stop en-route to visit a fresh produce market namely Talad Phosi, and also visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of a hill-tribe group “Hmong”, probably the best-known minority group in Laos. Just before arriving at Kuangsi waterfall, there is another village of Khmu minority group, namely Ban Tha Pane that we will visit. If you are insect lovers, also stop at a butterfly garden, enjoy beautiful butterflies and a coffee before cooling off in blue, crystal water of Kuangsi (don’t forget to bring your swimming suit!).
Relax and enjoy swimming as much as you want at the falls before going back to your hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pakse by flight (B)
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for a flight to Pakse, the capital and the most populous city in the southern part of Laos. Upon arrival, you're greeted by our guide and start to discover Pakse town. Stroll around the town’s old French Colonial Building street, a quarter of Vietnamese people. Stop at Buddhist and Chinese temples or a Catholic church.
Later, check in to your hotel and overnight in Pakse.
Day 8: Pakse - Wat Phou - Khong Island (B)
After breakfast, we drive on the National Road No. 13th south to Champasak and visit the ruins of Wat Phou, which is well-known as the most important Hindu sanctuary of the Khmer Empire between 9th -13th centuries. Here is also a chance to visit some nearby Khmer temples and Buddhist shrine. After the visits, we continue to Khong Island, the biggest island in southern Laos and the start of the 4000 Islands Region. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and be free for a leisure walk or enjoying the cool river breeze on your room’s balcony. Overnight in Don Khong Island.
Day 9: Khong Island - Liphi & Khone Phapheng Waterfalls (B)
Today, we enjoy a cruise venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets jut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name "Siphandon". Along the way, we stop at the Liphi Waterfalls and the fisherman village of Ban Khone. On return, we take a short drive to Khone & Pha Pheng Falls, both are the largest in South East Asia. Overnight in Khong Island.
Day 10: Khong Island - Dom Kralor border gate - Siem Reap by car (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred by boat and road to Voeung Kam/Dom Kralor for border-crossing to Cambodia. You will get your Cambodian visa at the border gate and cross to the Cambodia side. Our Cambodian guide will greet you and take a 6 hours drive to Siem Reap along National Highway 64, passing through rustic villages and small towns along the way. Arrive in Siem Reap late afternoon, check in your hotel for refreshment and overnight.
Day 11: Siem Reap – Explore temples (B/L)
After breakfast, you start to explore Angkor complex with some significant temples outside of the town. Take 45 minutes drive through rice fields and rural villages to abandoned temples of:
- Banteay Srei: nearly everyone’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of its decorative carving
- Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.
- The fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII.
- Pre Rup temple was built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II. Pre Rup temples and its high steps, high towels are the best place to stretch your legs and to observe sunset
Day 12: Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom (B/-/D)
After breakfast, we start a very special and busy day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples.
You will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourism:
- The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), see the South Gate
- Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara
- Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with Apsara Dance performance at a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 13: Siem Reap – Departure (B)
After breakfast, you will be free for relaxing at your hotel, explore the town further on foot, join with us in a cooking class, a boat trip on Tonle Sap lake, or adventurous Quad bike (if time permits) before checking out of your hotel and driving to the airport for your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Joined Luang Say cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang
> In-tour flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse with Laos Airlines, including airport taxes, economy class
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
