Travel, experience, conserve with
Walks Worldwide Jump to main menu

This multi-country walking holiday offers a fascinating insight into the local hill tribes of northern Thailand and Laos, while exploring a variety of stunning and vivid landscapes.

  • Trek between hill tribes
  • Spectacular jungle, forest & mountain scenery
  • Cruise the famous Mekong River
  • Visit Luang Prabang's famous temples

This tour combines two of Indochina’s most beautiful destinations: Thailand and Laos. Trekking in the spectacular landscape of northern Thailand, you will walk from village to village, meeting the famous hill tribe communities along the way. You will have the chance to learn about the Palong Tribe who originated from Myanmar and can be seen in distinctive red outfits.

With a variety of scenery, every day will be different. Trek past mountains, visit caves and discover the vibrant Thai markets. You will also have the chance to travel down the famous Mekong River on your journey from Thailand to Laos with a longboat ride and Shompoo Cruise. Trekking through Laos enables you to learn about two more hill tribes: the Khmu and Hmong.

During your time in Laos you will also visit Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting), Nam Ou Valley, Kuang Si Waterfall and Luang Prabang’s famous temples.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart UK

    Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Chiang Mai.

  2. Day 2: Arrive Chiang Mai

    You will be met on arrival at Chiang Mai Airport and transferred to your hotel.

  3. Day 3: Trek to Palong village, Ban Pang Dang Nai

    You will be transferred out of the city and into the mountain region for the start of your trek. On the way you will visit Mae Ma Lai Market where your guide will talk to you about traditional Thai cuisine and do some shopping for the coming days. You will also stop at riverside camp for a short white water rafting experience on a rubber boat before continuing to Akha village.

    Walking distance: 15 km

  4. Day 4: Ban Pang Dang Nai to Bae Mae Chon

    Today you will continue trekking through the forest; your guide will discuss the natural environment and help you recognise wild ginger, rattan and the pitcher plant. Your walk will finish in the village of Bae Mae Chon, where you can take some time to relax or play with the children before you enjoy dinner and stories around the campfire.

    Walking distance: 15 km

  5. Day 5: Chiang Dao Caves, Elephant Poo Poo Paper Camp & Chiang Mai

    Your walk this morning will take you the Karen village of Thakilek. During your trek you will stop at Lahu village where you will visit the spirit temple and blacksmith. You will also stop at Doi Chiang Dao Mountain and the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Camp.

    Walking distance: 8 km

  6. Day 6: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

    Today you will transfer by road rom Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. On the way you will visit the hot springs at Mae Kha Chan and Wat Rong Khun, the white temple and Ban Dam or the 'black house'.

  7. Day 7: Longtail boat ride & Huay Mae Sai waterfall

    Boarding a longtail boat, you will ride to the nearby Karen village, Ban Ruam Mitr. Take some time to explore the village before your transfer by road to Akha village, where you can learn about the most exotic mountains tribes in Thailand. This afternoon you will walk from the village to Huay Mae Sai Waterfall where you can take some time to relax before your journey to the border town of Chiang Khong.

  8. Day 8: Cross the border into Laos, river cruise on the Mekong

    Today you will exit Thailand and get the shuttle to the Laos border. At the Laos border you will meet your new guide who will help you apply for your visa (payable locally) and get through customs. Once you have entered into Laos, you will be transferred to the slow boat pier and embark of your Shompoo Cruise. Docking for the night in Pakbeng, you will be taken to your accommodation for the evening.

  9. Day 9: Shompoo Cruise day 2

    Relax on board and enjoy the beautiful scenery. During the day you will stop at the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and Ban Xang Hai village, a so called whisky village. Arriving into Luang Prabang late afternoon, the remainder of the evening is as your leisure.

  10. Day 10: Trek to Hmong village, Ban Mok Chung

    You will be transferred to Khmu village, Ban Huay Lo for the start of your trek. This trail passes through two Khmu and Hmong villages whilst continuously gaining height. You will learn more about the Hmong culture with your stay in Ban Mok Chung village.

    Walking distance: 13 km

  11. Day 11: Trekking near the Nam Ou Valley to Ban Nasavang

    Today you will continue walking through the rugged and densely forested mountains west of the Nam Ou Valley. Today's trail leads you through remote and beautiful bamboo forests and stunning limestone scenery.

    Walking distance: 13 km

  12. Day 12: Ban Nasavang to Ban Houy Lueng

    Heading uphill, you will walk for around an hour before reaching the jungle. Taking in the stunning landscape, you will see some fabulous views over the Nam Ou River and the surrounding valley.

    Walking distance: 13 km

  13. Day 13: Kuang Si Waterfall & Temple Highlights

    This morning you get to visit one of Luang Prabang's most picturesque sights, Kuang Si Waterfall. Take a leisurely hike in the national park or swim in the refreshing water (bear in mind from November to January the temperature is quite cool).

    This afternoon you will take a city tour exploring some of the cities most spectacular sites including the Royal Palace it’s famed temples, Wat Visoun, Wat That Luang, Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong. Finally, you have the chance to climb Mount Phousi.

  14. Day 14: Depart Luang Prabang

    This morning is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Later, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your overnight flight back to the UK.

  15. Day 15: Arrive UK

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 13 days from £1,575 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 15 days from £2,585 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £225
  • Walking grade: Moderate
  • Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
  • Max alt: Low
  • Group size: 4-12
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • O
    • N
    • D
  • Route map:
    Route map for
  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 7 nights, simple homestay x 4 nights, guesthouse x 1 night
    • 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 7 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Airport transfers

Next Steps

Dates & Prices

Make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.

Guided Group Dates and Prices
Year Starts Ends Price From (Exc. Flights) Holiday Status Options
All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details.
2024 18 Nov 30 Nov £1,575 Guaranteed** Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.