Bangkok to Luang Prabang

Type: Discoverer    Starts: Bangkok, Thailand    End: Luang Prabang, Thailand

Package Overview

Get ready for 15 days of diving straight into the energy of Thailand and Laos — from Bangkok’s buzzing streets and Northern Thailand’s mountain towns to slow Mekong cruising, village stays and laid-back days in Laos. Expect street food, local encounters, simple overnight stays and a mix of rail, road and river travel that shows you more than just the headline stops.

Routing

Trip Duration: 15 Days

Day Wise Itinerary

Day 1 - Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! Get ready for a wild mix of food, heat, and glorious chaos. Tonight, you’ll roll into Khao San Road with your Trip Manager and the crew for your first hit of neon lights, street eats, and that proper first-night buzz.
  • Accomodation: Lilit Bang Lumphu Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals:
  • Location Visited: Bangkok,

Day 2 - Bangkok

Bangkok's all yours today — tuk-tuks, temples, street stalls - the whole lot. You can go big with an optional half-day Floating Markets mission and see the city’s waterways in full swing, or even jump on a street food tour and let Bangkok feed you properly.
  • Accomodation: Lilit Bang Lumphu Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals:
  • Location Visited: Bangkok,

Day 3 - Bangkok & Overnight Bus to Chiang Mai

One last day to soak up Bangkok’s energy. Opt in for a hit of royal history at the Grand Palace and cruise the city’s klongs to see the city from the water.In the evening, we’ll transfer to the station and board an overnight bus to Chiang Mai (a proper Thailand travel rite of passage). The ride will take around 11 hours, so you’ll rest on the way and wake up ready for fresh air and mountain views.
  • Accomodation: Overnight Bus
  • Meals:
  • Location Visited: Bangkok, Overnight Bus to Chiang Mai,

Day 4 - Chiang Mai

Morning, sleepyheads. This morning, we'll wake up to Northern Thailand’s fresher air and roll into Chiang Mai where a Local Guide will be waiting for us.Today's yours to tailor. Join an optional local market wander followed by a cooking class to dish out your fave Thai cuisine. Wanna turn up the energy? Book an optional Muay Thai session.
  • Accomodation: 99 The Gallery Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals:
  • Location Visited: Overnight Bus to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai,

Day 5 - Chiang Mai

A free day? In Chiang Mai? Oh my. Yup, this laid-back mountain city is all yours to explore today too. You can choose to visit Elephant Nature Park to see the biggest and cutest local residents up close. Later, you’ll also have the option to jump on a Vespa tour and see the city in night mode.
  • Accomodation: 99 The Gallery Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Location Visited: Chiang Mai,

Day 6 - Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao

Catch ya later, Chiang Mai. Today, we'll hit the road to Chiang Dao, rolling past rice paddies and big green views. You’ll stop at Sri Lanna National Park, then climb up Bua Thong “Sticky” Waterfall (yep, you ain't slipping here).Next, we’ll head into Chiang Dao Cave for a guided walk through huge limestone chambers, epic formations, and hidden Buddhist shrines. In the afternoon, we'll continue on to Chiang Dao and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is all yours to do what you please.
  • Accomodation: Marisa Resort & Spa (or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Location Visited: Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao,

Day 7 - Chiang Dao to Fang

Fuel up with breakfast, then head further north towards Fang. Today will be all about slowing down and soaking up Thai highland scenery. We'll stop at Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park for its natural hot springs, where you can dip into mineral-rich pools, chill in the sauna, and watch steam rise with mountain views in the background.After a very special spa session with Mother Nature, we’ll roll into Fang. Use up the rest of the day to explore the local town. Or do absolutely nothing and enjoy that quiet mountain air.
  • Accomodation: Phumanee Lahu Home Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Location Visited: Chiang Dao, Fang,

Day 8 - Fang to Chiang Rai via Doi Pu Muen

Time to swap the main roads for a 4WD ride into the hills, heading to the secluded village of Doi Pu Muen.Wander through tea and coffee plantations, try your hand at picking leaves, and learn how tea is heated and dried using traditional methods passed down through generations in the Lahu community. Then you’ll sit down with your hosts to taste the goods, hear their stories, and share a delish local lunch.After lunch, we’ll head back down the mountain and transfer to Chiang Rai.
  • Accomodation: B2 Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Boutique & Budget Hotel (or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Location Visited: Fang, Doi Pu Muen, Chiang Rai,

Day 9 - Chiang Rai to Pak Beng via Mekong River

Bye-bye, Thailand. We'll cross into Laos via the Huay Xai border, then jump on a private slow boat for a two-day cruise down the legendary Mekong River. This ain't just transport — you’ll kick back on deck, watch river life roll by, swap stories with the crew, and even enjoy lunch onboard before docking for the night in riverside Pak Beng.Once you arrive, we’ll check into the hostel and have the evening to settle in.
  • Accomodation: Mekong Backpackers (or similar)
  • Meals: Lunch
  • Location Visited: Chiang Rai, Pak Beng,

Day 10 - Pak Beng to Luang Prabang via Mekong River

Back on the boat and cruising onward, we'll leave Pak Beng behind on a roughly 7-hour journey to UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. Along the way, we'll also visit the stunning Pak Ou caves and grab a simple lunch onboard.Hey there, Luang Prabang. This is place where ancient temples and French-colonial streets will set the vibe straight away. If you’re keen, you’ll have the option to hike up Mount Phousi at sunset for panoramic views over the city and river.
  • Accomodation: Mad Monkey Luang Prabang (or similar)
  • Meals: Lunch
  • Location Visited: Pak Beng, Luang Prabang,

Day 11 - Luang Prabang

Prepare to be absolutely stunned! Today, we'll head out to the postcard-worthy Kuang Si Falls — a multi-tiered cascade with turquoise pools (that’ll be begging for a swim). Afterwards, we’ll visit a local social enterprise supporting women through traditional weaving, where you’ll learn about the craft and the impact behind it. Next: free time to wander Luang Prabang’s night market and maybe even lock in the perfect souvenir.
  • Accomodation: Mad Monkey Luang Prabang (or similar)
  • Meals:
  • Location Visited: Luang Prabang,

Day 12 - Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

You can choose to start the day with Alms Giving (a quiet, meaningful Luang Prabang moment before the pace switches up). Then jump on the high-speed train and rocket your way to Vang Vieng.Limestone cliffs on full display and the river running the show - that's how you know you're in Vang Vieng. You’ll have the rest of the day free to choose your own adventure, whether that’s chilled-out exploring or turning the dial up.
  • Accomodation: Rock Backpackers Hostel (or similar)
  • Meals:
  • Location Visited: Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng,

Day 13 - Vang Vieng

Today's a you-do-you kinda day. Need ideas for things to do in Vang Vieng? Your Trip Manager will point you in the right direction. Feeling adventurous? Join the crew for some kayaking on the Nam Song River.
  • Accomodation: Rock Backpackers Hostel (or similar)
  • Meals:
  • Location Visited: Vang Vieng,

Day 14 - Vang Vieng to Ban Laesivilay via Luang Prabang

Next stop: Luang Prabang. We'll jump on the high-speed train and be back by the river in about an hour.Rolling into Luang Prabang, you’ll transfer out to Ban Laesivilay and get the kind of welcome that makes you instantly relax.Once you’ve dropped your bags, we’ll head out into the plantations to see what’s growing in season and get a real feel for village life. We’ll hop on a local boat and cruise the Nam Xeuang, with stops along the banks to try gold panning and traditional fishing. Then it’s back to the homestay for a big shared family feast — you’ll get involved in the cooking, learn a few Lao faves, and sit down together for a night of food and stories.
  • Accomodation: Ban Laesivilay Homestay (or similar)
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Location Visited: Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Ban Laesivilay,

Day 15 - Ban Laesivilay to Luang Prabang

Start the morning with an included Lao-style breakfast made by your hosts, then head out on a village walk to see how daily life runs out here. Expect farming chats, hands-on moments, and a proper look at the rural rhythm beyond the tourist trail.And just like that, our Southeast Asian adventure has come to an end. Hug it out, say your goodbyes, and hop on for a transfer to Luang Prabang.
  • Accomodation:
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Location Visited: Ban Laesivilay, Luang Prabang,

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 5 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Dinner (D)

Included Experience

  • Chiang Dao: Time to test the name. Head to Bua Thong Waterfall, where the mineral-rich rock makes the surface surprisingly grippy (meaning you can actually climb straight up the cascading tiers!). Shoes off, camera ready, and straight into nature’s version of a jungle gym.
  • Chiang Dao: Step into Chiang Dao Cave, a vast limestone cavern packed with stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden Buddhist shrines. With a Local Guide leading the way, we’ll wander through echoing chambers and learn how this place became both a natural wonder and a spiritual site.
  • Fang: Deep in the hills, we’ll visit Doi Pu Muen — a beautiful town that's home to the Lahu hilltribe community. Expect tea plantations, warm welcomes, and a look into everyday village life and what shapes the rhythm of the day.
  • Pak Beng: Float down the Mekong from Pak Beng, past craggy caves and sleepy hillside villages. A proper taste of Laos life. 
  • Luang Prabang: Definitely the most surreal caves we’ve ever seen. Rock caverns packed with thousands of mini-Buddha statues. Pics or it didn’t happen. 
  • Luang Prabang: Kuang Si waterfalls have a beautiful aqua colour. With transfers and entry included you can check out the 4 different swimming areas. You might even be fortunate enough to check out the nearby bear conservation centre.
  • Luang Prabang: Step inside the Living Crafts Centre in Luang Prabang and watch over 50 Lao artisans at work, creating beautiful clothes and homeware using traditional weaving techniques. Learn how Ock Pop Tok, founded by Joanna Smith and Veomanee Douangdala in 2000, empowers women by turning their skills into a viable career, while promoting Laotian textiles and crafts across the globe.
  • Luang Prabang: Hop onto the train from Luang Prabang, travelling at a dashing 160 km/h. You’ll catch some breathtaking views on the way.
  • Ban Laesivilay: Settle into a homestay in Ban Laesivilay and experience village life the local way. Expect a warm welcome, time to wander the surrounding plantations, and a shared family feast where we’ll help cook authentic Lao dishes before sitting down together to eat and swap stories.
  • Ban Laesivilay: Boat time, people. We’ll hop on a local boat and glide along the Nam Xeuang River, passing jungle-covered banks and quiet village scenes. Along the way we’ll stop to try traditional river skills like gold panning and fishing — a hands-on look at how the community lives alongside the river.
  • Ban Laesivilay: Head out with our host for a walk through Ban Laesivilay and get a proper look at the village rhythm. Expect a deeper dive into rural Laos — from learning how locals farm and plant to pitching in with seasonal tasks and everyday chores that keep the community running. It’s hands-on, human, and the kind of morning that makes the homestay feel real (and not just a place to sleep).

Dates & Prices

Tue
06 Apr, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
20 Apr, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 189,525 - twin
Rs. 157,130 - quadShare
Tue
13 Apr, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
27 Apr, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
27 Apr, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
11 May, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
11 May, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
25 May, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
18 May, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
01 Jun, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
01 Jun, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
15 Jun, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
08 Jun, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
22 Jun, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
15 Jun, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
29 Jun, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
22 Jun, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
06 Jul, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
29 Jun, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
13 Jul, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
06 Jul, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
20 Jul, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
20 Jul, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
03 Aug, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
03 Aug, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
17 Aug, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
10 Aug, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
24 Aug, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
17 Aug, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
31 Aug, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
24 Aug, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
07 Sep, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
31 Aug, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
14 Sep, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
07 Sep, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
21 Sep, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
14 Sep, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
28 Sep, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
21 Sep, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
05 Oct, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
28 Sep, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
12 Oct, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
05 Oct, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
19 Oct, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
12 Oct, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
26 Oct, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
19 Oct, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
02 Nov, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
26 Oct, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
09 Nov, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
02 Nov, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
16 Nov, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
09 Nov, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
23 Nov, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
16 Nov, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
30 Nov, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Wed
24 Nov, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
08 Dec, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
30 Nov, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
14 Dec, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
07 Dec, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
21 Dec, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Wed
15 Dec, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
29 Dec, 2027
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
21 Dec, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
04 Jan, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
28 Dec, 2027
Bangkok
Thu
11 Jan, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
04 Jan, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
18 Jan, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
11 Jan, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
25 Jan, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
18 Jan, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
01 Feb, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
25 Jan, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
08 Feb, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
01 Feb, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
15 Feb, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
08 Feb, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
22 Feb, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
15 Feb, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
29 Feb, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
22 Feb, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
07 Mar, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
29 Feb, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
14 Mar, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
07 Mar, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
21 Mar, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
14 Mar, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
28 Mar, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
21 Mar, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
04 Apr, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare
Tue
28 Mar, 2028
Bangkok
Thu
11 Apr, 2028
Luang Prabang
Rs. 180,500 - twin
Rs. 149,625 - quadShare

Please Note:

  • TRAVELLERS WITH A MIDDLE NAME MUST PROVIDE THIS TO CONTIKI, AS SERVICES CANNOT BE BOOKED WITOUT THIS INFORMATION. Trip starts in Bangkok at 6:00pm and ends in Luang Prabang at 1:00pm Full Passport Information (inclusive of middle name) is required at time of booking as services cannot be booked without this information. Twin room supplement does not apply on select nights. Overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai - travellers will have an individual seat & are provided a sheet, blanket and a pillow for comfort. A small overnight bag will be required for some nights of this trip. Travellers are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of the trip. 2 Passport size photos are required to obtain Laos Visas upon entry.