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Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising

Now's the time to explore Laos and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Wander the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang, admire the limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng before taking a slow boat down the Mekong, and explore the streets of Bangkok, a city that...

  • 11 Days
  • Trip Start: Vientiane
  • Trip End: Bangkok
  • Trip Code: ALVB
  • From: $699.3

Now's the time to explore Laos and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Wander the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang, admire the limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng before taking a slow boat down the Mekong, and explore the streets of Bangkok, a city that pulses with endless colour and character. See a side of Southeast Asia like you've never seen before.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Merchandising: Planeterra Project

Trip Type: Small Group

Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising - Itinerary

Trip Start: VientianeTrip End: Bangkok

DAY 1

Vientiane

Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital. After meeting your CEO and fellow travellers this evening, wander through the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Pick up a street beer or tea as you browse through the stalls of souvenirs and local delicacies. Follow your CEO to grab the best street food — or, you know, follow your nose.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel:
Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel

Optional Activities

Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising - Itinerary

Trip Start: VientianeTrip End: Bangkok
DAY 1
Vientiane

DAY 1

Vientiane

Arrive at any time and welcome to Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital. After meeting your CEO and fellow travellers this evening, wander through the bustling night market along the Mekong River. Pick up a street beer or tea as you browse through the stalls of souvenirs and local delicacies. Follow your CEO to grab the best street food — or, you know, follow your nose.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel:
Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel

Optional Activities

DAY 2
Vientiane/Vang Vieng
+
DAY 3
Vang Vieng
+
DAY 4
Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang
+
DAY 5
Luang Prabang
+
DAY 6
Luang Prabang/Pak Beng
+
DAY 7
Pak Beng/Chiang Khong
+
DAY 8
Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai
+
DAY 9
Chiang Mai/Bangkok
+
DAY 10
Bangkok
+
DAY 11
Bangkok
+

Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising Departure Dates

All Years

StartEndingAvailabilityPrices from
Fri, Dec 19 2025Mon, Dec 29 2025Open (5)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Dec 21 2025Wed, Dec 31 2025Open (8)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Dec 26 2025Mon, Jan 05 2026Open (5)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Jan 01 2026Sun, Jan 11 2026Open (7)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Jan 02 2026Mon, Jan 12 2026Open (4)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Jan 06 2026Fri, Jan 16 2026Open (11)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Jan 09 2026Mon, Jan 19 2026Open (2)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Jan 14 2026Sat, Jan 24 2026Open (10)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Jan 15 2026Sun, Jan 25 2026Open (16)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Jan 16 2026Mon, Jan 26 2026Open (5)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Jan 18 2026Wed, Jan 28 2026Open (8)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Jan 20 2026Fri, Jan 30 2026Open (16)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Jan 22 2026Sun, Feb 01 2026Open (11)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Jan 23 2026Mon, Feb 02 2026Open (6)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Jan 25 2026Wed, Feb 04 2026Open (3)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Jan 27 2026Fri, Feb 06 2026Open (13)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Jan 29 2026Sun, Feb 08 2026Open (16)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Jan 30 2026Mon, Feb 09 2026Open (6)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Feb 01 2026Wed, Feb 11 2026Open (12)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Feb 03 2026Fri, Feb 13 2026Open (15)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Feb 05 2026Sun, Feb 15 2026Open (17)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Feb 06 2026Mon, Feb 16 2026Open (8)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Feb 08 2026Wed, Feb 18 2026Open (1)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Feb 10 2026Fri, Feb 20 2026Open (17)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Feb 12 2026Sun, Feb 22 2026Open (12)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Feb 15 2026Wed, Feb 25 2026Open (11)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Feb 18 2026Sat, Feb 28 2026Open (17)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Feb 20 2026Mon, Mar 02 2026Open (7)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Feb 22 2026Wed, Mar 04 2026Open (6)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Feb 25 2026Sat, Mar 07 2026Open (17)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Feb 27 2026Mon, Mar 09 2026Open (11)$769.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Mar 01 2026Wed, Mar 11 2026Open (16)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Mar 03 2026Fri, Mar 13 2026Open (15)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Mar 04 2026Sat, Mar 14 2026Open (18)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Mar 06 2026Mon, Mar 16 2026Open (17)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Mar 10 2026Fri, Mar 20 2026Open (12)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Mar 12 2026Sun, Mar 22 2026Open (16)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Mar 15 2026Wed, Mar 25 2026Open (16)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Mar 17 2026Fri, Mar 27 2026Open (2)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Mar 18 2026Sat, Mar 28 2026Open (18)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Mar 20 2026Mon, Mar 30 2026Open (15)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Mar 22 2026Wed, Apr 01 2026Open (18)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Mar 25 2026Sat, Apr 04 2026Open (18)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Mar 27 2026Mon, Apr 06 2026Open (15)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sun, Mar 29 2026Wed, Apr 08 2026Open (12)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Mar 31 2026Fri, Apr 10 2026Open (18)$734.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Apr 02 2026Sun, Apr 12 2026Open (15)$699.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Apr 03 2026Mon, Apr 13 2026Open (15)$699.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Tue, Apr 07 2026Fri, Apr 17 2026Open (18)$699.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Wed, Apr 08 2026Sat, Apr 18 2026Open (18)$699.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Thu, Apr 09 2026Sun, Apr 19 2026Open (17)$699.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Apr 10 2026Mon, Apr 20 2026Open (15)$699.3 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)

USEFUL INFO

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance, Muang Pakbèng
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang Vieng
Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang
Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai
Your Big Night Out Moment: Bangkok. Guided hike in Vang Vieng. Slow boat up the Mekong. Orientation walk, Wat Phousi sunset hike, Kuang Si Waterfalls excursion and street food crawl in Luang Prabang. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Hike the limestone karsts of Vang Vieng, cool off in Luang Prabang with a sunset hike to Wat Phousi and visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls, travel up the Mekong River, enjoy a homestay in a local village, explore Chiang Mai, enjoy bustling Bangkok.

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Effective May 1, 2025, all travelers entering Thailand through air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand E-Arrival form. You must register at least 3 days before arrival. Please see Trip Details for more information.

Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance, Muang Pakbèng
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang Vieng
  • Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang
  • Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Bangkok
  • Guided hike in Vang Vieng
  • Slow boat up the Mekong
  • Orientation walk, Wat Phousi sunset hike, Kuang Si Waterfalls excursion and street food crawl in Luang Prabang
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodations

  • Simple hotels (twin-share) (6 nts) and (multi-share) (2 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), homestay (1 nt).

Meals

  • 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transportation

  • Sleeper train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, songthaew, slow boat, walking.

Staff & experts

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
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