Golden Triangle and Mekong River Experience

5 days 4 nights

 

Introduction

 

Discover one of Thailand’s most progressive hill tribe cultures and diverse regions at Lanjia Lodge. Built in traditional Hmong style with Western comforts, it is set in harmony with a lush green environment inside a Hmong and Lahu village in northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai province.

Enjoy a Mekong cruise, a journey through remote mountainous stretches of the Mekong River between the northern Thai border at Houeisay and the royal old city of Luang Prabang, Laos - in a style fit for a king. Gliding effortlessly across currents and along pristine forests, the Luang Say boat is a purpose-built 34 metre luxury river barge, a stylish replica of the journey craft famous to these waters. Long scenic stretches of breezy, sun soaked river cruising are punctuated by visits to river-side hilltribe villages and the magical Tham Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddhas.

In between the 3 days on the river, the Luang Say Lodge at Pakbeng and Kamu Lodge, Laos offers a charming and serene riverside stay, a perfect romantic interlude in this unspoiled wilderness setting.

 

Brief itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Rai – transfer to Lanjia Lodge (in Chiang Khong/Thailand)           

Day 2: Visit to Goden Triangle 

Day 3: Lanjia lodge – Chiang Khong - Houei Say/Laos - Pak Beng

Day 4: Pak Beng – Kamu Lodge

Day 5: Kamu Lodge – Pak Ou Cave – Luang Prabang

 

Day to day itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrive in Lanjia Lodge (in Chiang Khong/Thailand)           

Arrive at Chiang Rai, pick up by driver for a transfer to Lanjia in the late afternoon. Herbal juice will be served while you are checking in at the lodge. Then, watch a presentation about the Hmong and Lahu tribes, the Golden triangle area and the giant catfish (locally known as Pla Buek) – the world’s biggest fresh water fish found in the Mekong River. Learn about activities that affect the Mekong River and people whose lives depend on the river. Dinner and watch traditional Hmong performances.

 

Meal plan: D

Accommodation: Lanjia Lodge

Day 2: Visit to Golden Triangle 

After breakfast, depart for the Thailand-Burma border at Mae Sai District for a visit (on your own expense, you can cross the border to Burma to visit Takhilek Market). Then drive along the border via Baan Pha Mee to visit Wat Prathat Doi Tung, Doi Chang Mub arboretum garden and Doi Tung Palace. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive to  the Golden Triangle to visit the Hall of Opium. Board a long-tail boat for a cruise on the Mekong River down to a fisherman village of Baan Had Bai. Then return to the lodge.

Meal plan: B, L, D

Accommodation: Lanjia Lodge

 

Day 3: Lanjia lodge – Chiang Khong - Houei Say/Laos - Pak Beng

 

After breakfast, transfer to Chiang Khong. After border formalities (own your own account), a short transfer takes you from Lao Immigration to boat pier The LuangSay boat departs from Houeisay pier at 09h00 for a cruise down the Mekong River to Pak Beng. One stop is made to visit and admire the authentic rural life of hill tribe settlements. A delicious Buffet lunch is served on board. The boat will arrive at Luang Say Lodge before sunset for overnight stop. Dinner is served at terrace overlooking the Mekong River.

Meal plan: B, L, D

Accommodation: Luang Say Lodge

Day 4: Pak Beng – Kamu Lodge

 

Breakfast served at terrace around 07h30. In the morning visit the morning market (Optional) of Pak Beng where the nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their goods. Luangsay Boat departs at 08h30for her second part of trip; boat makes another stop at Ban Baw to observe the processing traditional rice alcohol. Lunch is again served on board; then the boat cruise to Kamu Village. The boat will arrived at 14h00 in Kamu Lodge for the check in. In the afternoon you may choose to participate in the different activities. You will be rewarded with a very original Lao experience.

· Rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields.
· Gold panning (January to June) in the Mekong. Anything you find is yours!
· Jungle walks to search for medicinal plants.
· Trekking through the forest to waterfalls (two hour hike and boat ride).
· Traditional fishing techniques. You can sample your catch for dinner!
· Local village visit.
· Archery contest.

Meal plan: B, L, D

Accommodation: Kamu Lodge

 

Day 5: Kamu Lodge – Pak Ou Cave – Luang Prabang

Breakfast at lodge, after some time to relax and a visit to the village of Kamu, cruise down to Luang Prabang (UNESCO world heritage city) by Kamu boat to Pak Ou village at the mouth of Nam Ou River, boat stops for a trip to visit Tam Ting ‘Caves of thousand Buddha’s’ then arrive Luang Prabang before Lunch. Lunch at Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel.

 

Meal plan: B, L

Accommodation: none

 

Price: contact info@remoteasia.com

 

Inclusive:

• Transfer Chiang Rai airport to Lanjia Lodge
• Transfer Lanjia Lodge – Chiang Khong
• Transfer Houei Say Immigration to boat pier
• Transfer boat pier to hotel in Luang Prabang
• Accommodation based on twin share as indicated
• Meals as indicated
• Tour to Golden Triangle
• Cruise on the Mekong on Luang Say boat
• Stops along the river as indicated
• Activities at Kamu Lodge

Exclusive

• Visa
• Personal expenses
• Other not indicated