Kook's 10-Day Thailand/ Laos Secret Exploration
Northern Thailand & Laos + with 3-night Cambodia add (before the trip)
$3550 (payment plan dates: Sep 1 / December 1) | $800 deposit to reserve spot
Solo room supplements available, inquire to learn more
January 13- 22, 2027 / Add to Cambodia (Jan 10-13)
20 Spots
From the white and blue temples of Chiang Rai to slow boat cruises down the Mekong, this is Southeast Asia the way it was meant to be discovered.
About the Adventure
Thailand and Laos are two of the most culturally rich countries in Southeast Asia, and this 10-day trip was designed to show you both at their most authentic. Not the version you find on a crowded tour bus, but the real thing: small villages along the Mekong, sacred ceremonies that have been practiced for centuries, and landscapes that most travelers never make it to.
You start in Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, where mountain roads wind past tea plantations, hill tribe villages, and two of the most visually striking temples in the world. Then you cross into Laos and board a slow boat down the Mekong River, one of the great travel experiences in this part of the world, stopping at remote villages before arriving in Luang Prabang. Three days here means waking before dawn for the alms-giving ceremony, exploring ancient temples, trekking to Kuangsi Waterfall, and spending a half day at the Mandalao Elephant Camp, one of the most ethical elephant experiences in Laos.
The final stretch takes you to Vang Vieng, where dramatic limestone mountains frame every moment: jungle treks to hidden caves, crystal-clear lagoons, kayaking the Nam Song River, and sunsets that will make it very hard to leave.
Every experience on this trip was chosen with intention. The iconic moments are here because they deserve to be, and everything around them is designed to take you deeper into these countries than a typical itinerary ever would.
Trip Led by Brian & Xenia
Hi friends! We’re Xenia and Brian, and we’re so excited to be joining Kook’s Wild Ride as international trip leaders!
Together, we spent 14 months backpacking across Asia, where we met Kook in India and instantly connected over our shared love for authentic travel and adventure. Our experiences have included trekking, climbing, scuba diving, exploring caves, and immersing ourselves in new cultures.
For more than ten years, we also led an adventure group in California, bringing people together to explore, challenge themselves, and build lasting friendships.
We’re especially excited to co-lead the Laos trip, which we helped create based on experiences and places we personally lived through and loved. We cannot wait to share this incredible country and create unforgettable memories with the group
3-night Cambodia Extension (before trip)
January 10-13, 2027
We are also offering an exciting add on to this before the start of the main tour.
$1300 pp (shared room basis) + $200 for solo room
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap- Ankor Wat Museam
Day 2: Angkor Sunrise to Ta Prohm & Temples- Aspara Dinner Show (B, L, D)
Day 3: Bayon Temple- APOPO Hero Rats- Phare Circus (B, L)
Day 4: Siem Reap- Flight to Bangkok- next flight to Chiang Rai (B)
Hotel stay: Royal Crown- Deluxe Room
Included:
3 night stay in 3-star hotel
Breakfast & lunch each day with a cultural dinner
Airport transfers
All tours mentioned above
Local guide
Flight from Siem Reap → Bangkok
10-Day Itinerary Overview
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Note: Accommodations are subject to change due to availability, but we will ensure any alternatives are of equal quality.
DAY # 1
Arrival in Chiang Rai
The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is included in the trip.
Please arrive at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport with enough time to catch the following flight:
Flight FD 3209
Bangkok to Chiang Rai
4:50 PM–6:15 PM
After landing in Chiang Rai, meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. Tonight is yours to settle in and soak up your first taste of northern Thailand.
Activities:
☯ Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
☯ Check in and settle in
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel
DAY # 2
Chiang Rai City Tour (B, L)
A full day discovering the highlights of Chiang Rai, from the iconic Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet to the world-famous White Temple and the stunning Blue Temple.
Activities:
☯ Golden Triangle panoramic viewpoints over the Mekong River
☯ Scenic mountain roads through Doi Mae Salong, a charming hill town known for its tea plantations and cool climate
☯ Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) with its vibrant blue architecture and intricate Buddhist artwork
☯ White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Chiang Rai's iconic contemporary masterpiece blending traditional Buddhist symbolism with extraordinary modern design
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel
DAY # 3
Huayxai → Pakbeng by Mekong Slow Boat (B, L)
One of the great travel experiences in Southeast Asia. You board a slow boat at Huayxai on the Laos border and spend the day drifting down the Mekong River through remote jungle, with a stop at a Khamu or Hmong hill tribe village along the way.
Activities:
☯ Cross into Laos at Huayxai and board the Mekong Lover slow boat
☯ Orientation from your guide on Laos culture and the origins of the Mekong River
☯ Stop at a remote Khamu or Hmong hill tribe village
☯ Traditional Lao lunch served on board
☯ Arrive Pakbeng by evening
Accommodation: Le Grand Pakbeng Resort
DAY # 4
Pakbeng → Luang Prabang by Mekong Slow Boat (B, L)
Another full day on the Mekong, this time with stops that reveal the spiritual heart of Laos. The highlight is the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to over two thousand Buddha statues and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country.
Activities:
☯ Morning departure from Pakbeng down the Mekong
☯ Stop at Ban Baw village, known for its Lao Lao whisky production and traditional handicrafts
☯ Visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its thousands of Buddha statues
☯ Arrive in Luang Prabang by late afternoon
Accommodation: Luang Prabang View Hotel
DAY # 5
Luang Prabang: Alms Giving, City Tour, Kuangsi Waterfall, Night Market (B, L)
One of the fullest and most memorable days of the trip. It starts before dawn and ends at the night market, with everything from ancient Buddhist ceremony to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia in between.
Activities:
☯ Wake before dawn to witness the alms-giving ceremony, where saffron-clad monks collect offerings along the streets of Luang Prabang
☯ Morning market exploration followed by breakfast at the hotel
☯ Visit the National Museum inside the former Royal Palace
☯ Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of Luang Prabang's temples, with its breathtaking Tree of Life mosaic
☯ Afternoon trek to Kuangsi Waterfall, passing the Asian Bear Rescue Centre
☯ Sunset climb up Phousi Mountain for panoramic views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong
☯ Evening at the Luang Prabang Night Market
Accommodation: Luang Prabang View Hotel
DAY # 6
Luang Prabang Mandalao Elephant Camp, UXO Centre, Garavek Show (B, L)
A day that moves between the natural world and the human one. The morning is spent at Mandalao, one of the most ethical elephant experiences in Laos. The afternoon offers an important visit to the UXO Visitor Centre, followed by an evening of traditional Lao storytelling.
Activities:
☯ Cross the Nam Khan River by longtail boat to Mandalao Elephant Camp
☯ Meet the elephants and mahouts, feed and walk with the herd through jungle along Huay Nok Stream
☯ Traditional Lao family-style lunch with views over the Nam Khan River
☯ Visit the UXO Visitor Centre, exploring Laos' history
☯ Evening Garavek Traditional Storytelling Performance with live music and Lao folktales
Accommodation: Luang Prabang View Hotel
DAY # 7
Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng by Express Train (B, L)
Board the express train from Luang Prabang and arrive in Vang Vieng, one of the most dramatic landscapes in Southeast Asia. Limestone mountains rise straight out of the valley floor and the Nam Song River winds through it all.
Activities:
☯ Morning transfer to Luang Prabang train station
☯ Express train to Vang Vieng
☯ Visit Tham Chang Cave, one of the most significant caves in the area
☯ Afternoon at Blue Lagoon 3, a natural oasis surrounded by limestone mountains perfect for swimming and relaxing
☯ Boat ride along the Nam Song River through spectacular limestone scenery
Accommodation: Tmark Resort Vangvieng
DAY # 8
Vang Vieng — Ban Phathao Trek, Tham Hok Cave, Secret Eden (B, L)
A full day out in the landscape that makes Vang Vieng so special. You trek up into the limestone mountains, explore a cave filled with dramatic stalactites, and end the day swimming in a hidden natural pool that very few people ever find.
Activities:
☯ Transfer north to Ban Phathao where the trek begins
☯ Hike up steep limestone mountain trails with sweeping panoramic views over the Vang Vieng valley
☯ Explore Tham Hok Cave, filled with some of the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites in the region
☯ Descend to Secret Eden for free time swimming in crystal-clear natural pools surrounded by jungle
Accommodation: Tmark Resort Vangvieng
DAY # 9
Vang Vieng — Nam Xay View Point, Cave Tubing, Kayaking (B, L)
The most adventurous day of the trip. Kayaking the Nam Song River, floating through a cave on inner tubes, and visiting a newly discovered cave round out three days in one of the most beautiful places you will ever spend time.
Activities:
☯ Morning visit to Nam Xay View Point, one of the most famous panoramic viewpoints in the area
☯ Transfer to Ban Vieng Sa Mai for kayaking briefing and safety orientation
☯ Kayak downstream along the Nam Song River through limestone karst scenery and fun rapids
☯ Float through Tham Norn Cave (Sleeping Cave) on inner tubes
☯ Visit the newly discovered Tham Nang Fa (Angel Cave)
Accommodation: Tmark Resort Vangvieng
DAY # 10
Vang Vieng → Vientiane → Departure (B)
A final morning in Vang Vieng before the road transfer to Vientiane Airport. Laos will stay with you long after you leave.
Activities:
☯ Breakfast and check-out
☯ Road transfer to Vientiane Airport for international departure
3-Day Extension Overview
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Note: Accommodations are subject to change due to availability, but we will ensure any alternatives are of equal quality.
DAYS #1 - 3
We have created a 3-day Cambodia for BEFORE the tour for those interested! Please ask us about this.
Included
All airport transfers and private transportation throughout the trip
Flight From Bangkok to Chaing
9 nights accommodation in hand-picked hotels
Breakfast every day, lunch on all touring days
English speaking private guide and driver throughout
All entrance fees throughout the trip
2-day Mekong Lover slow boat cruise from Huayxai to Luang Prabang including traditional Lao lunches on board and a stop at a remote hill tribe village
Half day private tour at Mandalao Elephant Camp including longtail boat crossing, jungle trek with elephants and traditional Lao family-style lunch
Garavek Traditional Storytelling Performance ticket
Express train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Ban Phathao jungle trek to Tham Hok Cave and Secret Eden natural pools
Kayaking the Nam Song River with cave tubing through Tham Norn Cave
Water 2 bottles per person per day
All service charges and taxes
Your dedicated trip operator handling all pre-trip logistics, flight guidance and everything in between so you show up ready to go
Your dedicated trip operator handling all pre-trip logistics, flight guidance, and everything in between, so you show up ready to walk
Not included
International flights
Laos visa stamp fee
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Drinks and anything not specified in the itinerary
Meals not listed above
Tips for guides and drivers
Personal expenses
Optional add-ons: Baci Ceremony ($23 per person), Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise ($45 per person), Hot Air Balloon over Vang Vieng ($140 per person)
Cambodia extension (available as a separate add-on)
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel is one of those things that naturally gives rise to queries, so we’re here to put your mind at ease. Which trip is right for me? What do I do about visas? How much do I tip? For questions frequent and otherwise, this is the spot.
Do I Need a Passport?
YES. The second you consider a trip with us, please check to ensure your passport is up to date and does not expire up to 6 months after the trip. At the moment, all of our trips are international. However, if we choose to do a
domestic one you would not need a passport but would need the REAL ID come 2025. In general, this is something you should consider getting soon to assist with your travel needs next year
Will I need a Visa?
Whether you need a visa depends on the country we are visiting. We will let you know in advance if a visa is required for any of our trips. Please be aware that visa fees are not included in the trip prices, but they are generally inexpensive. We will guide you through the simple visa application process before each trip.
KWR Trips that require a visa:
You do not need a visa for Italy
Do I need to buy Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in our trip package. While it is not mandatory to join our trips, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover various aspects of your journey, and there are many types and options available. We are happy to assist you in finding the right insurance that suits your needs before the trip.
Are flights included?
Flights are not included in our trip packages. However, we are happy to assist you in finding and choosing the best flight options for each trip. Please keep in mind that we recommend purchasing flight insurance for added
peace of mind.
We offer flight help for a $60 fee.
Are transfers to and from the airport included?
Yes, transfers to and from the airport upon arrival and departure are included in our trips. Please note, that if you arrive or depart outside of the scheduled trip dates, we can arrange transfers for an additional fee.
On this trip, transfers too and from Venice are included.
I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?
We are dedicated to accommodating special dietary requirements as best as we can. Please inform us of your specific needs in advance, and we will make every effort to ensure you are properly catered for throughout the trip. Please note that the ability to accommodate dietary restrictions may vary by location. We are knowledgeable of the areas we visit though, and will inform you if your specific needs cannot be met.
How do you arrange room sharing on the trip and who will I have to share with?
We arrange rooms based on your preferences. Often, friends and partners sign up together and request to share a room. Alternatively, solo travelers sometimes express a desire to share, and we assist in pairing them up.
On this trip, there is the option to have a $480 solo room up charge just for the 5 night hotel stays.
We will have 4-nights in cozy mountain huts with comfortable beds but we may be in dormitory styles. This depends on availability when booking.
If I am traveling with a significant other or friend, how do I ensure we are put in the same room?
When you sign up for the trip, please specify the person you wish to room with.
We will ensure that you are placed together in the same room automatically.
Are there options for single rooms if I don’t want to share?
Yes, single rooms are available on our trips. There is an additional fee for solo
rooms, which varies by country. We will inform you of this fee when you sign up.
When is the final due date for my trip?
We typically offer payment for our trips in 2-3 installments. The initial deposit is
deducted from the total trip price. The final payment is due typically between 35
to 60 days prior to the start of the trip. The exact deadline depends on the country
and payment schedule requirements.
Let’s connect and travel
Immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy daring adventures, and form long-lasting friendships with fellow travelers from around the globe.
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