Thailand Golden Triangle & Northern Laos
Heritage, River Landscapes, Boutique Stays
15 Day Itinerary
This carefully curated journey takes you through the cultural heartlands of Thailand and into the peaceful landscapes of Northern Laos. Beginning in Bangkok, experience the city’s timeless traditions, sacred temples, and vibrant street food scene before travelling north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Here, discover spiritual mountain temples, river cruises, and luxury time at the Golden Triangle, where elephants roam and three countries converge.
Your adventure continues across the Mekong into Laos, with a two-day cruise through remote river valleys to Pakbeng and onward to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city of golden temples and French colonial charm.
Along the way, enjoy exclusive experiences, boutique accommodation, and seamless private transfers, ensuring comfort throughout this immersive cultural journey.
This 15 day itinerary includes:
- 2 nights in Bangkok – Mandarin Oriental (Deluxe Premier Room)
- 2 nights in Chiang Mai – Raya Heritage (Rin Terrace Suite)
- 3 nights in Chiang Rai – Anantara Golden Triangle (Deluxe Three Country View, full board & activities)
- 1 night in Pakbeng – Le Grand Pakbeng (Deluxe Mekong View Room)
- 3 nights in Luang Prabang – Rosewood Resort (Riverside Room)
- Private transfers throughout, including fast-track service on arrival
- Luxury accommodation with daily breakfast (plus full board at Golden Triangle)
- Exclusive experiences including temple visits, cultural workshops, Mekong River cruise & elephant encounters
- Domestic & international flights excluded – available on request
Prices from £6,475 per person
Day 1 – 2
Day 1 – Bangkok Arrival
Arrive in Bangkok and enjoy fast-track airport service before meeting your guide. Transfer to your luxury riverside hotel and settle in. Spend the rest of the day unwinding or exploring the Chao Phraya River at leisure.
Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – Deluxe Premier Room
Day 2 – Bangkok
This morning, journey by longtail boat along the city’s klongs to Wat Suwannaram, famous for its murals, and take part in an alms-giving ritual. Visit Ban Bu, one of the last communities still practising traditional bronze bowl-making. Enjoy lunch by the river before returning to your hotel. In the evening, hop in a tuk tuk for a lively street food adventure, sampling regional dishes, exploring the flower market, and seeing Bangkok’s illuminated temples at night.
Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – Deluxe Premier Room
Day 3 – 4
Day 3 – Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Fly north to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand. Known as the “Rose of the North”, the city is surrounded by mountains and has a relaxed pace. After checking in, enjoy the afternoon free to explore the old town or relax in your boutique hotel.
Overnight at Raya Heritage – Rin Terrace Suite
Day 4 – Chiang Mai
Start the day with a cruise on the Mae Ping River, tasting local delicacies and visiting Wat Ket Karam for a traditional blessing. In the afternoon, drive up Doi Suthep mountain to the city’s most iconic temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, before continuing to the forested sanctuary of Wat Palad, a peaceful temple with waterfalls and unique Burmese-inspired architecture.
Overnight at Raya Heritage – Rin Terrace Suite
Day 5 – 7
Day 5 – Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Travel by road to Chiang Rai, with stops at Mae Krachan Hot Springs, the striking White Temple, the Black House Museum, and the Blue Temple. After a scenic day of sightseeing, arrive at your luxury retreat in the Golden Triangle. Dinner is included at the resort.
Overnight at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – Deluxe Three Country View
Days 6–7 – Chiang Rai
Enjoy two full days at Anantara’s Golden Triangle luxury camp. All meals are included along with daily activities such as elephant encounters, jungle walks, cooking classes, spa treatments, or cultural excursions. Spend the afternoons relaxing with panoramic views across Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.
Overnight at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – Deluxe Three Country View
Day 8 – 9
Day 8 – Chiang Rai to Pakbeng (Laos)
Cross into Laos at Chiang Khong and board your private two-day cruise down the Mekong River. Sail through remote landscapes and stop at small riverside villages before arriving in Pakbeng. Dinner overlooking the river rounds off the day.
Overnight at Le Grand Pakbeng – Deluxe Mekong View Room
Day 9 – Pakbeng to Luang Prabang
Continue downstream past dramatic mountains and visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Lunch is served onboard before arriving in Luang Prabang, where you can spend the evening exploring the vibrant night market.
Overnight at Rosewood Resort Luang Prabang – Riverside Room
Day 10 – Luang Prabang
Explore the city’s heritage with visits to the Royal Palace, Wat Mai, Wat Xieng Thong, and Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in the city. After lunch, travel into the countryside to see the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls and visit the Bear Rescue Centre before returning to Luang Prabang.
Overnight at Rosewood Resort Luang Prabang – Riverside Room
Day 11 – Luang Prabang
Begin with the Tak Bat alms-giving ritual at dawn, followed by a visit to the early morning market. Later, explore Ock Pop Tok, a textile centre supporting local weavers, where you will learn traditional dyeing techniques and create your own silk scarf. A gourmet French-inspired lunch is included before an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Rosewood Resort Luang Prabang – Riverside Room
Day 12 – Luang Prabang Departure
Morning at leisure until your private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Additional Inspiration
Browse our other destination itineraries and blog posts for insider tips, personalised recommendations, and advice on avoiding tourist traps – helping make every journey smoother, smarter, and more memorable.
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