Off-Grid in Thailand and Laos
Meditate with a Buddhist monk, drift down the Mekong in a private boat & learn to cook a traditional meal with a remote village hill tribe
What's Included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
About your trip
Secret waterfalls, bustling night markets and lazy days spent drifting down the Mekong; this 10-day adventure might be the antidote to modern living we all need.
First stop: Chiang Mai, where you’ll hunt down the best-kept Thai street food secrets and sip on rice whisky with new friends. You’ll travel past remote villages and snoozing water buffalo to walk up a ‘sticky’ waterfall and kayak on a placid lake. There’ll be moments of complete serenity as you float slowly down the Mekong River or sit down to meditate with a Buddhist master. And even more moments of wonder as you meet – and cook with – tribespeople living in the mountains of the Golden Triangle, and rise at dawn to watch the atmospheric alms-giving ceremony amongst Luang Prabang’s splendor.
Far from the madding crowd, this rural adventure propels you deep into the wilds of a Southeast Asia you could only imagine – perfect for escaping it all. Whatever ‘it’ is.
Ready to go?
- Touch down in Chiang Mai where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to transport you to your boutique hotel
- Meet your group for a welcome drink before your immersive street food tour of the traditional night market
- Sample numerous local Thai delicacies, from fish ball soup and Thai sweets to (plenty of) rice whisky
- Visit the ‘sticky’ Bua Tong waterfall, where calcium deposits on the rocks make it easy to clamber up the 100-metre falls
- Take a longtail boat to a floating raft house for lunch; spend the afternoon swimming and kayaking
- Enjoy a moving private guided meditation with a Thai Buddhist monk
- Enjoy a free day in Chiang Mai to lounge by your hotel pool or explore the local galleries and shops, soaking up the beautiful temple architecture
- Travel to Chiang Rai in the northern highlands, surrounded by dense jungle, paddy fields and hill tribe villages
- Meet the tribespeople of Hloyo Village; try your hand at making local crafts and prepare a typical Akha meal
- Take a stroll around Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar where you’ll spot traditional hill tribe crafts for sale
- Take a samlor (three-wheeled rickshaw) ride through Chiang Rai, admiring the brass Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew temple
- Explore the temple of Wat Rong Khun with its unusual Kanok architecture and enjoy a traditional Thai lunch overlooking the Kok River
- Visit the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge, and the world-class Hall of Opium
- Embark on a languorous two-day boat trip down the Mekong, no WiFi or crowds to distract from the surrounding beauty
- Enter Laos, the Land of a Million Elephants, keeping an eye out for these gentle giants
- Stop off at the small village of Pakben; visit the local market and enjoy riverside drinks
- Continue by boat to Pak Ou Caves and climb the craggy cliffs to a cavern filled with thousands of Buddha statues
- Enjoy a delicious lunch on board before gliding into the ancient Unesco Heritage town of Luang Prabang
- Enjoy a free evening to explore the town’s French colonial buildings and spot monks in bright saffron robes
- Rise at dawn to witness the alms-giving ceremony, a sacred tradition where hundreds of monks walk barefoot through town
- Head to a community-run rice farm to learn how to plant sticky rice, plough the field with a water buffalo and enjoy a local lunch
- Take a dip in Kuang Si waterfall then finish your day with a private Baci ceremony hosted by the local community, followed by a special dinner
- Spend a free day in Luang Prabang, perhaps hiring a bicycle to explore the many temples
- Board a private boat for a sunset cruise along the Mekong, toasting your group with delicious fresh cocktails
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in a top riverside restaurant where you’ll taste some of Laos’ finest cuisine
- Say goodbye to your new Flash Pack friends as you make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
- An adventure to soothe the soul, you’ll return home feeling grateful for the chance to fully disconnect from the modern world – a tonic we all need
Our Favourite Hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Sanctuary Luang Prabang Resort
Nestled in tropical gardens, between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this central boutique hotel is built around three historic royal buildings. Rooms are large and airy with private terraces, plus there’s a sit-out terrace overlooking the lotus pond.
Sanctuary Pakbeng, Pakbeng
A boutique lodge on the banks of the Mekong in a remote part of Northern Laos. Kick back by the pool with its panoramic views and watch the coming and goings of river boats as traditional rural life unfolds around you.
Chiang Khong Teak Garden, Chiang Khong
In a prime position, right by the riverfront, this is Chiang Khong’s smartest hotel. Rooms feature a harmonious fusion of traditional Lanna and contemporary decor, plus there’s a riverside pool perfect for sundowners.
Important Notes
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Which airports do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Thailand, and out of Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) in Laos.
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What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Before 1 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be at 5 pm starting at the hotel, which is approximately 30 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. Your final hotel is approximately 15 minutes away from the airport.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 15 USD per day
- Driver: 4-5 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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What level of fitness do I need for this trip?
There are no particularly strenuous activities on this tour, so a moderate level of fitness is fine.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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What standard of accommodation should I expect?
Our accommodation at Pakbeng in Laos is basic and not up to Flash Pack’s usual standards – but options are limited in this remote region and we only stay there one night.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.
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