Off-Grid in Thailand and Laos

You’ve arrived in Chiang Mai, the laid-back antithesis to (beautifully) manic Bangkok. Here you’ll never be too far from lush forests and cascading waterfalls, whilst an ancient centre boasts quaint markets and impressive monasteries. Having been transferred from the airport to your boutique hotel close to Chiang Mai’s ancient heart, you’ll have the chance to meet your fellow travellers over a welcome drink before heading out on your first adventure: an immersive street food tour. Wandering through the South Gate of the old city, you’ll make your way to the traditional street food market that opens every evening. Here, with your local Pack Leader to guide you, you’ll sample numerous local Thai delicacies, from fish ball soup and Thai sweets to (plenty of) rice whisky. Oh, and let’s not forget the edible insects. Anyone? 

Today is a true highlight. This morning you’ll head off into the countryside on a guided tuk tuk expedition. You’ll venture down rural roads to Wat Doi Sapanyoo temple, with its huge Buddhas and ornate pagoda. You’ll travel in convoy past rice fields and friendly farmers, stopping for a picnic lunch at a small waterfall surrounded by pristine forest. And you’ll even have the chance to try driving the tuk tuk yourself. The icing on the cake? After lunch, you’ll swap your vehicle for a bamboo raft and float gently downstream through the Mae Wang Valley. Back in Chiang Mai the immersive adventures continue as you visit Wat Suan Dok to meet with one of the temple’s resident Thai Buddhist monks and enjoy a private guided meditation. This is the South East Asia you dreamt of.

Thailand’s cultural heartland is home to a carefree community of artists and digital nomads, drawn by its beautiful old architecture and an easy-going lifestyle. It’s an easy-going lifestyle we encourage you to embrace on this free day in Chiang Mai. After your mountain adventures yesterday, you might want to simply sprawl by your hotel pool, or pop into town for its galleries and shops. Your Pack Leader will be on hand to guide you towards the very best eats, historic sites and markets. In the evening, take a stroll around the thriving Night Bazaar, home to artisan crafts and some exotic flavours.

Today you’ll travel northeast through forested peaks to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai’s charming “little sister” city. Tucked away in the Northern Thai highlands, it’s surrounded by dense jungle, paddy fields and hill tribe villages built from bamboo and banana leaves. You’ll spend a very special afternoon visiting Hloyo Village, where you’ll meet the tribespeople and learn about their beliefs and traditional way of life in harmony with nature. You’ll visit the hand-built homes, meet local artisans and try your hand at crafting, before preparing a typical Akha meal using techniques passed down through the generations. Later, you’ll take a stroll around Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar, where you’ll recognise hill tribe crafts for sale.

Your day starts with a samlor (three-wheeled rickshaw) ride to explore Chiang Rai’s quiet streets. Travelling at a slower pace, you’ll be able to soak up the sights and sounds. After visiting the landmark gold monument to King Mengrai – founder of the city – you’ll continue by samlor to Wat Phra Kaew temple, with its beautiful brass Buddha, and the fascinating Hilltribe Museum for its colourful ethnic displays. Next, you’ll travel by road to the Disney-like temple of Wat Rong Khun with its unusual kanok architecture, covered in white glass. After a traditional Thai lunch overlooking the Kok River, it’s back on the road to journey to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge. You’ll visit the world-class Hall of Opium museum to learn about the opium trade, before a relaxed evening at your hotel overlooking Laos.

Today you cross the border and embark on a languorous two-day boat trip down the Mekong, stopping off at a village overnight. Forget WiFi or crowds, and lose yourself to the gentle put-put of the slow boat, as you drink in the beautiful Laotian terrain. You’ll pass mountain gorges, tropical forest and sandbanks lined by narrow fishing vessels in the Land of a Million Elephants (you may even spot one of these wonderful creatures, too). Make the most of the solitude to get stuck into a book and unwind. You may also want to take part in our simple cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to make some basic Lao dishes. In the evening, you’ll dock at the small village of Pakbeng, where the Mekong and Beng rivers meet. There’ll be time to visit the local market and enjoy drinks by the river, before dinner at your hotel.

Today it’s back to the serenity of the river with a few more hours more boating on the Mekong. You’ll stop en route at Pak Ou, to explore the magnificent Tam Ting caves. Accessed by a rambling white staircase cut into craggy limestone cliffs, they sit high above the river, and are filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Back on-board, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before gliding into the ancient town of Luang Prabang. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former royal capital is all about the charm. Expect French colonial buildings framed by pink bougainvillea trees, and monks in bright saffron robes strolling between gilded temples. Take a gentle amble around town and make like the locals with a friendly game of petanque. For dinner tonight, we recommend tucking into a traditional Lao BBQ, where you can grill your own meat over sizzling coal-filled blocks.

A day of exploring beckons, and you’ll be up at sunrise to witness the alms-giving ceremony, a sacred tradition in Buddhist culture. It’s an extraordinary sight to see hundreds of barefoot monks walk in silence, meditating as they collect their daily alms from devotees across the city. After this, you’ll head to a community-run rice farm to spend a few hands-on hours learning how to plant and grow sticky rice, the ubiquitous dish of Laos. If you’re not averse to getting grubby, you can even try ploughing the rice paddies with a mud-loving water buffalo (be sure to bring a change of clothes). After a rice-based lunch (naturally), your group will transfer to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall for a refreshing dip. Finish the day with a private Baci ceremony hosted by the local community, followed by a special dinner washed down with a round of Beerlao.

A free day stretches ahead today and the delights of Luang Prabang beckon. Start with a lazy cappuccino at your hotel, before hiring bikes to pedal around this supremely pretty town. Stop to pick up some rice lollipops from the morning market, or order a fresh lychee juice from one of the cafés down by the river. Love temples? Check out the ornate Wat Mai palace, and the 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong with its famous ‘tree of life’ mosaic. Or climb the 355 steps up Mount Phousi, for 360-degree views of the town. Late afternoon, there’s a final treat in store with a sunset cruise along the Mekong. You’ll board a private boat and toast your fellow Flashpackers with delicious fresh cocktails as you drift into the fading sun. Your farewell dinner is in a top riverside restaurant where you’ll taste some of Laos’ finest cuisine – the perfect end to your Flash Pack adventure.

Flashpackers, it’s time to say goodbye. Your guide can help you to arrange your transfer to the airport. If this has sparked a love for Southeast Asia, why not look to Vietnam and Cambodia?