Heroes of the Mekong

We ride through the picturesque bliss of a limestone karst landscape where roads begin to dissipate into the stunning mountain scenery. After a local lunch, an impressive mountainous road takes us to Vang Vieng, past the famous Tham Jang cave that was once used by local people as a hideout from Yunnanese invaders in early 19th century and over the river to Ban Huai Ngai. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast, we ride to the Capital of Laos, Vientiane. More spectacular views from above, take us to our lunch stop at Nam Ngum, the largest dam in Laos. We’ll visit the Patuxai Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”, Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple of the town still in its original form and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo on our route. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Before breakfast, very early in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to offer food to monks along street of Chiang Khans’ local market. After breakfast, we’ll ride along a twisty road to discover Khao Kho, “Thailand’s Little Switzerland”. On the way, we’ll visit Wat Pha Son Kaew, “the ceramic and celadon temple”. Khao Kho is a district over 1.000 meters above the sea level with a misty, 360° panoramic view and refreshing weather all year (18-25°C). Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

At the start of the days’ journey, we’ll visit Khao Kho Memorial Sacrifice Monument, the Weapons Museum and Khao Kho Temple. Between 1965 – 1984, this mountain area was the battle field of the Thai Communist Party and the Thai Royal Army. Then, we continue downhill, cruising to Chat Trakan Waterfall National Park and after lunch, we wind our way to Uttaradit and our relaxing accommodation near the river. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

From Uttaradit, it’s a highway cruise to Den Chai, where we visit a large reclining Buddha. Some more winding mountain roads take us to Lampang. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. We pass through national parks and farming areas, visit a local market and stop for refreshment, before heading back to Chiang Mai. A farewell dinner will be had to celebrate a wonderful journey and new friends. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

Check out by noon. You’ll be transferred to Chiang Mai International Airport to catch your flight to your onward destination. Should you wish to discover more of Thailand, we’ll be happy to help with further arrangements.