The Phou-Northern Thailand and Laos by Stray Limited

Tour Itinerary

The Phou Pass Itinerary

Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong

Enjoy a free morning in Chiang Mai to do another activity, sleep in or get a local massage. We then jump in a mini-van to drive to the border town of Chiang Khong stopping along the way to visit the most magnificent and unique White Temple (you can hop off in Chiang Rai) and continuing onto Chiang Khong where we enjoy our last night in Thailand looking over the Mekong River to Laos.

Chiang Khong to Luang Namtha

Today involves two types of transport, the first is a short boat trip across the Mekong in the morning and after clearing customs you get the first sight of your mighty orange Stray bus. We take the very scenic journey through Bokeo province (dropping you off at the Gibbon Experience office if you have booked it) and into the Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) in Luang Namtha province. The views are amazing so we stop quite often for photos. Luang Namtha is one of the best places for trekking in Laos (you should seriously consider breaking your journey here) and the night market is the first great place to sample the local cuisine.

Luang Namtha to Nong Khiaw

We depart Luang Namtha in the morning and head through Oudomxai (a great destination to get off and explore the far northern reaches of Laos in Phongsali Province for some extremely remote trekking and home stays). Once in Nong Khiaw, a short walk down the road from where we stay is a huge limestone cliff and the amazing Phathok Cave where some communist loyalists lived during the 'secret' bombing of Laos in the 1960's.

Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang

Sit back and relax today as we settle into a slow boat at and take a picturesque ride down the Ou and Mekong Rivers. Arriving at Luang Prabang by river is a beautiful sight as the peachy amber sun dips below the horizon.

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

An early departure after a dawn wake up to catch the monks' alms ceremony, morning markets and bakery; travelling through steep terrain we arrive in Vang Vieng in time for those inclined to spend the afternoon and evening tubing and partying. If you're not interested in tubing there are many other options such as cycling, motor biking, kayaking, rock climbing, resting and even watching re-runs of The Simpsons, Friends and The Family Guy on TV (you'll see what we mean)!

Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Today we cruise straight through to Vientiane - Laos' capital for the last 450 years. Once here we take you on a tour of the city's main attractions, Patuxai, Pha That Luang, That Dam and the Presidential Palace (all of which you can visit again in your own time later if you want). You could even try and track down some locals for a game of Petanque (a French legacy and national sport).