Arrivals to Chiang Mai International Airport, Thailand 

NOTE we will collect you from the airport whatever time you arrive - day or night.

Our hotel is in the Old City so it easy to walk out and explore any of the hundreds of magnificent Temples in town.

We'll be collected in the morning to drive out of town to visit an indigo studio, learn recipes and experience the magic of indigo.

This studio grows their own indigo, harvests it, creates vats and transforms cloth to a magical blue. They hold workshops and train local people in this sustainable practice.

We'll be back in the afternoon in time to drop by the beautiful Kalm Village. It is an Art, Craft and Culture Center in the heart of Chiang Mai Old Town. 

Welcome Dinner in the evening, let's celebrate our coming  journey.

B,L,D

We are heading to the Loas Border via Chiang Rai today.

Along the way there are some amazing hots springs, an ethnic village and the beautiful White Temple  and Black House of Chiang Rai.

The White Temple is a Buddhist Temple created by master Chalermchai Kositpipat, the national artist who designed, constructed, and opened it to visitors in 1997. 

Baan Dam Museum or The Black House is a private art museum comprising a mixture of traditional northern Thai buildings with unconventional and contemporary architecture, designed by Thawan Duchanee. It is an amazing space to visit.

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Cross the border into Laos this morning, it is easy with our guide to help us along and then onto the Slow Boat.

Comfy seats, endless tea and snacks, a delicious lunch cooked by the Captain's wife and we slowly follow the river down the country.

We'll stop to explore a Khmer village and late afternoon will find us in Pac Ben and a comfortable hotel for the night.

Lots of glorious sunsets spots to enjoy a sundowner and a peaceful nights sleep.

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An early start, it is crisp on the river. Bring a warm jacket and watch the day unfold.

We spotted an elephant bathing in 2025 - will we be lucky again?

We'll visit the beautiful Pak Ou Caves, revered for the ancient caves containing 100's of Buddhas and a craft village full of fine weaving and famous for its fruit wine and local whiskey.

Onto Luang Prabang, after settling into to our hotel we can explore the Night Market and find somewhere nice for dinner.

B,L

We are catching the high speed train north today and being picked up with our air-conditioned mini-van to head up north into an area that is home to many ethnic groups.

We'll take time to check out some villages along the way and arrive at our hotel. Traditional inspired buildings with modern bathrooms and a lovely garden, an inviting place to stay.

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Today is a village bonanza, so many ethnic groups live in the valley and surrounding hills and we are out to explore.

We are visiting Mrs Bounmi to start our day - her tribe love to decorate their costumes with shiny disks, beads and seeds. We will be her students and make a braclet sititng with her and some of her friends in the village. Fun and games with dynamic women.

There are a number of villages to explore, each with distinctive traditions and a home cooked meal for lunch. Papermaking and handloom cotton fabric to keep an eye out for too.

B,L,D

Heading back down the valley we will visit an Akha Village and Mrs On.

She embroiders homewares for a shop in Luang Prabang, we will join her and her family to stitch together, learn about their cultural practices and dress, and talk indigo vats.

We are invited to lunch with her as well - it is a real treat to hang out in their village.

In the evening there is a great night market - fun to hang out watch locals and have dinner.

B,L

Today is not a long day driving but you will meet a few bumpy roads.

Keep in mind tonight's abode is a paradise and we will be there soon.

Gorgeous countryside, the butterfly trees will be in blossom scattered through the bamboo covered hill sides.

B,L

Continuing on south we will visit Mrs Sangkam and her indigo studio.

She has the most amazing indigo vats I have experienced and is happy to share her methods with us.

She and her daughter specialise in natural dyes and weaving. 

She will have a beautiful hand woven scarf for each of us to dye in her vats.

We will have lunch with her family before we head onto our night's riverside accomodation.

B,L

An easy start to the day and then we will head over to the pier to catch another slow boat up river to explore a weaving village and later on the way back stop for lunch and a look around at a village that can only be reached via the river or 4 wheel drive.

Peaceful cruising on our comfortable river boats.

You'll appreciate the warm jacket when we start out, this morning.

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Back to Luang Prabang and time to soak up this beautiful town.

On the way we will visit a village known for its  mulberry papermaking, woodwork and weaving.

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Early in the morning, at sunrise take a walk around the corner to see the monks on their daily round to receive alms.

We are visit a group of sisters to make a small piece of beautiful katu weaving. It has a remarkable texture from including beads into the work.

Lunch is at a spectaular restaurant and then a slow walk up the Kuang Si Falls. Bring your swimmers if you would like a dip.

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A local studio and Hmong Batik and indigo today. It is interesting to see so many ways of making pattern on cloth and getting a deep blue colour, always fascinating.

This evening let's celebrate our travels at a wonderful local restauarnt that specialisizes in Laos flavours and indigenous products - it is a real treat to enjoy their food.

B,D

Departures from Luang Prabang International Airport, Laos.

We'll drop you to your flight any time night or day.

Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport, think off boats and up riverbanks and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

• bug spray
•  a warm jacket for mornings on the boat - days are warm after that.

Please check your suitcase size 😁

Transport is very comfortable minivans 

but suitcase space is limited.

Start planning your suitcase- get your tape measure out!

Medium Suitcase Typical Size: Between 60-70cm (H) x 40-50cm (W) x 25-30cm (D)  Translates to 24-28" (H) x 16-20" (W) x 10-12" (D).  

PLUS your backpack/day pack

TIP - bring a foldable/soft bag for shopping - I am sure we will all want to help the local economy- a bag you can put a lock on and use to transport your treasures home fits in better than a giant suitcase.

Etiquette

• Be mindful of people’s privacy when taking photos

• Taking photos of people – how would you feel with a camera in your face?

• Many people enjoy a selfie – say hello, ask for a group selfie, show them, then ask for a portrait – works a charm

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

• Monks – do not disturb them during rituals

• Monks generally do not interact with women – please be respectful of this boundary

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Workshops

Stitch

• Needles and basics supplied, though your own needles can be easier on your hands

• Our hosts love seeing sewing kits and anything you’ve made – embroideries especially

Art / Journal / Sketch

• Your tutor will provide a suggested travelling kit before departure

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Food

• Flavours and style differ slightly, but ingredients are familiar

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• Vietnam: fresh, from-scratch cooking, easy to see what you’re eating

• Vegetarian: possible, though fish sauce is widely used

• Laos: less tofu, more vegetables, fish sauce common

• Vegan: similar challenges

• Onion/garlic-free: difficult

• Wheat and/or dairy-free: manageable in Vietnam

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Health

• Drink only filtered or bottled water – never tap, even for brushing teeth

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads available, tampons harder to find

• Bring insect repellent

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs are widely available

• Cash – useful backup, exchange rates vary (ask hotel front desk)

• Credit cards – limited use, fees may apply

• KNOW YOUR CARD PIN – tap not used

Currency

• Vietnamese Dong

• Laotian Kip

• Thai Baht

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – and it supports the local economy

• Bargaining is common in markets – prices are negotiable

• NGOs and social enterprises usually have fixed prices

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage on the bus

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

• Buying luggage on the road is not easy

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Weather

• Warm days, cooler mornings and evenings

• Light rain possible – bring an umbrella or light rain jacket

• Laos: early mornings on the boat can be cold – bring a warm layer

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Power

• 240 volts

• European 2-prong adaptor works most often

Officially Thailand 

Plug Types Used: Type A (two flat pins), Type B (two flat pins + ground), Type C (two round pins), and Type O (three round pins).

Best Adapter: A universal travel adapter that covers these types is ideal.

Officially Laos

240 Volt 

and a mix of plugs - bring a universal adaptor

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient

• Modesty: skirts/trousers mid-calf or longer, tops not too revealing

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – stability matters

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off the minibus

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps and uneven ground

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A few coins for elderly or disabled people is appropriate

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Tipping

• Customary – carry small change

• Small services (bags, tea, laundry) – small tips appreciated

• Guides, performers, photos – tip as you feel appropriate

• Set something aside for our translator and driver

• Rough guide: the equivalent of a coffee per day, per person

• A group collection at the end works well

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Environment

• Be mindful – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag