This 2-week itinerary combines a trip to Northern Thailand with neighboring country Laos. It’s a bit more adventurous than most of our other itineraries and you’ll be sleeping in a train, boat and mountain lodge. Both countries boast an incredible heritage as well as breathtaking architecture. Laos and Thailand also both offer a combination of charming villages and natural scenery. Get to know the people, the history and the culture of Southeast Asia through this itinerary from Thailand to Laos and back.
Bangkok (1 night)
The ideal starting point for your itinerary is in Bangkok, the largest city in Thailand as well as its capital. If you’re coming from outside of Southeast Asia, you’ll almost certainly arrive at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you’re dealing with jet lag when you arrive, then it might be the perfect time to explore the nightlife in Bangkok. Khao San Road is a fun place to sip a beer and mix with locals and expats alike, while Patpong is the more infamous nightlife center of the city.
A wonderful and affordable way to get from Thailand to Laos is by taking a sleeper train from Bangkok to Vientiane. The express #69 train leaves daily from Bangkok at about 8:30 each night, and it arrives the next morning at the border station of Nong Khai, on the banks of the Mekong River. You’ll go through immigration there, and then another train ride will take you to Laos via the Friendship Bridge. You can book a sleeper for the train to get a great night’s sleep while traveling all the way to Laos, and food and drinks are readily available from vendors on the train as well.
Vientiane (1 night)
As the capital of Laos, Vientiane is a remarkable city that definitely needs to be on your itinerary. The most popular tourist attraction in this city, also known as “the city of sandalwood,” is a Buddhist stupa, Pha That Luang, which dates back to 1586. Definitely make time to stroll through Buddha Park, just outside Vientiane which is home to countless concrete sculptures of Hindu gods and Buddhas, and check out the Lao National Museum to learn more about the country’s history and its people.
Vang Vieng (2 nights)
The destination of Vang Vieng is just three hours away from the Lao capital, but it can feel like a whole different world. Long associated with nightlife and backpackers, Vang Vieng has earned a solid reputation for outdoor adventure. Just some of the things you can do in the region include tubing along the river, kayaking, riding rented dirt bikes on twisting trails, rock climbing or even exploring caves. A top spot to visit is Blue Lagoon, or Tham Poukham, which is a spring-fed pool at the bottom of a cave accessible by a bamboo ladder. For breathtaking scenery and plenty of adrenaline, this is an amazing place to be in Laos.
Luang Prabang (3 nights)
Luang Prabang was once the capital of Laos, but today it is a city packed with historic attractions and colonial architecture. There is so much to do in Luang Prabang that it is absolutely worth three nights of your trip. Against a backdrop of verdant mountains, you can tour the former palace and national museum of Haw Kham, tour the old monastery called Vat Xieng Toung or tour the golden Vipassana Temple. You can also participate in or just spectate the daily alms ceremony, where local monks collect rice from locals as well as visitors from right on the streets at sunrise.
To travel back from Luang Prabang to Thailand try out the slow boat along the Mekong River. These boats take about 2 days, creating the perfect opportunity for you to admire the beautiful scenery and take stunning photographs. The journey begins in Luang Prabang and takes you to the border town of Huay Xai. Along the way, many slow boats stop for the night in the town of Pakbeng, where guesthouses are affordable and the food is phenomenal. On the slow boat, food and drinks are available, and seating can range from wooden benches to cushioned seats for maximum comfort.
After your slow boat journey, you’ll cross the border to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Since the destination is a popular stopover for travelers, it offers plenty of accommodation and restaurants. Chiang Khong is also home to a number of beautiful temples and interesting attractions. Some of the top temples to check out during your stay will include the Wat Sri Don Chai, Wat Hat Krai, Wat Prakeaw and the Wat Tung Duk, which is run exclusively by women.
Chiang Mai (3 nights)
Next, venture over to Chiang Mai, a major hub in the heart of Northern Thailand. Known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is an excellent blend of ancient history, when it served as the Lanna capital, and outdoor beauty. The main attraction for history enthusiasts will be the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, an incredible and iconic 14th century temple. Additional popular pastimes in Chiang Mai include bargain hunting at the Night Bazaar, seeing elephants in their natural habitats, watching Muay Thai boxing and visiting with the local hilltribes on a guided tour.
Bangkok (1 night)
Round out your trip back in Bangkok, the Thai capital. If you didn’t yet have the chance to visit the big attractions in the city, then aim to visit places like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. You could also explore the Dusit Palace or explore museums like the National Museum, the Museum of Siam and the King Prajadhipok Museum. To get to know the locals and get a true feel for culture, take a stroll through Lumphini Park, and then follow it up with a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River.
Whether you know it as the Pearl of the Orient or the Gem of the East, there is no question that the Philippines is an underrated and exciting destination. The country itself is an archipelago, and it boasts more than 7,000 islands. Start your 2 weeks in the Philippines on the main island of Luzon, exploring the capital city of Manila and the surrounding attractions, but don’t forget to head out to some of the lesser-known islands as well. From beautiful beaches to bustling cities, the Philippines has it all in one amazing package.
Manila (3 nights)
The heart of the Philippines, and the best place to start your trip, is in the capital of Manila. As one of the most densely populated cities in the world, visiting Manila is an incredible experience where you’ll constantly be surrounded by new sights, sounds and smells. If this is your first time in Manila, you’ll want to check out the major landmarks, which might include the Bonifacio Shrine, the old walled Spanish settlement called Intramuros, the neoclassical architecture of the early 20th century Manila Central Post Office or the historic University of Santo Tomás.
Taal Volcano (day trip from Manila)
Although there is no end to the number of things you can do, see and explore within Manila, you might want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a more rural, relaxing day trip. Taal volcano is just two hours away from Manila, making it a convenient day trip. The active volcano is a popular place for outdoor recreation, and most of the trails and vantage points are only accessible via a 30-minute boat ride across the beautiful but sulfuric Taal Lake. Once you’ve arrived, you can ride on horseback or set off on a hike to explore the trails and the unforgettable views.
Baguio (1 night)
The city of Baguio is known to locals as the summer capital of the Philippines, which has to do with its slightly cooler climate and mountainous location. It looks and feels quite different to much of the Philippines, and large pine trees provide shade and lush greenery. You’ll definitely want to check out Camp John Hay, which served as a retreat for American military personnel in World War II and is now a country club, golf course and resort. Baguio also offers the chance to pick strawberries from local farms, stroll around the scenic Burnham Park or relax completely in one of the many spas found throughout the city.
Sagada (2 nights)
Another mountain town worth visiting during your 2 weeks in the Philippines is Sagada. Outdoor activities are the primary reason to visit, and caving in particular is a major draw. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a guided tour to the Sumaguing Cave or the Burial Cave. In these caves, you’ll come across what is known as the hanging coffins. Like the name suggests, this tradition is one where coffins are hung horizontally from the face of cliffs, creating an unusual sight you’ll have to see to believe. In Sagada, you can also check out the beautiful Big Falls, try rock climbing in Echo Valley or set off on a guided white-water rafting adventure.
Banaue (1 night)
In the Philippines, Banaue is sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World. The town is located in the Cordillera Mountain, and its main attractions include the amazing rice terraces. The Ifugao people, a mountain tribe from the area, are responsible for the creation of these incredible stepped terraces where rice has been grown for more than 2,000 years. If you’re visiting Banaue, join a guided tour to learn as much as possible about the rice terraces and their history, and then check out other attractions like the Museum of Cordilleran Sculpture and the Banaue Market, where local vendors sell everything from wooden sculptures to fresh fruit.
Batad (1 night)
Just a few miles from Banaue but only accessible by foot is the village of Batad. Visiting Batad gives you another vantage point to admire incredible rice terraces, as the village is actually at the bottom of the valley itself. Walk through the rice terrace trails, which are wide enough for a single person, or hike to the Saddle for amazing views and a top picture-taking spot. Batad is also home to the Tappiyah Waterfalls, which stand at more than 70 feet high and are a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike. If you want to take home a souvenir from Batad, consider a bottle of local rice wine or a Ifugao weaving that is made by hand right in the village.
Manila (1 night)
Make your way back to Manila for another night, and dive deeper into the city’s attractions. If you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the National Museum of the Philippines, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila or the interactive Museo Pambata. You might also want to spot animals at the Manila Zoo or take a stroll through the scenic Rizal Park. Manila is an exciting culinary destination, so foodies should make time for the Pamatid Gutom, or street food. There are also plenty of gigantic malls and bustling markets to go shopping.
Boracay (4 nights)
After the thrill and rush of Manila, nothing could be better than a quick plane ride to Boracay. Home to some of the best beaches on the planet, Boracay is a popular vacation spot for travelers from around the world. This tropical island boasts several incredible beaches, the best of which include White Beach, Puka Beach and Baling Hai Beach. If you enjoy being active in the great outdoors, you’ll have the chance to swim, scuba dive, kiteboard, fish or even go horseback riding. Of course, you also have the option of kicking back, soaking up the sun, indulging in a private massage right on the sand or staying up until dawn thanks to the late-night bars, lounges and clubs on the island.
flickr/jmbaud74
flickr/Sebastian Ilari
flickr/Gregor Dodson
