Your adventure kicks off in the Asian metropolis of Bangkok, Thailand. From soaring skyscrapers to ancient temples, vibrant markets and high-end malls, Bangkok is a city of many personalities.

You’ll meet your tour leader at the Stray Asia Bangkok Shop and depart for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya. We arrive here mid-morning allowing you plenty of time to explore the ‘Venice of the East’ by bike or boat. Ayutthaya is the former capital of the Siamese empire and was once a grandiose city, but many of the ancient monuments were ruined when it was attacked by an invading army. Nevertheless, it is still a fascinating historical park. This afternoon we board our overnight train and head for the city of Chiang Mai.

We arrive into Chiang Mai train station between 8:00 – 11:00am. Chiang Mai is a popular hopping off point for many travellers and an amazing city full of endless activity options – including cooking courses, bike tours or Thai kick boxing. There are over 300 Buddhist temples to explore, you can visit the old walled-city, the Tapae Gate, or pick up a bargain at the famous night market and check out the lively music scene.

Accommodation: Guesthouse located near the historic, old quarter USD $12-20
Optional paid activities: Muay Thai Boxing Stray Adventure, Northern Thai Stray Adventure, Thai cooking course, bike tour, Night Safari, trekking, kayaking, mountain biking.

This morning we depart Chiang Mai to cross the border into Laos. We’ll make a stop near Chiang Rai, and we’ll check out the famous and intriguing White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Wat Rong is a unique Buddhist Temple that features some curious statues and murals. The murals include images from Star Wars and The Matrix, you’ll find Freddie Kruger’s head hanging in the trees and a giant Predator emerging from the garden. From here we continue on to cross the border into Laos, taking a short tuk-tuk ride to the chilled out town of Houay Xai, our stop for the night.

Accommodation: Guesthouse with views across the Mekong River USD $20
Free Inclusions: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) visit.

Leaving Houay Xai you’ll board our private slow boat up the Mekong River to the secluded village of Ban Pak Nguey. Sit back and soak up this incredible journey as you wind your way through lush farmland, thriving jungle and rugged mountain scenery; drifting past water buffalo, locals fishing, and kids splashing in the shallows. We arrive in Ban Pak Nguey in the late afternoon. Here you will get a taste of traditional Lao village life by staying with a family in their home. Experience a Baci (welcoming) ceremony, swim in the river, visit the school and help the kids with an English lesson. Play a game of football with the kids, explore the local temple, go fishing and try the local whiskey. This is a true highlight of any trip to Southeast Asia and exclusive to Stray!

Accommodation: Village stay includes accommodation in an indigenous family home, traditional Baci Ceremony, dinner, breakfast, local activities and contribution to the village fund/project USD$17.

We wave goodbye to the village and jump back aboard our private boat to head downriver to the famous limestone Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou is an important pilgrimage site for Lao people, and here you will see thousands of Buddhist images that have been placed throughout the caves over hundreds of years. Jumping back on board our boat a short trip takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang has an old world feel that gives you the sense you’ve stepped back in time into a picturesque postcard setting. The fusion of French colonial architecture with traditional Lao design set against a backdrop of misty mountains and lush green jungle makes this a truly majestic place.

Accommodation: Guesthouse with fan or AC private rooms close to night market USD $12-40.
Free Inclusions: Pak Ou Caves entrance
Optional paid activities:  trekking, traditional cooking class, kayak the river.