Nature & Culture for Teens

📍 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Anantara Riverside Bangkok (43.7 km): 49 min

Arrive in Bangkok, meet with EXO Travel guide and transfer to hotel to check in. 

This evening, it is time to explore the famous Chinatown of Bangkok, the neighborhood internationally renowned for the city’s longest street food, and definitely there is no any way to explore the area’s secrets other than by foot. So getting on this tour, you will be taken to the starting point of the walk at MRT Hua Lamphong Railway Station to explore the backstreets as well as discover the bright lights and energy of Chinatown’s electric Yaowarat Street. Here, you will be introduced to the history of the area and some of the area’s favorite street food artisans. Grab some bites of various kinds of food, from famous Chinese dumplings, peppered pork noodles, Chinese donuts, and so on. Also, enjoy sweet Chinese desserts and visit a tea shop house. Once the tour ends, you will then have learned why Chinatown has some of Bangkok’s best kept secrets! 

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning, jump on this fun half day trip hunting through Bangkok’s historical sites and neighbourhoods, enjoy fun missions, discover clues, and meet friendly locals. On arrival at the meeting point of Loha Prasart in the Rattanakosin area, meet with the local guide who will give a brief explanation about the task for this fun half-day hunt and then split into teams. Be handed a treasure hunt guide booklet containing how to play, general dos and don’ts rules, and important information about the direction in the area to follow. 

After understanding all the rules, start the walk through historical sites, from the Golden Mountain to a local community Ban Batra and the neighbourhoods. Follow the first mission, search for mysterious objects, and receive an object for cracking codes to continue for the next missions. Along the way, it is a great chance to freely interact with locals while tasting some snacks! 

The final mission ends at a local printing house and café to discover who is the winner. Celebrate the victory with a cool refreshment before continuing on the afternoon tour. 

Hop on an e-tuk tuk through the Bangkok’s old town and visit Thailand’s number landmarks, Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Spend some time exploring these two remarkable sites at a time of day which should be less crowded than the morning. Learn about the country’s regal history and of the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of its people.

Return to the hotel by private van. 

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Anantara Riverside Bangkok - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (43.7 km): 49 min Chiang Mai Airport – Yaang Come Village (2.7 km): 10 min

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. 

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel. 

This afternoon, after your own lunch, jump on an afternoon adventure tour to Doi Suthep. Start hiking through the monk’s trail for about 30 minutes till Wat Phalad, one of Chiang Mai’s least visited temples. Take a break to walk around this breathtaking and mysterious looking temple so beautifully hidden in the jungle. 

Continue by private van up to Wat Phrat That Doi Suthep. Admire the beauty of golden chedi and reward yourself with the best views over Chiang Mai city while your guides explain about this religion.  

Return to the hotel by private van. 

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

This morning, take a good breakfast before being picked up at 08:00 from the hotel for an adventurous day ahead! 

Head towards Sri Lanna National Park and be woken up with a fun climb up the famous ‘sticky waterfalls’. For the more adventurous, walk up to the source of the falls and be amazed by the seven coloured natural spring!

After this refreshing experience, jump on the bikes and cycle through paved roads away from the falls and observe how the scenery changes from lush nature to open landscapes of plantations. Ride pass a variety of different fruit orchards interchanging with views of wide rice paddies. Feel free to stop at any time for a photo and simply enjoy the surroundings of the area. 

Arrive at Mae Ngat Dam Reservoir and end the bike ride. Then, hop into the long-tail boat for a fresh 20-minute breeze of a ride over the wonderful, green surrounding reservoir. Stop at a floating raft house for lunch and relaxation. Feel free to swim around the raft house or follow the Adventure guide while kayaking over the lake. There is also an option to simply relax and enjoy the peaceful area. 

Later in the afternoon take the boat back to the shore, pack the gear and head back towards the hotel in Chiang Mai after this fulfilling day outdoors.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Yaang Come Village – Ahsa Farm Stay (228 km): 3.46 hrs

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and ready for a trip out to Chiang Rai. 

Before departing Chiang Mai, take in a cultural interaction with local people and enjoy a handicraft workshop at a local community at Tha Sala District. 

Jump on a private electric tuk tuk, heading straight to a local community called “Tha Sala” (literally translated as the Pavilion Pier; however, in reality it is nothing related to the pier.). After a short ride, the e-tuk tuk finally comes to a halt at the first stop, right in front of “Wat Buak Krok Luang”, a lesser-known ancient temple, only known to most locals in the area. As beautiful as it looks, the mural paintings are the highlights, and here you should take a closer look to hunt for ‘Dalmatian’ horses from the old times. Also, you may see the paper flags and lanterns hanging around the entrance of the temple hall. 

Hop back in the e-tuk tuk and continue to the second stop where you will be warmly greeted by a “7 Saonoi” group. Interestingly with the group name, “Saonoi” is literally translated as a young lady, but this group is unique as they all are over 70-year old who seem to be young at heart. Now, join them in demonstrating how to make some paper lanterns, observing the whole making process from the beginning till the end. Note that this is not a set-up shop, but it is their actual work station. Following this, move onto the next stop, “Wat Don Chan”, another interesting temple, popularly known only to locals as well. Hidden in the temple ground, a Lantern and Tung workshop is here at the corner, opening to the public for both local and foreign visitors alike. Learn how to create your own work through all delicate techniques while interacting with locals (sometimes young students) who will teach you this and that, here and there, etc. After the 1.30-hour workshop, leave your name on it and hang it on the trees. 

After the workshop, take part in a private blessing with a monk at the temple for good wishes in return. 

Finally, depart for Chiang Rai, approximately 3-hour drive. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, make a stop at the White Temple and admire all beautiful kanok architecture. 

Overnight in Chiang Rai (Ahsa Farm Stay)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Fuel up for a day of adventure at Ahsa Farm Stay. After breakfast, immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the morning market and a humbling experience offering alms to the monks. Embrace your inner farmer by learning rice cultivation, tapping rubber trees, and even meeting the resident buffaloes. 

In the afternoon, choose between a thrilling jungle trek followed by a delightful bamboo BBQ, or unwind with a relaxing Thai massage overlooking serene rice paddies. Ahsa Farm Stay provides lunch and dinner, so you can focus entirely on enjoying your experience.

Lunch and dinner served at the accommodation. 

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Ahsa Farm Stay – Chiang Khong Border (108 km): 2 hrs Huay Xay – Pakbeng by boat (150 km): 6 hrs

Early breakfast this morning or take away the breakfast box. Depart Chiang Rai for Chiang Khong Border, about an hour and a half, before boarding the boat to Laos around 8.00 am.

Start the private cruise experience at the border of Chiang Khong (Thailand), passing through immigration and crossing the bridge to Lao immigration. A shuttle bus provides service across for 30 THB. 
Note: Please bring 2 passport photos per person and cash in USD for the Lao visa on arrival.

Be met by a representative who will be waiting in the Lao immigration side to assist with all VIP visa formalities. Afterwards, exit Laos immigration and meet the driver for transfer to the pier aboard a private traditional long tail boat. (land distance - approximately 9km). Lunch is served onboard. 

Begin the scenic boat journey to Pakbeng along the majestic Mekong River, offering breathtaking views from a unique vantage point of the river. A stop will be made to visit a local hill tribe village, where a stroll around the village will provide a first-hand look at the traditional rural life of these people. A delicious lunch is served on board.

Arrive in Pakbeng in the evening. Halfway between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, Pakbeng is an ideal stop for slow boats on their way to Luang Prabang. The town is built with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside and has a peaceful atmosphere. Relax and watch the sunset along the Mekong.

Dinner is included at the hotel.

Overnight in Pakbeng

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

A fun filled day awaits today at the Mekong Elephant Park (MEP), a sanctuary for Asian elephants that aims to protect and preserve these endangered animals. The park offers visitors the opportunity to interact with the elephants and learn about their natural habitats and behaviours. The MEP is the perfect destination for those interested in learning about and supporting the conservation of elephants in Laos.
 
Start the half day tour by crossing the mighty Mekong on a longtail boat to reach the opposite shore, now facing the village of Pakbeng. Begin your day with an elephant encounter in the forest. Walk off along the guided trails to meet the elephants in their natural environment.  Get the chance to get up close and personal with these majestic animals while walking with them through the lush greenery, observing their movements and interactions. 
 
After the walk, watch the elephants as they enjoy their daily bath. You'll see first hand how they cool off and clean themselves in the river. It's a truly magical experience!
Next, watch the animals as they go through their daily vet routine. See the care and attention that the park's staff gives to these gentle giants, ensuring that they are healthy and happy. This is an important time between the mahouts and elephants, where your host will explain the different processes of positive reinforcement training.
 
Finally, end the tour by giving the elephants some special treats. Get the chance to feed them fruits and vegetables as a special reward for their hard work. Once done, walk up to the park’s restaurant area for a local lunch in a charming traditional home inspired area before your host takes you back to the other side of the Mekong and to your hotel. Dinner is provided in the hotel.

Overnight in Pakbeng

Notes: 
The MEP (Mekong Elephant Park) is certified by ACES (Asian Captive Elephant Standards). They are actively involved in several conservation and education initiatives, including working with local communities to promote responsible elephant tourism and raising awareness about the importance of elephant conservation.

What To Expect: This is a soft level hike. As there is part of the tour that takes you behind the scenes to go meet the elephants in the forest, you will be facing some narrow trails, irregular terrain and parts uphill which can get slippery. Do not forget to protect yourself from mosquitoes and wear long trousers for protection.

What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, backpack, insect spray, comfortable clothes, refillable water bottle. 

This experience is on a join-in basis, with a maximum of 12 pax. For a more exclusive and fully privatised experience, please contact your travel consultant.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Pakbeng to Luang Prabang by boat (160 km) approx. 7 hrs

Depart around 0830 back on board the private long tail boat to continue the cruise to Luang Prabang. While cruising along the Mekong, stop at Ban Baw village to observe the processing of traditional rice alcohol, called lao lao. Reboard the boat to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
 
Before reaching Luang Prabang, the captain of the boat will stop at the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred cave containing thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues crammed into two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. The statues range in size from a few centimetres tall to the size of a human, and the views from the mouth of the cave provide sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. 
 
After a final 2-hour cruise from the caves, reach Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
 
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

With quiet streets and a host of sights within a mile or so of each other, Luang Prabang is ideal to explore by bike.  Hop on two wheels and set off on this half day cycling tour of Luang Prabang! The city’s flat, quiet streets are ideal for cycling and the relatively compact city can easily be explored in just a half day. Start your tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, then continue to visit some of the town’s many beautiful temples. Your tour will end with a cycle along the banks of the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. The total cycling distance is approximately 5km.
 
The afternoon is free at leisure, or choose the optional activities below:

Kick off the evening at 5pm (depending on sunset time) at a local restaurant along the Mekong for sunset. The simply named Sunset Restaurant is famous for the "Obama Coconut" as this is where the former President of the US came for an unpredicted refreshment during his last visit! You will be served a selection of the owners' favorite local snacks while sipping your fresh coconut. Next, take your tuktuk or walk (500m) to the bustling night market food stalls. Here both locals and travellers come for a cheap, bountiful and savoury meal. Sit in a reserved stall and try the grilled chicken with a papaya salad.

As we continue our diversified foodie tour through town, walk down along the night market (or take your tuktuk) to the Tangor, a trendy restaurant known for its Indochinese inspired decor and cuisine. Here, dive into your main dish; either the Red Duck Curry or the Fish Ceviche accompanied with a drink of your choice.  

Giving the feeling of a 20's speakeasy, settle in the cozy room, at the bar or outdoors to enjoy a refreshing drink and chocolate mousse - we promise, no chilli in the mousse! From here, you can be dropped off at the night market to be at leisure or you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Tour ends at about 9-9.30pm.

Note: 
- Most local cuisine is traditionally spicy and hot, please inform your guide on a scale of 1- 10 how much chilly you can handle and he/she will arrange accordingly.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Optional Activity 1: Half Day Bamboo Weaving at Ock Pop Tok
Time: 13:00 – 16:00

Join a master bamboo weaver and learn about the many uses of bamboo in Laos in this interactive workshop where one can delve deeper into the ancient craft of bamboo weaving. Get the chance to make your very own souvenir as you learn essential technique for creating beautiful and functional objects using bamboo.

Optional Activity 2: Love Lao Language
Time: 1 hour Lao language lesson with Mr Siphai

Learn the basics of the Lao language with this Join-In Tour. Discover the intricacies of this tonal language spoken by the ethnic Lao people, serving as a lingua franca in Laos. Meet Mr. Siphai, the guide, at the Saffron Café along the Mekong and delve into essential words and phrases. This interactive experience is both educational and enjoyable, providing insights into Lao's tones and wordings. Take home notes and a language textbook to continue your learning journey even after your stay. Kop chai, thank you.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Today, it is time to experience the natural beauty of the region. Drive through the countryside outside Luang Praband to Kuang Si waterfall, a cascading series of pools in the forest. Relax alongside the clear blue waters or opt for an active trek to the top of the falls. 
 
Afterwards, Meet with a Free the Bears team member and get an insightful presentation on the Sanctuary.

Start a behind-the-scenes tour where only keepers go and meet the whole family of bears, from the oldies to newcomers. Listen to their stories, learn about their unique characters and how the sanctuary takes care of them on a daily basis. Tour areas normally only accessible by staff. With the keepers’ help, make educational food traps for the bears. The mix consists of dried fruits and husks. Learn how to make one of these ‘treat balls’ or tubes and feed the bears with this nutritional snack. Observe how these intelligent animals know how to open the lids of these snacks.
 
When booking this tour, a NET donation of 100 USD per group for 1-6 pax and an extra 15 USD per pax onwards is directly given to Free the Bears. In exchange, receive a certificate of the donation! Buying an accessory at their Souvenir shop also helps Free The Bears in maintaining the center, paying for keepers, food, medicine and in the prevention of poaching by sponsoring local rangers in sensitive National Parks, the bears’ natural habitats.
 
Say goodbye to the team and bears, go for a swim and enjoy lunch at Carpe Diem in a beautiful tropical setting.
 
Return to Luang Prabang and head to The Namkhan, where a couple of days of luxury glamping awaits. Take some time to unwind in this conveniently nearby and exotic destination. Here, you have it all: activities A-La Carte, including watersports, yoga, pilates, and more. The property boasts a self-sufficient organic garden for a complete Farm-to-Table experience.
 
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Note: Must check out of the Luang Prabang hotel in the morning. After the half-day activity at Kuang Si, the guide and driver will accompany clients to the next accommodation at The Namkhan

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Through a half day tour at the farm, learn about farming and permaculture systems at The Namkhan. Some examples about the sustainable systems used is the “chicken tractor” or the “Block Soldier Fly Larvae cleaners”. At the Namkhan project they are working towards sustainability by training locals, international students and volunteers to the practices of integrated farming and permaculture design.

After visiting the entire farm, collect the vegetables and fruits available based on seasonality and your desired dish. Head back to the kitchen, where a local chef will help you cook local, simple and homey dishes. It doesn’t get any fresher than this! For dessert, have a try at The Namkhan Project’s jams and dried fruits. Once you are full, enjoy the forest pool and the view along the Nam Khan river.

In the evening, receive wishes of good luck in a traditional Baci ceremony. Connect to the spiritual side of Lao culture, fusing Buddhist and animist beliefs, the Baci ceremony is one of the most revered traditions in Laos. Receive blessings of good luck and good will in this memorable, cultural encounter. After the chanting, cotton bracelets will be tied around everyone’s wrists with special, individual blessings being offered. Feel the deep spirituality and genuine nature of the Lao people as they solemnly knot the bracelets. 
 
End the day having been blessed with good karma and reflect on the rich culture of Laos.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 The Namkhan - Luang Prabang International Airport (8.8 km): 17 mins Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Trat Pier (301 km): 4 hrs

Accompanied by a guide and driver, transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport for the next part of the journey to Trat (via Bangkok).

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, connect domestic flight to Trat Airport. Arrive Trat Airport and be picked up by a private vehicle crossing the East Coast sea on a car ferry to Koh Chang. 

Overnight in Koh Chang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day at leisure to enjoy activities at the hotel.

Overnight in Koh Chang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Trat Pier – Bangkok Suvarnahumi Airport (301 km): 4 hrs

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart Koh Chang for Trat Airport for flight to Bangkok Airport to fly back home.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast