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Activity Level: M
Start / Finish: Bangkok / Bangkok
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The Lemongrass Highway
Two dynamic countries, two incredible histories, zero waiting around. It’s a jungle out here in Thailand and Laos’ underexplored backcountry, but our buddy Tanin knows each curve, paddy and isolated village like the back of his tuk-tuk. Our time in town is equally superlative: a grand elephant-borne entrance, a pressure-free khantoke cooking tutorial, private access to a national museum packed with historical artifacts, a stunning view of Bangkok by night and Luang Prabang’s unforgettable morning-alms procession. The trails can get a bit bumpy, but the extra work is definitely worth it, and there’s no better place to tap into your spiritual side for a little perseverance. Come as you are, leave profoundly moved.
Here’s a sample of what you can expect on your custom-designed Bespoke Thailand to Laos adventure. Intrigued? Contact a Bespoke Trip Planner for further details.
Day 1 Arrive in style at the door of our luxury resort aboard an elephant
Day 2 Explore the temples around the ancient capital of Chiang Saen before the crowds catch on
Day 3 Join our proud local friends on a tour of their village, which has earned accolades for sustainability and community cooperation
Day 4 Bike through forests to Wat Doi Suthep, the region’s most important monastery
Day 5 Bike a canal path past estates, rustic farms and forests in “suburban” Thailand
Day 6 Visit the National Museum in Luang Prabang, open just for us
Day 7 Venture to the UNESCO-protected Pak Ou village before dinner at the night market
Day 8 Witness the soul-stirring site of 600 saffron-clad monks collecting morning alms
Day 9 Squeeze in one last walk through the villages lining the banks of the Nam Khan River
Day 10 Breakfast and moog zoo in Bangkok
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Anantara Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen
The Anantara is a small luxury resort that takes full advantage of the tranquil splendour of the Golden Triangle. Our rooms have high, teak beam ceilings and private balcony overlooking the bamboo forest, and are accented with the best of local silks and woven cottons. Amenities include sunken tubs and DVD players. The resort is most magical at night when hundreds of candles cast shadows across Naga carvings in the main building and along the gorgeous infinity pool. The spa is sublime with stone steam rooms, hot rock massages and facials galore.
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Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai
One of the most celebrated resorts in Asia, the Four Seasons Resort is an icon in Thailand. It has been voted Asia’s top Spa Magazine and every year is ranked among the top 20 hotels in the world. The hotel is located outside Chiang Mai in the Mae Rim Valley on 20 acres of tropical gardens and rice paddies. Your rooms boast rice-paddy views, and your upstairs verandas offer glimpses over the mountain ranges. It may be hard to drag yourself away from the polished teak floors, double vanities, over-sized bathtub and spacious veranda for a visit to the fully equipped fitness club, tennis courts or world-renowned spa, but they’re all worth it.
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La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang
Originally serving as a government hotel, La Résidence Phou Vao has been transformed into Luang Prabang’s premier property. Its location couldn’t be better: atop the Hill of Kites in the centre of town. Stand on your balcony and soak up the sweeping panorama of Luang Prabang and its Mekong backdrop. Your room is tastefully finished in rosewood and cotton, matching the hotel’s Lao/colonial architectural motif. The spa boasts an alluring combination of traditional Lao herbal and steam therapies.
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Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
The Mandarin Oriental is among the world’s finest, with two pools, a fitness centre and a renowned spa. Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of the city, it is the perfect base for exploring Bangkok.
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Moderate
This trip is rated Moderate. The longest ride is about 45 km (28 mi.). The first three days of riding are mostly in the valleys surrounded by lush mountains, so the terrain is largely flat or gently rolling, with one or two more noticeable inclines. The following days are more rolling, and the final two days have the most uneven terrain, due to hills and one long unpaved section.
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