Slow Boat to Laos

They say it’s the journey, not the destination, that counts but when travelling from Chiang Rai, Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos, both the journey and the destination are sure to stick in your memory for years to come.

Rustic & wild in Chiang Rai

As you make your way north through Thailand, time starts to slow down. City skyscrapers and central farmlands morph into jungle-covered mountains dotted with traditional wooden homes. While much of the north is more rural than the country’s developed centre, it’s also undeniably rich in culture, cuisine and raw, natural beauty.

In Chiang Rai, one can marvel at fascinating temples and ambitious artistic endeavours, such as Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), Baan Dam (the Black House) or Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Treks into the hills bring you face to face with tribal villages still existing as they have for decades. Even the country’s most famous creature, the majestic elephant, can be found in droves, particularly if you base your explorations from the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.

The rustic resort seamlessly fuses the natural wonder of northern Thailand with the unmistakable service and grandeur Four Seasons is known for. Evoking a sense of 19th-century exploration, the spacious luxury safari tents at the Bill Bensley-designed resort feature handcrafted furniture, gleaming hardwood floors and traditional thatched roofs with views overlooking broad swaths of jungle. Here you can interact with the property’s herd of elephants, which have been rescued from street begging, by waking at dawn to see the sunrise together or helping bathe these beautiful beasts. Tailored adventures also abound with the opportunity to sail down the Ruak River flanked by Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. Back on site, one can enjoy the utmost indulgence surrendering to the senses during a private spa treatment in an open-air sala surrounded by bamboo forest.

After discovering Chiang Rai, it’s time to journey to the even more remote Laos...by boat.

Cruising the Mekong

Reminiscent of exploration’s golden era, a journey aboard the Luang Say Cruise from the border town of Houei Xay (about a two-hour drive from Chiang Rai’s city centre) to Luang Prabang blends adventure with leisure for a memorable two-day journey.

Travelling along Southeast Asia’s lifeblood, the Mekong River, aboard the custom-built luxury riverboat, guests can sit back and take in the tranquil scenes of lush jungle scenery while enjoying delicious meals onboard and unique cultural stops such as Laotian villages and Tam Thing cave near Pak Ou, famous for housing thousands of Buddha statues.

The first day comes to a close at the secluded Luang Say Lodge. Here teak and rosewood bungalows nestled into a leafy hillside provide a peaceful night’s rest and uninterrupted river views.

In the morning, the riverboat continues its route to reach the charming cultural hub of Luang Prabang.

Living it up in Luang Prabang

Though probably not what first comes to mind as a luxury travel destination, Luang Prabang offers a unique blend of upscale boutique accommodations mixed in with ancient customs and picturesque French colonial architecture. While Chiang Rai is all about nature, UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang packs a punch of culture.

Two to three days spent in this intimate riverside town offers plenty of opportunities to witness hundreds of monks silently shuffling through the streets every morning at sunrise to collect their daily alms amidst a background of gilded Buddhist temples and crumbling colonial homes. Luang Prabang’s charm lies in its quiet beauty and unassuming elegance. This is the place to simply wander with no set agenda for the day, savouring a leisurely breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee before picking up artisanal souvenirs at boutiques like Ock Pop Tok, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving traditional weaving techniques, or Caruso Lao, offering a handsome selection of handcrafted home goods.

Delightful cafes dot Luang Prabang’s narrow streets while hidden restaurants surprise diners with traditional Laotian cuisine amongst surprising settings. Manda de Laos, for instance, envelops diners in a watery world of three historic lotus gardens protected by UNESCO. The signature dishes served family style feature textures and flavours as enchanting as the environment.

Naturally, in such a culture-rich town, one wants to ensure that their accommodation fits the occasion with a strong sense of place. For those with an affinity for architecture and history, look no further than the exquisite Satri House. Built in 1904, Prince Souphanouvong, the first President of Lao People's Democratic Republic, lived in this French colonial home as a young boy. Now, 28 tasteful guestrooms and three spacious suites create an air of bygone elegance.

Alternatively, continue the journey’s adventurous spirit by staying in Rosewood Luang Prabang’s luxurious Hilltop Tents. Though the resort offers an array of rooms and suites, its unique Hilltop Tents are nothing short of magical offering 75-square-metres of space including a private dining area and wrap-around deck all designed with indigenous materials and artwork.

After the remarkable journey, conveniently catch a flight out from the town’s International airport onto your next destination...or opt to linger even longer in Luang Prabang!  

Experience the Journey

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle – Starting at XXX USD for a XXX Tent inclusive of breakfast.

fourseasons.com/goldentriangle

Luang Say Cruise – Starting at 379 USD per person when booking double occupancy

secret-retreats.com/luangsay

Satri House – Starting at 155 USD for a Deluxe Double room inclusive of breakfast.

secret-retreats.com/satri-house

Rosewood Luang Prabang – Starting at XXX USD for a Hilltop Tent inclusive of breakfast.

rosewoodhotels.com/luang-prabang