This detailed tour of the tribal regions around Northern Thailand and Northwestern Laos gives guests a great understanding and appreciation for local hilltribes in the area. Commencing in Chiang Mai, you are driven to Chiang Dao to the Palaung hilltribe village where you find out how they grow their own crops and discover aspects of their unique culture before a traditional 'Baci' ceremony is performed as a welcome.

Continuing to Chiang Khong, you explore prestigious temples along the way and take part in local handicraft practices such as Hmong batik handkerchief making and how the crops are grown to provide food for the village. Guides will also educate about the importance of the Mekong River and how it provides a lifesource for many villages in the region.

Cross the border at Chiang Khong and enter Laos by taking a boat to Huay Xay. Your driver will take you to Muang Sing, passing through spectacular mountainous landscapes along the way before arriving at the Akha Experience, an ecotourism trek in Northern Laos. Learn about environmental projects in the kokregion and their culture rich past of the Akha villagers.

The next stop is Ban Tamee village and then where you can learn how to spin cotton, pound rice and join in with some games the local children play. Continue through a number of smaller villages as you make your way to Pakbeng. From here it's a full day cruise to the Kamu Lodge where you will stay for the night in an eco private canvas tent with thatched roof. Continue to Luang Prabang and spend an afternoon exploring this culture rich town on electric bikes. The following day visit Kuang Si waterfalls and stop at Ban Ou village that hosts the largest ethnic group in Laos.

Head to Chiang Dao to the Palaung hilltribe village where your guides will walk you around the village and introduce you to the villagers and show you aspects of their culture. Explore the herb gardens and in the evening a traditional 'Baci' ceremony is performed with you.

Overnight in Chiang Dao - Palaung village

Wake to the sounds of farm animals in the village. Today you transfer to Chiang Khong. Stop to visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as White Temple. Dine in a local restaurant then transfer to Lanjia Lodge and watch a traditional Hmong performance in the evening.

Overnight at Lanjia Lodge.

In the morning guests watch a presentation about the Mekong and how locals depend upon its life-source. This is followed by a tour of the village and the chance to share some tea with the Shaman while learning about tribal rituals. The afternoon is spent practicing local skills such as handkerchief making.

Dinner and overnight t Lanjia Lodge.

Cross the border to Laos then your guide will drive 5 hours to Muang Sing. In the afternoon you will join the ecotourism trek 'Akha Experience' in Northern Laos. Learn about the environmental issues surrounding the region and gain a deeper understanding of local culture.

Overnight in the Ban Lao Khao Lodge.

(Approximately 6 hours of trekking today)

Walk through the forest to the village of Ban Phou Yae and join in with activities such as cotton spinning, rice pounding and playing with the children. Then continue the trek to Ban Eu La, stopping to help out along the way with rice planting, gathering vegetables and for the opportunity to ride a water buffalo.

Overnight in Ban Tamee Lodge.

(Approximately 5 hours of trekking today)

Join locals with the morning activities then depart for Ban Nam Hou to discover more about rice production before continuing to Ban Mona to learn about Akha traditional cotton weaving. In the afternoon, transfer to Muang Sing located in the fertile valley of the mountainous north. This charming town served as a garrison during the French era.

Overnight in Boat Landing hotel

For early risers there is the chance to visit a local market and watch ethnic tribes buying and selling fresh produce and handicrafts. After breakfast head to Ban Nam Di Waterfall and Lanten village. In the afternoon take the road to Oudomxay and climb to the summit of Phou That for unhindered views.

Overnight in Dansavanh hotel

Head to Pakbeng, stopping enroute at a number of local villages. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the picturesque town of Pakbeng.  From here we take a slow boat to Kamu Lodge in Ban Gno Hay village.

Dinner and overnight at Kamu lodge 

Spend the early morning relaxing at Kamu Lodge before your boat arrives for the journey to Luang Prabang, stopping along the way at Pak Ou Caves. In the afternoon

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Visit the waterfalls of Kuang Si where the water cascades down multilevel limestone platforms creating spectacular turquoise pools of water. Explore the surrounding jungle on some fascinating treks and stop at local villages to learn about their history.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast and if allows, free time at leisure for your last purchases before your private car and guide meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport for your departure flight.