Mekong & Jungle School Expedition to Thailand & Laos

Wake at dawn to the sound of the temple gong. You’re about to witness a mystical daily ritual, the monk’s call to alms. Watch hundreds of monks walk through the streets in silence, dressed in orange robes. Once they’ve collected some rice in their bronze bowls, they’ll continue their procession to the temple. Grab breakfast back at the guesthouse and dive into expedition life. Meet the ground team to discuss your plans, then get to grips with the currency (Laos Kip) and head out to buy a SIM card for the team phone. Luang Prabang is loaded with history, from Buddhist temples and French architecture to the mighty Royal Palace. You’ve got two days to experience all this and more. Just outside the city are the dramatic Kuang Si waterfalls, which cascade into shimmering turquoise pools, the photo opportunities are awesome. And you could dip into your spending money for a Laos cooking lesson, or get your zen on in a yoga class by the Nam Khan River.

Time to immerse yourself in rural Laos culture and contribute to a local initiative. Here in the countryside, access to quality healthcare, housing and education are limited. Incomes are low and most people depend on agriculture. To improve access to education for remote communities, local villagers are making improvements to the high school, roads and other amenities. Roll up your sleeves and get involved. To make a positive contribution, you’ll need to learn some new skills, so listen to your hosts and take their lead. Living alongside the community, you’ll experience everyday life and ethnic minority culture, try everything from cooking and weaving to traditional dance. The daily routines are different to back home, so be patient and keep an open mind. When it’s time to leave, you’ll join a good luck blessing with a village elder, the Basi Su Khouan ‘ties of thread’.

Head to the river for a two-day boat journey along the mighty Mekong River. Wave at villagers on the banks and get your camera at the ready as you glide past the jungles and mountains of Northern Laos. Spend a night in the little town of Pak Beng, then hop back on the boat and continue upstream to Huay Xai, the cafes here serve delicious Thai/Laos soups, stir-fries and curries. Yum!

Goodbye Laos, hello Thailand! Cross the border to Thailand and continue to Chiang Rai, you’ll love this little town with its beautiful temples, delicious food and buzzy night market. Check into the hostel then head out to discover the White Temple of Wat Rong Khun and the ‘Bamboo Forest Monastery’ of Wat Phra Kaew. Next, you could learn about Thailand’s ethnic minorities at the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre.

Strike southwest to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand. Experience the moated old quarter and the city’s famous wats (temples); Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man are highlights, along with Wat Phra That Doi, which sits on a mountain throne. At the Buddhist University you could learn about Buddhism and meditation, or book onto an optional yoga class or Thai cookery workshop.

Travel to Chiang Dao (the only district in Thailand that is home to all twelve hill tribes) and get ready for jungle school; learn how to survive in the wild, cook safely in the forest, use a machete and identify different plants. Now you’re ready to ace the jungle, it’s time for a four-day trek. Take only what you need (you’ll enjoy the trek more if you travel light) then head to Chiang Dao market and buy some food supplies. Step forward as team leader and set the pace as you hike through emerald forests beneath misty limestone peaks. Descend into the jungle, clamber through the bamboo and listen for forest wildlife. Each night, you’ll set up camp in tribal villages and help your guides with the cooking.

Back in Chiang Mai, you’ve got another couple of days to dive into the city’s cultural scene. Take a stroll around the old town, starting with the 100-year-old market, Tarad Waroros. Weave through the streets past the stalls of exotic fruits, flowers and local food. Don’t forget to take your Thai Baht to haggle for t-shirts, leather sandals and more. Feeling hungry? Stop to taste local delicacies like ‘soi khao’ noodle soup or lemongrass flavoured sausages. Try to pick up some simple Thai phrases and greet people by saying ‘sawadee ka’ or ‘sawadee khrup’.

After another morning exploring Chiang Mai, catch the overnight train to Bangkok. The journey is great fun, nudge through the crowds, find your cabin, and fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the carriage. Wake up in Thailand’s capital and hit the ground running. You could visit the Grand Palace and the legendary backpacker area of Khao San Road, or the sizzling food stalls in Chinatown where the pad thai (stir-fried noodles with chopped peanuts) tastes amazing! There are temples and Buddhas galore, like the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, the golden Buddha at Wat Traimit, or the unique temple of Wat Arun which visitors can climb up. You’ve also got the option of a Thai cooking lesson or a yoga class in a city park. As the sun sets on your final day, gather the group for one last team meal. Chow down on your favourite Thai food, set your friendships in stone and start planning your next adventure.

After the best three weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Laos and Thailand have opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen, so prepare to return home forever changed.