Three Points North Tour

23 days enthralling travel and trekking through Northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with time in Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and Hanoi

An enthralling trekking adventure visiting diverse and beautiful areas in the northern regions of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam…stunning landscapes, homestays in fascinating highland minority villages, enchanting people, cultural insights, an amazing river boat journey and time to explore our three favourite Southeast Asian cities - Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and Hanoi.

Three Points North Tour Highlights

Thailand
• The ancient historical capital of Sukhothai and its superb temples and monuments
• Rafting, hiking, elephant trekking, village stay in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary
• Revive yourself in Chiang Mai - Thailand's cultural & healing arts hub
Laos
• Two days hiking and village stay in the Nam Ha Biodiversity Area
• 3-day riverboat journey down the Nam Tha and Mekong Rivers
• Soak up the tranquility of beautiful Luang Prabang
Vietnam
• Explore Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter
In the northern mountain region of Sapa, your choice of:
• Daytrips and walks exploring Sapa's environs and nearby villages (mountain bikes, motorbikes and 4x4 jeep transport available), or
• 2-day hiking and minority village stay, or

• 2-day trekking ascent of Vietnam's highest mountain, Mt Fansipan
Throughout the tour
• Very personalized small group experience
• Escorted by fantastic tour leader/s supported by local guides

“We were first time travelers looking for an ‘off the beaten track’ type trip with a bit of adventure. We certainly had this. We enjoyed the company of a great group of fellow travelers. The attention to detail by Pacific Discovery and the tour leaders was exceptional.” Mary-Anne and Trevor Stretton

Three Points North Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok, Thailand, transfer to hotel and welcome
Day 2 Flight to Sukhothai, visit historical park
Day 3 Drive to to Umphang, via Mae Sot
Day 4 Rafting into Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, walk to forest camp
Day 5 Walk to Thee Lor Su Falls, walk to Kho Tha village
Day 6 Elephant trek out of park, drive to Mae Sot
Day 7 Drive to Chiang Mai, via Lampang and Elephant Conservation Centre
Day 8 Explore Chiang Mai
Day 9 Drive to Chiang Khong, hotel overlooking Mekong River
Day 10 Cross Mekong River to Laos, drive to Luang Nam Tha
Day 11 Begin overnight trek in Nam Ha National Protected Area
Day 12 Trek, then return to Luang Nam Tha
Day 13-14 Boating down the Nam Tha and Mekong Rivers, staying ashore at night
Day 15 Morning on Mekong River, arrive Luang Prabang
Day 16 Explore Luang Prabang area
Day 17 Flight to Hanoi, Vietnam, board night train for overnight journey
Day 18 Arrive Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa, explore area
Day 19-20 Sapa trekking and daytrip options
Day 21 Sapa daytrip, transfer to Lao Cai, board night train
Day 22 Arrive Hanoi, explore Old Quarter
Day 23 Farewell Vietnam, depart Hanoi
From Day 23 Halong Bay extension option

Three Points North Tour Itinerary

23 days enthralling travel and trekking through Northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with time in Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and Hanoi

BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

DAY 1-2. Bangkok, Sukhothai, Thailand

We rendezvous in Bangkok, Thailand. Our journey begins with a short flight to Sukhothai and an introductory briefing over brunch at our lodge, then time to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its superb temples and monuments.
D, BLD

DAY 3-4. Mae Sot, Umphang

We take private vans to the remote town of Mae Sot near the Burmese border and continue on into the mist-covered, jungle-draped mountains, passing small villages and pockets of cultivated land. Raft lazily down the Mae Klong River, through a jungle-shrouded limestone canyon into the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. A 3-hour trek through regenerating jungle brings us to our forest campsite. You will be able to wash up and relax while your guides set up camp and cook a hearty dinner.
BLD, BLD

DAY 5-6. Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary

Wake up with an invigorating swim in Thee Lor Su Falls, the most spectacular waterfall in Southeast Asia. Trek jungle trails and bamboo bridges for 3 hours to arrive at Kho Tha, a highland minority village where we stay for the night affording unique insight into remote village life. Next morning we meet our elephants, and these gentle giants carry us over mountainous jungle terrain to exit the sanctuary.
BLD, BLD

DAY 7. Mae Sot, Chiang Mai

A morning to explore bustling Mae Sot with its intriguing market and gem traders, then on to Chiang Mai, with an interesting stop enroute at the Elephant Conservation Centre. Dine tonight in the colourful, sprawling night bazaar that engulfs acres of the city centre, with stalls selling a mind-boggling array of food, clothes and crafts.
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DAY 8. Chiang Mai

Visit Wat Phra Than Doi Suthep, a mountain-top temple affording panoramic views of Chiang Mai, and the informative Tribal Museum which offers insights into the culture and customs of the region’s many minority peoples. Take the afternoon to explore Chiang Mai independently, or enjoy a refreshing Thai massage.
BD

DAY 9-10. Chiang Khong, Thailand to Luang Nam Tha, Laos

Travel overland to the peaceful town of Chiang Khong and our guesthouse sited on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. Laos is on the far bank. After crossing the Mekong River into Laos we begin an interesting overland journey into the remote north to Luang Nam Tha, and the inviting Boat Landing Guesthouse.
BD, BD

DAY 11-12. Nam Ha Biodiversity Area

We embark on a 2-day trekking trip through the lush monsoon forest of the Nam Ha National Protected Area, overnighting in an Akha village with our welcoming hosts. We trek 4-5 hours each day. On our return there’s time to explore Luang Nam Tha’s town and beautiful countryside by mountain bike or foot, before luxuriating in a final evening at our guesthouse.
BLD, BL

DAY 13-15. Nam Tha & Mekong River journey

Travel down the Nam Tha River through this remote, forested and sparsely populated corner of Laos to the confluence with the mighty Mekong. Transfer boats to travel down the Mekong River, with plenty of space to lay back and enjoy the riverscapes. We overnight ashore in small villages. Our last day on the river takes us past the Pak Ou Caves, believed the most spiritually significant site in Laos and containing hundreds of Buddha images.
BLD, BLD, BL

DAY 16. Luang Prabang

The World Heritage City of Luang Prabang is steeped in history. By foot or by bicycle explore temples, colonial shop houses and silk-weaving villages, or sit back in one of the relaxing cafés to soak up the fine food and ambience.
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DAY 17. Luang Prabang, Laos to Hanoi, Vietnam

Awake at dawn to watch processions of saffron-robed monks collecting alms (their day’s food) from the local residents. A short flight then takes us directly to Vietnam’s capital, and most interesting city, Hanoi. We enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine at a restaurant in the Old Quarter before boarding our sleeper train for an overnight journey into the far north.
BD

DAY 18-21. Sapa

From Lao Cai and the Chinese border, we travel up into the hills to the craggy town of Sapa, once a resort for French colonialists escaping Hanoi’s summer heat, and now a centre for highland minority people to trade their goods. From Sapa you have the choice of: trekking through minority villages and lush mountainous terrain, home-staying in minority villages; or, a Fan Si Pan expedition, trekking through forest to climb Vietnam’s highest mountain (10,300ft), camping en-route; or, explore the countryside and surrounding villages with day walks and spend the evenings basking in the comfort and tranquility of Sapa town. After trekking you’ll be glad of a final day in Sapa to relax, share stories and explore Sapa town. Late afternoon on our final day we head back to Lao Cai and board the overnight train back to Hanoi.
B, BLD, B, B

DAY 22. Hanoi

On return to Hanoi we stay in the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of tree-shaded narrow boulevards, where cars are not permitted and daily life spills out onto the streets. We take the day to explore the colourful streets, markets and other key sites of interest.
BLD

DAY 23. Farewell Vietnam

Share a final breakfast together before bidding farewell to Vietnam. We transfer to the airport for your flight home, or you may choose to continue your travels within Vietnam or elsewhere. A popular extension is a 3-day cruise on spectacular Halong Bay.
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Three Points North Tour Notes

23 days enthralling travel and trekking through Northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with time in Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and Hanoi

Suitability

This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active - we’ve had 10 – 80 year olds join us on this itinerary. Participants need to be comfortable walking with a small daypack, on varied terrain for up to four hours. There are six trekking days in the itinerary and two of these are optional if a less active experience is desired. Southeast Asian towns and cities are often best explored on foot and bicycle, however motos, cyclos, and taxis are also available.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is diverse, comfortable and carefully chosen to enhance our experience. On this itinerary we enjoy: 12 nights in locally owned character hotels and guesthouses with private bathroom/ensuite and air conditioning; 3 nights in simple guesthouses with shared facilities; 1 night camping; 3 nights in highland minority villages; 2 nights overnight trains with comfortable sleeper berths and shared facilities. Sapa options: 1 night camping or village stay with basic shared facilities, or 1 night in guesthouse with ensuite.

Meals

Food is a highlight when traveling in Asia and throughout there will be the opportunity to eat authentic Vietnamese or Western style food. Special dietary requirements are catered for. Asian style eating is often a communal affair, and allows for a far greater variety of dishes to be sampled - it’s also more fun. Most meals are included as indicated in the itinerary but we do have some independent meals enabling a choice of where, when and what you eat.

Transport

The itinerary has been designed to maximise comfort and safety whilst also giving you the opportunity to experience local transport and take part in daily life. We utilise private vans, taxis, various boats, sleeper trains, motos, cyclos, elephants and take two flights within the region.

Tour Cost

Tour cost is NZ$4950, US$3100

Tour inclusions

› All tour related travel and transport from tour start to finish including two flights within the region and applicable airport taxes
› Visas for Laos and Vietnam (Don't need visa for Thailand)
› All accommodation*
› Most meals as indicated in the itinerary
› All excursions, activities and entry fees as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional)
› Escorted by a Pacific Discovery tour leader and the services of English-speaking local guides
› Online image library for your tour
›› Refer information booklet for international flight options and exclusions
*Twin or double share basis. Single supplement available for additional NZ$590, US$350.