Mekong Multi-Adventure Trip (Thailand, Laos and Cambodia)
Thailand, Laos and Cambodia
Option 1: January 25 – February 7, 2027
Laos and Cambodia
Option 2: January 28 – February, 7 2027
Note: This trip’s dates are compatible with the 2027 Thailand trip for anyone wishing to combine both trips.
Overview of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia
This multi-adventure trip weaves yoga, nature, and cultural immersion across mainland Southeast Asia. We begin in northern Thailand, traveling through Chiang Rai, gateway to the Golden Triangle, where rivers, hill country, and visionary temples set the tone for a slower, more intentional way of moving through the world. From here, we board a traditional slow boat and follow the Mekong downstream into Laos. As days unfold on the water, we watch villages, fishermen, and riverbanks pass by, gaining a deeper appreciation for the Mekong as the lifeblood of the region—shaping trade, culture, foodways, and daily life across borders.
In Luang Prabang, Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage town set at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, color and texture greet us at every turn. Frangipani trees perfume the streets, monks’ saffron robes glow against gold-and-claret temple roofs, and the air carries hints of fresh coffee, produce markets, and grilled meats. Encircled by mountains and elevated above the river plain, the town blends ancient monasteries, preserved French colonial architecture, and a deeply rooted spiritual life. Thoughtful urban planning, limits on heavy traffic in the historic center, and an early evening curfew help preserve its tranquility. Yoga sessions, early-morning alms giving, and unhurried walks through temple-lined streets create space for reflection before we venture beyond town on a forest trail to one of Luang Prabang’s iconic waterfalls, where cascading water and jungle paths offer a vivid counterpoint to the town’s elegance.
Our journey concludes in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a welcoming riverside town that balances lively cafés, bustling markets, and creative spaces with close proximity to one of the world’s great archaeological treasures. Cambodia is a country poised between a tragic recent history and a rich ancient heritage. Many Cambodians, a younger generation born after the Khmer Rouge, are optimistic, infusing the country with renewed energy and hope. The main draw of Cambodia is the extensive temple complex of Angkor, including Angkor Wat and numerous other temples dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, many reflecting Hindu traditions. We explore this vast UNESCO recognized site by e-bike, pedaling along shaded paths and among ancient causeways, stone faces and towers. The immense scale of Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples--layered with symbolism, devotion, and history--creates a powerful and fitting conclusion to our journey.
Itinerary
Day 1&2
January 25-26
Departure from U.S. and Travel
Depart the U.S. on 25 January for Bangkok, Thailand, then connect onward to Chiang Rai (airport code CEI). You will arrive in Chiang Rai on 27 January. It may be more cost-effective to book a round-trip international ticket from the U.S. to Bangkok (BKK) and then purchase a separate domestic flight to Chiang Rai with a regional carrier such as Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways International, Thai VietJet Air, or Nok Air. Note that Bangkok has two airports (BKK and DMK) that offer flights to Chiang Rai.
Day 3
January 27
Arrival (D)
Upon arrival, transfer to Le Méridien Chiang Rai, a riverside resort set amid landscaped gardens along the Kok River. Check-in begins at 14:00; if you arrive earlier, the front desk will securely store your luggage at no charge, and you are welcome to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, spa, and restaurants. We gather in the evening for a welcome dinner. Chiang Rai is known for its imaginative contemporary temples—most famously the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)—along with a lively night market featuring northern Thai cuisine and local handicrafts. If you are not participating in the 2027 PTY Thailand trip, arriving at least one day early is recommended to allow time to explore these highlights independently. Overnight: Le Meridien Chiang Rai***** a luxurious riverside retreat along the Mae Kok River, just minutes from Chiang Rai’s city center. The resort features 159 spacious rooms and suites, each offering a private balcony with scenic views of the river or lush gardens. Guests can indulge in Italian cuisine at Favola, enjoy international dishes at Latest Recipe, or drinks at Latitude 19 and The Chill Bar. Recreational amenities include a three-tiered outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and the Parvati Spa, which offers a range of therapeutic treatments.
Day 4
January 28
Elephant Sanctuary (B,L)
We leave the hotel at 8:30 for the approximately 45-minute drive to the elephant sanctuary. On arrival, we are welcomed with tea or coffee and a brief orientation that introduces the sanctuary’s approach and the elephants we will meet, before changing into the provided protective clothing and boots. We begin by feeding the elephants, then head into the jungle to walk alongside them and their mahouts, observing their behavior and daily rhythms in their natural environment. Lunch is served in the jungle beside a pond, with time to swim and enjoy a short bamboo raft ride, while the elephants are free to enter the water if they choose. Around 15:00, we gather again for tea or coffee and a final farewell to the elephants and other sanctuary animals, before transferring back to the hotel and arriving by approximately 16:30 for a free evening to relax.
Day 5
January 29
Mekong River Cruise; Hill Tribe Village Visit (B/L)
We leave Le Meridien Chiang Rai at 6:00 for the 90 minute drive to the Chiang Khong border, where we exit Thailand and shuttle across the Friendship Bridge to Huay Xai in Laos for visa processing. Packed breakfast will be provided. After receiving our Laos visas on arrival, we transfer by van to the slow-boat pier and board our 150 foot deluxe cruise boat, which departs by 9:30. Coffee and tea and fresh fruit are available on board, along with filtered water and toilets. The crew offers a short introduction to Lao customs as we begin our relaxing journey past jungle-covered hills, riverside villages, and wading buffalo. A traditional Lao lunch is served around noon. After lunch, we stop at a small hill tribe village to glimpse daily life in these remote riverside communities before continuing downstream to Pakbeng, arriving sometime before 17:00 for our overnight stay. From the pier, we take a short transfer (~5 minutes) to Le Grand Pakbeng where we can enjoy watching the sunset over the mountains and the Mekong River from the pool terrace. Overnight: Le Grand Pakbeng**** a resort set in jungle-clad hills overlooking the Mekong. The property features 45 spacious villas and suites, finished with teak furnishings and Laotian artwork, each equipped with air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Amenities include a large infinity-style swimming pool with a pool bar, the on-site Indochine Restaurant and Bistro Lounge serving regional and international cuisine, a full-service Banyan Spa, complimentary Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, and concierge services
Day 6
January 30
Mekong River Cruise; Pak Ou Caves (B/L)
Breakfast is available at the resort from 06:30, after which we transfer back to the pier around 07:30 (exact time depends on our boat captain’s instructions). If we’re lucky we may spot elephants at the reserve across the river as we board. We will continue moving downstream along the Mekong with increasingly hilly scenery as the river narrows. Midday brings a traditional Lao lunch served on board, with stops at a small village known for its traditional weaving and lao-lao whiskey making. We will visit the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) in the afternoon, climbing to the upper cave and descend into the lower one, discovering more than two thousand Buddha statues lining the chambers, one of Laos’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. We arrive in Luang Prabang by 17:00, where a van transfer of about 15 minutes takes us to our hotel. You’ll have the evening to rest or begin exploring the UNESCO-recognized Old Town, enjoy sunset at one of the cafés lining the Mekong, or browse the expansive Night Market. Note: Anyone who is doing the Option 2 version of the trip should plan to arrive in Luang Prabang by the afternoon / evening on 30 January. You will likely need to depart U.S. on January 28. Overnight: HOMM Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang**** a calm, contemporary retreat set on the edge of the Luang Prabang historic center, where traditional Lao design is paired with modern comfort. Spacious gardens and a relaxed pool area offer a welcome escape from the bustle of exploration.
Day 7
January 31
Alms Giving; Luang Prabang Old Town; UXO Museum; Yoga (B)
We meet at 5:00 a.m. and take a short walk into Luang Prabang’s Old Town to observe, or respectfully participate in, the alms giving, as saffron-robed monks move quietly through the streets at first light. From there, we climb the roughly 300 steps of Phousi Hill, where sweeping views open over terracotta rooftops, the winding Mekong, and the surrounding hills as the town begins to wake. We then descend into the morning market, alive with textures and aromas of daily life: stalls piled with fragrant herbs, unfamiliar fruits, local snacks, and woven textiles. Breakfast is enjoyed right in the market, immersed in the everyday flow of the morning. Luang Prabang is home to more than 30 temples within its historic center, and we visit several of the most notable as we continue through the Old Town. The impressive 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong is a former royal temple considered one of the most important Buddhist sites in Laos. Our morning concludes at the UXO Lao Visitor Center, a modest yet powerful space that explains the lasting impact of unexploded ordnance on Laos and its communities during the Indochina War—making Laos the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world. We return to the hotel by midday to rest and recharge, with afternoon yoga offered. The evening is free to explore. Overnight: HOMM Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang****
Day 8
February 1
Khmu Village; Waterfall Hike; Water Buffalo Dairy Farm (B/L)
After breakfast, we drive ~45 minutes to the Khmu village of Ban Nong Heo to meet our local guide and get a glimpse of rural life in a Khmu ethnic minority village. From Ban Nong Heo, we begin an approximately three-hour hike along a little-used back-entrance trail that approaches Kuang Si Waterfall from behind, far from the main access road and crowds. The path winds through rubber plantations and jungle-clad hills, offering an intimate view of the Lao countryside. We stop for lunch near the source of the falls in a peaceful open-air restaurant run by a local Khmu family and rarely visited by other travelers. After lunch, we continue walking to the upper tiers of Kuang Si for time to swim, relax by the pools, or ziplining over the cascading waters if you are feeling adventurous. We then descend toward the main cascades, where water tumbles over limestone into a series of luminous turquoise pools--Laos’ most celebrated natural landmark. Before exiting the park we pass through the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary and learn about ongoing bear conservation efforts. After the falls, we stop at the Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, just a few minutes’ drive from the exit of the falls. This women-owned nonprofit supports local livelihoods, and we can learn the story of its founding and its work with the surrounding community. We can feed the farm animals, try our hand at milking a buffalo, and sample buffalo milk ice cream and cakes made from fresh farm ingredients. We then return to Luang Prabang for a free evening. Overnight: HOMM Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang****
Day 9
February 2
Living Land Rice Farm; Textile Arts Workshop; Yoga (B/L)
We depart at 08:00 for a 10-minute transfer to The Living Land Rice Farm, a social enterprise situated among rice fields with mountain views. Here, we experience traditional Lao life firsthand, taking part in—or observing—activities such as planting rice, plowing with the friendly water buffaloes Susan and Bently, bamboo weaving, sugar-cane pressing, and simple blacksmithing. The community is almost entirely plastic-free and uses sustainable techniques. Workshop proceeds directly support local education, free English classes for children, and community healthcare. We will have at the farm’s Rice Terrace restaurant featuring organic vegetables and rice from Living Land Farm. After lunch we transfer a short distance to Ock Pop Tok on the banks of the Mekong to spend the afternoon immersed in Lao textile arts and culture. The cooperative showcases weaving, dyeing, and embroidery while supporting local artisans and preserving centuries-old techniques. In a three-hour hands-on workshop, we choose a craft to try—bamboo or silk weaving, natural dyeing, or batik—guided by artisans who share the cultural significance behind each technique. These participatory classes create a colorful, tactile connection to Lao heritage and a unique handmade souvenir. After the workshop ends at 16:00, we can enjoy a beverage at the riverside café before returning to the hotel. Sunset yoga will be offered. Overnight: HOMM Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang****
Day 10
February 3
Market Tour and Cooking School; Sunset Cruise (B/L)
After breakfast, we will depart for a market tour and cooking school that goes beyond just recipes. We start with a tour of the local market to select fresh ingredients and uncover the secrets behind classic dishes like laap, mok pa, and sticky rice. Guided by skilled chefs, we practice hands-on techniques while discovering Laos’ rich food culture and the stories behind each flavor, making the experience both engaging and immersive. Lunch will feature the dishes we’ve prepared, and we’ll return to the hotel by mid-afternoon. For our final evening in Luang Prabang, we enjoy a Mekong sunset cruise, where golden light shimmers across the water and casts a warm glow over riverside villages and temple silhouettes. The evening breeze and changing colors of the sky and views of old town will leave you with memories of this captivating place. Overnight: HOMM Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang****
Day 11
February 4
Yoga; Fly Luang Prabang-Siem Reap (B/D)
We begin the day with breakfast followed by a morning yoga session. Hotel checkout is at 12:00; please be packed and ready by 13:00 for our transfer to the airport (included) to catch the 14:45 Vietnam Airlines flight, arriving in Siem Reap at 16:10. Cambodian visas are available on arrival in Siem Reap (USD 30, payable in cash or by credit card), and from the airport we make the one-hour transfer to our hotel along the Siem Reap River. After settling in, we take a gentle walking tour along the river and through the lively night market, getting acquainted with the sights, sounds, and flavors of town. We will have a group dinner. Overnight: FCC Angkor***** a refined riverside retreat set within lush gardens near the Royal Residence, blending colonial elegance with contemporary comfort. The hotel features a pool, spa, fitness center, and an acclaimed restaurant, offering a gracious and well-located base for exploring Siem Reap.
Day 12
February 5
Angkor Wat by e-bike; Yoga (B/L)
We meet our guide and driver early in the morning at the hotel and make a short transfer to Angkor Wat, arriving in time to watch the sunrise from one of the best vantage points. As the sky shifts through soft colors, our guide introduces the history and symbolism of this extraordinary temple before we walk through the central complex. After exploring Angkor Wat, we enjoy breakfast just outside the temple grounds in a quiet, garden setting, then set out on e-bikes along the lesser-known trails that wind behind Angkor Park, passing through small villages and glimpsing daily life beyond the monuments. Pedaling along shaded jungle paths, we continue to Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple, pausing to take in its iconic carved stone faces, as well as smaller, less-visited temples tucked into the forest. We cycle onward to Ta Prohm (also known as the Tomb Raider Temple because of its use in that film series), where massive tree roots and vines spill over the ruins, leaving the temple much as it was found. We will have a generous Cambodian lunch beside the ancient reservoir of Srah Srang, followed by a return to Siem Reap by support vehicle or bike (your choice), arriving by mid-afternoon with the option of sunset yoga later in the day. Note: For those who prefer not to explore Angkor Wat by bicycle, a private car-based tour can be arranged at an additional cost.
Day 13
February 6
Market and Food Tour; Sunset Lake Cruise; Cambodian Circus (B/D)
We leave at 8:00 for a morning tour to one of Siem Reap's colorful local markets, then head through rice paddies and temples to a village in the shadow of the Angkorian temples that's home to a breakfast dish that’s part of Khmer folklore. There, we'll visit noodle makers and home farmers, before returning to Siem Reap by midday via one of the country’s most scenic drives. At 15:30 we depart for Tonle Sap Lake, where we take a sunset cruise near Kompong Phluk village. Water levels vary by season, and in early February they are expected to be medium. After the cruise, we have group dinner before heading to Phare, the renowned Cambodian Circus. Phare is more than a performance—it is a social enterprise that provides free education, vocational training, and employment opportunities for Cambodian youth, with each ticket directly supporting the next generation of artists and community leaders. The one hour show starts at 20:00 and is followed by artist meet-and-greets.
Day 14
February 7
Departure (B)
Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight to Bangkok or continued travel. For those who wish to spend more time at Angkor, you may consult with the trip leader about extending your stay by an additional day or two. The Angkor temple complex is vast and layered, and it is impossible to fully experience it in a single day, making extra time here especially rewarding.
OPTION 1 PRICE PER PERSON:
$3699 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY + $1100 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
OPTION 2 PRICE PER PERSON:
$2999 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY + $800 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Book your space by filling our Reservation Form below and call Susie Morwick at 317-544-8391
(Venmo also an option)
Payment
Schedule:
Send checks to:
Peace Through Yoga Foundation
Attention: Susie Morwick
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
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A $500 non-refundable deposit per person is due at booking; balance due 120 days before departure.
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Payable by check or venmo to Peace through Yoga Foundation; 3.5% fee for credit cards.
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Cancellation: $500 fee up to 120 days prior; 100% fee after.
Cancellation Policy:
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Travel Guard at 800-454-7107
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i travel insured - 317-655-4500
INCLUDED:
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Pre-departure discussion group to orient you and answer any questions
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Accommodations at four and five star hotels
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Airport transfers to Luang Prabang airport and from Siem Reap airport
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Daily activities as described
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Meals as described
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Yoga classes as described
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Trip leaders
NOT INCLUDED:
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Airfare from your hometown
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Direct flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap on Feb 4 (around $175-200 if booked well in advance)
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Airport transfers other than the ones mentioned
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Visas to Laos ($40) and Cambodia ($30)
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Beverages
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to guides
Note: Itinerary may vary based on availability, weather, and local events.
Trip Leaders:
Christine Klotz
Christine Klotz, MPH, from Indianapolis, has lived as a nomad for 20 years, balancing a career as an international public health professional working in refugee camps around the world with long-distance walking, covering thousands of miles in more than 100 countries. While working in a Somali refugee camp in 2013, she was recruited to assist with the Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) disaster relief response in the Philippines. She flew across the globe and discovered ultimate frisbee in Philippine--a life-changing experience that not only sparked her continued travels throughout the Southeast Asian region but also led to lasting friendships with people like Jared. Since then, she has worked and lived in various Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and East Timor. Luang Prabang and Siem Reap are two of her favorite destinations from the region; both have a way of drawing you in and keeping you longer than expected. Christine is always dreaming about her next adventure. “It’s a beautiful world, and I’ll be thrilled to explore it with you, one step at a time.”
Jared Cahners
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Jared Cahners has been living in Cambodia for 15 years. He has a master’s degree in Southeast Asian studies from the University of Michigan and began a PhD in anthropology at the University of Wisconsin, with a focus on Cambodia. While working on his doctorate, he lived in Ratanakiri Province where he learned Khmer, the Cambodian language. In addition to Khmer, he speaks Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Malay (he ranks his skills in that order). He is passionate about Cambodia and Ultimate Frisbee (also in that order), and as a guide he brings his deep knowledge of the Kingdom’s history and culture along on every tour. He is the guide for Siem Reap Food Tours, an award winning company featured in multiple guidebooks and newspapers.
Yoga Instructor
Deborah Hill
Deborah Hill is a UK-trained EYT yoga teacher, massage therapist, fitness instructor, and specialist personal trainer in stroke recovery and GP referral, with a career in the fitness industry spanning back to 1998. She began practicing yoga in 2014 and has since completed extensive training, including 200-hour Ashtanga Vinyasa teacher training in Thailand, Yin Yoga training in the UK, and 500 hours of Hatha Yoga with the world’s oldest yoga institute, along with advanced study in Mysore, India in Ashtanga and pranayama. Now based in Luang Prabang, Laos, Deborah teaches yoga, offers sound healing, runs retreats, and works therapeutically with diverse clients, while also leading her yoga clothing brand, Surya Bee, a name and symbol rooted in personal meaning and the yogic path toward growth and clarity.
To register for this trip, complete the Booking Request, then call Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, if you would like to book via credit card at a 3.5% feel or use VENMO, at (317) 544-8391. Or send initial deposit of $500 to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
*A $500 deposit is due upon booking (no more than seven days after confirmation). Balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
