Chillout in Laos and Thailand

Vientiane is one of the most laid-back capital cities in Southeast Asia. Unlike the bustling streets and concrete jungles of other capital cities like Bangkok and Hanoi, Vientiane feels more like a small quiet town than a capital city. Since it appears relatively untouched by modernisation, with distinctly low-rise architecture and modest urbanization, numerous tree-lined boulevards, the city receives far fewer tourists than its neighboring counterparts. Situated in the bend of the Mekong River, close to the Thai border, Vientiane was virtually destroyed by the Siamese army in the 1820s after an unsuccessful rebellion. When Laos was incorporated into French Indochina (the Indochinese Union) in 1893, the French colonists redesigned Vientiane; hence the French influences around every corner, such as with tree-lined streets, wide boulevards and quaint cafes ideal for people watching. Despite the city having less famous sights to see, Vientiane is best appreciated for its laidback atmosphere, French colonial architecture and smattering of revered Buddhist temples.

Luang Prabang is a small but vibrant town in the heart of northern Laos. It is adorably picturesque with glittering temples, a mix of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture, colorful markets and quaint streets famous for the daily sunrise alms giving ritual where food is offered to the monks. Luang Prabang’s picture postcard image includes French-style cafés, bakeries, restaurants and former French villas with green shutters, the town is a fascinating legacy to when Laos was part of French Indochina. This town is one of the most favorite destinations in Laos, this place has a lot to offer, from dozens of temples, stunning waterfalls, French colonial architecture, bustling night markets to river cruises. On the outskirts are vibrant rice fields and traditional local villages. Luang Prabang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, and it is also the birthplace of numerous Laotian rituals.

Buzzing, humid and energetic, Bangkok is the city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating vibe that's hard to resist. The city is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, East and West, and dizzying contradictions. Historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Hence, the city is still fascinating for its traditional culture. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, eking out a living using centuries-old skills. A city tour in Bangkok often begins in Rattanakosin, drawn by the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It's here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, a spot where quitet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called 'Venice of the East'. East of the canals is modern Bangkok, a hive of activity with countless businesses, markets and shopping malls handily connect by the BTS Skytrain. As a city that feels alive day and night, Bangkok is the destination for all, from foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, even party animals. That makes the well-known Southeast Asian gateway one of the world's most visited cities.

Chiang Rai is a mountainous region in northern Thailand, bordering Laos and Myanmar. It is also a part of the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River and serves as an excellent base to explore the region. Like any famous Thai city, Chiang Rai abounds with temples which are part of the day to day life of its inhabitants. Most well-known among them are White and Blue Temples. The former is the most popular landmark in Chiang Rai for its uniquely designed structure representing life, death, and rebirth — important parts of the Buddhist cycle of life. The latter painted entirely in blue color symbolizing serenity and wisdom, something you don't see every day in a temple, is home to Buddhist-style patterns and illustrations of Buddha's life cycle, depicting hell and heaven. Surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and thick rainforest, Chiang Rai is a great base for visiting hill tribes and scenic mountain trekking. There’s a range of diverse options from short treks, visits to a waterfall or a viewpoint, as well as a visit to a traditional hill tribe community still living among the jungle-covered mountains to gain an insight into their way of life.

Fame as 'the rose of the North', Chiang Mai is an alluring city brimming with glittering temples, lush jungle, delicious streetfood and the bustle of lively markets. As the gateway to the mountains in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has grown far beyond the medieval city walls that once marked it as the ancient capital of Lanna Kingdom. Nevertheless, its temple-lined backstreets still conjure up the glory of the old empire and it is still possible to get a feel for Chiang Mai's Thai culture and traditions. Ancient shrines and traditional wooden houses jostle for space with boutique hotels, stylish restaurants and trendy bars of this northern town as well as its welcoming customs and laidback pace of life leads to a rising footfall of enthusiastic tourists with each year. Home to a vast number of national parks, lush tropical jungles, hidden waterfalls, stunning rivers, and animal sanctuaries, Chiang Mai is an unmissable stop-off point for many outdoor adventure-seeking travellers. From trekking to the villages of Thailand's hill tribes to other adrenaline activities including mountain biking, white-water rafting, rock climbing expeditions and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy that makes Chiang Mai a perfect getaway.

As the largest island in all of Thailand, Phuket has everything to offer within its coastline. From gorgeous beaches, delicious food, amazing natural parks, to access to some of the Andaman Sea’s most breathtakingly beautiful islands. Enjoying tropical weather all year round, the waters of Phuket come to life, brimming with marine habitats from November to February. Activities like snorkelling and scuba diving can be done at popular and scenic locations such as Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands, which make for day trips by speedboat. Phuket is also the jumping-off point for visiting many islands surrounding such as James Bond Island, Koh Yao Islands... Home to a melting pot of Chinese, European and Thai culture due to its location on ancient trading routes, Phuket town heavily retains its diverse characteristics via its cuisine, cooking styles, architecture and historical museums and buildings. Explore the beautiful streets of Phuket Old Town with colourful townhouses, street paintings and murals in Sino-Portuguese style. Many old houses have been turned into cafes and museums. This area also has Thai temples and Chinese shrines embody how various religions and cultures coexist.