Rundreise Nordthailand und "Auf dem Mekong nach Luang Prabang"

About the destination: Bangkok, one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, is the capital of Thailand. Bangkok is hot and crowded, but it's fairly clean and offers lots of fun things to do. Bangkok has great shopping, plenty of culture, amazing temples, delicious food and a decent art scene. Most of Bangkok's sights are concentrated on the island of Rattanakosin, often referred to as the Old City. The Grand Palace is the absolute must see site. The Grand Palace complex also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keow, the most sacred Buddhist temple. Other famous temples in Bangkok are the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Bangkok is a great place for shopping. There are many shops, shopping centers and markets to satisfy every wish. The nightlife scene in Bangkok is as varied as the city itself, from beer bars to exclusive clubs, night shopping markets, discos to hippie parties. Bangkok is a large sprawling metropolis, noisy and crowded yet peaceful and delicate. It is one of the world’s top destinations that one has to visit at least once in life.

About the destination: Chiang Mai is the hub of Northern Thailand and the Capital City of the Province of this name. With a population of over 170,000 in the city proper, it is Thailand's fifth-largest city. Located on a plain at an elevation of 316 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, and has a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North". Chiang Mai's historical center is the walled city. Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains. Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away. Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River, Mae Nam Ping, where Chang Klan Rd, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guest houses are located. Loi Kroh Rd is the center of the city's night life.

About the destination: Chiang Rai is the capital of Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand and is the main commercial center serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region. Chiang Rai is essentially a service city for the surrounding province. Despite its relatively small population, Chiang Rai has respected universities and other civic facilities. The character is distinctly Northern and is distinct to Chiang Mai to the south in various ways. The food is definitely spicier and the ethnic composition includes a good percentage of hill tribes and Myanmar exiles such as various varieties of Karen tribespeople. There are many temples and museums to explore. The White Temple is spectacular and well worth a visit and the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre is the perfect place to learn more about the hill tribes and their cultures. There is a very good night market that also features an open-air food court. Buffalo Horn Hill has a splendid overview of Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai is one of the best spots to do trekking in Thailand, what with its alluring mountains and numerous hill-tribes. Chiang Rai retains a small-town charm that makes it a perfect destination to enjoy the local culture and nature.

About the destination: Discover the enchanting destination of Huay Xai, a hidden gem located in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This idyllic town, nestled on the banks of the majestic Mekong River, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and warm hospitality. Venture into the wilderness with a visit to the renowned Bokeo Nature Reserve. The reserve is home to the famed Gibbon Experience, an eco-tourism adventure that offers an unforgettable chance to see these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Traverse the jungle canopy via a network of ziplines, and spend the night in a tree house, waking up to the harmonious sounds of gibbons calling in the distance. The Mekong River itself is another major attraction in Huay Xai. Take a slow boat journey down the river, and soak up the panoramic views of the lush greenery, rugged cliffs, and rustic local villages. Whether you choose to embark on a multi-day voyage to Luang Prabang or a shorter sunset cruise, the Mekong River provides a peaceful and picturesque backdrop for your adventure. Huay Xai is not just about nature, it is also steeped in culture and history. Visit the Fort Carnot, a historical structure built by the French during the colonial era. Explore the local Buddhist temples, such as Wat Jom Khao Manilat, showcasing traditional Lao architecture and intricate carvings. Experience the local life by strolling through the lively markets of Huay Xai. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce and traditional Lao cuisine to handmade crafts and trinkets. Don't forget to indulge in the local delicacies, such as sticky rice and spicy laap. Visit Huay Xai, and immerse yourself in the tranquility, beauty, and charm of this lesser-known corner of Laos. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Huay Xai offers an authentic and memorable travel experience.

About the destination: Luang Prabang, literally: "Royal Buddha Image" is the capital city of Luang Prabang Province in north central Laos. The city is located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers north of Vientiane. The main part of the city consists of four main roads on a peninsula between the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. The city is well known for its numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. One of the major landmarks in the city is a large steep hill on which sits Wat Chom Si. Luang Prabang has both natural and historical sites. Among the natural tourism sites are the Kuang Si Falls, Tat Sae Waterfalls, and Pak Ou Caves. Phou Si, in the center of the town, has broad views of the town and river systems, and is a popular place to watch the sun setting over the Mekong River. The Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and the Wat Xieng Thong temple are among the best known historical sites. Mountain biking is quite common, with people often biking around the town or to the waterfalls for the day.

About the destination: The capital city of Laos is located on the banks of the Mekong River. Vientiane,with a population of 600,000 people, is not a typical Southeast Asian capital. This relaxed capital has a small town atmosphere and still retains much of the old way of life. Vientiane is easy to navigate and explore, and most of the sights are located in the city center. The city is full of beautiful Buddhist temples, That Luang Stupa, Wat Sisaket and Haw Pha Kaew are the most famous temples, but during a stroll through the city, you will encounter several beautiful temples, buildings and markets. Don’t miss the sunset over the Mekong River. Along the river there are many small bars and restaurants, and this is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy a cold drink. Relaxed and evocative, Vientiane is the most peacefully satisfying of Southeast Asian destinations.