-
Day 1: Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok transfer to your hotel.
-
Day 2: Bangkok
An early start will get you to Wat Po in time to experience the monks early morning chanting ritual. Continue to The Grand Palace and marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
Cross the river for lunch before the afternoon drive to Prasart Museum – this is one of Bangkok's great little secrets! B, L.
-
Day 3: Ayutthaya
Drive north of Bangkok to Bang Pa In, the summer palace built by King Chulalongkorn Rama IV. Also visit Wat Nived just across the Chao Praya River. Afterwards, board your traditional rice barge Benjarong, and enjoy a cruise up the Chao Phraya River into the ancient city of Ayutthaya and visit the most important of the ruined temples. Return to Bangkok by car. B, L.
-
Day 4: Bangkok – Chiang Rai
Fly to Chiang Rai and this afternoon you can visit the Hall of Opium and learn about the history of opium, the effects on the mind and body and world strategies to control drugs. B.
-
Day 6: Chiang Rai
A skilled mahout can guide his elephant through its working day with around 70 soft commands. A short half-hour lesson will teach you the basic commands and actions. Once you have mastered the skills take an elephant trek through the forest. B, L.
-
Day 6: Chiang Rai
Depart your hotel this morning for Mae Sai, the crossing point into Myanmar. Once in Myanmar take a short Samlor ride around the town of Tachilek to explore the market. After lunch at a local restaurant visit Doi Tung, famous for its spectacular views. Take some time to look around the Royal Home of the Princess Mother and beautiful gardens as well as Doi Tung Temple. On the way back down the mountain stop and visit the Royal Handicraft Centre where you see mulberry paper making, pottery, and weaving.
-
Day 7: Golden Triangle – Pakbeng
Early morning transfer to Chiang Khong for the border crossing into Laos. After simple visa exit and entry formalities board the Luang Say boat. Stop at one hilltribe village and the rest of the time relax as you cruise enjoying a drink and lunch on-board. B, L, D.
-
Day 8: Pakbeng – Kamu Lodge
Early risers might like to visit the morning market, before we set off for the second day of cruising. A stop will be made at Ban Baw village where you can observe the processing of traditional rice alcohol. Shortly after lunch you will arrive at Kamu Lodge tented camp on the banks of the Mekong. In the afternoon you may choose from a range of activities including rice planting, gold panning, jungle walks, trekking or traditional fishing. B, L, D.
-
Day 9: Kamu Lodge – Luang Prabang
Visit the village of Kamu, before taking the boat onwards towards Luang Prabang. On this last leg of the cruise, you will stop at Pak Ou Caves. Afternoon touring in Luang Prabang includes Wat Visoun, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, and the climb up Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the city. Early evening stroll through the hilltribe market. B, L.
-
Day 10: Luang Prabang
Rise early and see the daily early morning ritual of monks being given offerings. After breakfast continue your explorations of Luang Prabang, with a visit to the National Museum, the Central Market, Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong. Late morning depart by road to the Kuang Si Waterfalls for a swim and picnic lunch, then return to Luang Prabang via small villages to see how cotton is produced, and traditional Sa paper is made. B, L.
-
Day 11: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang
Journey seven hours by road, to Phonsavan, gateway to the Plain of Jars. Thought to be over 2,000 years old, their origins are still a mystery. Time permitting, there may be a chance for a visit to Plain of Jars site 1, home to the largest jar. B, L.
-
Day 12: Xieng Khouang
Today we will begin with an exploration of the Plain of Jars at Phou Sa La Touon and Hai Hin Lad Kai where the most beautiful jars sit. Continue to Muang Kham, on the way stopping at Tha Chok Hmong Village where you will see signs of the Secret War. After lunch at a local restaurant visit some hot water springs then the Laos Mine Advisory Group (MAG) - an organisation that is working to clear the landmines in the area. B, L.
-
Day 13: Xieng Khuong – Vientiane
Stop by the morning market before driving a short way to Muang Khoune, on the way visiting an interesting Hmong Village. On arrival in Vientiane the remainder of this afternoon is at your leisure.B.
-
Day 14: Vientiane
Begin your exploration of Vientiane, starting with Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keo, and That Luang, the holiest place in all of Laos. Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport. B.