15 Days Picturesqueness of Vietnam, Thailand and Laos

ITINERARY

Day 1: Chiang Mai | Arrive in Chiang Mai

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

The old city walls still stand formidably against the ravages of time, inviting pilgrims to come rest, and explore the lost treasures of the Lanna Kingdom. Established as the capital in 1296AD of the vast “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, Chiang Mai carries a heritage lurking around every quiet cobble-stone alley and corridor. These days, cafes, boutiques, pubs, and spas are auspiciously peppered throughout, while colorful Meo and Akha hill tribes make their daily ritual visit to the valley to offer their hand made tapestries and handicrafts to curious adventurers. The Ping River weaves through the valley to the East of the Old City while a peaceful moat surrounds the time-worn walls.

Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Resort

Day 2: Chiang Mai | Home Hosted Lanna Cooking Class

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to the south of the city to visit Wat Ton Kwen or Wat Inthrawat, one of the finest examples of classic Lanna architecture in Northern Thailand. Proceed to Hang Dong for an incredible gastronomic experience with the local Ruankaew-Yanon family. You will be welcomed into their home to experience a typical day in the life of a Thai person. You will learn to cook traditional home-cooked recipes with authentic Northern Thai flavors. These are different from standard dishes offered in commercial cooking classes.

Enjoy a delicious meal which you helped create with the whole family. Say your farewells and return to the hotel for overnight.

Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Resort

Day 3: Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Temples | Lanna Massage & Night Markets

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, visit the most prominent temples in Chiang Mai. Start with Wat Phra Singh which houses the famous Phra Singh Buddha image. It features Lanna art throughout and illustrates many famous Buddhist stories. Continue on to Wat Chedi Luang, which once contained the Emerald Buddha. The temple is partially in ruins due to an earthquake in the 1500s. Then stop at Wat Chiang Man which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and also houses one of Thailand’s greatest treasures: the Crystal Buddha.

Then continue to Wat Suan Dok, which houses many of the remains of generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family. Finally, visit Wat Jet Yot – this peaceful temple is surrounded by green and was built in the Mahabodhi style from India to house the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1453. You’ll return to the hotel for some leisure in the afternoon.

Chiang Mai is known for its legendary “Siam Lanna” massage techniques dating back to the Lanna Kingdom.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a royal relaxation treatment at the top-rated spa in Chiang Mai. Transfer to Zira – an award-winning spa inside a beautiful Lanna-style refurbished mansion. You’ll enjoy your choice of either an aromatherapy massage(oil) or a traditional massage(non-oil) for 1 hour. Continue to the night markets to explore the interesting curios, trinkets, silks, and jewelry created by the hill tribes in the surrounding highlands. Return back to the hotel for leisure and overnight.

Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Resort

Day 4: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai | Road Trip to Chiang Rai | The White Temple | Golden Triangle Discovery

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer in the morning to Chiang Rai. On the way, you’ll stop at Wat Rong Khun(the White Temple). This unique and modern temple features Hindu and Buddhist architecture along with very contemporary and peculiar art and sculptures. You’ll continue to Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai is a quiet city nestled between two mountain ranges in the valley along the Mae Kok River. It has a colorful history, is the birthplace of the Lanna Kingdom, and was once home to the Emerald Buddha – during a short time when the priceless Buddhist relic was brought for hiding. The friendly town makes a great base camp for visiting the Golden Triangle, Ancient City of Chiang Saen, Mae Salong Mountain, and the “Island on the Clouds” (Phu Chi Fah viewpoint). Aspiring local artists have produced world-acclaimed pieces of architecture and art such as “The White Temple” and “The Black House”.

In the afternoon, visit the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak River and the Mekong river meet forming the borders of three countries – Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos – the area is known for it’s stunning views. Visit the Hall of Opium museum to learn about the history of the Opium War. Continue on to the ancient city of Chiang Sean at Wat Chedi Luang – a stone city and the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Then return to town for some leisure in the evening.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Day 5: Chiang Rai | Mae Salong: Hill Tribes and Tea Plantations

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to Mae Salong mountain, a scenic peak in the Shan Highlands. First, stop at a tea plantation to try some fresh hot tea in the morning while taking in the splendid views. Learn about the Chinese military KMT village that resettled at Mae Salong and their interesting story. Have lunch at a Yunnanese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Akha, Yao, and Lisu hill-tribe villages. Then return to the resort for leisure time.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Day 6: Chiang Rai – Pakbeng | Mekong River: The Gateway to Laos

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After passing through immigration, you will cross the Mekong River to Houay Xai in Laos where your Lao guide will be waiting for you at the immigration point. When border formalities are completed, you board a ready traditional boat for the trip down the river. The scenery along this part of the Mekong is argueably at its most beautiful. As your journey downriver you will stop at some tribal minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao, and Khmu. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, we visit the local market; experience the daily lifestyle of colorful hill tribe traders who exchanges their goods. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Accommodation: The Luang Say Lodge

Day 7: Pakbeng – Luang Prabang | Pak Ou Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

As you sail downriver as a second leg, you will pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You will also visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao Rice wine. You also visit the Pak-Ou caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. Arrive in Luang Prabang around sunset and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Pak Ou Cave – 15 Days Picturesqueness Vietnam Thailand Laos

A location so often ignored by travelers, but truly a must-see spot. Listed since 1995 as a UNESCO World Heritage for its unique architecture, cultural and religious significance, the town itself is at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 8: Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang Heritage

Meals: Breakfast

The morning is at your leisure to explore on your own or visit a spa for a massage.

In the afternoon, begin with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We’ll also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

Late afternoon, transfer to the forest temple of Wat Phon Phao for watching a stunning sunset over the Laos countryside.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 9: Luang Prabang | Hiking to Kuang Si Falls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We depart from our office and drive for around one hour west to Ban Xeng Mouk village where the trek starts. We begin with a visit to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nung before heading to the nearby Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song. You will be able to observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day to day basis and even sharing the same school.

As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddies and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way, we explore a cave that was used as a bomb shelter by the locals during the second Indochina war.

Kuang Si Waterfalls – 15 Days Picturesqueness Vietnam Thailand Laos

After visiting the cave one more hour of trekking, it brings us to one of the many springs which feed Kuang Xi waterfalls. Here a beautiful pool full of sacred fish can be seen. After descending from the top of the waterfall, we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings! The afternoon is spent bathing and relaxing around the turquoise pools below the waterfall.

You can also visit the Bear Conservation Center which is located nearby and home to many bears which have been rescued from illegal farms. Before returning to Luang Prabang we take a short walk to a nearby Khmu village of Ban Thapene which is home to some of the most beautiful pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 10: Luang Prabang – Hanoi | Leisure Day | Flight to Hanoi

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure to relax.

Board an afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

After check-in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 11: Hanoi | Private Streetfood Tour in French Quarter | Hanoi Highlights

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Start the morning with the latest craze in Hanoi: Egg Coffee at the original cafe where it began – Cafe Giang(for the less adventurous, other drink options are available). Soak up the AM local life of Hanoi from your seat while enjoying a pleasant morning chat. After your cups are dry, begin your walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Our guide will entertain you with a commentary about the history of the “36 Old Streets and Guilds”.

Throughout the morning, you’ll stop to try some excellent Vietnamese street food which may include Pho Cuon(grilled beef and fresh herbs wrapped in rice noodles), Ngo Chien(crispy sweet corn), Bun Cha(BBQ pork in fish sauce with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and spring rolls), Nem Cuon(fresh spring rolls) or some other popular Vietnamese dishes. During the morning, you will also visit a local market to see how vendors display their produce, meat, and foodstuffs. Finish the walking tour at Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm lagoon with an old stone tower on an island in the center.

Afternoon City Tour

In the afternoon, continue to see some of the most important places in Hanoi. You’ll start visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a large memorial when the charismatic Vietnamese leader read the Declaration of Independence in 1945. You must control your behavior and show respect at the memory of the ruler. Near this, we can find the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple.

The next step will be the Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to Confucius and is considered a center of knowledge. A few kilometers north you’ll visit the Tran Quoc pagoda in Westlake, which is the oldest pagoda in the city, which is harmonious architecture taking advantage of the watery landscape, is a picturesque attraction. Come back downtown in Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll visit the Ngoc Son Temple, crossing a small bridge in the middle of the lake.

To finish you’ll around the Hanoi Old Quarter by Cyclo, come upon streets full of live with genuine shops and cafes frequented by locals. Once completed the tour you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 12: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Emerald Isles of Lan Ha Bay and Lan Ha Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lan Ha Bay – 15 Days Picturesqueness Vietnam Thailand Laos

In the morning, our guide and driver will assist you with a transfer to Haiphong where you’ll enjoy some time at Orchid’s Private Lounge for refreshments until boarding. Then board Orchid Cruise.

Receive a safety briefing and check in your cabins. The boat sets adrift for Da Chong islet, home to an old French lighthouse. Enjoy a sumptuous feast in the panoramic dining hall while en route to the isles of Con Vit and Gia Luan. The bay opens up to you with stunning green karsts towering above the water. This area receives very few cruise ships as it has just been newly opened up. Continue to Ba Trai Dao beach of Lan Ha Bay. A paradise with perfect beaches and natural beauty. Stop at one of the beaches for swimming or kayaking during the afternoon.

As dusk approaches, welcome the sunset with a local specialty – “Ba Kich”(a liquor made from Noni fruit). Back on board, you’ll join a cooking demonstration to learn a few Vietnamese culinary secrets. Enjoy your creation! Then time for supper in the dining hall. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine and seafood in a romantic setting. After dinner, you may enjoy watching the stars from the sundeck, watching a movie in the restaurant, or give night squid fishing a try with the staff(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 13: Hanoi – Ninh Binh | Sunrise in Halong Bay | Bai Dinh Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early for one of the top best sunrises in the world. Then head to the sundeck for an invigorating Tai Chi session amongst a picture-perfect backdrop of karsts, sea, and nature. Enjoy breakfast in the dining hall before taking a journey to explore the area around Sang Tai sea cave via canoes.

Then disembark the cruise. Our guide and driver will meet you at the pier and then continue to Ninh Binh.

Check-in at the Emeralda Resort with stunning views all around.

Time to stretch your legs! Go with our guide to visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with 3 terraces and faces the river. Explore the many halls, rooms, carvings, and statues during the late afternoon. Our guide will then take you to the best place for watching the sunset over this untouched part of Vietnam. Shortly afterward, you’ll witness the 13-tier pagoda – Chau Bai Dinh – be lit up for the evening: a true spectacle to behold! Return to the resort for leisure and overnight.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 14: Ninh Binh – Hanoi | Wonders of Ninh Binh | Return to Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, go to visit Tam Coc, a spectacular excursion by small boat along the Ngo Dong River, proceeding thru a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst hills towering overhead. You will travel through three natural caves by paddle boat.

Ninh Binh Grottoes – 15 Days Picturesqueness Vietnam Thailand Laos

Check out in the afternoon and then you’ll go to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then this place existed as the capital for only 41 years. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In this capital, there are now two temples dedicated to two Vietnamese kings, which have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace. The visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 15: Hanoi | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast

Today our guide will transfer you to the airport before your homeward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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