16 Days Cultural Highlights of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in Style

ITINERARY

Day 1: Bangkok | Arrive in Bangkok

International Flight: Excluded
Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival in Bangkok, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then you are at leisure to explore the Chao Phraya riverfront, go shopping, or visit a Muay Thai boxing gym on your own.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 2: Bangkok | Leisure Day | Welcome Dinner Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy some leisure time until evening as you’ve had taken a long international flight. Simply relax at your hotel or you can have own exploration in the city.

Temple of dawn at dusk

The evening will commence with a Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise on Apsara by Banyan Tree. As dusk is setting, enjoy the views of the lights of Bangkok while tasting sumptuous courses served to you en route. Return to the hotel after dinner.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 3: Bangkok | Bangkok by Traditional Long-tail Boat | Street Food and Night Life

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the early morning, take a traditional longtail boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view and explore the gem of Bangkok.

Continue to one of the must-see sights, the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built-in 1782- and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings. Then return to the hotel for some leisure time in the afternoon.

Street Food and Night Life

Go beyond tourist zones for the most enjoyable midnight eating adventure. After the moon comes up, cruise along Bangkok streets via this city’s iconic 3-wheel, Tuk Tuk, to visit Bangkokian’s favorite places to eat. Taste a variety of savory menus, including the local favorite Northeastern Thai Food (Esan Food), the town’s Best Pad Thai, and the popular home-style Thai snack. Between the bites, visit old-town landmarks and temples for a different perspective compared to the busy daytime scene. Discover the side of Bangkok wholly unknown to visitors. We will finish the tour by the Cinderella’s time. This tour is not suitable for vegetarians.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 4: Bangkok | Ayutthaya Kingdom Discovery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Start early and transfer North to the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Start by visiting Wat Phu Khao Thong – a temple outside of Ayutthaya started by the invading Burmese who built the base when they overtook Ayutthaya and was finished by Siam who later took back their city. Continue to Ayutthaya and start with the Royal Palace and Royal Temple – dating back to the 14th century. Continue to the nearby Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit where the largest bronze Buddha in Thailand is housed.

Ayutthaya Ancient Capital

Enjoy a Thai lunch and some free time. Have a short visit to Wat Lokaya Sutha – the image of the reclining Buddha. Then continue to the Royal Palace at Bang Pa In, which is the Summer Palace of the Thai Royal Family. Return back to your hotel in Bangkok for leisure time.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 5: Bangkok – Luang Prabang | Leisure | Flight to Luang Prabang | Nava Mekong Cruise

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning is at your leisure to relax or explore the city on your own.
In the afternoon, take a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Dining on the mighty Mekong is to being in Luang Prabang what walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is to being in New York. Essential. To ensure you don’t ‘miss the boat’, you’ll join the Nava Mekong, the foremost regular dinner cruise opportunity in the royal capital.

The cruise embarks daily at 5:30 pm and motors downstream to moor near a traditional village where traditional Lao dancers perform age-old sets that include interpretations of the royal ballet, rural life, folk tales and legends. The boat returns at 9 pm.
Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 6: Luang Prabang | Alms Giving | City Temples

Meals: Breakfast
In the early morning, join in the alms giving ceremony where a procession of monks pass the hotel as participants solemnly give sticky rice and other objects into their bowls. Then enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
The morning is at your leisure to explore on your own.

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. Return to the hotel for leisure time or explore the night markets on your own.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 7: Luang Prabang | Hill Tribes and Kuang Si Waterfalls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer in the morning to Ban Long Lao village – a Hmong and Khmu ethnic village who live simple lives off the land in a self-sustained community. After exploring the village and mingling with the locals, you’ll begin the hike to Kuang Si Falls. Along the way are lush green forests and clear streams. Visit a cave along the way that once acted as a bomb shelter. Arrive at Kuang Si Waterfall – one of the most turquoise waterfalls in the world. The afternoon can be spent swimming in the waterfall and visiting the Bear Rescue Center where several Sun Bears and Malayan Black Bears are being cared for after being rescued from bile farms and wildlife traffickers. Then you’ll return to Luang Prabang and evening is at your leisure.

Kuang Si Waterfall – 16 Days Cultural Highlights Thailand Laos Cambodia

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 8: Luang Prabang | Befriending the Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, transfer to Elephant Village – an elephant sanctuary with a focus on rehabilitation and care of rescued elephants. Here you’ll meet the camp manager and receive a short briefing about the elephants. Throughout the day, you’ll take place in the following activities:

• • Riding an elephant – you’ll have the opportunity to ride directly on the neck of an elephant
  • Mahout Training – learn about the commands of how to communicate to the elephant
  • Enjoy lunch at the outdoor garden restaurant
  • Bathe your elephant – Go down to the nearby Nam Khan River to bath your elephant; perhaps the elephant will bathe you as well!

Then return to your hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 9: Luang Prabang | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast

Spend this full day at your own leisure. You can walk around the city and discover the local daily life, find out some interesting souvenir items, drop by at a bar to relax and have a drink or two. Alternatively, simply indulge yourself with the comfort and amenities which your hotel offers.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 10: Luang Prabang | Boat Trip to Pak Ou Cave

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make Laos rice wine and rice whiskey. You’ll be able to try some and see the process they use to make it. Then we’ll reach the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

Lunch will be served nearby the caves. During lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to try a local dish called “Orlam” which is a soup with vegetables and features a spicy wood that is partially edible. On return, we disembark the boat to visit a traditional weaving village of Ban Phanom, which is famous for its hand weaving.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 11: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap | Leisure | Flight to Siem Reap

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, simply relax at your hotel with stunning view of Laos mountains or explore the lovely town on your own.

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

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

This unique cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 12: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom Ancient Capital

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, you’ll be visiting the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way to Angkor Thom, you’ll catch a glimpse of the front of Angkor Wat as you pass by, which will leave you with a tingling feeling on the back of your neck as you take your first glance of the enormity and wonder of the largest religious complex to ever exist.

However, we’ll be saving the best for last as you go on today to see some other equally impressive structures of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace.

Taprohm Jungle Temple

First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure is hidden under canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the movie set of a treasure hunt adventure. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition.

Taprohm Temple Ruins – 16 Days Cultural Highlights Thailand Laos Cambodia

After you’ve had lunch, your exploits will continue as you visit Banteay Kdei (“Citadel of Chambers”). You’ll also visit Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcome on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

As the sun approaches the horizon, you’ll enjoy a sunset from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. After sunset, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 13: Siem Reap | Kompong Phuk Floating Village | At Leisure

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, start with an ox-cart ride through Cambodia’s green countryside where you’ll see many coconut trees, rice fields, and water buffalo. After that, continue the trip to the largest lake in Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap. You’ll take a boat ride to Kampong Phluk which means, Harbor of the Tusks due to its history in the elephant trade several centuries ago. You’ll also see the mangrove forests nearby. After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel to relax for rest of the day.

Then go to visit a small village to donate a slow sand water filtration system. You’ll have a chance to meet with the village families. The water filtration system will be able to provide potable/drinking water to the whole village. We can also arrange to have your logo or names painted on the filter ahead of time. The installation staff will instruct the villagers on how to maintain the filter.

Optional recommendation: We recommend that if you have any used children’s books in your home that you no longer need, you may bring them with to donate to the children in the village. This can impact the village children to focus on their education and provide them English reading materials not available from their school.

More information on the slow sand water filtration system provided can be found on the Center for Disease Control website here: https://www.cdc.gov/safewater/sand-filtration.html

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 14: Siem Reap | Bayon Temple by Classical Citroen Car | Angkor Wat Temple

Meals: Breakfast
For your last day in Siem Reap, you’ll experience the temple relics in a way that will really let you feel like you’ve escaped the 20th century and traveled a thousand years back to a time when life was simple and nature was surreal.

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted by a classic 1930s fully restored Citreon. Circle around Bayon temple and stop for photos with the classic automobile if you like. Then continue back to the South Gate. (Note: Citreon will return and a standard vehicle with air conditioning will provide transportation for the rest of the tour. No camera is provided for photos. Please bring your own.) From there, you’ll go for a gondola ride through the moats of Angkor Thom to see the vast ruins of the Khmer Empire at its peak. Close your eyes and smell the sweet perfume of the Romdoul flowers growing wild on the shore mixed with the scent of lotus flowers bobbing in the water.

World-famous Angkor Wat Temple

Finally, be prepared today to enjoy one of the Wonders of the Ancient World: Angkor Wat. At this point, you most probably have gotten glimpses of the towers over treetops and the gates in front in passing. But now you’ll finally get to satiate that curiosity that’s grown in the last few days. Enter Angkor Wat and learn about the stories and amazing architecture that has stunned archeologists leaving more questions than answers. Angkor Wat possesses some of the most intricate and longest stone carvings in the world. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the morning adventuring through the many passages, levels, and exploring chambers that once housed one many treasures of the ancient world. It will be an experience you won’t forget. Return to the hotel around noon for leisure time.

Angkor Wat Temple – 16 Days Cultural Highlights Thailand Laos Cambodia

In the evening, you’ll go to visit Phare Cambodian Circus. Be amazed by stunts and choreography unique to Cambodia’s performing arts. You’ll watch as a story written by locals is acted out with an impressive stage show. Be prepared for laughter and wonder as you enjoy the performance. After the hour-long spectacle, you’ll return to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 15: Siem Reap | Leisure Day | Private Countryside Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a full day leisure to relax or explore around Siem Reap town.

Nearing dusk, you’ll go to a private dinner at a traditional wooden villa in the countryside surrounded by dragonfruit orchards and rice fields. Tiki torches and live traditional music will welcome you. Start with cocktails and canapes. Then enjoy an exquisite evening dinner while you chat and reflect on the fond memories you have been collecting. Return to the hotel when you are ready.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 16: Siem Reap | Farewell!

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

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