19 Days Family Adventure in Laos and Thailand with Beach

ITINERARY

Day 1: Bangkok | Arrive in Bangkok

International Flight: Excluded
Meals: Dinner
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.

This evening, embark on a dinner cruise with Grand Pearl on the legendary Chaophraya River. Live music and a traditional Thai performance will make or an enchanting evening while you witness the Bangkok lights and the Temple of the Dawn as dusk takes hold. Enjoy delicious Thai cuisine at a sumptuous buffet while you reminisce over your Thailand adventures.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 2: 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.

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.

Ayutthaya Ruins

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 3: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat | Arts in Paradise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The first destination is Wat Phra Kaew, the chapel of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the world’s most famous image of Buddha. The 75cm statue of jade sits atop an 11m golden pedestal surrounded by lavish murals and richly decorated pavilions. Next, you’ll visit The Grand Palace which encompasses several major buildings. The most prominent include The Throne Hall, The Reception Hall, and The Coronation Hall.

Then, you’ll visit Wat Traimit, the temple of the golden Buddha. It weighs 5.5 tons of solid gold and was sculptured in the Sukhothai style.
In the afternoon, you’ll go to visit the 3D Museum: Arts in Paradise. Be amazed by the ingenious paintings where the eye cannot distinguish between paint and sculpture. This interactive museum is an “Instagram” paradise. After you finish exploring, return back to the riverside hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 4: Bangkok – Vientiane | Leisure | Flight to Vientiane

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at your leisure to relax or explore the rest in the city on your own.

In the afternoon, take a flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Settha Palace Hotel

Day 5: Vientiane | Laos Capital Highlights and Buddha Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe.

We then come back to the town to visit the city in the afternoon, including the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit Lao national icon, That Luang Stupa, and we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

Accommodation: Settha Palace Hotel

Day 6: Vientiane – Pakse | Flight to Pakse | Bolaven Plateau

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, board a flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the morning, we’ll go to visit a small village which is famous for knife making. See how knives are produced using traditional techniques before continuing onwards for another 14km to visit some tea plantations, here we see how tea is grown and produced, after which we carry on once again until arriving at the stunning Tad Fan waterfall. Here we take some time to look around and explore the local area which is home to coffee plantations.

Tadfane waterfalls

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 7: Pakse | Spot Mekong Dolphins by Kayak

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, we transfer to Nakasang village. From here we board a local boat which takes us down the mighty Mekong and through some beautiful scenery until arriving at Don Khon Island. From Don Khon Island we walk along the island to see the old French train and the amazing Liphi waterfalls. At the waterfall, we take a short walk to above the falls where we enjoy lunch together amongst some beautiful surroundings! After our lunch and taking some time to relax, we begin kayaking down the Mekong to an area near the Cambodian border where we will have the chance to see Mekong Dolphins. After spending some time to try and spot the dolphins, we will return back to your hotel in Pakse. The evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 8: Pakse | Wat Phou Ancient Ruins

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover the hidden charm of Southern Laos in this half-day tour, which encompasses visits to an ancient temple ruin and quaint colonial town. Wat Phou is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex which has been inscribed a world heritage site by UNESCO. Pakse and Champassak are tranquil towns where French colonial buildings are still standing.

After breakfast, a short walking city tour of Pakse will show you some nice remnants of the French period before transferring by road to Wat Phou. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. This temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself. The temple was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. The temple served as the most important economic and political center of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.

Pass through Champassak, driving through streets lined with French colonial buildings, and continue on to Ban Kiet Ngong. Stop en route at the woodcarving village of Ban Nong Bune.

When the tour ends, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Pakse.

Wat Phou Ruins

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 9: Pakse – Luang Prabang | Flight to Luang Prabang | Laotian Temples

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, board a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Your half day city tour begins 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.

A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Wat Xieng Thong Temple

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 10: Luang Prabang | Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hill Tribes

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 Waterfalls – 19 Days Family Adventure Laos Thailand Beach

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 11: 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 12: Luang Prabang – Chiang Mai | Flight to Chiang Mai

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at your leisure to relax.

In the afternoon, take a flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

The old city walls still stand verdantly against the course 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 handmade 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: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 13: Chiang Mai | Alms Giving | Tea Plantations & Hmong Hill Tribe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early morning to join locals in visiting a Buddhist monastery. You can watch or participate in offering alms to Buddhist monks at Wat Srisodain. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Northern Thai Hill Tribes – 19 Days Family Adventure Laos Thailand Beach

Then take a trip up in the hills and visit a tea plantation. Take a seat above the terraces flowing with arched rows of green tea shrubs while you sip on a fresh cup of hot green tea. Explore the tea plantation to learn a little about the process of cultivating and harvesting tea. Then continue to a Meo hill tribe village. Have the opportunity to see their unique apparel and simple way of living. Meo families take a great deal of pride in their herbal gardens.

Continue to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple perched on the mountain. Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddhist relics and is considered sacred to adherents. Climb around 300 steps to reach the temple. On the way, ring some of the temple bells, if you like. The temple has a set of impressive murals picturing scenes from the life and teachings of Buddha. Our guide will elaborate on some of the history and stories as you explore the temple compound. After the visit, return to the hotel for the leisure.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 14: Chiang Mai | Quad Biking Adventure

Meals: Breakfast
This morning, take to quad bikes for an exhilarating ride through 25 miles of jungle terrain and Thai countryside. You’ll be picked up in the morning and transfer to the starting point. Undergo a safety briefing and a short training course as you familiarize yourself with your ride. Then follow the quad bike guide through scenic hills, jungle terrain, and back trails. After the 3-hour ride, you’ll stop for lunch. Then return back to the hotel for leisure for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 15: Chiang Mai – Phuket | Temples of the Lanna Kingdom | Flight to Phuket

Internal Flight: Included
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.
In the afternoon, take a flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your resort next to the beach for check-in.

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 16: Phuket | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Phuket.

Tropical Beaches of Thailand – 19 Days Family Adventure Laos Thailand Beach

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 17: Phuket | Flying Hanuman Zipline

Meals: Breakfast
Flying Hanuman is an eco-adventure in Phuket’s Ultimate Jungle Experience. The tour offers the thrilling treetop activity that has minimal impact on the environment. They will be flying from tree to tree in a rare piece of Phuket wilderness. Speeds on the zip-lines reach 60 km per hour and heights exceed 40 meters. The site of Flying Hanuman is located near the well-known Katu Waterfall, surrounds by the wide variety of trees and small animals occupy the 80,000 square meter plot and the natural rubber trees. Flying Hanuman is great for exploration and outdoor activities.

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 18: Phuket | Sea Caves by Starlight

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
World famous kayaking inside marine limestone karst islands with macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, and Sea Eagles. Meet at the hotel around 11 AM to transfer to the pier. Then continue by boat with a light lunch served onboard. Self-paddle with your own sea cave guide through tunnels and lagoons. When darkness falls, stars shine overhead in the circle of black night, fireflies flash in the cliffside jungle and, most of all, the sea glows with phosphorescence. Enjoy a spiritual ceremony with your own made “Krathong”. Have a magnificent dinner onboard. Then return to land. A truly magical and out of this world experience (Listed among National Geographic’s “World’s Top 50 Adventures”).

Kayak with families – 19 Days Family Adventure Laos Thailand Beach

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 19: Phuket | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our representative 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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