23 Days Thailand Cambodia and Laos Luxury Tour plus Tropical Beaches

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 | Relax | Welcome Dinner Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning and afternoon are at your leisure to relax after the international flight. You may want to have own exploration in the city or simply relax at the hotel.

In the evening, our guide will greet you and escort you to the pier. Embark on a renovated rice barge for a cruise dinner. The dinner features a live Apsara performance while you enjoy Thai delicacies and take in the night lights of the Chao Phraya River.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 3: Bangkok | Bangkok Royal Palace by Traditional Long Tail Boat

Meals: Breakfast
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.

Bangkok Royal Palace

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.

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.

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 – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap | Leisure

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, board a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 6: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom the Ancient City

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.

Ta Prohm Ancient University

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. 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.

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 7: Siem Reap | Kompong Phukk 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 it’s 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 enjoy some leisure time.

As evening approaches, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at Bodia Spa – an award-winning spa in Southeast Asia. You either experience Khmer traditional spa or another treatment of choices.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 8: 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.

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 Sunrise

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 9: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang | Leisure | Flight to Luang Prabang

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

In the late 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.

Feel free to explore the beautiful city of Luang Prabang on your own to discover night markets selling local tapestries and souvenirs.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 10: Luang Prabang | Alms Giving | Ancient City Temples

Meals: Breakfast
In the early morning, you can 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 11: 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 Waterfalls

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 12: 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 13: Luang Prabang | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast

Spend this full day at your own leisure or visit a spa. 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 14: Luang Prabang – Pakbeng | Mekong River Cruise: Pak Ou Cave

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, our guide will greet you at the hotel and escort you to the pier for your cruise departure up the Gateway of Laos.

Boat embarks at 7 AM and starts with a continental breakfast served onboard.

Around 8:30 AM arrive at Pak Ou Caves – these small caves are crammed full of thousands of Buddha statues that local boatsmen have placed in prayer for safe passage on the Mighty Mekong River.

At 12:30 PM, lunch is served onboard with a selection of starters and main courses from Laos’ varied cuisine.

At 1:30 PM, stop at the village of Baw where you may see the distillation process of Lao whiskey.

At 5 PM, arrive at Luang Say Lodge before sunset. Enjoy dinner on the open terrace overlooking the Mekong as the sun makes its exit over the jungled horizon.

Accommodation: The Luang Say Lodge

Day 15: Pakbeng – Chiang Rai | Mekong River Cruise: Tai Leu Hill Tribes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
At 7 AM, enjoy the stunning sights of the mountains covered in mist while having a sumptuous breakfast on the teak terrace.

Embark at 8 AM for a continued discovery of the nature along the Mekong River.

At 12 PM, lunch is served onboard.

At 1:30 PM, stop at a traditional ethnic minority village of the Tai Lue tribe who came from China over 300 years ago. With a remote lifestyle, these villages are mostly independent and self-reliant. Their main export is natural weavings from cotton and dyes grown within the surrounding lands. The men often obtain tattoos which are believed to protect from spirits and also to attract women.

At 5 PM, arrive in Huay Xai for disembarkation and crossing immigration into Thailand.

Mekong River Cruise

Then we will transfer you to Chiang Rai. Check in your hotel and rest.

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”.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 16: Chiang Rai | Mae Salong Mountain: Tea Plantations & Hill Tribes

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: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 17: Chiang Rai | Golden Triangle Discovery

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, 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 its 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 afternoon.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 18: Chiang Rai – Phuket | Flight to Phuket | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, board a flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your resort next to the beach for check-in.

Enjoy the beaches of Phuket. North of the resort is two stunning beaches facing the Andaman Sea, Karon Beach and Kata Beach. Perched above Kata Noi beach – a quiet stretch of white sand meets blue waves with forested mountains.
Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 19: Phuket | Relax on the Beach

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

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 20: Phuket | Phi Phi Island and Maya Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover the spectacular limestone rock formations of Phi Phi Island. Stop on a lovely island with great white sandy beaches. A great spot to lay down and relax at the beach. Or go snorkeling in the beautiful reef around the island.

Phi Phi Islands

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 21: 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”).

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 22: Phuket | Relax on the Beach | Private Seaside Dinner

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

As dusk approaches, you’ll enjoy a private seaside dinner with candles, personal butler, and the sound of the sea. Dinner will feature a 4-course traditional Thai menu.

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 23: Phuket | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our representative 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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