25 Days Extended Custom Southeast Asia Tour

ITINERARY

Day 1: Singapore | Arrive in Singapore

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Singapore! Our driver will greet you at the airport with our welcome sign showing your name. Then transfer to the hotel for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

Day 2: Singapore | Sentosa Island at Sunset

Meals: Breakfast

Perched on top of popular hilltop park Mount Faber is Faber Peak Singapore, which houses the Singapore Cable Car. Enjoy a panoramic view of the world’s busiest harbor while we swing over to Sentosa island onboard Singapore Cable Car.

Sentosa Island, The State of Fun, which is home to an exciting array of themed attractions. One of the world’s largest aquarium located in Resorts World Sentosa, S.E.A. Aquarium™ where you can immerse yourself in a magical marine world. Featuring more than 100,000 marine animals from over 800 species across 49 habitats, the aquarium is home to majestic manta rays, goliath groupers, hammerhead sharks, and other gentle giants of the sea. Come explore and unfold the endless wonders of our blue planet!

Next, hop onto the air-conditioned cabin of the Sky Tower and catch panoramic views across Singapore’s Southern Islands from Asia’s tallest free-standing observation tower. Day or night, views from the tower promise to be both scenic and breathtaking as it gently revolves to a viewing height of almost 50 stories!

There’s no better way to complete a fabulous day at Sentosa than to take in a spectacular night show the Wings of Time set outdoors against the backdrop of the open sea. Come, discover an awe-inspiring display of water, laser and fire effects, set to majestic music and a panorama of breathtaking vistas. Weaved together is a tale of friendship and courage that will linger with you long after you leave this magical isle.

Accommodation: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

Day 3: Singapore | Singapore Highlights

Meals: Breakfast

First Little India – a haven of Indian culture and ethnicity that embodies the vibrant and colorful pulse of the Indian community in Singapore.

Next, drive to the mouth of the Singapore River. The Merlion, a national icon representing Singapore’s humble beginning as a fishing village is located here. The Merlion Park set against the City as a backdrop is a sight not to be missed.

Drive past the Financial District to Chinatown and discover the rich heritage of Chinatown through insightful stories. Singapore’s largest ethnic group, the Chinese, first settled here, and yet right in its midst you’ll find one of our oldest and picturesque Hindu Temple.

The last stop is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the ‘green lung’ of our city. Experience the calm and serenity of this 52 hectares garden. Located within the grounds is the National Orchid Garden where you can marvel at the wide and colorful variety of Orchids on display.

Singapore’s Botanical Gardens – 25 Days Extended Custom Southeast Asia Tour

Accommodation: Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

Day 4: Singapore – Penang | Flight to Penang, Malaysia

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport with our driver, then board an afternoon flight to Penang. Upon arrival, our driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Park Royal Hotel Penang

Day 5: Penang | Penang Hill and The Temple of 10,000 Buddhas

Meals: Breakfast

Located in the center of Penang Island is Air Hitam village, meaning “Black Water”. Visit one of the largest Buddhist temples in the region – Kek Lok Si – The Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas. It is also known as monasteries of supreme happiness. A large bronze statue of the Goddess Of Mercy can be seen. There is a striking mix of Thai, Burmese, Indian and Chinese architecture with detail and vibrant colors covering every inch.

Continue to the highest peak on the island – Penang Hill where the old British hill station was established. Ascend the hill by a Funicular train pulled by cable – a relic introduced during the colonial days. Panoramic Views of George Town and Mainland Malaysia await you at the peak. Then return back to the hotel for leisure throughout the day.

Accommodation: Park Royal Hotel Penang

Day 6: Penang | George Town Heritage

Meals: Breakfast

George Town, listed by UNESCO as a world heritage city with its diversified art & culture is not to be missed. Visit the world-renown Peranakan Mansion Museum which displays over 1,000 antiques and collectibles belonging to several cultures. Then take a short walk to the colorful ethnic Indian enclave – a bazaar where a wide range of items is sold. Next, visit the oldest Hindu Temple in Penang. Continue to the Chinese Clan Houses where ornate rooftops with intricately carved dragon pillars are found. Finish with a walk along Armenian Street to view street art and visit the Kapitan Kling Mosque nearby. Return back to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Park Royal Hotel Penang

Day 7: Penang – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok, Thailand

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport with our driver, and then fly to Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers

Day 8: Bangkok | Royal Palace and Chaophraya River by Boat

Meals: Breakfast

Temple of Dawn – 25 Days Extended Custom Southeast Asia Tour

In the morning, take a boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn.

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. Also visit Wat Po, with it’s large reclining Buddha. Return to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers

Day 9: Bangkok | Jim Thompson’s House

Meals: Breakfast

Visit Jim Thompson House, the home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur who was the founder of the world-renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. Thompson’s achievements during his 25-year stay in the Kingdom of Thailand have won him much fame as the “Legendary American of Thailand”. Since his disappearance in 1967, little has changed in the home that was the ‘talk of the town’ and the ‘city’s most celebrated social center’. Even today, this Thai style house which contains an intensive collection of art and antique objects continues to be a key stop for visitors to Bangkok.

Accommodation: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers

Day 10: Bangkok – Chiang Rai | Flight to Chiang Rai

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by flight today to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and then continue to the hotel for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 11: Chiang Rai | Mae Salong Mountain and Minority Tribes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Northen Thai Tea Plantation – 25 Days Extended Custom Southeast Asia Tour

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 12: Chiang Rai | The Golden Triangle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, visit the Opium House at the bent of the mighty Mekong River and see the scenic view where three countries converge(Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos). Then visit the ancient city of Chiang Saen, where ruins of numerous, temples, stupas, and Buddha images are still to be seen. Then see artifacts and archaeological finds exhibited at the National Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant and transfer back to the hotel in Chiang Rai.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 13: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai | Road Trip to Chiang Mai and The White Temple

Meals: Breakfast

Then you’ll transfer to Chiang Mai. 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. Along the way, stop at a charity school which provides education to the children in the remote Shan hills. You’ll continue to Chiang Mai to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Khum Phaya Resort & Spa

Day 14: Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Heritage

Meals: Breakfast

In the afternoon, 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 your hotel and evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Khum Phaya Resort & Spa

Day 15: Chiang Mai | Suthep Mountain Temple

Meals: Breakfast

Take a trip today up to Doi Suthep mountain, about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, with Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a Holy Buddhist Temple. Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddha relics and therefore is Holy to Buddhists. There are about 300 steps to climb. The reward is more than worth the effort. You will see a beautiful Buddhist Temple and you will experience a clear view of the beautiful Chiang Mai view. One of the things you will notice, still in the outside area, are the many Temple bells (rakhang in Thai). Ring them if you like.

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep also has a set of very impressive murals, picturing scenes from the life and teachings of the Buddha. Then visit a Meo hill tribe village to see local life. After the visit, return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Khum Phaya Resort & Spa

Day 16: Chiang Mai – Luang Prabang | Flight to Luang Prabang, Laos

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by flight today to Luang Prabang. Our guide will greet you at the airport and then transfer to the hotel for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: Le Palais Juliana

Day 17: Luang Prabang | Half Day Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to MandaLao – an elephant sanctuary with a focus on rehabilitation and care of rescued elephants. Here you’ll meet the sanctuary caretaker and receive a short briefing about the elephants. Throughout the morning, you’ll take place in the following activities:

• Locate the elephants with the caretaker;
• Feed the elephants under the guidance of the caretaker and learn about their behavior;
• Bathe your elephant – Go down to the nearby river to bathe your elephant; perhaps the elephant will bathe you as well!
• Enjoy lunch at the outdoor garden restaurant

Then return to your hotel for leisure time in the afternoon.

Note: MandaLao does not allow elephant riding due to the harm this can cause to the elephants.

Accommodation: Le Palais Juliana

Day 18: Luang Prabang | Pak Ou Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we enjoy a short guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.

We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continues to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun and Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving.

When the tour will finish, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Le Palais Juliana

Day 19: Luang Prabang | Kuang Si Falls and Luang Prabang Highlights

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll start with a visit to the Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. This then takes us to the beautiful Khouang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang.

Kuang Si Waterfalls – 25 Days Extended Custom Southeast Asia Tour

In the afternoon, 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 also have time to 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 the hill tribes surrounding Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Le Palais Juliana

Day 20: Luang Prabang – Vientiane | Alms Giving | Flight to Vientiane

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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(if you would like to arrange this, please let the guide know before).

Transfer by flight today to Vientiane. Upon arrival, be greeted by our guide. Then leisure time.

Accommodation: Salana Boutique Hotel

Day 21: Vientiane | Vientiane Monuments

Meals: Breakfast

In the afternoon, we start visiting the major sights of the capital including Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha image. Enroute to Lao’s national icon, That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Continue to the riverside as dusk approaches for seeing the night markets and the view of Thailand over the Mekong.

Accommodation: Salana Boutique Hotel

Day 22: Vientiane – Phnom Penh | Flight to Phnom Penh

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by flight today to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and then proceed to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 23: Phnom Penh | The Killing Fields

Meals: Breakfast

S21 Killing Fields – 25 Days Extended Custom Southeast Asia Tour

In the morning transfer with our guide to Choeung Ek – The Killing Fields. When you enter the gardens and site, the serenity and beauty of nature reflect the healing and reforms the nation has undergone since the time of the atrocities committed here. During the Pol Pot regime, this site was used to execute and dump the dead bodies of those who were deemed enemies of the government. It has since been converted into a national reminder for foreigners and locals alike to the need for governments to be controlled through tools of democracy and constitutions. The tour ends before noon.

Accommodation: La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 24: Phnom Penh | Khmer Royal Palace and National Museum

Meals: Breakfast

Go with our guide to discover the National Museum where you will see the large collection of Khmer history, arts, and architecture. After that you will also visit the Silver Pagoda, which has 5,000 silver tiles on the floor. You’ll finish the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, a large complex of ornate Khmer royal-styled buildings where many of the treasures and relics of Cambodia are housed and where the Khmer royal family lives. At the end of the tour, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel.

Accommodation: La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 25: Phnom Penh | Farewell!

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

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

GET FREE QUOTE