29 Days Thailand and Laos in Depth Tour

ITINERARY

Day 1: Vientiane | Arrive Vientiane

International Flight: Excluded
Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival Vientiane, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

After check-in, then you’re able to relax or enjoy a few drinks watching the sunset over the Mekong River, explore the Night Market and experience some of the city’s nightlife.

Accommodation: Settha Palace Hotel

Day 2: Vientiane | Buddha Park and City Temples

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 3: Vientiane – Phonsavan | Flight to Phonsavan | Uncover the Plain of Jars: Site 2 and 3

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

In the afternoon, you’ll begin unfolding the mysterious Plain of Jars. There are more questions than answers. Who made these giant stone large jars? Why did they do it? What happened to them? You’ll visit the Plain of Jars Site 2 and Site 3 today where jars are found which are believed to be around 3,000 years old. Here you’ll see two areas where these jars are found along with a large stone disc at each site. Then you’ll return to Phonsavan. At 6:00 PM, you’ll visit the UXO visiting center and watch an impressive movie about bombies – a civilian bomb used during the Secret War. Tasting Tour: Be sure to try the buffalo and vegetable medley dish, unique to Phonsavan valley.

Plain of the Ancient Jars – 29 Days Thailand Laos Depth Tour

Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel

Day 4: Phonsavan | Explore the Main Site

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continue uncovering the mysterious Plain of Jars today. First, however, you’ll start with a visit to the local market where you can see many colorful fruits, vegetables, and meat on display. This market specializes in pastries similar to donuts found in Phonsavan. (Tip: If you try something from the market, be sure to immediately eat a slice of uncooked ginger or a fresh garlic clove to ensure you don’t get sick from local bacteria. These have proven effective in killing many foodborne pathogens in studies).

Then you’ll go to visit one of the quarry sites. It’s where the jars were made out of large boulders. The nearest quarry site is 40km away from the place where the jars are found! You’ll find more questions here, how did they transport these large jars? What did they use to carve them with? If you have the energy, climb up to a cave used during the secret war(1,017 steps) for impressive views of the countryside.

After lunch, visit the Plain of Jars Site 1 and a cave which was bombed during the Secret War. At this site, there are over 300 jars. Also, the largest jar is found here which is said to be 2 meters by 2 meters and weighs nearly 6 tons! One of the jars has what appears to be a carving on the side adding more questions. After the tour, you’ll return to the hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel

Day 5: Phonsavan – Luang Prabang | Flight to Luang Prabang | Laotian Monasteries

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

Your half day city tour begins in the afternoon 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.

Evening dinner at Hive Restaurant with “Ethnik Fashion Show” – a modern fashion show with a twist – ethnic wedding garments from over 100 ethnic groups in Laos on a show by Hmong underprivileged university students(all donations go to support their families and education).
Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 6: 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 7: Luang Prabang | Kuang Si Waterfalls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we cross the Mekong River by boat, to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village. We then visit the morning 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 Khouangsi 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 by late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Kuang Si Waterfall – 29 Days Thailand Laos Depth Tour

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 8: Luang Prabang | Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves

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 9: Luang Prabang – Pakse | Flight to Pakse | Tad fan Waterfalls and Knife Making Village

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

In the afternoon, you’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 – 29 Days Thailand Laos Depth Tour

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 10: Pakse | Explore 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 11: 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. The 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. Wat Phou 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.

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 12: Pakse – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok | Thai Street Food Adventure

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, board a flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your 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.

In the evening, you’ll be picked up to explore the bustling Chinatown a popular tourist attraction and a food haven. Upon this 1-km strip packed with market stalls, street-side restaurants and a dense concentration of gold shops. Continue the journey to Pakklong Talaad, the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. Drive to Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing. From here, we continue on foot passing Bangkok Metropolitan Office to Democracy Monument. You’ll enjoy dinner at Hotel D’ Moc’s restaurant.

Then travel by tram around Ratanakosin area with the fantastic views of “The Must-See” attractions in Bangkok, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, The Golden Mount, Wat Ratchanaddaram, The Democracy Monument, The City Pillar Shrine, The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, National Theatre and Santi Chaiprakarn Park. End up the night by exploring the Khao San Road for its famously described as “the center of the backpacking universe”. After tour completed, you’ll transfer back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 13: Bangkok | City Temples and Royal Palace

Meals: Breakfast
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. At the end of the tour, you’ll be escorted to the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 14: 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 Ancient Ruins – 29 Days Thailand Laos Depth Tour

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 15: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi | Transfer to Kanchanaburi | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast

Travel West in the morning to Kanchanaburi. Check in your villa over the Kwai River and relax for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: The Float House River Kwai

Day 16: Bangkok – Chiang Rai | River Kwai and Bridge | Flight to Chiang Rai

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Check out of the hotel in the morning and continue to the world-famous bridge on the River Kwai, built during World War II by the prisoners of war. Learn about the history of the allied forces who lost their lives to connect this railway.

Afterward, transfer to the airport in Bangkok for an evening flight to Chiang Rai.

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

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 17: 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.

Northern Thai Hill Tribes – 29 Days Thailand Laos Depth Tour

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Day 18: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai | Golden Triangle Discovery and The White Temple | Road Trip to Chiang Mai

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 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: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 19: Chiang Mai | Flight of the Gibbon and Mae Kam Pong Waterfall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Early morning, join a trip to the Flight of the Gibbon zip line deep within the Mae Kampong Rainforest. State of the art safety equipment is used and the Sky Rangers are ACCT certified.

Enjoy flying through the rainforest all morning from several platforms with the highest at 200 feet and the longest line spanning half a mile. Then have lunch hosted by a village family. After lunch, take a hike through the rainforest to Mae Kompong Waterfall for seeing the fauna and flora of Thailand along the way. You’ll visit the village and learn about their fermented teas. Return back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 20: Chiang Mai | Temples of the Lanna Kingdom | Lantern Festival

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 your hotel and evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 21: Chiang Mai | Befriending the Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will join in a tour to an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai by 4WD truck. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. Learn how they became a proud herd free from abuse and misuse. Then have an opportunity to feed them. Next, enjoy a picnic spread. Then take a stroll with the herd to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff.

After you have said your farewells, return back to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 22: Chiang Mai – Krabi | Flight to Krabi | Relax on the Beach

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, take a flight to Krabi. Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your resort next to the beach for check-in. Then you are at leisure to explore the stunning beaches of Krabi.
Long-tail boats and salty seas; limestone cliffs and vibrant jungle canopies; clear blue waters with a spectrum of fish varieties just below – Krabi is a step back to nature and scenery. Sandy beaches and moving sunsets draw the weary traveler for a place of respite and refocusing.

Accommodation: Andakiri Pool Villas

Day 23: Krabi | Relax on the Beach

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

Accommodation: Andakiri Pool Villas

Day 24: Krabi | Phi Phi Island and Maya Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover the spectacular limestone rock formations of Phi Phi Island. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear water of the bay. Last 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.

Accommodation: Andakiri Pool Villas

Day 25: Krabi – Phuket | Scenic Road Trip to Phuket | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll take a scenic road transfer to Phuket. The transfer is around 3 hours with pleasant views en route. Upon arrival, get checked in and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

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 26: Phuket | Khao Sok Ancient Rain Forest

Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Khao Sok National Park. Canoe silently down the Sok river in a stable canoe paddled by an experienced guide. Keep your eyes open for birds and other small creepy animals that shall remain unnamed. Hold on as our amazing elephants take you on a trek straight into the jungle. You will be amazed when you see how gracious these huge animals make their way up the tiny steep trails. No other place in southern Thailand can rival the natural scenery in the Khao Sok jungle. Discover rare plants and animals in one of the worlds last ancient jungles.

Khao Sok National Park – 29 Days Thailand Laos Depth Tour

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 27: 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 28: Phuket | Relax on the Beach

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

Phuket Beach Sunset

Accommodation: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Day 29: 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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