13 Days Four Kingdoms – Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal & Bhutan

ITINERARY

Day 1: Kathmandu | Welcome to Nepal!

International Flight:Excluded
Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Hotel Dwarikas for check in at their Junior Suite with a day bed to lounge and relax, and great local amenities such as pottery, slate, brass, genuine antiques and artifacts. Receive a short tour briefing in the lobby then enjoy some leisure time. In the late afternoon, feel free to take a stroll to visit the markets and cafes around the Thamel district.

Accommodation: Hotel Dwarikas

Day 2: Kathmandu | Kathmandu Discovery

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch
Start the morning exploring the capital of Nepal with a stop at a vegetable and spice market. Learn a bit about Nepalese cuisine and observe the daily life of locals in the morning. Then continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square. First, you’ll visit Taleju Temple – where Nepalese have selected a young girl to embody the goddess of Taleju. The temple is her palace and where locals come to worship her. Then continue to Kal Bhairab – an icon that many locals pay homage to.

During the afternoon, visit the Monkey Temple – an important Buddhist site that overlooks the Kathmandu Valley. Then transfer to Patan Durbar Square where lay the ancient royal palace of the Malla Kings. It is said one could spend a day looking at the architecture and temples of the Patan Durbar Square and not take in all its grandeur. When you’re ready, you’ll transfer back to your hotel for some leisure time.

The evening will start with a dinner show featuring Nepalese cuisine at Nepali Chulo, traditional live music and dance to welcome you to Nepal.

Accommodation: Hotel Dwarikas

Day 3: Kathmandu | Mount Everest and the Ancient Bhaktapur Kingdom

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch
In the morning, enjoy a 1-hour scenic plane ride over the Himalayas and Mt. Everest – the tallest mountain in the world.

In the afternoon, transfer to the ancient city capital of Bhaktapur to visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square – a square which sets in front of the old royal palace of the Bhaktapur Kingdom. It is one of the best-preserved palace courtyards and distinguishes the old architecture and styles. Finish the day with a visit to the oldest temple in Nepal, the Changu Narayan Temple. The original pillar dates back to 464 AD. Enjoy the pleasant views of the surrounding countryside before returning to Kathmandu for leisure time.

Accommodation: Hotel Dwarikas

Day 4: Kathmandu – Thimphu | Bhutan: The Dragon Kingdom

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer by morning flight to Paro in Bhutan – The Dragon Kingdom. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and you’ll transfer to Thimphu, the capital city. Continue to Le Meridien Thimphu for check in.

Get out and stretch a little with a visit to the weekend market. You can mingle with locals and witness them exchange colorful produce and livestock. Next, visit the Takin Preserve known for its Takin – a unique goat native to the Himalayas and Bhutan’s national animal.

Return to the resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Thimphu

Day 5: Thimphu – Paro | Tashichho Fortress

Meals: Breakfast
Rise early to visit the Tashichho Dzong – the fortress where the seat of Bhutan’s government rests and where the king dwells. The Dzong is also the center of Bhutanese culture and community. Continue to visit the Heritage Folk Museum and Textile Museum where you’ll get a precursor into Bhutanese culture and history.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer with your guide to Paro. Upon return, you may enjoy leisure time or visit the National Museum. The National Museum houses many of the artifacts of Bhutan, some dating back to 4,000 B.C. Check in at Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront

Day 6: Paro | Expedition to the Tiger’s Nest

Meals: Breakfast
Today, hike to the ancient cliff monastery of Taktsang – the Tiger’s Nest. You’ll enjoy scenic views of the forest and Paro Valley on the climb up. Then experience the famous Tiger’s Nest. Legend says it was home to the first Tibetan monk to spread Buddhism in Bhutan.

During the afternoon is at leisure to explore Paro town.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront

Day 7: Paro – Bangkok | Thailand: Land of Smiles

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, transfer by flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and you’ll proceed to Mandarin Oriental for check in.

In the afternoon, get out to explore the highlights of Bangkok. 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 your hotel for leisure time.
Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 8: Bangkok | Discover the Ayutthaya Kingdom

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. It was started by the invading Burmese who built the base when they overtook Ayutthaya but 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. Then visit 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.

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 9: Bangkok | Venice of the East

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, you’ll pick up from the hotel to Thonburi, the western part of Bangkok, situated on the right side of the Chao Phya River. Its many canals had originally given Bangkok the name “Venice of the East.” Passing by boat along the canals gives you a first-hand impression of the scenic life along Bangkok’s waterways. Also, visit the Royal Barges and the Temple of Dawn. After the tour is finished, you’ll return back to your hotel for your leisure time.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 10: Bangkok – Siem Reap | Cambodia: The Kingdom of Wonders

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, transfer by flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Shinta Mani Club for check in. Enjoy some leisure time.

In the afternoon, go to discover The Legend Revealed – Angkor National Museum. Housed within are robust collections of ancient statues and relics. This museum will take you through a journey back in time from inception of the Khmer civilization to its pinnacle of dominance in the region. Through the use of interactive exhibits, you will develop a deeper understanding of customs, traditions, and beliefs held by the ancient civilization in this region. This museum provides an excellent presentation of the secrets and mysteries surrounding the Khmer Empire.
Accommodation: Shinta Mani Club

Day 11: Siem Reap | Kompong Phluk Floating Village & Banteay Srei: Citadel of Women

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch
In the morning, you’ll take a boat trip on the water of the Tonle Sap Lake to a floating village called Kampong Phluk. Kampong Phluk means, Harbor of the Tusks, due to its past trade in elephant ivory many years ago. Having 3,000 habitants residing in stilted houses, the most common profession is fishing. Next, you’ll explore the unique mangrove forests nearby which are home to many species of rare birds. At noon you’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant.

Then you’ll go on to visit Banteay Srei Temple: The Citadel of Women. Built in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this temple lies near the hill of Phnom Dei tucked away in the remote jungle north of Angkor Wat. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are still in excellent condition to this day. The structures are miniature in scale, but the attention to detail is unmatched among all the temples in Southeast Asia.

On the way back to Siem Reap, as the sun is setting, you’ll have the option of climbing the 640 steps of Bok Mountain to the mountain temple of Banteay Samre. Perched atop, you’ll have an excellent spot to watch the sunset.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Club

Day 12: Siem Reap | Wonder of Ancient Asia: Angkor Wat Temple

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Before the light of day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the front of Angkor Wat. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world.

You’ll return to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest. Later in the morning, your guide will take you to Angkor Thom’s South Gate. Here you’ll enter the capital of an ancient civilization that ruled much of Southeast Asia nearly a millennium ago. You’ll continue to Bayon Temple where you will be surrounded by 216 gigantic stone faces famed as the Smile of Angkor. You will also visit the Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace and the Terrace of the Leper King. After that, you will stop for lunch in front Srah Srang – an ancient man-made pool.

After lunch, you’ll continue to an ancient Buddhist Monastery and University called Ta Prohm which was built in the Bayon style in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is one of the most attractive temples with its combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surrounding it.

As the sun approaches the horizon, you’ll perch atop Pre Rup’s pyramid-shaped temple for a stunning sunset view over Cambodian countryside.

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

In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and transferred to Angkor Village Hotel Theater for a traditional Apsara Dinner Show. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Club

Day 13: Siem Reap | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, our guide will greet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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