Day 1 (Arrival in Bangkok) (-, -, D)

Sawasdee and welcome to Bangkok! Our tour begins in the vibrant capital city of Thailand. Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport where a luxury sedan will pick you up and bring you to your hotel in downtown Bangkok. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival and check into your rooms.
Today is a relaxed day that you can spend at leisure. Explore the local markets and nearby attractions in the city or treat yourself to some great amenities at the hotel like a traditional Thai massage or spa treatment.
The evening ends with a traditional Thai buffet dinner after which you can retire to your rooms for the night.

Day 2 (Bangkok city tour) (B, L, D)

In the olden days, Bangkok was known as the ‘Venice of the East’ because of its intricate labyrinth of canals and waterways. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Chao Praya River as you take in the many interesting sights of life by the klongs or canals of Thonburi. This was the ancient capital of Siam and is home to many relics of its glorious past including imposing temples with intricate architecture.
Get a fascinating glimpse into this old way of life as we sail past the stilted houses of Bangkokians living by the water.
En route, we will stop to visit Wat Arun, one of the best known Buddhist temples of Thailand located on the Chao Praya. Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn is made of colorful spires and is an iconic riverside structure in Bangkok.
Our next stop is the Grand Palace. Situated in the heart of Bangkok, the palace was built in 1782 and remained the home of the royal family for the next 150 years. The Palace grounds house several buildings like the Coronation Hall, Funeral Palace, Throne Hall and Reception Palace, each used for different administrative and military affairs. The most famous building inside the palace is the Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A 17-inch Buddha made from a single block of jade and dating back to the 14th century is kept inside the temple and is one of the most sacred idols in Thailand.
After exploring the palace grounds we make our way to a local restaurant for lunch. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 (Bangkok- River Khwai) (B, L, D)

Today we make our way to Kanchanaburi. This small town is best known for the Death Railway built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II.
Our first stop is the Thailand- Burma Railway Centre, a museum dedicated to the history of the Death Railway and the memory of Allied soldiers who died building it.
We will continue to the War Cemetery and the iconic Bridge over the River Khwai. The bridge was commissioned by the Imperial Japanese Army and completed the rail link between Bangkok and Rangoon in present-day Burma.
Continue to Hin Tok River camp. The picturesque campsite is located on a cliff overlooking the Khwai River. Between July to September 1943 Hin Tok River Camp was home to 300 Allied prisoners of war. The camp is dedicated to honour the memory of the soldiers and every room and fitting is designed to replicate old camp motifs like guard towers and bell tents.
This eco-friendly camp is dedicated to following camping best practices to minimise the impact of tourism on local surroundings. The camp has a ‘go local’ approach and employs workers from neighbouring villages. The camp offers luxurious deluxe tents with en suite bathrooms where every care has been taken to ensure your comfort. The spacious canvas tents are fitted with air conditioning and plush bedding while the washrooms have hot running water. A simple but delicious lunch awaits you on arrival at Hin Tok Camp.
After lunch, we set out for Hell Fire Pass Memorial and a trek along the former Thailand- Burma Railway embankment. The route is a 2.5 kilometre stretch that we complete in an hour. It’s advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes on this trek.
We make our way back to the camp in the late afternoon and after tea and refreshments, head off for a bicycle tour of the neighbouring Mon villages. Get a taste of rural Thai life up, close and personal as you ride through the settlements of the countryside where locals can be seen weaving baskets from bamboo fibres.
Return to the campsite at sundown and enjoy a great bonfire dinner before retiring for the night.

Day 4 (River Khwai- Elephant World- Ayutthaya) (B, L, D)

Have breakfast at the camp and drive to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the kingdom of Siam.
En route visit Elephant World, a shelter for old and sick elephants rescued from logging factories, circuses and illegal camps. See how the shelter cares for these rescued jumbos from preparing special food for older elephants, to bathing them and growing crops for their future sustenance. It’s a wonderful experience to join the shelter workers in their daily chores and taking care of these gentle beasts.
After spending a full day at Elephant World, we continue to Ayutthaya and check into our hotel.

Day 5 (Ayutthaya tour- Bangkok) (B, L, D)

Today we will explore the ancient city of Ayutthaya by boat. We leave after breakfast and drive to the pier where our cruise ship will be anchored. From here it’s a relaxing journey on down the Chao Praya River taking in the fascinating scenes of life by the water. The once prosperous trade hub of Ayutthaya was pillaged during the Burmese invasion. The ruins of the former city are now housed inside a Historical Park. The park itself is an important historical and archaeological centre and houses several palaces, monasteries and temples. Ayutthaya Historical Park is situated on a picturesque island at the confluence of three rivers.
We will visit the Wat Chaiwattanaram, one of the most famous temples of Ayutthaya, located along the bank of the River Chao Phraya. The 17th century temple was commissioned by King Prasat Thong and is one of the most iconic landmarks of Ayutthaya. Your tour guide can acquaint you with the history of the ancient capital city as you visit each of its relics. Next on our itinerary is the Phet Fortress. Pom Phet or the Diamond Fortress was the most important fortress in Ayutthaya protecting its harbour from foreign attacks and monitoring the passage and uploading of foreign vessels.
Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch on deck to recharge your batteries and post lunch its back to the tour.
Visit the 14th century Wat Putthaisawan and Wat Phananchoeng Temples. Take some time exploring the ancient prayer halls and sacred Buddha images before continuing to our final stop for the day- the memorial stupa of Queen Suriyothai. The bell-shaped chedi with its gilded spire is believed to have been built in memory of a brave queen Suriyothai who sacrificed her life to save the King on the battlefield.
Return to the hotel in the evening for your last night in Bangkok.

Day 6 (Bangkok- Chiang Mai) (B, L, D)

Today we take an early morning flight to Chiang Mai. Check into the hotel and have lunch before we begin our city tour of the ‘rose of the north’. Our first stop is the Wat Doi Suthep. The temple is located at an altitude of 3280 feet and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region. This 14th century monastery is reached by climbing 290 steps and is flanked on both sides by carved naga balustrades. A large central chedi is believed to hold relics of the Buddha.
Explore the temple and discover its ancient history before driving down the mountain to Chiang Mai’s biggest local bazaar, the Chororot Market. Have a look around the various wares on offer and pick up a souvenir or two to take back home.
We will have just enough time to visit two more temples- the Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang before returning to the hotel in the evening.

Day 7 (Chiang Mai- Day trip to Mae Klang Kuang village) (B, L, D)

Have an early breakfast at the hotel and set off for a full day’s excursion to the small village of Mae Klang Kuang located inside Doi Inthanon National Park. Mae Klang Kuang is home to the Pa Kaa Ka Yor or Karen people who migrated from Myanmar in 1787. Karen women are distinguished by their characteristic long necks that they get from wearing a stack of rings for several years. The village is located at an altitude of 1200 metres from sea level and survives on community based tourism (CBT) growing crops and cultivating forest products. The original Karen settlers had made terraces of rice fields along the slope of the mountain making a stunning visual first impression for anybody approaching the village. Our local guides can show you the various forest products made by the villagers from wild flowers including natural dyes, herbal medicine and even food. Find out about traditional customs that determine which parts of the forests can or cannot be cultivated.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in Mae Klang Kuang village and trek down the adjoining forest of fixed deciduous and evergreen trees before returning to the hotel.

Day 8 (Chiang Mai- Chiang Rai) (B, L, D)

Today we will leave Chiang Mai and drive northwards to its sister city Chiang Rai.
The drive takes us through Wiang Pa Pao district and we stop to visit a few local attractions on the way. There are natural hot springs near Wiang Pa Pao with three ponds and private rooms with baths. The spring water is rich in minerals believed to have healing powers.
From here, we make our way to a long-tailed speedboat that takes us across the Mekong River to our destination: the Golden Triangle, the meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
We check into a riverside resort in the evening.

Day 9 (Chiang Rai- Chiang Khong- Huay Xai- Pakbeng by slow boat) (B, L, D)

Have breakfast at the hotel and drive to the border checkpoint between Thailand and Laos. Our staff will help you process the visa-on-arrival formalities at the Huay Xay checkpoint.
From here we drive to the pier and board a boat for a relaxing cruise on the Mekong River as we head towards the Lao cultural hub of Luang Prabang.
Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the many sights of the lush Southeast Asian landscape.
We reach Pakbeng in the evening and spend the night at a hotel.

Day 10 (Pakbeng- Luang Prabang) (B, L, D)

Have breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the pier. From here, continue by boat to Luang Prabang.
Known as the crown jewel of Laos Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-conferred World Heritage site. This beautiful city is the epicentre of Lao culture and home to several temples and monuments that showcase the finesse of ancient Lao architecture and craftsmanship. Luang Prabang is considered one of the most well- preserved old cities in Asia with a charming sense of timelessness.
Reach your hotel in Luang Prabang in the early evening and check in for the night.

Day 11 (Luang Prabang- Elephant Village- Kuang Si Waterfall) (B, L, D)

Have breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the Elephant Village Camp. Spend a full day among the jumbos, feeding and bathing them and learning all about the hard work that goes into their upkeep. After getting acquainted with the camp site you will meet the onsite veterinarian and then feed the elephants before spending a relaxing time by the river.
Next we will take a long tail boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall where you can swim in the crystal clear pool. Remember to carry your swimsuits! Return to the camp for a delicious Lao buffet lunch.
Post lunch we make our way to the famous Kuang Si Waterfall. En route, visit the Khmu minority village of Ban Thapaene. Spend some time walking around and exploring the village to get a glimpse into the daily lives of this ethnic minority group.
Next, we visit Bear Lao Sanctuary to see how rescued bears from illegal private zoos are kept.
Finally, arrive at the falls and see the water plunge over several tiers of limestone hills to clear pools below. You can enjoy swimming or relaxing by the pools. This is also where we sit down for a picnic lunch.
Post lunch you are free to explore the falls however you like. Relax in the pristine blue pools or walk up to the top of the falls by a narrow path.
Return to Luang Prabang where you can spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 12 (Pak Ou Cave- Cooking Master class) (B, L, D)

Today’s trip takes you on a journey across the Mekong River to the beautiful Pak Ou Caves. These iconic caves are home to thousands of Buddha statues almost all made of wood and believed to have been crafted by locals over hundreds of years. There are two main caves- the upper cave Than Theung and the lower cave Tham Ting. Take your time exploring the caves and its intriguing miniature statues before returning to Luang Prabang by road. Have lunch at the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Our next stop is the Tum Tum Cheng Cooking Class and Restaurant for a cooking master class on authentic Lao cuisine. Watch a chef demonstrate how to prepare authentic Lao dishes from scratch, while telling you about the origins of Lao cuisine and the distinct herbs and seasonings used in cooking.
Next, it’s your turn to try cooking! Try a glass of local rice whiskey as you toil in the kitchen and once you finish, it’s time to eat. This is a lovely activity that can be enjoyed by families as well as couples and is equally enjoying if you’re flying solo. Classes usually start around 16:30 and end at 20:00 after which you return to the hotel.

Day 13 (Luang Prabang- Vientiane) (B, L, D)

Have an early breakfast at the hotel and then set off to visit some of the city’s best known landmarks.
Our first stop is the beautiful Vat Xieng Thong Temple with its traditional roofs that sweep down low to the ground. The temple compound has multiple chapels that house Buddha images made of bronze and a special Royal Funeral Chapel that holds the last remains of members of the royal family.
From the Xieng Thong temple we make our way to Vat Visoun which houses a famous stupa called That Makmo with a distinctly Srilankanese style. This gives an interesting perspective on migration in Southeast Asia and its influence on the arts in the region.
Next, we walk to one of the most iconic tutelary shrines of the city at Vat Aham dedicated to the deity Deveta Luang.
Our day tour draws to a close with a visit to the Vat Mai temple with its imposing five-tiered roof. Have lunch at a local restaurant before driving to the airport where you take a Laos Airlines flight to the capital city of Vientiane.
Arrive in Vientiane in the evening and check into your hotel.
Today can be spent at leisure. You can explore the city or relax at the hotel.

Day 14 (Vientiane city tour) (B, L, D)

The Laotian capital is a charming city with tree-lined streets, quaint French-style architecture and brightly coloured temples. Have breakfast and set off for a full day’s excursion of the city.
Our first stop is Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane with 6840 Buddha images and a spectacular collection of intricate frescos. Vat Sisaket was built in 1818 and is the only structure to have survived a siege in 1826. Our next stop is Ho Phra Keo. Originally built as a temple for the royal family of Laos, Ho Phra Keo was converted into a museum in 1970 and houses some rare and magnificent Buddhist artefacts like scriptures and sculptures. Thailand’s famous Emerald Buddha was originally kept inside the main structure of Ho Phra Keo.
We move on to visit tow of the most iconic landmarks of Vientiane. The first is the Patouxay or Victory Gate. The architecture of the gate is influenced by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Our final stop for the day is That Luang Stupa. Considered one of the most sacred sites in Laos, this ancient stupa was built by former King Setthathirath in 1566 and is believed to house relics of Lord Buddha.
Return to the hotel for lunch. Post lunch drive to the COPE Visitor Centre. COPE stands for Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise and provides free mobility devices to people who cannot afford them. Laos has a sizeable amount of UXOs (unexploded ordnances). The COPE Visitor Centre is an interactive museum that educates people about the impact of UXOs on communities.
Return to the hotel in the early evening. This is the last night of your tour and you can spend it at leisure.
Visit the local markets for last minute shopping or enjoy some quiet time at the hotel.

Day 15 (Vientiane departure) (B, -, -)

Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before driving to Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport. This is where our tour ends and you can continue your onward journey.

Thailand - Laos Discovery

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