Upon arrival, our tour Local Expert and driver will pick you up from the airport to your hotel.
There’s no plan today. Your hotel is in a great neighbourhood in Bangkok. Feel free to walk around and explore.
Summary of inclusion:

• Private airport transfer on arrival with a Local Expert.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Pick-up time: 8AM

Today you will dive into Bangkok’s vibrant culture and history. Our knowledgeable Local Expert and driver will pick you up in the hotel and to visit all the highlights of Bangkok, including the famous Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho.  

Next up, with our private long-tail boat Bangkok canal tour, exploring Bangkok the authentic way in Thonburi area, a charming residential neighbourhood west of the Chao Praya River. The huge canal network was first digged in the late 18th century and served for defense purposes, irrigation, trade and of course transportation. As the network grew to hundreds of kilometers of waterways, Bangkok became known as the Venice of the East in the 19^th century. 

Stop at some of Bangkok’s major landmarks including the iconic Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn and the Pak Khlong Talat flower market, Thailand’s largest wholesale flower market that opens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The day excursion finishes back to the hotel in the afternoon, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

Summary of inclusions:

• Private full day Bangkok city tour with lunch.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Meal: Breakfast. 

Pick-up time: 7AM.
It is an early start today as you check out and be picked up by our Local Expert and driver to explore the two iconic markets in Bangkok: Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Opened in the morning only and located on the railway tracks, Maeklong Railway Market is also known as Talad Rom Hup. Learn how the market is run and what products are sold here. Watch as market stalls and awnings pull back from the tracks when the train approaches.     

Then, head to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Hop on a paddle boat for a short ride to the market. Meander around the colorful stalls where vendors sell directly from their boats. Take in exotic sights and delicious smells, and try local specialties like mango sticky rice. Your Local Expert will introduce you to fantastic buys you shouldn't miss. As the afternoon unfolds, drive back to Bangkok and enjoy some free time before heading out for the Evening Streetfood Tour by TUKTUK.

Pick-up time: 17:30
 
Our Local Expert and TUKTUK drivers will pick you up from the hotel for this once-in-a-life-time adventure. TUKTUK is an open-air three-wheeled vehicle that offer a fun and affordable mode of transportation for locals and travelers alike! Practically Thailand’s national emblem, at the heart of the authentic Thai experience for most first-time visitors!

Bangkok is often known as the foodie’s capital of the world because of the abundance, variety and value. This evening, travel by the iconic TUKTUK to Bangrak and try some of the best foods in the capital. Some family-run restaurants have been in business for decades, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Often packed with locals and that’s the first sign that the food is delicious and authentic. Continue to China town (locally known as Yaowarat road) –one of the largest street food spots in the world. Some of our favorites include dim sum, oyster omelette, flat noodles in a pepper broth, and lots of fresh seafood. To conclude this perfect street delights, you will try exotic fruits, as well as homemade ice cream for dessert.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private tour of Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with a Local Expert.
• Private Evening Streetfood Tour by TUKTUK.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

New adventure awaits! It is time for some more travel ink in your passport again as you fly into Cambodia this morning. *This flight is not included in the package price*
Cambodia is best known for Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, fascinating and long history, delicious food and some of the most hospitable people in the region.
After landing in Siem Reap, your base in Cambodia for the next 3 days, you will be greeted and collected in the airport by our Local Expert and driver.

Optional add-ons:

Private tour of Tonle Sap lake and Kompong Khleang floating village (1:00 – 5:30PM) 

Learn about what life is like for 3 million people living in Kompong Khleang floating village and around the Tonle Sap lake, the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia, in this fascinating half day excursion.
 
Back in the days of the glittering Angkor era, the Tonlé Sap lake and river, which branches off the Mekong river in today’s Cambodia, was to the Khmer empire what the Nile river was to the Egyptians. Its dimension changes depending on the monsoon and dry season. During raining season from June to October, the lake is filled by water flowing from the Mekong with 14 meters in depth and expands the surface of 10,000 square kiometers, bringing in over 300 species of fresh water fish, accounting for 60% of the country’s populations’s protein intake. During the dry season from November to May its size shrinks dramatically to 3,000 square kilometers with two meters in depth. The flow reverses, draining out from the Lake to the Mekong, making it the only river in the world that flow in reverse every six months out of the year. its residents have skillfully adapted to the Tonle Sap’s rhythmic, annual inhalation of water, flora and fauna.

Apsara dinner and dance (6:15 – 9:00PM) including round trip transfer by TUKTUK 

In the evening, enjoy the Apsara Dance, the royal ballet of Cambodia, Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, our traditional performing arts. Dancers, singers and musicians will perform 3 classical and 2 village dances to the music of the traditional orchestra. Unmatched in beauty and elegance, Cambodian Apsara dancers are recognized for their exquisite costumes and mesmerizing hand movements. Though this unique dance style was once reserved only for the royal family and their honoured guests to admire, in recent decades it has become so world-renowned and symbolic of Khmer culture that the Royal Ballet of Cambodia was designated by UNESCO as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ in 2003. The performance will be preceded by a beverage service and an authentic Cambodian meal. Round trip transfer between the hotel and the Apsara dance is included to ensure a seamless experience.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private airport transfer in Bangkok (Driver only)
• Private airport pick-up in Siem Reap (With Local Expert)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
• Meal: Breakfast.

Pick-up time: 4:30AM
Wake up to a magical sunrise in the massive and magnificient Angkor Wat, inscribed on the UNESCO Heritage list since 1992. With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization: the Angkor civilization (or Khmer Empire)

The tour extends to a visit to Bayon in which hundreds of serene faces displaying enigmatic smiles were carved into this famous temple in the middle of Angkor Thom city. 
Finally, visit the famous Ta Phrom. With many ancient trees roots snaking across crumbling stone walls, the place creates a mystical and secretive feeling and is a perfect conclusion of this unforgettable tour of Angkor Wat complex.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private tour of Angkor Wat (with sunrise)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
• Meal: Breakfast.

Pick up time: 8:00AM
 
Start from hotel in the morning, this tour takes you through the countryside to Phnom Kulen National Park site of the lost city of Mahendraparvata from over 1200 years ago. The route up the mountain offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and once your vehicle reaches the top of the steep dirt road, you will be rewarded by stunning vistas from the mountain's summit. Other highlights of the visit include a 16th-century pagoda, remnants of the lost city of Mahendraparvata, river of thousand lingas, stunning waterfalls and jungle scenery and optional jungle trekking. Swimming in the water is popular among the locals, so bring your bathing suit if you feel like taking a dip.
 
Enjoy simple picnic lunch at hut by waterfall like the local do. After lunch you will have time to relax and enjoy swimming at your own phase or do more jungle trekking before going back to the city.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private tour to Kulen National Park with a Local Expert.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Pick-up time: 9:00AM

This morning, sit back, relax and enjoy the drive along national road 6 from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Catch a glimpse of Cambodian daily life in the countryside along the way. 

Arrive in Phnom Penh in the afternoon. After checking in your hotel, head out to explore the city on a sightseeing tour by cyclo seeing the city landmarks including the Phsar Thmey, Phnom Penh central market, Wat Phnom, The Independence Monument and the riverfront in front of the Royal Palace.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
• Sightseeing tour by cyclo (2 hours, non-stop ride and finish in front of the Royal Palace by the riverside)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
• Meal: Breakfast.

Pick-up time: 8:00AM
Learn about the dark days of the Khmer Rouge regime by visiting two harrowing Cambodian sites, each a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975-1979

The first stop is S-21 prison. Housed in a former school and now called Toul Sleng for the hill on which it stands, S-21 confined most ‘elite’ prisoners from the Khmer Rouge’s own ranks. Between 14,000 and 17,000 prisoners were detained there, only 12 prisoners are believed to have survive.     

The Killing Field where mass killings and burials took place. 17,000 people are estimated to have been murdered at the Choeung Ek killing field, many of which came from the S-21 prison.
After the tour, get back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day your way.
Summary of inclusion:

• Private tour of S-21 prison and Killing field.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
• Meal: Breakfast.        

This morning, fly to Ho Chi Minh city, formerly known as Saigon, your first stop of the journey in Vietnam. *This flight is not included in the package price*

Upon arrival, our Local Expert and driver will collect you from the airport and ensure a seamless journey to your hotel.
In the afternoon, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Vespa adventure to experience a more local, more authentic side of this energetic city that never sleeps! The tour includes a stop at a unique café where bird-lovers come to show off their feathered friends, a walk through a vibrant market, a Buddhist pagoda in the fascinating Chinatown, and finally swing by to see some famous monuments, such as the Reunification Palace and the historic Post Office.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private airport drop-off in Phnom Penh (Driver only)
• Private airport pickup in HCMC (With Local Expert)
• Private Vespa tour: The Insider’s Saigon (join tour)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city
• Meal: Breakfast.

 

Travel by speedboat via Saigon River to the Viet Cong tunnel network at Cu Chi, an important base in the communist guerilla campaign against US and South Vietnamese forces, to learn about the Vietnam war in this half day trip.

Enjoy lunch on the boat as you travel back to Saigon city center. Upon arrival, your private driver will pick you up and drop you off back to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

Summary of inclusion:

• Cu Chi tunnel by speedboat with lunch – join service (including hotel pick-up and drop-off to boat station)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

After breakfast, you will be picked up in the hotel and head to the airport to catch your flight to Danang. *This flight is not included in the package price*
Upon arrival, our driver and Local Expert will pick you up at the airport and drive you to Hoian, a UNESCO heritage site known for its exceptionally well preserved example of a traditional Asian trading port and commercial center dating from the 15^th to the 19^th century. 

Explore this charming old town of Hoian in a 2 hour walking tour of Hoian ancient town, including the Hoian market, Phuoc Kiem assembly halls and one of its ancient houses.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, whether to get your clothes custom-tailored in one of its local shops or tasting its signature Cao Lau, local noodles, or White roses, Hoian’s dumplings. 

Summary of inclusion:

• Private airport drop-off in HCMC (Driver only)
• Private airport pick up in Danang and drive to Hoian (With Local Expert)
• Walking tour of Hoian (including entrance tickets)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
• Meal: Breakfast.

Enjoy your leisurely morning by the hotel’s pool or stroll through the streets of the ancient town at your own pace.

In the afternoon, experience the Hoian known only to locals starting with a visit to Tra Que herb village, a small farming community about 2 kilometers from Hoian, passing rice fields, local farmers working on their farms and lazy water buffalos lounging in the mud.   

Continue today’s adventure with a bamboo basket boat tour in Cam Thanh’s water coconut plantation. Sample some tropical fruits and a cold drink to beat the heat.
Conclude the day with a sunset boat ride along Thu Bon river back to town. As the boat reaching the old town in the late afternoon, Hoian’s lanterns illuminate its streets and riverside, illustrating its name as the fairytale lantern town.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private tour of Hoian countryside by bike or motorbike with a driver and sunset boat.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
• Meal: Breakfast

The day is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. 
Summary of inclusion:

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
• Meal: Breakfast.

Pick up time: 6:30 AM
Drive to Danang train station to catch the newly operated Hue – Danang heritage train (7:50-11:05AM) which offers an impressive journey through the Hai Van Pass, which is among some of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Upon arrival in Hue, check in your hotel.

In the afternoon, explore this stunning city on a Dragon Boat tour down the peaceful Perfume River and stop at some of the city’s highlights along the river banks.
Located 4km southwest of the Citadel, Thien Mu pagoda is an icon of Vietnam and as potent a symbol of Hue as the Citadel.  Next up, cruise upstream and stop at the Hon Chen temple located on the Ngoc Tran Mountain. Known for ít religious relic, beautiful structure and picturesque scenery.
Our final stop is the Ming Mang King tomb. Minh Mang was known for his significant contributions to Vietnam’s development, including the establishment of administrative systems, public works and educational reforms. With its two lakes and beautiful decorative architecture, his tomb is one of the most majestic constructions of the Emperors under Nguyen dynasty.

Summary of inclusion:

• Drop-off service to Danang train station (With Local Expert)
• Danang – Hue heritage train (7:50AM)
• Pick up transfer from Hue train station to hotel in Hue (With Local Expert)
• Private city tour of Hue by Dragon boat, including Thien Mu pagoda, Hon Chen temple and Minh Mang king tomb
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
• Meal: Breakfast.

After breakfast, check out and head to Hue airport to fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. *This flight is not included in the package price*
Upon arrival, check in your hotel.

Optional add-on: HANOI JEEP TOURS: FOOD + CULTURE + FUN (join service)
 
In the afternoon, explore the real Hanoi in style at the back of a Jeep. Learn about the good, the bad and the weird sides of this fascinating culture-rich city including the enchanting French quarter, the vibrant Old quarter, the Saint Joseph cathedral, the West lake, Truc Bach lake and finally the historical and legendary Long Bien bridge. 
 
Savour 7 authentic Vietnamese dishes and a unique Vietnamese coffee.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private airport drop-off to Hue airport (Driver only)
• Private airport transfer hotel in Hanoi (with a Local Expert)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
• Meal: Breakfast.

Pick up time: 7:00-8:00AM
Note: This is a join tour, including join transfer between your hotel in Hanoi and the cruise.
 

Known for its dreamy spectacular seascape, Halong Bay’s lush emerald and turquoise waters habour over 1,600 mostly uninhabited and undisturbed islands and islets

Enjoy the drive from Hanoi to Tuan Chau island, board on an overnight boat tour cruising Halong bay and slowly stray off the beaten track towards Lan Ha Bay, the lesser-travelled and quieter bay adjacent to Halong bay, home to floating villages and hundreds of limestone karsts rising from the water.

In the afternoon, explore the bay’s dramatic geography by kayaking and swimming on one of its deserted beaches.
 

Summary of inclusion:

• 4 star overnight boat to Halong bay and Lan Ha bay (join service and join transfer)
• Accommodation: 4 star overnight cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

Enjoy the morning cruising through some of the most remote areas of the bay before heading back to shore. Upon arrival, your driver will pick you up and head back to Hanoi around 2:00PM.

Enjoy the rest of the day your way.

Summary of inclusion:

• Join transfer from Halong bay to Hanoi
• Accommodation: 4 star hotel
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

This morning, bid farewell to Vietnam, get some ink in your passport and say ‘Sabaidee’ to Laos! *This flight is not included in the package price*
Laos is Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country with the Mighty Mekong river running the length of its mainly mountainous terrains, forests and rivers. It’s also one of the youngest population in the region, with some 59 percent of its 6.5 million total population are under the age of 25.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private drop-off transfer to Hanoi airport (Driver only)
• Private pick-up from Vientiane airport with a Local Expert.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
• Meal: Breakfast.

Discover That Luang, Patuxai Monument, and Buddha Park. Along the way, you'll experience some of Vientiane's taste delicious Lao food.

Pick up time: 9AM.
 
Start your day by visiting the Buddha Park, which is located 25 km outside of Vientiane city. The park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, including a giant reclining Buddha.
 
Next, head back into the city and visit the COPE Visitor Centre, which is dedicated to educating visitors about the ongoing impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on Lao people's lives. The Patuxai Monument is a triumphal arch that was built in the 1960s and resembles Paris's Arc de Triomphe. You can climb to the top for great views of the city.

Visit Wat Sisaket, which is the oldest temple in Vientiane and is famous for its thousands of Buddha statues. Finally, end your day at That Luang, which is Laos's national symbol and the most important religious monument in the country. The golden stupa is stunning at sunset.
 
Summary of inclusion:

• Full day city tour of Vientiane (with a Local Expert)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
• Meal: Breakfast.

This morning, we will check out and enjoy a 1.5 hour private transfer to enchanting Vang Vieng (express way). Known for its stunning Nam Song river, mountains and gorgeous countryside.

Upon arrival, check in and enjoy your free time for the rest of the day.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private transfer from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (with a Local Expert)
• Private tour to the Blue Lagoons
• Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng
• Meal: Breakfast.

Vang Vieng Full Day Kayaking and Blue Lagoon
Starts at 8:00Am. Get picked up at the hotel and drive to the outskirts to collect all our gears: kayak, paddles, life jackets. Paddle down the Nam song river and see beautiful rural scenery along the river banks.

Spend some quiet time and experience the most beautiful scenic views while gently kayaking down the river.

Stop along half way for a specially prepared BBQ lunch with the traditional Lao food on the river bank. As you meander from the north of Vang Vieng through to the south of the observe the local lifestyle along the river banks: local people working in their gardens by the river bank, villagers catching fish with the nets and maybe even some herds of water buffalo cooling of in the river.

Next up, drive to Blue Lagoon 1 and swim in the dreamlike, turquoise waters of the Vang Vieng lagoons! Make sure to bring a swimsuit and a towel with you so you can enjoy a swim and some relaxation time at the lagoons. This is a great place to have a picnic lunch or enjoy a meal at the small restaurant on site. 

Continue to the lesser-known, though slowly growing in popularity, Blue Lagoon 3. The journey to Blue Lagoon 3 is the perfect opportunity to observe the Laos country lifestyle. The magical blue waters at the Blue Lagoon 3 are fed from an underground spring below. Set on one of the many limestone karsts which cover the landscape it is like being transported to an oasis. The complete opposite of the dry countryside just outside the entrance.

After plenty of time swimming and relaxing at the two Blue Lagoons, get back to your hotel late in the afternoon.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private full day kayaking and Blue Lagoons with a Local Expert.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

This morning, transferred to Vang Vieng train station and travel the distance of 183 km (114 miles) from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang by the new Laos fast train (1 hour).

Pick-up time: 8:00AM
Proposed train time: 8:29 – 9:31AM
Arrive in Luang Prabang train station, your driver will pick you up and make sure a seamless journey to your hotel

Summary of inclusion:

• Private transfer from hotel to Vang Vieng train station
• Laos fast train (first class)
• Private transfer from Luang Prabang train station to hotel.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Meal: Breakfast

Pick-up time: 5:00AM.
Wake up early in the morning to observe Sai Bat, aka morning alms giving ceremony, with our Local Expert. This longstanding tradition in Laos Budhist culture involves Buddhist monks walking barefoot around Luang Prabang in their orange robes collecting alms from the local community, usually in the form of food offering: sticky rice, fruits, sweets and other necessities.

Return to your hotel for breakfast and a quick rest before heading out for a leisure walking tour of Luang Prabang, including a visit to the local market, National Museum and Wat Xiengthong with our friendly and knowledgeable Local Expert. Finish the tour and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy, whether to head up to Mount Phou Si for the breathtaking panoramic view of Luang Prabang, stroll through the quaint town and admire its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values, or check out the vibrant night market in the evening at your own pace.
In the afternoon, visit a local family and learn how to cook an authentic Laos meal. This is a valuable opportunity to learn more about Laos lifestyle and customs.

Pick up time: 4:00PM
Travel by the iconic TUKTUK to a local wet market to buy some ingredients. Arrival the host’ home, enjoy a welcome drink before attending the Laos cooking experience. 
 
Start the class by visiting a small garden to learn about the local herbs, what they are and how they are used in Laos food. Afterwards, learn about different kinds of Jeow, the fundamental Lao spicy dipping sauces; Mok Pa, Laos steamed fish in banana leaves; leongrass chicken; Laps national salad with a choice of chicken, tofu or fish.
 
Of course, you’ll learn the art to perfect sticky rice and its eating etiquette. Finally, we wish you will have a wonderful meal and enjoy the cooking experience.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private alm giving morning tour with a Local Expert.
• Lao cooking class and dinner in a local home.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
• Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

Optional add-on:
 
Half day trip to Kuangsi Waterfall.
 
Pick-up time: 9:00AM
Embark on a half day adventure to the impressive three-tiered Kuangsi waterfall, known for its refreshing turquoise waters flowing down between each of its pools. The water cascades over limestone rocks with lush greenery framing the picture and it’s the perfect heat escape in the Laos summer heat.
 
 
The bonus of this adventure is a quick visit to the Bear Rescue Center, located near the entrance of the waterfall. Since 2003, Bear Rescue Center had helped rescue and provide ongoing care for over 1000 bears of the world’s most vulnerable bear species (sun bears, moon bears and sloth bears). Many of the rescued bears are rescued from poachers, exotic pet owners, or people planning to use them in traditional medicine.
 
Take your time swimming in the waterfall and trying some great local food near the waterfall. Return to the hotel and the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

Summary of inclusion:

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
• Meal: Breakfast.

This morning you will check out and bid farewell to Laos as we travel on a 2 day 1 night up the Mekong river towards Thailand.

Pick up time: 6:15AM
 
7:00AM Cruise up the Mekong river to Pak Ou Village.
8:30AM Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translated as Rock Cave, it is famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals. There are two caves Tham Thing (the lower cave) and Tham Phoum (the upper cave).
These caves contain thousands of Buddha images and are of great religious importance to the Theravada Buddhists in Laos. These caves were converted into Buddhist temples in the 15th century and are used as a site for old Buddha images that can no longer be venerated in a temple, either because they are damaged or the temple they were displayed in has been destroyed.
12:30 Lunch is served on board, buffet style with a main course from Laos’ main culinary delights as well as a choice of fish and meat dishes.
 
13:30 A few hours into the day after enjoying the sights of granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village of Baw, where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.
 
17h00 The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding nature.
A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private transfer from hotel to pier in Luang Prabang
• Private boat (– or similar) With Local Expert on board
• Accommodation: Luang Say Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

7h00 Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the peaceful neighboring mountains while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.
 
8h00 The cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary river with one stop planned along the way to Houei Say.
 
12h00 Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a main course from Laos’ main culinary delights and a choice of fish and meat dishes.
 
13h30 Stop and visit Ban Gon Dturn village. The inhabitants are Tai Lue tribe people, who originally came from the Yunnan area of China around 300 years ago, fleeing persecution. They can now be found in the northern Lao provinces of Bokeo, Luang Nam Tha, Phongsaly, Luang Prabang and Sayabouly. The Tai Lue traditionally live in the valleys and low, flat lands. There are 180 households in this village, encompassing 850 people.
 
17h00 arrive at Huay Xai, an important border crossing point with neighboring Chiang Khong, Thailand. Our Local Expert will assist you to cross the border into Thailand. Say goodbye to your Lao Local Expert, and your Thai Local Expert will welcome you to Thailand after the border crossing.

Welcome to Thailand! Your Thai Local Expert and driver will pick you up at the border and make sure a seamless journey to your hotel in Chiang Rai (1.5 hours). Before arriving the hotel, stop briefly at the Blue Temple.

The Blue Temple is immediately recognizable for its brilliant shade of rich sapphire. The temple walls, roof, and surrounding statues are all covered in this gorgeous hue which is symbolically associated with purity, wisdom, and the lack of materialism that Buddhists aspire to. The temple is a fascinating fusion of traditional Buddhist values and classic Thai architecture with extremely contemporary design choices.
Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and have a good rest after the long journey

Summary of inclusion:

• Private boat (Luang Say boat – or similar)
• Private transfer from pier to Thai border (with Laos Local Expert)
• Private transfer from Thai border to hotel in Chiang Rai (with Thai Local Expert)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai.
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Pick up time: 9AM
After breakfast, you will be collected by our driver and Local Expert to drive (3 hours) to Chiang Mai - the UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the gem of Northern Thailand.

Stop at the unique White temple along the way, an architectural masterpiece built by a local artist. Locally known as Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple is a testament to the transformative power of passion and devotion. Its striking white color and the use of mirrors in its design are unique features that contribute to its ethereal beauty and symbolism. The Temple literally sparkles in the sun.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, check in and enjoy the rest of the day your way.
 
Travel tips: the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, only walking distance from your hotel, is an excellent place to spend the evening some great food and live music.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private transfer to Chiang Mai (Driver only)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai.
• Meal: Breakfast.

 

Enjoy your leisure morning waking up late, swimming in the hotel’s pool or head out and explore Chiang Mai at your own pace.

Optional add-on:  Kanta Elephant Sanctuary (Join tour)

Pick up time: 7AM.
Visit an elephant sanctuary to spend time with elephants in their natural home, as well as gain an insight into their history and behavior, and create cherished lifelong memories of their time spent with these amazing animals with friendly, happy elephants in a safe and sustainable environment.
You will be picked up from the hotel and will drive for approximately 50 Mins through scenic agricultural areas before arriving at the Sanctuary. Learn a little about the elephants, before changing into our uniform. Interaction with the elephants include feeding, walking and bathing them.
Once the elephants are clean, you can take some final photos with them, and then it will be time to part ways with your new friends and change into some dry clothes. Finally drive back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Doi Suthep Temple and sunset
Pick-up time: 3:00PM

This tour features a scenic drive through the most historic areas of Chiang Mai, and includes a pass through the old city walls, city gates and moat. We will then drive around Chiang Mai’s popular areas, pass a local market, some foreign consulates and government buildings, drive by ‘Tapae Gate’ before continuing to the acclaimed temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The temple is home to a holy relic of the Lord Buddha and considered by many to be the most sacred Wat in northern Thailand. Built by the King Gue-Na in 1383 and situated 3,500 feet above the sea level, it also offers a stunning panoramic view of the city for those brave ones who will climb the 300 steps to the top of its summit.

Dress code: Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless T-shirts, shorts or strapless sandals when visiting Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.
 
Arrive back in the hotel around 7:00PM and the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private day trip to the Chiang Mai old walls, Doi Suthep temple and monk chanting observation
• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai
• Meal: Breakfast

It’s travel day today. Fly to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. *This flight is not included in the package price*
Airport transfers before and after your flight are included for your convenience.
Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the rest of your day your way.

Summary of inclusion:

• Private airport drop-off in Chiang Mai (Driver only)
• Private airport pick-up in Bangkok (with a Local Expert)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok
• Meal: Breakfast.

Breakfast is still included today. Your driver will pick you up for the airport to fly home.
Summary of inclusion:

• Private airport transfer (Driver only)
• Meal: Breakfast.