Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Explorer
15 Nights / 16 Days

Destinations: Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Hauixai-Mekong River-Luang Prabang-Vang Vieng-Vientiane-Angkor Wat (Siem Reap)

Itinerary: Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Explorer 16 Days:
Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Meet on arrival at Bangkok International Airport and transfer to hotel.
Remaining time at leisure.
Evening-group briefing on tour schedule, staff introduction and various necessities to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Meals: None.

Day 2 Bangkok Grand Palace and ancient Temples
Breakfast at the hotel,
08:00am depart to visit the National Museum in Bangkok. The visit to the National Museum is to give you an insight about the history of Thailand, its people and culture. Museum opens 9.00am to 4.00pm, and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and National holidays.

Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) is the oldest, largest and most visited temple in Bangkok, which is also well known as the first open university of Thailand; for example, Thai people learned therapeutic Thai massage techniques from this temple.

Visit the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) located within the palace complex, various halls of royal function such as Amarindra Throne Hall, Chakri Mahaprasart and Dusit Mahaprasart Throne Hall and the residential area. Wat Pra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of the most beautiful temples in the royal grand palace compound. The temple itself is being used for principal royal function and royal chapel. This temple is the repository of The Emerald Buddha, the most holy Buddha Image of Thai Buddhism. The Image is carved in semiprecious green stone 66cm high. The temple is regarded as the oldest and the most beautiful decoration in the country.

Dress Code: Semi formal casual attire is required to enter the Royal Grand Palace. Thus, please be in casual formal clothes while touring the Royal Grand Palace. High cut shorts, skirts, beach attires, and bare shoulders are not allowed. If you are not in proper attire, you will be asked to rent one at the palace gate! Recommendation on Foot Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes such Tevas, tennis shoes and others that you can easily take off and put on because you are required to take off your shoes while visiting the temples.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant.
Canal Tour: After lunch, we board on long-tail boat and cruise along the main river of Thailand's Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings). There are well over 100 canals in Bangkok. Hence, it is often called the "Venice of the east". Early Thai lifestyle of dwelling along the riverbanks is still experienced in this hustle and bustle of the modern city of Bangkok.

Canal tour gives you an experience to observe how the local people live here. Bangkok has many canal ways, many of which are still active. The canal tour also take you to the impressive Royal Barge Museum located along the riverbank.

Canal tour ends at Wat Arun (The Temple of dawn), the former palace of King Taksin of Thonburi (period 1767-1782), one of the most revered temple of Thailand. After a brief tour of Wat Arun, transfer to ferry pier and return to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: BL.

Day 3 Bangkok-Chiang Mai flight, Doi Suthep and Handicrafts
Breakfast at the hotel and depart to Bangkok Airport for a flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, transfer to visit the Hill-Tribe Museum. After the museum visits, we drive to visit Wat Prathad Doi Sutep, which proclaim to have a holy relic of Lord Buddha, the most celebrated temple in Chiang Mai located on a scenic hilltop inside the Doi-Pui National Park. To reach the temple, we drive up the base of Doi Suthep, and climb up 300 steps to get to the temple courtyard. Both sides of the steps are flanked by enormous mythological Nagas (snakes). A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. Those of you do not wish to walk up the stairs can take the tram both ways. Then, we will return to Chiang Mai town for lunch break.

Chiang Mai Handicraft and cottage industry in the afternoon:
In the afternoon, we visit local handicraft centers on Sankampaeng Road to see Thai silk and cotton loom industries, Bo-sang the paper and umbrella-making village; lacquer-ware, teak-wood carving, jewelry, and silverware artworks.
This particular street in Chiang Mai is set aside for small and medium handicraft as well as cottage industries to show case and make their products. Thus, visitors can see how the local handicrafts are made, a first hand experience. Then, return to hotel and at leisure until departure for Khantoke Dinner.

Evening-we enjoy Kantoke, traditional northern Thai welcome dinner, and observe Northern Thai folk song and dance performed by different hill-tribes in their colorful costumes. Each tribe is different in costumes, dialects, and culture. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.
Meals. BLD.

Day 4 Elephant Nature Park and Bamboo rafting
After breakfast, we'll travel about 30 miles from the city to visit the Elephant Nature Park. This organization rescues elephants from loggers, the streets of Bangkok and other cities, and from other commercial parks. We will learn about the challenges of caring for these magnificent animals and reintroducing them into the wild. On arrival, we will be met by the volunteers, get introduced to the elephants and the project. Then, we will feed the elephants.
A delicious lunch will be served by the volunteers.
Then, we will go with the elephants to the river to help them bath. At the end of bathing the giants, we will bamboo raft for about an hour and transfer to our country resort with spa facilities for the evening.
Meals: BL.

Remarks: Please note that elephant camps cannot be stationary in one mentioned location permanently because Government regulations in relation with deforestation, land management, private property regulation, and environmental factors could force the camp to move elsewhere. If the mentioned venue is not available, an alternative will be offered. This information must be updated close to trip departure.

Day 5 Overland to Thaton and at Leisure
Breakfast at resort, and drive to Thaton through the scenic road.
En-route stops are made at scenic places and at Wat Tha Ton to see the valley. Next, take a short long tail boat ride to Huai Khum Village Resort, the only boutique as well as eco resort in the Mae Kok River valley, is truly a paradise. On arrival, check in, have lunch and remaining time at leisure. Swim at its beautiful pool, walk along in the nearby village or simply relax to enjoy the scenery. Evening-we will have dinner with Lahu folk song and dance show.
Meals: BLD.

Day 6 Thaton-Golden Triangle of Chiang Rai
Early morning breakfast and travel by long tail boat down the Nam Mae Kok River. Along the way, we will visit hill-tribe villages such as Ban Jakku, and Ban Ruamit. At the end of boat trip, we will drive to Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR borders meet. We'll enjoy the scenic views of the Mekong River and triangular border area from the Thai side. Next, we visit the Chiang Saen National Museum. Lunch served en-route at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai.
Meals: BLD.

Day 7 Chiang Rai (Thailand) to Ban Houaysai (Laos)-Pak Beng.
Early morning breakfast at the hotel and 07.00AM drive to Thai-Lao border at Chiang Khong. On arrival, go to Thai Immigration departure clearance, board the local canoes and cross the Mekong River to Laos. Farewell to Thai staff.

Guests are met on the Lao side of the border at 8am from where we transfer by TUK TUK directly to the boat station, Ban Hoeisai. Take the normal/slow boat to Pakbeng. The boats do not stop at villages along the way. The night is spent in a night at Villa Salika Hotel in Pak Beng.
Meals: BLD.

Day 8 Pak Beng to Luang Prabang
Another day of a wonderful boat trip (The same boat as Day 4) on the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. We will stop at Pak Ou Cave, the former royal worship place, containing thousands of Buddha images, and continue journey to Luang Prabang. Late afternoon, arrive in Luang Prabang. Transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at Rama Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Meals: BL.

Day 9 Luang Prabang-Half day city tour.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning part of the day: we visit to the National Museum (old king's palace), the former royal temples, Phousi Mount, Wat Sen, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visun and the handicraft village "Ban Phanom".

Afternoon: Kuangsi Waterfall or at leisure to explore Luang Prabang on your own.
Transport: Private, air-conditioned.
Overnight Rama Hotel.
Meals: BL.

Day 10 Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.
Guests are met at a specified hotel at 7am from where we travel overland to Vang Vieng District along the scenic mountain road (5-6 hours drive). We stop along the road to visit the minority villages and scenic viewpoints, time permitting. Upon arrival at Vang Vieng, check into hotel. Remaining time at leisure or take a walk to view sunset in the Nam Song Valley.
Overnight at Thavonesouk Bungalows or Namxong Hotel.
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle.
Meals: BLD.

Day 11 Vang Vieng
We depart at 9:30am and begin our day 12km out from Vang Vieng at the Lao Loom Village of Ban Nadao. Life has changed little over the years and we are still greeted with a welcoming smile and a wave. We learn of the people's fascinating way of life as we cross scenic paddy fields and food gardens. Your experienced guide will share his local knowledge and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about this beautiful village, its people and their production systems. From here, we head towards Tham Sang (Elephant Cave). This cave is an important Buddhist temple site and home to the remarkable limestone elephant formation. From here we transfer to kayaks and cruise back to Vang Vieng along the beautiful Nam Song river, stopping along the way to visit a working organic farm where we have the opportunity to sample some of the locally produced mulberry tea and star-fruit wine. From here it only a short descent to the 'Sleeping Cave' where we have the chance to explore one of the biggest of the hundreds of caves that riddle the Vang Vieng landscape. We arrive back at our riverside bungalows in time for sunset. Accommodation: Thavonsouk Bungalows or Namxong Hotel.
Transport: Kayak, foot and Tuk Tuks for local transfers.
Meals: BLD.

Day 12 Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Early morning breakfast at the guesthouse and overland drive (150kms about 4 hours) to Vientiane. Upon arrival, check into hotel, refresh, and begin city tour of the historic sites including Wat Sisaket, Hor Prakeo, Wat Simuang, That Luang, Pra Tou Chai.
Overnight at Hotel Lao (standard hotel in city center).
Transport: Private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Meals: BL.

Day 13 Vientiane-Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for a flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meet guide, visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Bapuon, Terrace of Elephants and Leper King, Preah Palilay, Phimean Akas, Jouneay 20Kms. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon, visit the famous Angkor Wat, sunset view at Angkor Wat. Dinner at hotel & overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: BLD.

Day 14 Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel, then, visit Main Circuit, with the visit of Pre Rup, Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Preah Khan (passing from East to West). Jouneay. 37 Kms. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Keo, Ta Prohm ( passing West to East), Banteay Kdei, Terrace of Sras Srang, Prasat Kravan. Dinner at hotel & overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: BLD.

Day 15 Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel, visit Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei. Lunch at hotel. Afternoon, visit Gate of the Death, Thommanon , Chau Say, Spean Thma, North Khleang, Preah Pithu. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Siem reap.
Meal: BLD.

Day 16 Departure from Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel, and leisure until transfer to the Siem Reap Airport for your next destination flight departure. End of Discover Asia Travel services.
Meal: BL.

Tour Cost Includes:
Fifteen nights accommodation in quality hotels on twin sharing with breakfast,
meals are based on half to full-board as stated in the day-to-day itinerary,
tour activities as mentioned in the itinerary,
entrance fees to monuments and parks visited on this tour,
English speaking local tour guide service throughout the tour,
transportation by air-conditioned tour coach, van and boat on the tour,
all internal transfers in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, and insurance for the duration of the tour while in Thailand.

Tour Cost Does Not Include:
Thailand visa fees (US Citizens are exempted; other nationalities, contact your nearest Thai consulate),
Laos visa fees upon arrival at the airport US$30 per person (processing fee in Bangkok US$20 per person),
Vietnam Visa on arrival can be arranged through us at US$55 per person, Cambodia visa is issued on arrival at US$20 per person,
international airfares, airport departure tax (Thailand US$12, Vientiane US$15, Hanoi US$14, and Siem Reap US$25; these figures are guide lines only and are subject to change);
meals not mentioned in the program, personal insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, political unrest, and emergencies.

Package Prices Terms and conditions:
All package prices are net per person in US Dollars. The package prices are subject to change should there be changes in government tax policies, local currency exchange rates and major changes in US Dollar exchange rates.
We reserve the right to alternate an itinerary in the event of natural disasters, bad weather, civil unrest or other unforeseen factors that pose threat to our guests and us (the tour operator) in the planned destination. In such events, alteration of an itinerary is done for the safety of our clients, and any extra charges in situations beyond our control will have to be born by the guests.
An itinerary may slightly change between now and by the time the trip departs. Changes are usually caused through development in the planned route, environmental changes and government regulations to natural and cultural landscapes. Changes are usually made for improvement and safety.