Highlights of Thailand & Laos

Welcome to take this Thail-Laos Tour. Upon your arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional guide outside the baggage claim area and then be escorted to the hotel by a comfortable private ride. The rest of the day will be at your disposal. You may either relax in the hotel to get ready for the upcoming sightseeing or take a leisure stroll around.

Accommodation: Movenpick Bangkok Sukhumvit 15 (4 stars)

Today's sightseeing will start with the Wat Pho, which is the largest and oldest temple complex in Bangkok. It is well known for housing one of the world's biggest reclining Buddha, which measures 46 meters (151 feet) long and is covered all over with gold leaf. Then we will explore the nearby Grand Palace, which is the largest and best preserved royal palace in Thailand. Combining the essence of Thai architecture, painting, sculpture and decoration, the Grand Palace is absolutely a must-see for visitors to Thailand. In the northeast corner of the palace sits Thailand's most famous temple, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is well worth visiting. 

At noon, your guide will take you to a popular local restaurant to taste the authentic Thai food. After lunch, we will take a private long-tail boat and enjoy a relaxing and pleasant time at Klong Bang Luang, a tranquil water-front community. Then a traditional Thai puppet performance will be arranged for you if there is one today. At last, on our way back to the hotel, we will visit the beautiful Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, which is one of the royal temples of Thailand.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Movenpick Bangkok Sukhumvit 15 (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive to Ayutthaya, which was the former capital of the Ayutthaya Dynasty (1351 – 1767) with a history of more than 600 years. On the way, we will first stop at the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, which was the summer residence of the Thai royal family, integrating Chinese, Burmese and Gothic architectural styles. Then the Wat Niwet Thammaprawat comes next. It looks like a Gothic Catholic church, but is actually a Buddhist temple, very speical. Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, we will visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, a place steep in history. Inside, we will explore the significant temples including the Wat Lokayasutharam, the Wat Pananchoeng, the Wat Mahathat, the famous Buddha head in the Banyan tree and etc. After finishing the visit, we will drive back to the hotel in Bangkok in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Movenpick Bangkok Sukhumvit 15 (4 stars)

This morning you will fly to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, your local guide will pick you up at the airport on time and then transfer you to the hotel. After a short break, you will be taken to visit the Meo Hill Tribe Village, where you will see the local traditional costumes and have a different cultural experience. Then we will head to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is the icon of Chiang Mai. Standing high on top of a mountain, it is the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Here, you can not only enjoy the impressive views over Chiang Mai, but also see many local people going about their spiritual practice.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Rim (4 stars)

Today we will take a break from the temple visiting and drive out of town to the Elephant Nature Park. After about 40 mins' drive, you will reach the Park. Here you can see many elephants, and have a close contact with these ginat friends, like playing and walking with them throuth the valley. You could also give them a bath when crossing the stream and feed them at their lunch time. They will touch you with their agile long noses to express their thanks for you. Please prepare your camera ready to get many beautiful photos of them. After lunch, you will be transferred back to the hotel and the remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure.

At night, you could explore the Night Bazaar in the center of the city to find local delicous stree food and trinkets, or just immerse yourself in the lovely relaxed atmosphere there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Rim (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will set out for Chiang Rai. En route, we will first take a short rest at the Mae Khajan hot springs, where you could enjoy a cup of coffee and the hot spring egg at your own expense. Then take a short visit to the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen, where the three countries Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Afterwards, our journey will continue to the Mae Sai Border, where you will be shown around a local market. At last, your guide will take you to visit the Akha and Yao hill tribal villages, where you will learn about the local traditional lifestyle. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, your guide will help you check into the well selected hotel and you can have a good rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel (3 stars)

Early in the morning, we will head for Thai-Laos border in Chiang Khong. After finishing the Thai immigration formalities, you will meet your Laos representative and he will help you apply for the Laos visa. The visa fee will be on your own. After that, you will be escorted to board the Shampoo Cruise for a join-in group journey sailing to Pakbeng. Alternatively, we can also book a private boat for you exclusively at your request.

The cruise will set sail from Houei Sai Pier at around 09:30 am. In an hour's time, you'll come to a traditional riverside village，Kamu village (also known as Ban Houa Phalam) to get a glimpse of the local way of life. After that, a buffet lunch will be served on board. You can have lunch while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Mekong River. It will arrive at Luang Say Lodge in Pakbeng town before sunset and you can enjoy the brilliant sunset view if the weather is fine. Tonight, a Laotian dinner will be offered.

Friendly Notice:
The Shampoo Cruise is available on every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from October to next March; Monday and Friday from April to September. If your date can not match the cruise sailling date, we need to adjust the date accordingly.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Luang Say Lodge

Today, we will continue to take the cruise to Luang Prabang. In the morning, it will be a wonderful experience to have breakfast while enjoying the fresh air and the rustic atmosphere. At 08:00 am, the cruise will set off and along the way, we will first stop at Ban Baw village, where you can see how local people make rice wine in traditional way. Then stop at Pak Ou Caves, which is also called Caves of Thousand Buddhas for housing a great many Buddha statues of all sizes. At about 17:00, we will arrive at Luang Prabang. Your local private guide will pick you up from the port and escort you to check into the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Victoria Xiengthong Palace (4 stars)

Today, you need to get up early to see the daily traditional morning alms-giving as well as wander around the Phousi morning market. After that, return back to the hotel to have breakfast. Following the breakfast will be a visit to the Thai-style Wat Sene, the stunning Wat Xieng Thong, the time-honored Wat Wisunalat as well as the simple Wat Aham.

The highlights of the afternoon sightseeing will be the Wat Mai and the Royal Palace Museum, both of which are must-see sights of the city. At last, we will end today by climbing up to the top of the Mount Phousi, where you will get nice views over the whole city of Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Victoria Xiengthong Palace (4 stars)

After breakfast, we will drive to Kuang Si Fall. En route, we will stop at Ban Ouay and have a brief encounter with the Lao ethnic minority groups. Afterwards, we will continue to Kuang Si Fall, which is the No. 1 sightseeing spot in Luang Prabang. Here you can see the tiered falls, the turquoise natural water pools and the nice forests. It will be a wonderful experience to swim and dive in the tempting cold water during the hot day. 

After finishing the visit here, you will be escorted to the airport for an afternoon flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area of the airport and accompany you to the downtown hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Lao Poet Hotel (4 star)

Today's Laos sightseeing will start with the Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane. The beautiful wooden structures and murals here will provide you with a good chance to look into Laos Buddhist culture. The next stop will be the Wat Ho Phakeo, the former Royal temple and now a Buddhist museum with a good selection of sculptures. Then we will pass the majestic Patuxay and afterwards, proceed to the Great Sacred Stupa, a buddhist shrine in Lao. After that, we will go to the riverside Buddha Park, where you can see many various Buddha sculptures. Finally, your pleasant Thai-Laos trip will be ended by watching the sunset over Mekong River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Lao Poet Hotel (4 star)

At the appointed time today, your guide will escort you to the airport and see you off there. Wish you a nice outbound journey!

Meals: Breakfast