iExplore Thailand and Laos Experience

Tour Description

Thailand is a rush for your senses: a bustling, exotic, and vivid culture that never ceases to amaze visitors. On this cultural tour, you'll visit Thailand's gilded temples, one more gorgeous than the next, in the cities of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai. Other highlights include a cruise through Bangkok's canals, an opportunity to ride an elephant through the jungle, and exciting shopping opportunities in Chiang Mai's famous night bazaar.

Continue north to the "Golden Triangle," where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet, an area famous for its colorful hill tribes. Crossing the border into Laos, board a cruise boat for a 2-day trip down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang.

Laos is less developed than Thailand and offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. In Luang Prabang, well-preserved French architecture blends with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Itinerary

THAILAND AND LAOS EXPERIENCE   2012

 

Day 1         ARRIVE IN BANGKOK                                                          -

 

Arrive Bangkok International Airport. Upon clearing customs and immigration, you are met by our tour guide who will greet and assist you in the arrival hall. Transfer to you hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure.

Normal check-in time at the hotel is 14:00.

Overnight:The Peninsula Bangkok – 3 nights

 

Day 2         BANGKOK                                                                           BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

 

After breakfast, travel by long-tail speed boat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and klongs (canals) to see the serene family houses and temples along the waterways that give this city the name “Venice of the East.” Visit the elegant Temple of Dawn, whose 79-m spire silhouette has become so identified with Bangkok. We will stop at a neighborhood monastery to learn about Thai Buddhism and at an old wooden schoolhouse where kids delight in visitors.

 

After lunch, visit the Grand Palace, a lavish, awe-inspiring monument of tapering gilded spires, majestic pavilions, dazzling murals, and brilliant colors. A glorious example of Thai architecture through the ages, the Grand Palace is a feast for the senses. Housed in its own temple, the Emerald Buddha is the most sacred image of the Buddha in Thailand and is believed to guarantee the independence and prosperity of the nation.

 

Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, and few visitors leave the city without a few trinkets. The itinerary can be varied to suit the desires of the guests and the time available. Points most frequently selected include a silk factory, major shopping mall, antique shops, etc.

 

Tonight enjoy a Thai Dinner at Supattra River House.

 

Overnight:The Peninsula Bangkok

 

 

 

Day 3         BANGKOK-AYUTTHAYA-BANGKOK                          BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

 

After breakfast, depart from Bangkok by road through the countryside to the north of Bangkok, heading for Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. Ayutthaya was the capital of a truly fabulous kingdom for 417 years (1350-1767), built on what Sukhothai had begun and carried onward with remarkable flair and panache. It also set the standards for Bangkok to follow. At the magnificent city ruins, you can see the largest Buddha image of Phra Mongkhon Bophit.

 

Continue to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace of King Rama V, consisting of buildings in a quaint mixture of European and Thai architecture. You will have a chance to visit the interior of Chinese Wehat Chamrun Palace.

 

Cruiseback to Bangkok on the Chao Phaya River aboard the luxurious Horizon Cruise (or similar). En route, observe the scenic beauty and friendliness of the canal folks as you enjoy a sumptuous lunch.

 

Enjoy Thai dinner with a cultural performance at Sala Rim Nam Restaurant: on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River from the Oriental Hotel, a richly decorated traditional Thai pavilion sets the stage for an appreciation of two of the Kingdom’s most rewarding cultural experiences, Thai cuisine and classical Thai dance.

 

Overnight:The Peninsula Bangkok

 

Day 04       BANGKOK-CHIANG MAI                                                      BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

 

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Chiang Mai. Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai seems able to combine the relaxed, slow motion world of a Thai village with the facilities and sights of a big city. The city has a rich and colorful history, still evident in the architecture that includes more than 300 wats (temples.) The most significant and interesting wats are located within the city walls.

 

The city of Chiang Mai has a wealth of beautiful and historic Buddhist Wats (temples) and on this tour a visit to the most fascinating is made. Near the summit of Doi Suthep, a 1600 meters peak named after the hermit Sudeva who lived on the mountain's slopes for many years, is the 600 year old temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After a drive up the mountain's winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. Inside the cloisters is an intriguing copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai from the grounds of the temple.

 

Other temple visits on this tour include Wat Jet Yot dating back to the mid 15th century and whose seven spires represent the seven weeks Buddha spent in Bodhgaya after his enlightenment. Wat Suan Dok whose large central stupa contains a Buddha relic which supposedly self-multiplied! One of these relics was mounted on the back of a white elephant that was allowed to wander until it chose a site on which a Wat could be built to shelter the relic. The elephant stopped and died at a spot on Doi Suthep, where Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was built. Wat Chiang Man, the oldest Wat in the city, features typical northern Thai architecture with massive teak columns inside.

 

Tonight enjoy dinner at Le Grand Lanna. Ancient Lanna culture has been the foundation of northern Thai lifestyle for almost a thousand years. There is no better way of experiencing the atmosphere and ideals of Lanna than at Le Grand Lanna. Modeled on the original architectural design, this teak restaurant is set in 28 acres of beautiful garden.

 

After dinner, visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. With its wide range of goods at competitive prices, this easily rivals Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market. Inside are endless stalls selling hill tribe crafts, leather goods, and clothing.

 

Overnight:Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort – 2 nights

 

Day 5       CHIANG MAI                                                                        BREAKFAST, (LUNCH, if on tour)

     

You are collected from the hotel this morning for a full day excursion from Chiang Mai. You can choose from:

 

Option #1: Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest mountain in Thailand (2,565 meters). The park offers beautiful scenery, evergreen forests, dwarf rhododendron groves and many types of habitat. The area is popular for bird-watching, with nearly 400 bird species, many from North Asia including mountain hawks and Eurasian woodcocks. Other stops along the winding road include Karen hill tribe villages, Wachiratharn waterfall and the twin chedi built by the Thai Air Force to commemorate King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Lunch is included.

 

Option #2: Visit the Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center to see the show. Enjoy an elephant ride across the Ping River and up the hill. This lasts about 1 hour. Then your rafting adventure starts from here and lasts for approximately 45 minutes along the Ping River and make a trip by oxcart. Lunch will be served. Next, travel to the orchid farm, where you may view many beautiful species of orchid.

 

Overnight:Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort

 

Day 6       CHIANG MAI-CHIANG RAI                                        BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

 

This morning, drive north to Chiang Rai through mountain scenery via Mae Ka Chan, famous for its hot spring. Around noon, arrive in the Golden Triangle and have lunch at a Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle.

 

During your two nights stays at the Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle you have the option to choose two (2) of the following activities by the resort, which can be done on this day and the following day (day 7):

 

1.    Spa Treatment

2.    Elephant and Mahout Training

3.    Three Country Tour

4.    Cooking Class

 

 Enjoy the dinner at the resort.

 

Overnight:Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle – 2 nights

 

 

 

Day 7         CHIANG RAI                                                                       BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

 

Breakfast at the resort.

 

Today choose the remaining activity at the resort and enjoy the facilities at the resort with its splendid view over the Golden Triangle.

 

Lunch and dinner are included at the resort.

Overnight:Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle – 2 nights

 

Day 8         CHIANG RAI-HUAY XAI-PAKBENG                          BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

 

Depart from the hotel early this morning to drive to Chiang Khong, located along Thailand’s border with Laos. A stop will be made at the Immigration office in Tha Buck to process documents for leaving Thailand and entering Laos. Crossing by boat from Thailand into Laos, you will be met by a representative of Luang Say Cruise to assist you with Laos Immigration procedures.

 

Heading back down to the riverbank, it is time to board your cruise boat for a 2-day trip down the mighty Mekong River. A few stops are made along the way to take a closer look at village life along one of the most important lifelines of the region and lunch will be served on board. Late in the afternoon arrive in Pakbeng, a small river trading town, and check in at your accommodation for the evening.

 

Dinner is served at the lodge.

 

Luang Say Lodge is built on the shores of the Mekong in the traditional Lao style of solid wood. The lodge features 16 pavilions with a total of 19 rooms. Each pavilion has a terrace offering a fabulous view over the Mekong River and Valley. Each pavilion has a private toilet / shower room, and fans are provided in each bungalow. The restaurant terrace overlooks the Mekong, surrounded by the beautiful, misty mountains of Laos.

 

Overnight:Luang Say Lodge – 1 night

 

Day 9         PAKBENG-LUANG PRABANG                                                BREAKFAST, DINNER

 

After breakfast take a morning stroll through the Pakbeng market to view the wares that are brought to town by people from the surrounding villages. Then board the cruise boat for the second part of the journey along the tranquil Mekong River.

 

After lunch, on board, we continue on and stop off at the village of Ban Xang Hi for a lesson in how rice whiskey is made. Hereafter on to Pak Ou, (Pak Ou – Mouth of the River), home of the famous Pak Ou caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since the 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many still pay respect with this old tradition. Our boat voyage ends in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

 

A short transfer brings you to the hotel for check-in.

 

This evening enjoy dinner at Le Elephant, a popular choice for both local and French cuisine and wine.

 

Overnight:La Residence Phou Vao – 3 nights

 

Day 10       LUANG PRABANG                                                                BREAKFAST

 

Today you will get a chance to visit some of Luang Prabang’s priceless monuments on a walking tour around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. Wat Xieng Thong, renowned as the most beautiful of Luang Prabang’s temples, is the first stop.

Next, visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo Stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.

 

Also visit the National Museum, once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries, giving insight into the rich past of this nation.

Phou Si Hillstands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Si sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of anti-aircraft guns, remnants of the Indochina war. Continue on to visit Wat Mai. Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style.

 

The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore on your own or just relax.

 

Overnight:La Residence Phou Vao

 

Day 11       LUANG PRABANG                                                                BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

 

If you do not mind an early start this morning, rise at dawn to witness the spectacle of “Alms Giving” whereby local monks and novices move silently through the streets accepting offerings of food from local villagers. Truly an amazing sight and well worth the wake up call!

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

 

After breakfast drive with your guide by private car up to the Tad Khuang Si waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a refreshing dip.

 

On the return journey, stop off at Ban Phanom, a local village specializing in Lao weaving. Here, as in the past, weaving of traditional Lao textiles takes place on ancient wooden looms. Famed for the production of local textiles, this village was once the base for crafting fine silks for the Royal Palace.

 

Return to Luang Prabang, where the balance of the day is at leisure. As it is the last night in Laos, tonight try a traditional Lao BBQ “sin daht” at the Nam Dong restaurant. For this local favorite you are given the raw ingredients and you become the chef cooking at a steaming “hot pot BBQ” at your own table. It is a lot of fun and also very delicious!

 

Overnight:La Residence Phou Vao

 

Day 12       DEPART LUANG PRABANG                                      BREAKFAST

 

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is at leisure until you are transferred to Luang Prabang airport.

End of Services

Bon Voyage!

 

*** THIS IS A PROPOSAL ONLY AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF CONFIRMATION.

WE ARE NOT HOLDING ANY SPACES FOR THIS ITINERARY AT THIS TIME. ***

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

THAILAND AND LAOS EXPERIENCE   2012

US DOLLARS PER PERSON

 

Period	1 pax	2 pax	3-4 pax				Single Surch arge
01 Jan 12 - 29 Feb 12	10699	6599	6399				2466
01 Mar 12 - 31 Mar 12	10099	6399	5999				2299
01 Apr 12 - 30 Apr 12 01 Jul – 31 Aug 2012	9699	5999	5639				2049
01 May 12 - 30 Jun 12 01 Sept to 30 Sept 2012	9099	5639	5439				1799
01 Oct 12 - 31 Oct 12	9899	6099	5799				2099

 

** As the Luang Say Cruise operates on fixed departure dates:

 

The arrival day in Bangkok can only be a:	During the travelling period of:
Mon/Thu/Fri/Sun	01 Jan 12 - 23 Apr 12
Mon/Fri	24 Apr 12 - 21 Sep 12
Mon/Thu/Fri/Sun	22 Sep 12 - 22 Oct 12

 

 

INCLUSIONS:

§  Accommodations as specified in the itinerary with breakfast daily

§  Sightseeing by local English-speaking guides

§  Accommodations as mentioned or equivalent

§  Airfare in economy class: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

§  Boat tickets as per the program

§  Ground transportation by private A/C vehicle

§  Porterage

§  Sightseeing including admission fees

§  Choice of one of two optional tours in Chiang Mai

 

EXCLUSIONS:

 

§  International airfare and airport departure taxes

§  Outbound flight from Luang Prabang on the last day

§  Holiday surcharges

§  Meals other than those indicated

§  Personal drinks at meal times

§  Items a personal nature (e.g. laundry, telephone, mini bar etc.)

§  Gratuities to guides and drivers

§  Travel Insurance 

§  Visa fees for Laos

 

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes