Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day except Tuesdays. January to December
13 days from $5195.00Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Welcome to Bangkok! You are met on arrival and transferred to your luxury hotel located in this vibrant commercial city of treasures and temples.
Bangkok Sightseeing
This morning, travel by long-tail speedboat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and klongs (canals). Visit the elegant Temple of Dawn; stop at a neighborhood monastery to learn about Thai Buddhism. This afternoon, visit the Grand Palace and its holy Temple of The Emerald Buddha, built for the King of Siam in 1782 in traditional exotic Thai style. See its fabulous solid Jade Buddha, the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall.
Continue through Chinatown to Wat Po (‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’), the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. (B)
Bangkok & the Floating Market
Today enjoy a full day journey to the un-spoilt rural floating market of Damnern Saduak. You board long-tailed boats and cruise through the many small canals full of vendors. Visit Nakorn Pathom to see the world’s tallest Buddha.
Enjoy lunch and a culture show at Rose Garden Resort. (B,L)
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Today, fly from the busy metropolis of Bangkok to northern Thailand. Arrive in the city of Chiang Mai, a modern city that has preserved its rich history and traditions. You are met upon arrival, and taken to your luxurious resort hotel. (B)
Chiang Mai & Doi Suthep
Today, drive up 3,500 feet to Doi Suthep. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and a visit of Wat Prathad Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Built in A.D. 1384, this temple features a flight of more than 300 steps flanked by an enormous mythological Nagas, and it houses a holy relic of Lord Buddha.
Continue to Temple City to visit Wat Suan Dok, the resting place of Chiang Mai’s Royal Families; and see Wat Jed Yod, with its seven spires. (B)
Patara Elephant Farm
Today enjoy a full day excursion to the Patara Elephant Farm, which specializes in the care and conservation of these majestic creatures. You will be paired with your own elephant and spend the day feeding, bathing, and learning about the elephant’s care. End your day with an exhilarating elephant ride through the jungle. (B,L)
Chiang Mai to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Today depart Thailand and fly south to Cambodia, Arrive in Siem Reap, home to the most incredible temples in Southeast Asia. You are met upon arrival, and taken to your world-renowned hotel. (B)
Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom
In 1992, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee declared the whole city of Angkor, a World Heritage Site. Start today early with a visit to Angkor Wat to watch sunrise at this incredible temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat displays beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art.
Next, explore the fortified city of Angkor Thom, a four sq. mile site surrounded by a wall and wide moats. Walk amongst the many monuments and statues of ancient Hindu demons and gods, including the Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper Kings, the ruined Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas. Visit The mysterious Bayon Temple, with its galleries of beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and its central sanctuary housing giant smiling stone faces. Next, travel to Ta Prohm, where the jungle still covers much of the monuments - giving you a rare raw look at this mysterious and incredible place. (B)
Phnom Kulen & Banteay Srei
Today, travel to the sacred Cambodian pilgrimage site of Phnom Kulen where in 802, Jayavarman II declared himself divine universal ruler, marking the beginning of the Angkor period of Khmer history. See the spectacular riverbed rock carvings. Next, visit Banteay Srei, a 10th century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. See the notable three towers decorated with beautiful filigree relief work.
End the day with a tour of Chantiers Ecoles (Artisans d’Angkor), a vocational training center for more than 650 apprentices learning fine arts and crafts trades including stone sculpture and woodcarving. (B)
Siem Reap to Luang Prabang, Laos
Fly from Cambodia to Luang Prabang (meaning Royal Buddha) in northern Laos. Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, this enchanting town full of historic temples and colonial style buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are met upon arrival, and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Luang Prabang Sightseeing
Early this morning, give alms and food offerings to the resident monks.
Start your day of touring at Wat Visoun. Dating back to 1513, it is the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, and contains a notable collection of hundreds of small Buddha images made from wood, crystal and precious metals. Visit a variety of other wats (monastery temples) including the temples of Wat Aham, and the ornate buildings of Wat Xieng Thong, featuring exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. Tour the National Museum (Royal Palace) - this turn-of-the century royal residence provides unique insights into the history of Laos.
End the day with a visit to Wat Mai, one of the largest and most photographed wats in Luang Prabang, especially important for its religious and aesthetic beauty. (B)
Luang Prabang & the Mekong River
This morning take a boat excursion down the Mekong River, passed steep limestone cliffs to the Tham Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with a vast and fascinating variety Buddha images.
Drive back to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai Village, famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky.
This evening enjoy dinner and attend a traditional Baci Ceremony with Lao Traditional Dance. (B,D)
Depart Luang Prabang
Today you are taken to the airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. (B)
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
Set in the heart of Bangkok, Shangri-La is within walking distance of shining malls, charming boutiques and open-air markets. Spend your days visiting the Grand Palace and marvelling at its magnificent architecture and designs, breathing in the aroma of street food as tuk tuks zoom around you. Back at Shangri-La, indulge in the award-winning CHI, The Spa, and treat your taste buds to the culinary delights of the hotel's Salathip Restaurant, or one of the other 6 dining outlets and 3 bars on site. Shangri-La Hotel is proud to feature luxurious rooms with Thai-inspired décor, high ceilings, chandeliers and spacious balconies. All accommodations have river or city views, and dazzle with silk and teak furnishings. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai
Hidden behind a bamboo wall and opening onto the picturesque Mae Ping River in Thailand’s charming northern city, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa is a luxurious sanctuary of striking contemporary style, accented by traditional Thai and colonial elements. Relax on your balcony daybed, admiring the peaceful flow of Thai river life. Find more tranquil seclusion at the waterfront pool or indulge in exotic spa rituals and revitalising yoga. Savour refined culinary journeys, from impeccable Indian, Thai and western cuisine, gourmet tapas and high tea experiences, to the sophisticated pleasures of our colonial bar. By day delve into Chiang Mai’s quirky café and art scene, as well as the famous number of ornate temples, bustling markets and authentic eateries in the nearby moated old city. Satisfy cravings for culture and nature with elephant treks, a sunset cruise, visits to spectacular national parks, hill tribes and handicraft villages, or enjoy adrenalin pumping jungle adventures. Return to toast sunset in riverside luxury, before spending an evening browsing the endless Night Bazaar, just a five minute walk away. A 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Hotel
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap
Just five miles from Angkor Wat, this hotel has been restored to its original colonial architecture and features steam baths, a 35-meter lap pool and shops full of local crafts. Rooms are appointed with high ceilings and four-poster beds. A 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List & Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
La Residence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang
Positioned atop a hill, gazing across the sacred mountains, Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao is an unforgettable place to stay. Its calm, tranquil ambience echoes that of the sleepy World Heritage town of Luang Prabang—former royal capital of Laos—spread out below. Designed in a traditional style, this intimate hotel is gemmed with teak, silk and fresh cotton accents. Relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy stepping back into a more gracious era. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel