Day 1: Bangkok arrival 

Warmly welcome you on arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We will pick you up with a comfortable vehicle to the center of Bangkok to check-in your hotel, then take your time to have a rest after a long flight.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok 

Meals: None 

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.

The first destination is the Grand Palace. This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in the 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of the national significant events take place there. Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in the complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. The pagoda is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue. 

Nearby the Grand Palace is Wat Pho – the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage. 

We will board a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by. On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s River bank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style. 

After having lunch, we visit the last destination of the day: Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power. 

Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

At 18:00PM we start a night food tour. Bangkok is considered as the heaven of street food that makes you want to be immersed into its variety. The street food tour by tuktuk offers you a fun but safe experience to taste. Lead by an English-speaking guide, we come to the best local vendors to try pork satay, ginger soup and sesame dumplings. Of course, the guide will explain and introduce you to them. En route, we observe the view of the city by night and also have an opportunity to visit some attractions such as Phra Sumen Fort, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and Chinatown – our finish points then you transfer back to the hotel. 

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Maeklong Railway Market – a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed. We continue our way to the Damnoen Saduak Floating market. Arrival at the market, you can see the vendors who wear traditional farmer dresses and hats bring local Thai foods, fruits and products to sell on rowing boats. You should not miss the opportunity to experience sitting and giving them a try on one of these boats on the canal. You are free to explore around the market, take photos/videos or even hire a paddling boat to breathe the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere here.  

We then take a boat ride out of the floating market and journey along the winding canals to see remote villages, gardens and plantations. 

Arrive at a jetty pier where you board on the vehicle and return to Bangkok. 

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok 

Meals: Breakfast 

In the morning, we will depart to Ayutthaya; it takes about more than hour to reach the former Thai capital. Witness the glory of the ancient capital through its temple and palace ruins. First you will visit Wat Phu Khao Thong, or the “Monastery of the Golden Mount”, which is located just outside Ayutthaya. Then you will proceed to the ancient palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. You will also visit Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, one of the largest bronze Buddha’s in Thailand. Have lunch by your own account. Afterwards you will visit Wat Lokaya Sutha. This temple enshrines a large reclining Buddha image. Our last visit will be the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King. 

Transfer you to train station for the night train to Chiang Mai.Overnight on the train.

 Accommodation: Overnight train to Chiang Mai (Second Class) 

Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival train station, pick up and transfer you for a simple breakfast.

Then, will start with a transfer to Doi Inthanon National Park. It will take approximately 2 hours to the highest peak of Thailand – Doi Inthanon National Park. On arrival, we will spend 2-3 hours trekking through the jungle following a narrow mountain trail which leads us to stunning hidden waterfall in the middle of lush jungle. Along the way before reaching the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, we will pass through the farmland where you will see the coffee plantation, flowers farm and the beautiful rice terraces. Discover the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village and taste a cup of locally grown coffee then move on to Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70 meters high thunderous waterfall. Enjoy the cool fresh air at the waterfall before we continue back to the ground.

After that you will visit the beautiful architecture of Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri which build to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol and Queen Sirikit. Finally, transfer back to Chiang Mai for your overnight.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

The morning will be mainly devoted to visit the old city with a stop at the ancient wall, the moat and a door of the old city. You will see more   beautiful temples in Chiang Mai:   Wat Prah Singh Temple, Wat Phan Tao temple and the temple Wat Chedi Luang. Then you will stroll along streets lined with traditional houses, where you make a rickshaw ride. From there, you’ll at large Central Market Warorot. 

Lunch at local restaurant (on your own).

Afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous pagoda Chiang Mai. It is reached after climbing a staircase of 290 steps with ramps represent two giant naga. From the square, you can admire the panorama of the whole Chiang Mai Valley.

Then visit craft villages: lacquer factories, silk weaving, manufacture of umbrellas, wood carvings and goldsmith work.

Then transfer back to the hotel. 

You are free exploring night market in the evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai 

Meals: Breakfast

Start from the hotel in Chiang Mai driving along a wildly route via Doi Saket through scenic hills, valleys and villages.

A short break is made at Mae Khachan Hot Spring.

Visit White Temple. Its very recent temple is the most visited monument in the region, the work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started in 1997. Its creator himself announces that he will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. Its uniqueness, its whiteness, makes it a unique temple of its kind. In wihaan a fresco mixing Buddhist codes with Matrix, Star Wars, the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York and even Kung Fu Panda stands out from the usual decorations such as monuments.

Proceed to Chiang Rai province. Lunch on your own.

We will visit the local market to discover the local products. After that we visit the world-famous Wat Phra Kaew where the Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined. Move on to Wat Phra Singh where one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images is now enshrined. 

Then short drive from Chiang Rai City to Black House. Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs. 

Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Rai 

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast we depart for northern Thailand, a wooded, mountainous and beautiful area. This morning, visit the Golden Triangle where the borders of three countries; Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar are met. Arrange a boat trip along the Mekong River at Sop Ruak. A quick visit to the island and market at Don Sao, (which belongs to Laos). Then transfer to Chiang Khong overnight. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Khong

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, free time until pick up and transfer to Thai Immigration checkpoint. After leaving Thai immigration, our guide will help you to buy bus tickets to pass the Friendship Bridge to Laos Immigration Office by yourself. At 08:00am, the guests will meet our English-Speaking guide with a welcome sign at HouayXay immigration office (Lao border).

Our guide will assist customers to apply for the visa. After getting the VISA, guests will take a sharing transfer (minivan) to the slow boat pier to embark on the Shompoo boat (sharing boat + guide on boat). During the morning, Quick lecture about Do’s and Don’ts in Laos and fun facts will be presented by our guide. Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.

Before reaching Pakbeng, we will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Houa Phalam), a tiny cozy place which host about 90 families. Travelers will learn about rural lifestyle in a very remote area.

The boat will arrive at Pakbeng before the night. Check-in hotel in Pakbeng

Dinner on your own. Overnight in a hotel.

Accommodation: At the Lodge in Pakbeng 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

The boat will leave Pakbeng at 08am toward Luang Prabang.

Enjoy the beautiful nature and jungle during your journey. In the morning, our guide and cooker will make a short demonstration on how to make some lao desserts and local drinks that travelers will eat later in the afternoon.

First stop will be at Ban Baw village, a complex but harmonic mixed of three ethnicity: Lao Loun, Shan and Tai Lue. Today the village is famous for its lao lao whiskey making.

Right after the visit, a Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.

In the afternoon, the boat will stop for the second visit at the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its over two thousands Buddha statues. It is one of the most important Pilgrimage place for lao people. After the visit, enjoy the homemade desserts and drinks made by our team and the travelers.

The boat will arrive in Luang Prabang before 4:30pm. Transfer to a hotel in town for check-in. Time at leisure

Dinner on your own. Overnight in a hotel.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Luang Prabang 

Meals: Breakfast

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Stop and visit fresh local markets and back to hotel for breakfast.

This morning, depart to visit Wat Visoun, the site of the impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.  Continue to visit Wat Aham. Then, visit to the most photographed temple, Vat Xiengthong. Located at the end of the peninsula closed to the confluence of the Mekong and Khan River.

This afternoon, continue to former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple. 

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Luang Prabang 

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will be driven to the Elephant Village, a center with a focus on the protection and rehabilitation of elephants in Laos. Upon arrival you will be provided the information about the work in caring for the elephants. Next, enjoy your time with elephants in camp.

Transfer back in town and ferry to otherside of Mekong to visit Ban Xiemienne village.  Take a walk to discover Wat Long Khoun temple, located in the jungle. This monastery historically had important ties with the royal family of Luang Prabang. From its beginnings Wat Long Khoun served as a retreat center for spiritual revitalization. It was traditional practice that the new king-designate spend three days there in ceremonial bathing and meditative retreat. Back to hotel and time at leisure.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Luang Prabang 

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the rice culture and farming experience with some hands-on activities along the way. Be welcomed by the hospitable farmers who will show you how rice is grown and harvested. You can plant rice in the rice paddy together with the farmers while seeing the buffalos plough the rice paddies. Discover what rice can be used to produce different products.

This afternoon, driving through green rice paddies and farms. On your arrival at the Kuang Si waterfall, enjoy your short walking on trails of falls to visit the bear rescued centre. Enjoy spectacular views and the surrounding of orchids inside the park and falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Return to Luang Prabang.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

Accommodation: At the hotel in Luang Prabang 

Meals: Breakfast

Free time until your transfer by our driver to the airport for your international flight.

Accommodation: NA

Meals: Breakfast