Today is arrival day, so there are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Relax, explore the city, and adjust to the pace of life in Bangkok. 

 

You MUST arrive on tour with your Vietnam visa. There is no way to procure this once the tour has commenced. 

Meet Your CEO and Group activity 

 

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. 

 

Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown (or similar) accommodation 

 

Enjoy a 1-hr longtail boat tour of Bangkok's famous klongs (canals). The trip finishes at the Royal Temple of Wat Po for a guided tour. 

 

After, there is time for shopping, a visit to Grand Palace or a stroll along Khao San Rd. In the evening, board the overnight train to Chiang Mai. 

 

Meals included: Breakfast 

Note: Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport. 

 

Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks. 

 

Immerse yourself in Thai Buddhist culture and visit the famous giant 46m (151ft) reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf. Relax with a traditional Thai massage at the country’s leading school of massage at Wat Po. 

 

Free time activity 

Afternoon 

Use some free time in Bangkok to make the most out of this city. 

 

Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop. 

 

Tour the Jim Thompson House, a Bangkok museum that was once the home of American businessman Jim Thompson, the “Legendary American of Thailand.” See his collection of Buddhist and secular art, amassed while building his silk company. 

 

Visit Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple and one of Thailand’s best known landmarks. Tour inside to see its central prang (a Khmer-style tower) adorned with colourful porcelain. 

 

Visit the King’s official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. 

 

Located along the Chao Phraya River, the museum is home to many ceremonial barges. The barges are only used for special occasions so this is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of their ornate decorations and symbolic features. 

 

Lie back and soothe aching muscles with a wonderful Thai massage. Affordable and amazing—don't miss out! 

 

See Thai artifacts on display from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods as well as other Southeast Asian collections. 

 

Arrive early morning and use some free time to explore. Choose from a range of optional activities or stroll the city independently. Explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure or experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class. 

 

In late afternoon, set off to visit the temple complex, Doi Suthep. If you're lucky, you may witness the chanting of the monks. 

 

Free time activity 

Morning 

With so much to do in Chiang Mai, make the most of your free time here. 

 

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

 

Climb the 300-step naga (mystical serpent) staircase to one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, or opt to take a cable car and enjoy the view. Learn all about Doi Suthep’s history from a local guide – built on top of a mountain, the temple sits among pagodas, statues, bells and shrines. 

 

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

 

The Park Hotel (or similar) accommodation 

Hotel 

Optional Activities - Night Market - Chiang Mai 

Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts. 

 

Learn how to drive a classic Thai mode of transport—the tuk-tuk—then set off for a full-day Northern Thailand adventure like no other. With your very own guide, explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai, drive past rice fields and temples as you weave through the countryside, and experience Thai hospitality at its finest over lunch and chatting with the local people. Drinking water throughout the day, as well as pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai, is included. Please note: if you wish to drive the tuk-tuk, you must have a valid drivers license (manual drivers license for certain countries) and successfully learn tuk-tuk manual gear/stick shift during the training session, otherwise you will be chauffeured. 

 

Enjoy dinner northern Khantok style, with local entertainment. The main dishes on the Khantok usually include sticky rice, Hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chilli pasted with crispy pork. 

 

Meander through Chiang Mai by bike and get an alternative view of this bustling city. 

 

Northern Thai Cooking Class 

Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice. 

 

Drive to Chiang Khong, a sleepy trading town nestled on the bank of the Mekong River. En route, visit Wat Rong Khun — the dazzling 'White Temple'. Wander the local food market or sit back and enjoy a slower pace of life relaxing in Thailand with river views of Laos. 

 

Meals included: Breakfast 

Private Vehicle transport 

Chiang Mai – Chiang Khong, 5h 

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

 

Visit Wat Rong Khun (better known among foreigners as the White Temple), an unconventional Buddhist temple designed by prominent Thai painter-turned-architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. Be wowed by the temple’s contemporary exterior made up of a mosaic of mirrors. View the interior walls that have a pop culture and sci-fi influence. Find murals of Batman, Superman, Predator, and the Matrix. 

 

Nam Khong Guesthouse (or similar) accommodation 

 

Cross the border to the Laos immigration area, then take a songthaew (local bus) to a traditional slow boat. 

 

Travel down the Mekong River and adjust to the relaxed pace of life in Laos. This predominantly mountainous country has unsurpassed views of the riverside villages, the tropical jungle, and the mountains. 

 

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list. 

 

Enjoy the ride down the Mekong on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Bring some warm gear – it can be quite cold from November to February. 

 

Mekong Riverside Lodge (or similar) accommodation 

Guesthouse 

 

Continue on by slow boat down the mighty Mekong. Before arriving at Luang Prabang, enjoy a visit outside to the Pak Ou caves. 

 

After, re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving in the early evening. 

 

Meals included: Breakfast 

Enjoy the ride down the Mekong on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Bring some warm gear – it can be quite cold from November to February. 

 

Visit these dramatic caves considered an important spiritual site by many Lao people. See thousands of Buddha statues and images that line the limestone walls. 

 

Treasure Hotel (or similar) accommodation 

Hotel 

 

Take a tour of the Ethnology Museum — a great chance to learn more about the dress and customs of local people. Drop into Ock Pop Tok for an introduction to Laos textiles and handicrafts. Then, take a half-day trip out to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls and be sure to pack a swimsuit. 

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch 

Take a guided tour of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) to learn about the traditional arts and cultures of Laos’s many diverse ethnic groups. Shop in the TAEC Boutique for authentic village-made handicrafts and relax with a drink at the museum café. 

 

Visit Ock Pop Tok "East Meets West" Living Crafts Centre on the banks of the Mekong River to learn from artisans about Laos handicrafts and the importance of woven textiles in Laos culture. Opt to enjoy a drink in the cafe. 

 

Meal with Local Family activity 

Enjoy a delicious meal with a local family. Learn about Laotian cuisine and life in Luang Prabang. 

 

Journey to this magnificent tiered waterfall, where relaxing is highly recommended. Opt for a dip in the turquoise waters and explore multiple picture-perfect pools, framed by the jungle landscape. 

 

Treasure Hotel (or similar) accommodation 

Hotel 

Optional Activities 

Night Market Visit 

Luang Prabang 

Shop until your heart’s content at the night market in Luang Prabang – one of the best in Southeast Asia. Head to the market around dusk. Tour the vendor stalls lining the streets offering food, wooden statues, clothes, trinkets and souvenirs to dozens of people wandering up and down the market. Don't miss the opportunity to interact with the sellers and gently negotiate a good price. 

 

Enjoy a free day exploring all Luang Prabang has to offer. Options include cooking classes, temple visits, massages, night market shopping, and cycling. 

 

Meals included: Breakfast 

Free time activity 

Full Day 

There's a wealth of activities going on in and around Luang Prabang. Pick and choose what sounds best. 

 

Treasure Hotel (or similar) accommodation 

Hotel 

Optional Activities 

Cycling 

Get on your bike and enjoy the ride. 

 

Refine your culinary skills with an optional cooking class. Discover the secrets of the delicious local cuisine. 

 

The ornate rooms of this royal palace-turned-museum house the country’s crown jewels, many religious artifacts, and a 50kg (110 lb) Buddha, cast of gold, silver and bronze. Gifts from visiting heads of state are on display, as are the beautiful silk screens crafted by the Queen. 

 

Climb more than 300 steps to the top of Mount Phou Si for a panoramic view of the sunset over Luang Prabang. Ornate Buddhist shrines dot the pathway up and the glistening seven-tiered golden pagoda of Wat Chom Si awaits at the summit. 

 

Once a royal temple where Kings were crowned, the importance of this 16th-century Buddhist temple as a religious monastery is not lost on visitors. Wat Xieng Thong stands resplendent among shrines, pavilions, chapels, towers and gardens, and its gilded wooden doors, mosaics, and ceiling displays are representative of typical Laos art and craft. 

 

Originally built in 1513 and still operational, Wat Visoun is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple. Over the years invaders stole many of its priceless Buddha images, but this temple still offers some unusual architecture like the domed lotus flower stupa, designed by a royal and affectionately called "The Watermelon Stupa." 

 

Enjoy a traditional performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre and learn more about Laotian culture through the art of dance. 

 

Grab your life jacket and tour local waters by kayak. Get up close to marine life and see many sights you may miss on shore. 

 

Drive winding mountain roads through gorgeous scenery to reach Vang Vieng. Experience a local homestay in a nearby village. 

 

Here, enjoy traditional Laotian food while getting to know your host family. Your CEO will provide insight into the way of life of village residents. 

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner 

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. 

 

Learn about life and local culture in Vang Vieng on this memorable homestay. Experience typical Laotian cuisine; eating (and sleeping) arrangements are shared as a group (usually between two houses). A vegetarian option for the evening meal will be available. 

 

Homestay Vangvieng (or similar) accommodation 

Hotel