We begin our journey in Thailand's infamous Golden Triangle, where the frontiers of Burma, Thailand and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic meet. From there you'll travel by boat down the Mekong River, through Laos' unspoilt mountains and jungles to the ancient capital - now World Heritage Site - Luang Prabang.
After exploring the beautiful temples and colonial architecture of what is acknowledged to be the best preserved city in S. E. Asia the itinerary takes you through the contrasting, contemporary capitals of sleepy Vientiane and chaotic Phnom Penh, before climaxing with a 3 day visit to the fabulous, ancient imperial capital of the Khmer empire - Angkor Wat - one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from London, Heathrow airport. Those not flying from the UK, join the tour on day 2 in Bangkok/Chiang Mai.
Day 2:
Morning arrival in Bangkok and transfer by Thai Airways to Chiang Mai, the cultural and historical capital of Northern Thailand. Afternoon free to relax or explore this charming, friendly city and an evening tour of the famous ‘night-bazaar’.
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Day 3:
Head north to the small town of Chiang Khong on the banks of the Mekong – accommodation in a quiet, family-run, guesthouse overlooking the river.
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Day 4:
Cross the Mekong River to Huay-Xai – our entry point for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Afternoon 4WD trip to explore the surrounding area and visit a nearby ‘hill-tribe’ village. Accommodation in local-style, bamboo chalets.
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Day 5:
Journey down the Mekong, one of the world’s last remaining untamed rivers, winding through mountains and pristine forests to the ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang.
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Day 6:
Day 6 & 7. Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world – the first ‘sealed’ road to the city being completed only 6 years ago – we’ll discover World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, taste Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes and stay in a converted French colonial villa.
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Day 7:
See day 6
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Day 8:
One day trek through the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls and to discover the fascinating, traditional village life of some of the local peoples.
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Day 9:
Journey over the spectacular Central Highlands, to the small town of Vang Vieng, nestled in a scenic valley and surrounded by dramatic, limestone escarpments. Free afternoon.
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Day 10:
Day kayaking trip in this picturesque setting including a chance to explore some of the region’s mysterious, limestone cave formations. (Final itinerary depends upon water levels).
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Day 11:
Morning drive to the capital, Vientiane, with the afternoon to relax or visit the city’s famous markets.
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Day 12:
Day tour of some of the fascinating sites of Vientiane; Si Saket temple, That Luang pagoda and the unusual ‘Buddha Park’.
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Day 13:
Flight to Phnom Penh, via Bangkok and check-in to a small, comfortable, downtown hotel close to the historic riverbank quarter.
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Day 14:
Day tour of some of the sites of Cambodia’s capital city including the Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace and an opportunity to see how Cambodians are attempting to come to terms with their tragic recent history with a visit to the Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum at Tuol Sleng.
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Day 15:
Travel up the Tonle Sap River to the small provincial town of Siem Reap in Western Cambodia – our base for the next few days and the ‘jumping off point’ for the nearby Angkor temple complex.
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Day 16:
Days 16 & 17 Angkor – an unforgettable two-day tour of this fabulous site – its ruined palaces and vast jungle clad temples – words can’t do it justice – see it for yourself! A comprehensive tour of the major sites, including sunrise and sunset visits.
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Day 17:
See day 16
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Day 18:
Free day in Siem Reap: explore the market, checkout the unusual and unique landmines museum or re-visit your favourite Angkor temple.
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Day 19:
Travel overland through the Cambodian countryside to the Thai border at Poipet where we’ll pick-up a minibus for the last leg of the journey to Bangkok.
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Day 20:
Free day in Bangkok, last-minute shopping, checking-out some of the City sites or just relaxing and recovering from Cambodian roads! Evening departure for London.
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Day 21:
Arrival in London Heathrow Airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Lowest price quoted (seaonably variable) - Price includes all food, accommodation, transport and activities while on the tour. Not included - Lao and Cambodian Visas (obtained by the tour leader at the beginning of the tour), departure tax from Bangkok airport, soft and alcoholic drinks, tips. Price is more expensive in August and December and is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Cambodia
Laos
Cultural Journey
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