Upon your arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be welcomed by your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Driving through the streets you’ll have your first opportunity to witness the pace, the smells, the energy and the congestion that all combine to give Bangkok it’s own, very unique feel…it’s a fantastic city.
Siam’s capital moved south from Ayutthaya in 1782 and remained in Bangkok after the formation of the Kingdom of Thailand. This bustling metropolis is not to be missed, despite the infamous pollution, with world class shopping and dining opportunities, stunning temples and much evidence of its amazing cultural heritage.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Morning departure with your guide on a city safari taking in a number of the city's better known highlights, as well as destinations a little bit more off the beaten track.
Start at the wonderful Lumpini Park where locals practice Tai Chi in the morning, before making the short journey to Wat Pho; home to the famous reclining Buddha, measuring a staggering 45m in length, as well as one of the oldest Traditional Thai-massage schools in the country.
Your day also includes visits to a handicraft community that is well-known for the unique art of making monk’s alms bowls; Jim Thompson's famous silk house which showcases the history of the mysterious American silk merchant; and the more cutting edge Siam Square.
The highlight of the day for many is the Grand Palace where you will have the opportunity to see some of the various buildings that were used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
Much of the fun of the day is traversing the city using various modes of public transport including 'bus boat', the skytrain and the ubiquitous and exciting tuk-tuk. This combination ensures that you get the chance to explore areas of the city that most visitors do not get to see. It's a long day, covering a lot of ground, however there is no better way to truly experience the 'City of Angels'.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Includes:Breakfast
Morning transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Chiang Mai – the ‘Rose of the North’ – with its laid-back northern influences and pleasant climate can feel a world away from the high rise towers and congested streets of Bangkok. The city has a surprisingly pleasant ambiance, a fine selection of restaurants (many consider Thailand’s northern cuisine to be the best in the country) and a high number of temples & sites of cultural significance. There is a popular night market in the city centre, although most agree that the Sunday market offers a more authentic experience and wider array of hill tribe goods, than the copies and fakes more commonly associated with the nightly version.
Depart with your guide on a city safari, taking in a number of the city's better known highlights as well as destinations a little bit more off the beaten track.
Much of the fun of the day is traversing the city using various modes of local transport including a songthaew, trishaw and the ubiquitous 3-wheeler tuk-tuk. This combination ensures that you get the chance to explore areas of the city that most visitors do not get to see.
Begin your exploration with a songtaew transfer to the old trader community of Wat Gatekaram for a stroll around the alleyways, before continuing on to Wiang Kum Kam. Following a massive flood, the city of Wiang Kum Kam vanished without a trace and for over 200 years became a lost civilization buried under layers of earth. Explore the main ancient ruined temples by bicycle before boarding a boat on the Mae Ping River that will bring you back to town.
Back on dry land, take a samlor (trishaw) ride along Tapae Road to Wat Chedi Luang, one of the most spectacular ruins in the old city that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Then continue by tuk tuk to Waroros Market to join the bustle of local Thais as they buy their fresh food and spices at this popular local market.
After a break for lunch, step into the secret jungle temple of Wat Phalad. Built to enshrine a piece of bone said to be from the historical Buddha, this peaceful temple is one of the most enchanting in Chiang Mai. In one of the temple’s quiet corners, receive a receive a blessing of good health and good fortune from a local monk.
Your final stop of the day is Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain, and the most sacred in Northern Thailand. Your guide will explain the story of the temple and lead you around its impressive chedi and beautiful murals. As dusk approaches and the tourist masses have left the temple grounds you will have the magical opportunity to witness the evening chanting of the monks before heading back to your hotel.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Includes:BreakfastLunch
Morning departure by road for Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, set within Chiang Mai’s rolling hills and forests. The camp has been set-up as an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project which offers a retirement home for elephants that have previously worked within tourism, entertainment or local logging industries. Throughout the day you will gain an insight into the elephants’ lives and their stories while spending time with them in a safe environment.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, change into traditional clothing and prepare fruits to feed the elephants before having the opportunity to roam alongside them in their natural habitat. After this enjoy a delicious Pad Thai lunch, before taking part in preparing and cooking sticky rice for them and learning more about their background, health care, and common behaviors. There will also be time to help bath them before departing the sanctuary.
Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon where the remainder of your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Includes:BreakfastLunch
Enjoy a leisurely morning before an early afternoon transfer to Chiang Mai Airport in time for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide for the transfer to your hotel.
Luang Prabang, the ‘Jewel of Indochina’, is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and regularly voted as one of Asia's premier travel destinations. The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains and is situated at a junction of the Mekong and Khan rivers.
In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi, rewarding climbers of its 328 steps with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. A city where time has seemingly stood still, Luang Prabang is also an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional Lao architecture with structures built by the Colonial authorities in more recent times. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.
There will be time to freshen up at your hotel before meeting one of our Laos friends; take a stroll or join your companion for a coffee or something stronger (!) in a local café or bar. Your programme for the evening has no fixed structure; the aim is to give you time to immerse yourself into the country’s culture and enjoy the company of a local friend. Your companion will take the lead with some suggestions on how to spend the evening together and be ready to show you a side of Luang Prabang that only locals know. It’s also a great opportunity to get some insider tips and insight into life in the city.
Your evening may involve enjoying some street food and live music or a cycle ride along the river to witness a local ceremony. Your companion might know of a little-known backstreet eatery, or invite you to join them in a game of petanque. There may also be a chance to join them as they attend their local temple or even to share a drink and some food with their family or friends. If there’s anything in particular you are interested in experiencing, just let them know and they will do their best to make it happen. Your companion will join you for any street food, snacks or dinner you have. They will spend about 2 - 3 hours with you, and will be happy to make some suggestions for where you can go next or will direct you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Includes:Breakfast
An option for early-risers is to rise before dawn to witness tak bat, or the giving of alms, to the lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from the residents of Luang Prabang. It’s an iconic sight and for many one of the highlights of their stay in Luang Prabang, and can be arranged on any early morning during your stay.
However, we are concerned that the volume of tourists all vying for space to witness, photograph and at times actually participate in this ceremony is detracting from what is a centuries old, important religious rite. We appreciate that observing tak bat is high on the list of most visitors to Laos, and would suggest speaking with your guide about how best to enjoy this experience in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner, which can involve watching from a less congested spot.
Your city circuit begins after breakfast at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, which gives a good overview of the local history. The next section of the tour takes in some of the city’s temples, beginning with Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs, before continuing on to Wat Xieng Thong, perhaps the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang, and the unique Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Your last visit of the morning is the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which will give you further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos.
In the afternoon visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek before returning to town where you have three options to choose from. Either join the crowds by climbing up Mount Phousi, a sacred hill that offers spectacular sunset vista and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and across the Mekong River. Alternatively if you'd prefer to avoid the steps, visit Wat Prabath Tai for a more accessible sunset experience. Your third option is to visit Wat Aham, where monks and novices come together in the colourful prayer hall for their daily rituals and chanting.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Includes:Breakfast
After breakfast drive out of Luang Prabang to the Living Lands Organic Farm, a community enterprise, where you will meet the local farming guide for an informative, but fun morning. Rice is an important part of life in Laos: it’s eaten at every meal and there are over 500 types of rice grown in the country. During your time at the farm, you’ll learn about each step of the rice harvest and cultivation process, and try your hand at the traditional techniques (and basic tools) that have been used for centuries.
The morning concludes with a rice tasting session, by which time you will have a much greater appreciation of the work and effort that goes into a simple bowl of rice!
In the late afternoon transfer the short distance to the banks of the Mekong River where you will board a traditional style river boat that has been converted into a stylish, informal dining space, for a dinner cruise. Following a welcome drink and canapes, a beautifully presented, three-course western menu will be served as you cruise leisurely down the Mekong. Soak up the peace of the river and scenic surrounds as the sun sets.
Return to town in the early evening where your guide will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Includes:BreakfastDinner
Morning transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel.
Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 100 temples are spread over a vast area and the site easily lives up to its status as one of the seven wonders of the forgotten world.
Siem Reap has expanded at a phenomenal rate in recent years, with another hotel seemingly opening every other month. However, the old town retains much of its original charm and there are a number of sites of interest such as museums, galleries and the local market. The town also has a wide choice of restaurants and bars, with something to suit every taste.
There will be plenty of time to relax and settle into your hotel before your evening tour begins at 6pm. Riding pillion on a Vespa, you’ll experience Siem Reap by night from a local perspective, enjoying authentic Cambodian food and brews along the way.
Your evening starts in a chic bar where you will meet your fellow vespa passengers and local guide and enjoy a cold beer. Over the next 4.5 hours you will visit a food market and learn about the ingredients that can be found in Cambodian cuisine; sample street food, including the country’s infamous bug snacks, at a buzzing local night market and enjoy a picnic style dinner. Although food is the focus of the evening, a stop will also be made at a popular local shrine. Finish the evening at a winery, where you will have the opportunity to taste Cambodia’s famous (and quite potent!) rice wine.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Includes:BreakfastDinner
During any visit to the Angkor temples, we ensure your day(s) remain both flexible and personal. Having met with your guide, you will be able to discuss in detail what you are looking to achieve from your time at the temples. Whilst some wish to explore as many temples as they can during their stay, others like to travel at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Maximum experience, minimum crowds
Whether it’s sunrise at Angkor Wat or sunset at Pre Rup, climbing through the snake like roots that engulf Ta Prohm or swimming in the quiet waters of the West Baray Reservoir (or a combination of these), you can be sure that your visit to one of the seven wonders will not be easily forgotten. Unlike some archaeological tours, the Angkor temples never seem to lose that initial ‘wow factor’. Every site is as outstanding as the last, and it will be with a mixture of regret and excitement that you'll get back into your air-conditioned transport to visit the next site. We do still appreciate that some visitors are wary of becoming ‘templed-out’ and to combat this we can create more varied days with visits to other sites such as floating villages and flooded forests on the Tonlé Sap Lake, museums and exhibitions, cooking schools or simply time at leisure to explore Siem Reap or laze by the pool.
Your guide
All our guides are highly experienced Angkor specialists, fully trained and licensed to work at the temples. Along with their exceptional knowledge of each temple and the civilisations that built them, Our guides know how best to avoid the bus-loads that descend on any given temple at certain times of the day, and know every trick in the book when it comes to getting the best photos and the most tranquil moments.
If you have any specific requirements or special interests, be sure to let us know and we will arrange the guide with the most suitable expertise.
Additional Temples
You may also wish to consider visiting some of the further lying such as Beng Melea & Koh Ker, Sambor Prei Kuk or Preah Vihear. Excursions to these less-visited temples always enhance your experience however they do change things logistically and therefore visits must be arranged well in advance of your arrival.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Includes:Breakfast
After breakfast continue your tour of the Angkor temples. As with all your temple touring, the sites you visit are flexible and you can discuss your preferences and the best route with your guide.
The shape and scale of this ancient kingdom is, even today, still changing. Over recent years cutting-edge technology has assisted archaeologists in uncovering new temples and historical sites, and discoveries made as recently as 2015 indicate the Angkor kingdom is more expansive than previously thought and was more densely populated. Beneath the forest floor, an elaborate system of roads and waterways (ground-breaking at the time) has been revealed that connected Angkor with outlying temple cities such as Koh Ker and Preah Khan. Common houses made of wood and thatch have also been identified around the temple, despite rotting away thousands of years ago. The latest archaeological research means our guides are able to offer an even greater insight into life in the kingdom of Angkor.
Mid-afternoon, transfer to Siem Reap Airport in time for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Hanoi you'll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Your evening is at leisure.
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, ranks amongst the world's most attractive and interesting cities. It was first the capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010, and though the nation's capital moved to Hue under the Nguyen dynasty in 1802, the city continued to flourish after the French took control in 1888. In 1954, after the French departed, Hanoi was declared Vietnam's capital once again. The remnants of over 1,000 years of history are still visible here, with that of the past few hundred years wonderfully preserved.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Includes:Breakfast
Enjoy a full day tour of Hanoi. Your guide will be happy to personalise your programme, however we would recommend sites such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. For many the Temple of Literature is a highlight worth lingering over. Built in 1070, this complex of atmospheric halls, pavilions and courtyards is dedicated to Confucius and scholars. Of special note are the 82 remaining steles of stone shaped like turtles which are elaborately carved with the names of candidates that sat the Royal examinations. A walking tour through the Old Quarter will provide another fascinating insight into the character and history of the city, before moving on to Dong Xuan Market with its bustling stalls and brisk trading of day-to-day local goods.
After lunch, consider visiting the very popular Ethnology Museum or the central Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by American POW's during the war. Alternatively your guide will be happy to discuss alternative places of interest that you may wish to consider.
In the evening we recommend staying in and around the Old Quarter where there is a large selection of excellent restaurants and cafes to choose from. There is also the amazing 'street-food' such as Pho to be found on every corner!
Overnight in Hanoi.
Includes:Breakfast
After an early breakfast it’s a three hour drive from the city to Halong Bay, passing through a number of typical North Vietnamese towns and villages. Upon arrival you will be welcomed aboard your traditional junk; the same style that have sailed the bay for 100’s of years.
A natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the creation of Halong Bay is shrouded in myth. Local legend tells us how the gods sent a family of dragons to defend the country from the invading Chinese. The dragons spat out gemstones that turned into islands, linking together to create a wall against the enemy. The truth is almost as evocative as the legend and upon setting out into the bay you are met by one of the most beguiling natural scenes you will ever witness.
Lunch is served as you depart port. You will soon leave the mainland far behind, navigating amongst the jagged limestone islands and karsts emerging from the emerald waters. Whilst some islands are no more than large rocks others are far more substantial in size.
During your cruise there will be opportunities to disembark, often using smaller boats, or possibly kayaks, to venture into hidden grottos and caves. You will also make stops to explore points of interest such as floating fishing villages and picturesque lookout points.
The cuisine throughout your cruise is both plentiful and of a very high standard. Lovers of fresh seafood will be particularly happy. The dining cabin and bar create a very social atmosphere for those that wish to mix with other guests; whilst cabins, many with a private balcony, are all ensuite and spacious.
Each junk operates a slightly different itinerary (although en-route stops will be the same) and on board facilities vary. Your consultant will be very happy to discuss each option with you.
Overnight on board.
Includes:BreakfastLunchDinner
In the early morning many of the islands are alive with the sound of various sea birds nesting in the thick green vegetation that engulf the limestone karsts. Early risers may wish to start the day with a Tai Chi class, or a cooking class (only available on selected junks), on the top deck as the sunrises over the bay.
Enjoy brunch onboard whilst your junk slowly turns back in the direction of the mainland, stopping at points of interest en route.
Arrive back at port in the late morning. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi in time for your onward flight.
Includes:Breakfast
