Day 1 – To Chiang Rai: Fly from London to
Chiang Rai, via Bangkok, with Thai Airways. (N)
Day 2 – Chiang Rai: Arrive and transfer to the
Legend Chiang Rai for 2 nights. (N)
Day 3 – Golden Triangle: Morning tour of
the Golden Triangle where Laos, Thailand
and Burma meet, and visit the ancient Lanna
kingdom of Chiang Saen. In the afternoon, visit
the Hall of Opium museum. (B, L)
Day 4 – Mekong cruise: Travel to the border
between Thailand and Laos at Houei Say and
board a private boat / Luang Say cruiser for
the journey down the Mekong to Pak Beng.
Stay overnight in the simple Pak Beng / Luang
Say Lodge (or similar). (B, L, D)
Day 5 – To Luang Prabang: This morning, visit
a local market and sail downstream to Pak Ou
caves where, over the centuries, thousands
of images of Buddha have accumulated as
offerings. Continue to Luang Prabang, regarded
by many as the most beautiful town in Asia.
Stay at Villa Maly / Santi Resort & Spa (or
similar) for 3 nights. (B)
Day 6 – Luang Prabang: Morning tour of
the ancient temple district, the Royal Palace
Museum and the Traditional Arts & Ethnology
Centre. In the afternoon, visit the weaving
and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, and Wat Siphouthabath, where there
is an opportunity to chat with a monk and
learn about their daily life. See the sunset over
the city from Phousey Hill. In the evening, take
part in the baci, Laos’ traditional welcoming
ceremony, and Lao dancing. (B, D)
Day 7 – Luang Prabang: An optional early
start to participate in the daily morning ritual
of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings from
faithful residents. Morning visit to Phosi market
and Ban Ouay Hmong village, before continuing
to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls. (B, L)
Day 8 – To Vientiane: Fly to Vientiane and
transfer to the Ansara Hotel (or
similar) for 2 nights. Late afternoon visit to That
Luang Stupa and Patouxay. End the day with
a stroll along the Mekong riverside to see the
sunset and enjoy a taste of Beer Lao (drinks
not included). (B)
Day 9 – Vientiane: Morning tour of Vientiane,
visiting the Friendship Bridge, Buddha Park, Wat
Sisaket, and Wat Ho Prakeo. (B, L)
Day 10 – To Phnom Penh: This morning, fly to Phnom Penh and stay at the White Mansion
(or similar) for 2 nights. Afternoon tour of
the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National
Museum. End the day with a sunset cruise on
the Tonle Sap river. (B)
Day 11 – Phnom Penh: In the afternoon, take
a tour of Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide
and Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Lunch will be
taken at Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE), a
school that provides education and training for
disadvantaged children, followed by a visit to
the Russian market. (B, L)
Day 12 – To Siem Reap: In the morning, drive
to Kampong Thom to visit the Sambor Prei
Kuk pre-Angkorian temples. Continue to
Siem Reap and stay for 3 nights at the Victoria
Angkor. (B, L)
Day 13 – Angkor: Early morning visit to Ta
Phrom, a magical sight in the dawn light, the
pyramid temple of Takeo and the remains
of an ancient Angkorian bridge that once
spanned the Siem Reap river. This afternoon,
visit Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei. On the
way back to Siem Reap, view the sunset over
the rice fields from the royal crematorium
of Pre Rup, a classic view of the Cambodian
countryside. (B)
Day 14 – Angkor: At the crack of dawn there
is an included optional tour to see Angkor Wat
at sunrise followed by catered breakfast. Take a
dawn tour of the magnificent temples before
the crowds arrive and visit Artisans d’Angkor,
a unique project that offers training in Khmer
arts and crafts to disadvantaged local youth.
This afternoon, visit Angkor Thom, the Terraces
of Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, and
Bayon until sunset. Evening farewell dinner and
dance performance. (B, D)
Day 15 – To London: Late afternoon transfer to
the airport and fly to London, via Bangkok. (B)
Day 16 – London: In the morning, arrive in
London. (N)
Combining south-east Asia Escorted Group
Tours: It is possible to combine this tour
with Spirit of Vietnam and The
Golden Land of Burma Escorted
Group Tours on selected departure dates.
Please ask for more details.
Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals
