Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Discovery Tour 25 Days
Tour brief
Travel from Bangkok to Northern Thailand experiencing the delights of Thailand and enter Laos by boat on Mekong River to visit the highlights from North to South, explore laidback river lifestyle of Laos. The last country of the trip is Cambodia – home to the once-powerful Khmer Empire.
Join us on a voyage of discovery and relaxation, taking in the bright lights of Bangkok in Thailand, listening the historical story of Ayuthaya, enjoy the bustling of Chiang Mai, the age-old charms of Luang Prabang in Laos, the temples of Vientiane, nature beauty of Pakse, marvelous Angkor temple and hearing sad story of Cambodia history in Phnom Penh. Travel down the mighty Mekong River and become immersed in the tranquillity of remote villages and meet friendly faces along the way.
- Start city: Bangkok
- End city: Phnom Penh
- Duration: 25 Days
- Departure: Daily, upon your request
- Cities to visit: Bangkok → Luang Prabang → Vientiane → Pakse → Siem Reap → Phnom Penh
In addition to our standard Indochina tour packages, Asia Local Tours also offer a variety of combined tours that include Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. These combined tours are a great way to see more of Southeast Asia in a shorter amount of time.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok Arrival
On arrival, your tour guide will pick you up and take you to the hotel in the city-center for check in.
The rest of the day, you will have free time to relax after a long flight.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok
Day 2: Bangkok – City tour (B/)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will leave Bangkok for Damnoen floating market which is about 110km West of Bangkok. On the way you will visit farmhouse and watch local people making sugar from coconut. Once you arrive in Damnoen floating market you will be impressed by various boats with different shapes and sizes used by local to carry their goods. You will get on a long tail boat to go around this colorful floating market to see how people here living, selling and buying goods.
In the afternoon, you will discover Bangkok city. Your first visit is The Grand Palace, which is the official Palace of The King Of Siam since 1782 made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. It is located on the bank of The Chao Phraya River. Inside the Grand Palace complex is Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha – the most beautiful and sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The following visit is Wat Pho – the temple of reclining Buddha. The temple has a long list of credits: The oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, the longest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, the first public education institution. Then cross Chao Phraya River to Thon Buri to visit Wat Arun which is known as Temple of Dawn – one of the best well-known sites in Bangkok.
Back to hotel in late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok
Day 3: Bangkok – Ayutthaya Historical Park (B/)
This morning, you will leave Bangkok for Ayutthaya – 80 kilometers North of Bangkok. The first stop is the Bang Pa-In, also known as Summer Palace located 18km from Ayutthaya on the bank of Chao Phraya River. Arrive in Ayutthaya – the ancient capital. You will visit Wat Maha That – A temple over 600 years old; Wat Yai Chaimongkhon - and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. After visit, check in hotel & overnight in Ayutthaya.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ayutthaya
Day 4: Ayutthaya - Phitsanulok – Sukhothai Historical Park (B/)
This morning you leave Ayutthaya for Phitsanulok to visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat or another name is Wat Yai Temple, seeing Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image – Phra Putthachinnarat. Continue the visit to SGT.Maj.Thawee Folk Museum which filled with knowledge & wisdoms of the forefathers. After that, the drive to Sukhothai which has a UNESCO heritage site: Sukhothai Historical Park. Its name means the dawn of happiness, which was the Thai capital during 13th century C.E and became the kingdom's first capital of Siam founded by King Ramkhamhaeng, used to be known as the golden age of Thai history. Overnight in Sukhothai
Accommodation: Hotel in Sukhothai
Day 5: Sukhothai – Lampang – Lumphun – Chiang Mai (B/)
Check out from the hotel in Sukhothai and drive along the mountainous road to Lampang Province. En route visit Phrathat Lampang Luang Temple.
Explore Lampang with a unique colorful Horse Carriage. Visit Baan Sao Nuk and Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao.
Then you will depart for Lumphun Town. Visit Phrathat Haripunchai Temple and Chamadevi Temple.
In late afternoon, transfer to Chiang Mai for overnight.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai
Day 6: Chiang Mai – Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (B/)
06.30 – 07.00 Pickup from your hotel or accommodation
07.00 Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
08.30 Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Walk through and learn about the elephants, change into traditional Karen clothing and make medicine for the elephants.
09.00 Meet the elephants. Feed, give medicine, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
09.45 Mud Spa with the elephants
10.30 Walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them.
11.30 Eat a traditional meal and then say goodbye to the elephants.
12.00 Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.
13.30 Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.
* The times shown here are approximations.
* What to bring: Hat, Suncreen, Towel, Clothes, Bathing suit, Insect Repellent, walking shoes
This afternoon continue your experience with one of the following choice:
- A guided tour to the most famous and interesting temples in the city – Wat Sri Supan, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang clustered conveniently close to each other.
- visit Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep – 3,500 feet above sea-level, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. You will have a panoramic view of the city from this height.
Rest of the day, enjoy the atmosphere at one of the most famous market in Thailand – Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai.
Day 7: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai (B/)
This morning, transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
On the way, you will stop at Hot Spring where you can try with “boiled eggs” on this Hot Spring (option) & some few relax with fish massage (option) or foot soak.
Chiang Rai is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Upon arrival, visit Wat Rong Khun (White temple) – the unique northern art temple with the beautiful painting and the chapel of this temple is in pure white and adorned with exquisite traditional Thai style stuccowork, aiming to represent heaven.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai
Day 8: Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong – Huay Xai – Pakbeng (B/L)
This morning, you will wake up early, to transfer to Laos – Thai boder.
Regarding immigration and visa on arrival, Houeisay’s immigration had change for immigration and visa procedure, all the forms have to be collected and filled in there and clients have to stand on queue themselves.
Please also bring along 30-40 Thai Baht per person for the shuttle bus bridge crossing, 1 photo 3 X 4 size and visa fee of $ 36 USD per person and extra $ 1 for Tourism fund effective 1 October 2018. The original passport (must have empty pages for visa and immigration and not valid less than 6 months) to be submitted with the immigration for visa procession. Also, to avoid any delay at the border, we strongly advise to obtain pre-visa entrance from their native or near-by country.
Within the Mekong region, the capital of the Lao province of Bokèo, Huay Xai is an important border crossing point with neighboring Chiang Khong, Thailand and was thus chosen as the ideal departing port for the cruise.
After one-hour journeying along the river, the boat stops at a traditional village. This is a chance to observe rural life along the Mekong and witness the daily life of ethnic minorities and their talented craftsmanship.
Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a main course from Laos’ main culinary delights as well as a choice of fish and meat dishes.
The river cruise arrives Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding nature.
A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Accommodation: overnight at hotel in Pakbeng
Day 9: Pakbeng – Luang Prabang (B/L)
Mornings are special times at Pakbeng with stunning sights of the peaceful neighboring mountains, often shrouded in mist, while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.
The cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary river with two stops planned along the way to Luang Prabang.
A few hours into the day after enjoying the sights of granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village, where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.
Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a main course from Laos’ cuisine. A different choice of fish and meat dishes than on the first day is prepared for a greater culinary experience.
Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translated as Rock Cave, it is famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals.
Following a day along the wide Mekong river, with beautiful sceneries of mountains, wild nature, local life and delicious food, the cruise arrives at Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos.
Accommodation: hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 10: Luang Prabang – World Heritage site (B/)
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the former king’s palace, which is now a museum. The many items nicely displayed include rare furniture, traditional costumes and arts, jewelry, ornaments as well as working tools and utensils of the early part of the 20th century. Then we embark on a tour of this enthralling town to visit Wats Xieng Thong, the Golden City monastery, which dates back to the 16th century and is considered to be the finest in Laos. Furthermore, fine temples of Wats Mai, Vixoun, and wat That Luang. then visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology center. Later that day, we adjourn to the Phousi Holy Hill to enjoy the marvelous panoramic views of the town at sunset.
at night, visit the night market by your own.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 11: Luang Prabang – Living Land Farm - Kuang Si waterfall (B/)
This morning you may want to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice.
We then visit the morning market before starting a very exciting tour in Living Land Farm – where you can learn the process to make rice and practice it by your own. Today you will become a real farmer to work on the farm, besides, you also will have chance to communicate with local people and see their daily work.
Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Hmong Village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, Khmu Village, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turqoise pools or walk along the forest trails.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 12: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng (B/)
Today we drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, passing through Laos’ pristine countryside. Along the way, we will stop for photo opportunities and visit various hill tribe villages. On arrival, check-in at your hotel.
Vang Vieng is a charming town in the bank of Nam Song river. It is very famous for beautiful caves. Today you will have chance to discover Tham Jung and Tham Jang caves.
Back to town in late afternoon.
Accommodations: Hotel in Vang Vieng.
Day 13: Vang Vieng – Discover - Vientiane (B/)
After breakfast, you will join the transfer to visit the most attractive destination in Vang Vieng – Blue Lagoon Tham Poukham and enjoy the relax time by soaking in crystal clear water.
In the afternoon, transfer to Vientiane - the country’s charming capital, with its laidback riverside ambience, and alluring monuments. The rest of the day, enjoy an orientation walk around the hotel area or a guide will show you the riverbank area where you could view the sun sink over the Mekong.
Accommodations: Hotel in Vientiane
Day 14: Vientiane - City Tour (B/)
Today we have a full day to explore Vientiane- the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key sites: National Museum, Wat Sisaket - the city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is Haw Phra Kaeo. This large temple is beautiful both interior and exterior, it was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees. Then stop at the older part of Morning market is recommended before the visit Pha That Luang. The giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will go to climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane.
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Day 15: Vientiane – flight to Pakse – Wat Phou ruins (B/)
After breakfast, we will take the transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse.
Upon arrival transfer to Champasak town, home to Wat Phou ruins. Until the 1860s, Champasak was the major town of southern Laos, however French-built Pakse eventually replaced it as the area's commercial hub. Nearby Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage temple is all that remains of one of Southeast Asia's most mysterious and least understood kingdoms. The Hindu-influenced Wat Phou ruins is the finest example of Khmer temple ruins outside Cambodia, and little has changed since French explorers first visited the site in the late 1800s. This site was once the nexus of the Khmer Kingdom which spanned over much of present-day Southeast Asia.
Back to Pakse town and visit Phou Salao, the best place to enjoy sunset panoramic view in Pakse.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse
Day 16: Pakse – Bolaven Plateau – Done Khong (B/)
Today, you will have an excursion by car to visit the highlights of the fascinating Bolaven Plateau. The Bolaven Plateau, which was formed by an ancient volcano, is famous for its agricultural products including many coffee and tea plantations. The plateau has a number of tribal villages, some of them still practising Stone Age culture. They use extremely primitive agriculture tools and conduct frequent spiritual ceremonies.
You visit numerous of waterfall: Tad Yuang, Tad Fane Waterfalls, Tad Phaseum fall.
Here you will visit the Tribal Villages Museum to learn about the tribal vernacular architectures and life of the Southern Laos tribes. You will have chance to see the coffee plantation on the way, and take the stop to buy some packs of coffee from this plateau if you want.
Transfer to Done Khong in late afternoon
Accommodation: Hotel in Khong island
Day 17: 4000 island Surrounding – Pakse (B/)
After enjoy the breakfast, you will check out the room and then take the long tail boat down stream of Mekong River to Don Khone. From here, take motorised tuk tuk to see the remains of the sole railway built by the French during their time as colonial occupiers, followed by vibrant Li Phi Falls. Come back to Nagasang boat pier where the car and driver will wait for you transfer to the most beautiful fall: Khonephapheng Fall - the largest fall in Southeast Asia in terms of water volume. The falls had a profound effect on the planned use of the Mekong River as a French trade conduit connecting Vietnam with China, and resulted in the construction of the bypass railway joining Khone and Det islands.
Come back to Pakse in late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pakse
Day 18: Pakse – Siem Reap (B/)
This morning, transfer to Pakse airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our driver and a tour guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel to check in.
Afterward, meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a short tour briefing followed by the orientation tour by tuk tuk- the typical means of local transportation. It will be a perfect introduction of Siem Reap when you are driven along the main bustling streets, water channel, passing by beautiful pagodas. Disembark at the Psar Chass that’s a kind of typical oriental bazaars– Old City Market where you’ll walk around and learn the local art of how to bargain when purchasing items. Proceed further to the most exiting pub street for welcome drink before heading back to your home away from home.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 19: Siem Reap – Angkor Tour (B/)
Enjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and take the transfer to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat - the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture.
Return to the hotel for breakfast then set back out on a full day temple tour. Starting with Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Ta Phrom Temple.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 20: Siem Reap – Kulen Mountain – Banteay Srei (B/)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then set out for a tranquil countryside drive around Kulen Mountain - the Khmer Empire’s capital in the early 9th century. Here we visit, countless ancient temples, the River of 1000 Lingas, a reclining Buddha and cascading waterfall. After lunch we drive to Banteay Srei, home to Angkor’s finest stone carvings, followed by Preah Khan (Sacred Sword): one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 21: Siem Reap – Floating village – Battambang (B/)
In the morning, we will drive to Kampong Pluk and board a boat to tour Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s largest natural water reservoir. Visit the nearby floating village you will learn more about local life on the water.
Then you will continue to Battambang. Arrive in late afternoon and check-in the hotel for relaxing.
Accommodation: Hotel in Battambang
Day 22: Battambang tour (B/)
In the morning, drive along the picturesque Sangker River to see local traditional villages. Visit Pheam Ek Village to see rice paper making procedue and Wat Slaket Pagoda. Continue to visit Wat Ek Phnom. You will be discover the Prahoc making process in local factory. Then you will visit Prasat Banom temple which was built in the 11th century and consists of five classic Angkor towers. Then you will take the Bamboo train, it will be a memorable experience when you stay in Battambang.
Accommodations: Hotel in Battambang
Day 23: Battambang – Phnom Penh (B/)
You will be pick up at your hotel in Phnom Penh to travel to Battambang by private car. Stop in Kompong Chhnang to see the pottery village. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the afternoon.
Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 24: Phnom Penh – City tour (B/)
Begin your morning with breakfast at hotel then set out to see the capital city of Phnom Penh which was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerably charming. A city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. The Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek are not to be missed. A visit to these sights provides a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. In the afternoon, we will visit Royal Palace, which is now home to the royal family. In the northern section of the palace grounds lies the Silver Pagoda, the most sacred one in the country and The National Museum.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 25: Phnom Penh - Departure (B/)
After breakfast, you will have free time in the morning before be picked up and transfer to airport for your flight back to home.
Inclusions
- 2 domestic flight tickets (Vientiane – Pakse; Pakse – Siem Reap).
- Accommodations with daily breakfast .
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Services of private drivers and air-conditioned vehicles.
- Service of English speaking guides in every location.
- Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited.
Exclusions
- International flights into and out Laos.
- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.).
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Visa Stamping fee
Hotels
- Note: Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered.
- All hotels are rated according to local standards. All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests. Contact one of our travel consultants for more information.
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