The tour is a perfect choice for those who want to explore the best sites in the three countries of Thailand Laos and Vietnam. Taking photos in glittering temples in Thailand, cruising from the Northern to Luang Prabang and immersing in its peaceful ambiance, then flying to Hanoi and admiring the UNESCO site of Halong Bay… are some of the fascinating experience that you will enjoy during this 12-day expedition!
Highlights:
Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, you will be met and welcomed by an English speaking local tour guide and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Bangkok.
Note: Normal check in time is at 14.00 hrs. The hotel is unable to guarantee early check-in unless the room is reserved from the night before. For rooms not booked from the night before, the hotel will do its best to accommodate guests as quickly as possible with check-in.The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy your first day in Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.
Breakfast at the hotel, then we enjoy the morning free at leisure to explore Bangkok freely.
In the afternoon we enjoy a signature long tailed boat ride which gives you a close up of traditional Thai life as you explore some of Bangkok’s waterways in Chao Phraya River; as known as the major river in Thailand. Long tailed boat ride gives you a close up to traditional Thai life as you explore some of Bangkok’s waterways. The network of Canals (Klongs)branching out from the main Chao Phraya river still follows an old lifestyle that leaves the modern face of Bangkok behind.
Continue to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), as known as one of the famous landmark in Bangkok that give a breathtaking view as the sunset shines through the glittery pagoda.
Afterwards we will visit the stunning Grand Palace, comprising the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Green in color, the Emerald Buddha is actually carved from a single piece of jade, and only 17 inches tall, is the most revered object in Thailand. Back to the hotel.
Note: Appropriate dress is required (or can be rented on site).
Overnight in Bangkok
After breakfast at your hotel, morning free till 1200hrs and check-out from your room and leave all luggages at hotel’s concierge. Free at leisure or last minutes shopping in Bangkok. At 4.00pm transfer to Hua Lam Pong Train Station to on board overnight train to Chiang Mai. Overnight on Board Train
Arrival in Chiang Mai, meet upon arrival at Train Station in Chiang Mai. Have breakfast at a local restaurant.
Note: Normal check in time is at 14.00 hrs. The hotel is unable to guarantee early check-in unless the room is reserved from the night before. For rooms not booked from the night before, the hotel will do its best to accommodate guests as quickly as possible with check-in.
Start to visit Chiang Mai, the rose of the Northern of Thailand, one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
The tour begins with a pleasant wildly driving up 3,500 feet above sea level to the sacred temple of Doi Suthep. You then ascend the 306 steps to the temple gateway which guarded by two splendid Nagas (serpents) A panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside can be seen from the temple grounds. And then visit and explore four revered temples in Chiang Mai. All was constructed during the Lanna period; each reflects the glory, splendors and nobility of a rich historical era. In the West of the city lies Wat Suan Dok built by King Kuena, the large white chedi towers above the numerous small ones and contains the ashes of the Lanna King and the remains of many generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal family. A short distance from SuanDok Gate (Western Gate) is Wat Phra Sing hfirst built during the reign of Phra Chao Kham Fu (1328 - 1335). The temple’s compound includes the Lai Kam Chapel and the abbot of this important temple is the head of the local religious administration. Lying smack in the heart of the city (almost right in the middle of the square-walled city) is Wat Chedi Luang, the large Chedi (the biggest in the city) behind the viharn was constructed by King Saen Muang Ma around 1401. Originally 90 meters high, it is now a mere 40 meters as the result of an earthquake in 1545. A small building near the main entrance encloses the “Sao Intakin” (spirit of the city). Last but not least is Wat Chiang Man, lying in the Northern part of the old walled city; it is the oldest temple within the city walls. Constructed by King Mengrai (1296 - 1311) the founder of Chiangmai, it is said that the king spent his last years in this temple. Drive around the old city to see the moat surrounding it and the ruins of the city gates.
Lunch and Dinner on your own. Overnight in Chiang Mai
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel in Chiang Mai. Proceed to Chiang Rai, visit en-route, including Mae Kha Jan Hot springs, Wat Rung 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.
Continue to visit the Hill tribe Museum and Education Center with the intention of teaching people about the hill tribes and strengthening the position in Thai society. Then proceed to visit the main attractions in Chiang Rai: Wat Phra Kaew where the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Singha where the famous Buddha image housed here is believed to be built in 157 A.D. in Sri Lanka or Ceylon and was brought to Thailand in the Sukhothai period (1238-1438). Lunch & Dinner on your own. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Leave Chiang Rai for the Thai border town of Chiang Khong, in time to be first in line to cross the border to Huay Xai, Laos, at the famous Me Kong River when the border opens at 8AM.
You will be welcomed by local tour guide and get transferred to boat pier then take a cruise down on the Mekong River to Pakbeng. The guide will explain you of Laos history, traditional, cultural, daily of local people and history. On the way we might stop to visit one of the Kmu Village on the Bank of the river. Lunch would be provided on board.
Arrival Pakbeng we walk to Hotel for check in then free leisure. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Pakbeng
In the dawn before breakfast you can take a walk to visit morning market to explore the local of daily sales on display. Return to hotel for Breakfast
After your breakfast then we walk to the Boat continue our cruise to Luang Prabang. Relax and enjoy the cruise. Lunch is served on board. We will stop at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers to visit the Pak Ou Caves - a pantheon of gold Buddha statues tucked into the nooks of the limestone cliffs. It is then only a short distance from the caves to the village of Ban XangHai. Stop here to learn about Lao Lao (Lao whisky) and Lao Hai (Lao wine), before continuing down the Mekong to Luang Prabang. Check in at the hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Today we will visit highlight of the Formerly known as Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best preserved city and best preserved the tradition of Southeast Asia. We visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of essential buildings in the city of Luang Prabang. Then, visit to Wat Xieng Thong, considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country, with its qualified for the funerals of the Royal Lao Family chapel.
Then we transfer to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, located 30 km south of Luan Prabang. These waterfalls tumble over limestone different stones forming wonderful natural pools to chill water.
In the late afternoon, we return to the city to visit the Luang Prabang night market, where you can "navigate" through a lovely selection of handmade textiles. Then return to the hotel and night in Luang Prabang.
Optional tour exploring morning of Luang Prabang:
For early risers, alms giving ceremony is good chance to learn about local culture. We suggest you enjoy the sunrise at the crossroads in town around 05.00 when you will also see monks in saffron robes from Luang Prabang’s many temples walking in long silent processions searching for offerings left to them by the faithful.
Then it’s time for sunrise moment on the Phousi Mountain where you also can have a nice panorama of the city.
Visit the morning market, a perfect place to meet the locals, dine on Lao food, and watch the people as they wander. Grab yourself a frosty bevy and a slice of blood sausage and check it out.
Today set off your exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace also known as the National Museum to learn more about the long-lasting history and culture of the region.
Afterwards, pay a visit to Wat Mai, a beautiful temple located nearby Royal Palace and built in the 18th century. It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.
After that we continue to visit local weaving handmade village (Ban Xang kong) well known for hands weaving and making Sa paper products.
Then we transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi.
Welcome on arrival and transfer to the hotel for check in. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
In the morning, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Monday and Friday, outside visiting) where the great President Ho Chi Minh rest in peace. We will visit he traditional stilt house and the respected One-Pillar Pagoda, the special pagoda with particular structure. Leaving here, we will transfer to thousand-year-old Temple of Literature, the famous first university in Vietnam. You will recognize that this is a popular place for Vietnamese students to take commemorative photographs when graduating.
After short rest, we start visiting the Ethnology Museum (closed on Monday). Here, you can deeply explore the diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic groups before enjoying a traditional water puppet show performed after the sunset.
Transfer back to hotel. Meals on your own and overnight at the hotel.
(Remark: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum closes from October to November for annual maintenance. Outside visiting will be arranged).
After breakfast, we will leave Hanoi for a 180-km journey to Halong Bay, one of UNESCO World Heritage site with its 3000 islands located in a background of limestone in Gulf of Tonkin. Coming to Halong, visitors will be impressed with the beauty of natural achievement and many wonderful types of scenery.
You will enjoy an overnight cruise on a wonderful boat floating on Halong Bay and savouring special menu of fresh seafood will absolutely bring you the best moment you have ever had.
You will be served with lunch and dinner on boat. Overnight onboard.
After breakfast on board and some relaxing, we keep cruising on the bay. Back to the pier and disembark at around noontime.
Transfer to Hanoi Airport where you will take your departure flight. End of services.
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Trip note
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