THAILAND, CAMBODIA, LAOS TOUR 15 DAYS

Destination: Bangkok/Floating Market/Siem Reap/Phnom Penh/Vientiane/Luang Prabang/Pattaya

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Bangkok arrival (G)

Upon arrival, met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Then, you’ll be free. Overnight stay will be in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok (B, L, G)

After breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing tour of Bangkok’s highlight including a visit to Wat Benchamaborphit known as The Marble Temple. Proceed to Wat Po or Reclining Buddha Temple to witness its huge of the Buddha image in the site, tour also visit to Thai traditional massage school. Continue for the remarkable Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha. Lunch served at restaurant by the riverside. After lunch proceed onto canals tour by boat and shopping for the rest of the day. Overnight in Bangkok

Day 3: Bangkok/Damnoen Saduak Floating Market half day (B, G)

AM: Half day tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Return to the Bangkok in the afternoon for your overnight stay

Day 4: Bangkok/Siem Reap (B, G)

Early morning leave Bangkok for flight to Siem Reap. After immigration and customs, meet and transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap. Visit Angkor Thom and temple complex. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

After breakfast, visit Prasat Kravan (unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang (Riyal bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the “Mountain Temple” of Pre Rup until sunset. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Morning, drive to Kbal Spean. Walk 45 minutes through the forest to the top of the hill to reach Kbal Spean, the “Thousand Linga River”. Discover the 10th-12th century sculptures chiseled into the rocky riverbed, the Royal Bath and the waterfall. Continue to the enchanting temple of the Banteay Srei, nearly everyone’s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carvings. In the afternoon, visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to the “anastylosis” restoration method being used. The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people that inhabited the region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscriptions have been found at this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle period, similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon for your overnight stay.

Day 7: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh (B, L, G)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit the floating village of the Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. In the afternoon, visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles” of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market (if time permits). Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel.

Day 8: Phnom Penh (B, L, G)

Visit the Victory Monument and the National Museum, the Royal Palace, built by the French in 1866 on the site of the old town, and Silver Pagoda, which located within the Royal Palace ground. You will then end your tour with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree lined avenues of the city during sunset.

Day 9: Phnom Penh/Vientiane (B, G)

After breakfast, free at leisure until the time transfer to the airport for flight depart to Vientiane the Capital of Laos. you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences.

Day 10: Vientiane (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we head out of the city. We make our way to Nam Ngum, a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, stopping over at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whisky distillation. On arrival at the lake, we embark on a long tail boat visiting fisherman villages in varied islets. We visit some beautiful islets and take a short walk to explore the lifestyle of the local fishmen. We return to Vientiane by late evening.

Day 11: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

AM: After breakfast, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. From there, we visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for browsing antiques, handmade textiles and gifts.

PM: We spend the rest of this day touring the Lao capital, visiting the National Museum (close Tuesday) former name Revolutionary Museum, which exhibits artifacts, photos and legends of Laos’s history fighters and leaders from the ancient times to the new revolution period. We then board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquillity and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel. After a short rest, we stroll around the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of textiles made by the local and the hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient and once royal city and the Mekong River.

Day 12: Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we enjoy a short guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belonged to a royal family patronage near by Sackarine Caves. We cross to city and take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 13: Luang Prabang/Bangkok (B, L, G)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. This is a real highlight of the tour prior to saying goodbye to this charming city. Following breakfast, we visit The National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. After we visit the silver smith’s and Fine Arts School and the Central Market, which is not to be missed. We then say farewell and depart this ancient city to Bangkok. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. Free at leisure after check in

Day 14: Bangkok/Pattaya (Coral Island) (B, L, G)

After breakfast, meet the tour guide and transfer to Pattaya (Coral Island). Just one hour and twenty minute by road or about 168 kms from BKK, you will be arrived to Pattaya one of the most famous city beach in Southeast Asia. Then spend time about 40 min onboard to Koh Lan or known as Coral Island. Relax at your leisure on the sandy beach, sun bathing and enjoy many water activities all day long before return to your hotel in Bangkok in the evening. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 15: Bangkok departure (B, G)

After breakfast, free at your leisure until the time transfer to the airport for flight departure to next destination.

Price in US$ per person:

Price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation in twin or double room.
• All pick up and transfer.
• One way domestic flight tickets in Laos: Vientiane – Luang Prabang, in Cambodia: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh, including airport taxes
• Other one way international flight tickets: Bangkok – Siem Reap, Phnom Penh – Vientiane, Luang Prabang – Bangkok, excluding airport taxes
• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.
• Boat cruise as mentioned in the program
• Experienced English-speaking tour guide as indicated in the itinerary.
• Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned in the programme.
• Lunches, as specified
• VAT and other taxes.

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visas.
• Meals not mentioned
• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Insurance

Hotel list for Five Star standard:

• Bangkok: Amari Watergate Hotel (***** overlooking views of the city centre) similar
• Siem Reap: Angkor Palace Resort (***** first Cambodian-owned premier luxury five-star resort accommodation) or similar
• Phnom Penh: Intercontinental Hotel (***** the centerpiece of a secure integrated commercial and retail complex overlooking a lush Khmer inspired garden, highly recognized levels of service) or similar
• Vientiane: Settha Palace Hotel (*****located right in the city centre, within walking distance) or similar
• Luang Prabang: La Residence Hotel (***** positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views) or similar

Hotel list for Four Star standard:

• Bangkok: Hotel Century Park (**** city centre) or similar
• Siem Reap: Tara Angkor Hotel (**** 5km to Angkor, short ride to the centre of town) or similar
• Phnom Penh: Sunway Hotel (**** surrounded by prestigious locations and avenues) or similar
• Vientiane: Novotel hotel (**** ideal location for business trips and holidays) or similar
• Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel (*****, established in 1992 by Lao businessman Mr. Santi Inthavong in a royal residence)

Hotel list for Three Star standard:

• Bangkok: Bangkok Palace hotel (*** centrally located at the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s commercial shopping and entertainment district) or similar
• Siem Reap: Casa Angkor Hotel (*** conveniently location, 10 minutes drive to the world famous Angkor Temples) or similar.
• Phnom Penh: Lux Riverside (*** ideally located in the heart of the vibrant and most touristic street) or similar.
• Vientiane: Inter City hotel (*** centrally located, facilitated with basic modern comforts) or similar
• Luang Prabang: Manoluck Hotel (*** combine modern international luxury with traditional Lao styles) or similar

If, at the time of booking, any hotels or rooms in the list above are fully booked, we will endeavour to find accommodation of a similar standard elsewhere. If the only available accommodation is of a higher or lower standard, we will revise the price accordingly and consult you immediately.