The Golden Triangle & The Mekong River Luxury

📍 Bangkok Airport – Bangkok Hotel (36.7 km): 51 min

Arrive in Bangkok and be transferred to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Bangkok. 
 

Inclusions:

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Take an early start to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks early morning chanting ritual (chanting starts at 09:00). After this uplifting and often private experience, visit the temple grounds and the famous 45-metre reclining Buddha. Continue to Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, and be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. Then, of course, marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. 

Later, cross the Chao Phraya River to sample the spices and flavours of Thai cuisine at Supatra River House. In the afternoon, drive out to Prasat Museum, for a special glimpse into a private collection of priceless Thai art and antiquities. (Note: Prasat Museum only accepts a visit by appointment, and it is closed on Mondays.) 

Overnight in Bangkok. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Bangkok – Ayutthaya (89.9 kn): 1.37 hr

Today, take a trip back in time to discover the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya. In the morning, depart from the hotel in Bangkok and drive directly to Bang Pa-In, the summer palace built by Rama IV. There, see the contrasting palace buildings and surrounding temples inspired by European, Chinese and Thai designs. Also visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, the gothic inspired temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After the visit, board the Thanatharee rice barge, and enjoy a private lunch cruise on the Chao Phraya River. En route take-in beautiful views of Wat Phanan Choeng, the Elephant Kraal Pavilion and local livelihoods on the riverside. Ayutthaya, surrounded by rivers and a canal, flourished as the capital of Siam from 1350 until it was attacked by the Burmese in 1767.  The remains of the temples and ruins of this great city have now been declared a World Heritage Site. Along the route, you will see the most important of the ruined temples in Ayutthaya historical park: Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit and Wat Chai Wattanaram. Disembark at Raan Tha Luang and return to Bangkok by car. 

Overnight in Bangkok. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Bangkok Hotel – Bangkok Airport (36.7 km): 51 min Chiang Rai Airport – Anantara Golden Triangle (68.1 km): 1.10 hrs. (68.1 km): 1.10 hr

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Leave Thailand's central plains behind, and journey north to Thailand's Golden Triangle. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, be met by the guide, and be transferred to the accommodation. After settling in to the comforts of the surroundings, take the opportunity to delve into the secret history of the region on a visit to the Hall of Opium. (Note: The Hall of Opium is closed on Mondays.)

Dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight in Golden Triangle.  
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Start the morning at 10:30 and observe the behaviour and playful interaction of the rescued elephants at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, and learn from Think Elephants International scientists about elephant behaviour and intelligence. Start with an exciting presentation and discussion with the education team, and then head down to the elephant camp for an up-close and personal experience (including some fun water play!) with the elephants. 

Be part of a responsible tourism initiative - For every booking a donation of 2,000 baht will be made to the foundation to support its work. 

Lunch and dinner are served at the hotel. 

Overnight in Golden Triangle. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Anantara Golden Triangle – Doi Tung (42.6 km): 48 min

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Discover the beauty and culture of Doi Tung, where the Princess Mother’s project has made a positive impact on the local communities. Learn how the project promotes traditional and sustainable farming methods, and see the Cottage Industry Centre, where you can witness the craftsmanship and quality of the local products. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Mekong River, where you can admire the natural landscape and the border between Thailand and Myanmar.

Return back to the hotel in the late afternoon. 

Dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight in Golden Triangle.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Houay Xay – Pakbeng by boat (150 km): 6 hrs.

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Wake up early to catch an unforgettable sight along the Mekong River while travelling to the border town of Chiang Khong. After passing through immigration, climb on board the boat for a journey into the jungles of Northern Laos. 

Please arrive no later than 08:00 at the border crossing point. Upon reaching the Lao border of Houay Xay, the Shompoo cruise staff will be there (Laos Immigration Office), holding a welcome sign Shompoo cruise (not a name sign) to greet you and assist you with the Laos visa / entrance clearance (this is not as same as fast track service at the airport). And after the custom clearance is done, the cruise staff will escort you to take the shared transportation to the docking pier (already included in the package rate).

The cruise takes two days to reach Luang Prabang, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.

En route, a stop is made to visit a local hill tribe settlement. Soak in the authentic, rural way of life here before dipping into a delicious buffet lunch (onboard). 

The town of Pakbeng will be reached in the late afternoon. Halfway between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang, this small, but dynamic town is lined with wooden houses along a steep street on the hillside. Depending on the river's current, the boat may reach Pakbeng in time to catch a sunset over the river. 

Overnight in Pakbeng

Note: 
Cruise staff usually are from 08.00 -09:30 AM at Laos Immigration Office. 
Cruise leaves at 10:00 – 10:30 AM.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Pakbeng – Luang Prabang by boat: 6 hrs.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before continuing the river cruise downstream.

The boat departs at 08:30 for the second half of the journey.  On the way to Luang Prabang, two stops will be made. Lunch is served on board.

The first stop is at a local village, where it will be possible to see the processing of traditional rice alcohol. Continue downstream to the Pak Ou Caves. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of all different sizes. 

Luang Prabang is a further 2 hours downstream from Pak Ou.  Arrive in Luang Prabang early evening, before sunset.

Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will pick you up at the pier in the center and transfer you to your hotel

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si waterfalls (32 km): 45 min

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms.  As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Today, take a half-day guided tour of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast. 

Start your city tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish the tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.

Lunch at Tamarind restaurant

Transfer through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way, you will drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. There are also view points overlooking the Mekong River.

Stop en-route to visit a small village which is home to one of the area’s many ethnic minorities. You will have an opportunity to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries.

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The water tumbles down a large drop and cascades gently in to several cool, clear pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await you at the top. You can also visit the nearby bear sanctuary before returning to Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang (306 km): 6-7 hrs.

Departing from Luang Prabang, your journey today will take you to the mysterious Plain of Jars. 

Depart early this morning for the drive to Xieng Khouang.  The scenic journey takes around six hours during which time the landscape varies from really mountainous to soft hills and grasslands. En route, you will pass through several ethnic villages perched on the side of steep hills.

Stop for a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, reach Xieng Khouang, locally referred to as Phonsavan. The town situated in central Laos and is the closest town to the mysterious Plain of Jars. During the American bombings of the 1970s, Xieng Khouang was almost entirely destroyed and, subsequently, had to be completely rebuilt in a location 30km away.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy a city tour and visit the MAG Center in the town. MAG is a humanitarian organization clearing the remnants of conflict for the benefit of local communities worldwide. Lao PDR is the most heavily bombed nation in the world (per capita). Free entry, open daily from 0800 – 2000. 

Overnight in Xieng Khouang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Phonsavan – Plain of Jars (16 km): 20/30 min Phonsavan – Muang Khoun (40 km): 45 min

In the morning you will journey through Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars.

The Plain of Jars is a huge archaeological complex littered with mysterious 2000 years old stone jars sized from 70cm up to 3 or 4 meters. Their true origin remains a mystery. It seems that they were carved into boulders. Several researches lead by the French archaeologist Madeleine Colani in the 30’s suggested that they could be old graves, but to this day they remain an enigma.

Your trip will enable you to visit the 3 sites and also discover some local villages where you can observe local village life. Site 1, close to the town is settled at Thong Hai Hin and is the biggest site. Site 2 is at Hai Hin on Phou Salator, “Phou” in Lao means “Mountain”. End your tour at site 3 in Hai Hin Lat Khai. Site 3 is the most impressive with over 150 jars. Close to this site, you will visit Ban Xiengdi where there is a small monastery with Buddha images. On the way back, you will pass areas that were important battlefields during the American secret war. You can still see bomb craters from that time today.

Attention: The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Phonsavan

In the afternoon, enjoy a half day trip to Muang Khoun. Muang Khoun is one area in the old provincial capital that has been destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war. Muang Khoun is home to a unique sitting giant Buddha as well of some old pagodas that remain in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.

Then return to Xieng Khuang.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Vientiane Airport – Vientiane (4 km): 15 min

After browsing at the morning market and finishing off your sightseeing, after lunch (not included) you will be transferred to the airport.

Suggested flight:
Departure from Xieng Khouang at 15:40 by QV402 (Lao Airlines), arrival in Vientiane at 16:10 
Note: operated every day except Monday and Wednesday

Welcome to the capital of Laos, a relaxed city of leafy boulevards and gracious French architecture.

On arrival you will be met for a private transfer to your hotel. Your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer to hotel around 17:00.

Optional: Discover the hidden charms of Vientiane, whose name means ‘the city of sandal wood’. Vientiane is one of the quietest capital cities in the world, far away from the bustle and hustle of other Asian capitals.

Visit Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city.

Next, your tour takes you to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire.
 

Overnight in Vientiane.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Vientiane – Buddha Park (24 km): 45 min Vientiane – Vientiane Airport (4 km): 15 min

This morning you will be driven out to Buddha Park. The drive takes around 45 minutes, along a road which serves as an important link between the Lao capital and Thailand. On the way, stop and take photos of the Friendship Bridge which was built by the Australian government in 1994 and links Laos and Thailand.

Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Laos shaman. The concrete sculptures are bizarre but intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful park.

After visiting Buddha Park, start the drive back to Vientiane. En route, stop at Mai Savanh to explore the traditional textiles of the Lao people. This shop specializes in high quality silk products and involves several families in their process, from the northern province of Luang Nam Tha Province and the southern provinces of Attapeu and Sekong. (Note: Mai Savanh is closed on Saturday & Sunday)

Another stop will be made at the Lao Disabled Women Development Center. This center aims to bring knowledge and skills to disabled women so that they can become self-sufficient, productive members of the community. The center focuses its efforts on helping people with disabilities gain independence and self-confidence. A visit to the center provides you with the opportunity to talk to these women and to observe their skill at creating handicrafts such as handmade paper. (Note: Subject to change without prior notice from the suppliers).

You will return to the city around lunch time and can be dropped off at the airport to catch a flight to your next destination.

Suggested flight:
Departure from Vientiane at 13:25 by QV4571 (Lao Airlines), arrival in Bangkok at 14:30 or QV 445 (Lao Airlines) Departure from Vientiane at 18:35, arrival in Bangkok at 19:35
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast