A Luxurious Mekong Journey Across Thailand & Laos

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

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, meet a representative who will fast-track the immigration procedure. They will assist with the luggage and introduce the EXO travel guide. Hop in the air-conditioned car to go to Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok

Inclusions:

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Today’s tour starts around 11.00. Travel through the city streets to the banks of the Chao Phraya River for the start of this insightful architectural tour. Board a private wooden barge, richly decorated with cushions and flowers. Slowly cruise along the river towards Chee Chin Khor temple. Although not very old, this pagoda is Bangkok’s best example of traditional Chinese pagoda design. Admire its eight-story-high structure and the eclectic images of Buddha and learn how Chinese and Thai Buddhism have converged in modern day Bangkok.

Continue by boat to Wat Prayun Wongsawat for a study of classic Thai architecture. See the typical structures of a Thai pagoda including an ordination hall, assembly hall, meditation hall and library. Notice the 80-metre-high chedi at the centre, surrounded by 18 smaller towers, creating a remarkable visual effect.
 
Next up is Turtle Mountain, also known as Wat Prayoon. This site highlights Thailand’s deep-rooted spiritual beliefs. Examine the spirit houses, small shrines that the locals believe house spirits of the deceased. Then continue to Wat Arun, an iconic riverside monument. Admire Wat Arun from afar, and see how it represents Mount Meru, the spiritual centre of Buddhist cosmology. After years of hiding behind scaffolding, the incredible ceramic inlays on the chedis are now visible for everyone to see again.
 
Travel onto Bangkok Noi canal, a residential section of the waterways, filled with shop houses and local temples. Learn how this area was once a major trading route lined with impressive homes of aristocrats. On the way back to town, make one last stop at the Royal Barge Museum to witness the beautiful barges used by the King on state occasions. 

The tour ends around late afternoon and be dropped off at the hotel’s pier. 

This evening, be picked up at 17.30 by private transfer to the embarkation point for a 19:00 departure. The Saffron cruise is a not-to-be-missed memorable gastronomic experience in Thailand’s capital. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous Thai Set dinner on a modern style Saffron Cruise by Banyan Tree.

Celebrate Thailand’s artistic heritage and the timeless splendour of the Chao Phraya River with a dining experience that has both the modern and traditional influences of the city, with stylish touches, award-winning cuisine and entertainment that celebrates Thailand’s rich cultural and gastronomic traditions. Either take in the sights from the comfort of the wrap-around glass-windowed dining area or take a seat upstairs on the moon deck to watch the beautiful sights pass by from the upper deck. Watch the city pass by and enjoy a fantastic meal served on board. 
Upon disembarkation at 22:00, be transported back to the hotel. 

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Chiang Rai Airport – Four Seasons Tented Camp (76 km): 1.30 hr

Have breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Be transferred to the airport in a private, air-conditioned luxury vehicle for the onward flight to Chiang Rai. 

Upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, you will be met and greeted by the hotel representative of Four Season’s Camp and transferred to the camp pier. 

Arrive at Four Season’s camp pier and continue on a traditional long-tail boat to your Luxury Camp. 

(Note: We recommend that you arrive Chiang Rai either in the morning or in the early afternoon, otherwise you will miss the boat trip which runs no later than 17:00. But should it occur, the trip to the camp will be provided by land transfer. Also, during the dry season when the tide level is low, the trip to the camp will also be by land.)  

Before dinner time, enjoy a relaxing massage at the Spa. At the spa at Four Seasons Tented Camp, wonder-working treatments rejuvenate your body and bathe your spirit in perfect serenity. Amidst the bamboo forests of the Golden Triangle are two open-air salas featuring double treatment rooms, spa beds and a bathtub/shower area. With their rustic design and use of natural materials, the salas blend in with the environment. 

In the evening enjoy ‘Sundowners’, in true camp tradition, all activities recess to savour the magnificent sunset of another day in the Golden Triangle. Wherever the adventure – elephant trekking, river excursion or at the Camp – the next 30 minutes are spent with a casual drink and relaxation while watching the sky turn golden. Beverages of choice are served, accompanied by local and western snack items.

Dinner served at Nong Yao Restaurant, an open-air thatched-roof pavilion by the riverbank, with rustic hardwood floors, Nong Yao Restaurant offers Thai, Laotian, Burmese and western cuisine. In keeping with the Camp's atmosphere, guests have the option to dine together at a long family-style table, seated in suede chairs, or privately, at separate tables. A bar area, complete with a double-sided fireplace in the middle, is perfect for pre-dinner drinks.

Overnight at the luxury Four Seasons Tented Camp

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Wake-up call and morning beverage and breakfast at Nongyao Restaurant, then meet with the professional mahouts who will provide training in how to care for and “drive” an elephant. Once you’ve mastered the “moves”, a full jungle trek is ahead. The experience takes place in our bamboo jungle where you will get the chance to show your newly acquired skills completed with a one-of-a-kind elephant shower experience! Then late morning at leisure. 

Back to the camp for lunch at Nongyao Restaurant.

After lunch, starts with a short ride to the village of Wang Lao. Walk about 2 hours through the village observing the locals’ way of life and discovering northern hill architecture. A brief hike through the jungle, past terraced rice fields and pineapple plantations ends with panoramic views of the Golden Triangle below. Soak in the view before heading back on the trail, arriving at Sob Ruak through a bamboo tunnel. During the trek, our Camp Guide will point out various wild herbs and forest plants used by the locals as both medicine and food.

This evening, your special dinner can be arranged at Elephant camp by the campfire, with torches for lighting and glimpses of elephant silhouettes nearby, guests are served a formal dinner of regional Thai, Laotian and Burmese cuisines. In true safari style, tables are arranged in a semi-circle around the campfire. After-dinner drinks and stargazing follow.

Note: Due to the unique nature of this outdoor venue, alternative dining arrangements may be necessary as a result of seasonal weather changes. 

Overnight at the luxury Four Seasons Tented Camp

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Four Seasons Tented Camp – Chiang Rai Border (70.6 km): 1.15 hrs

Wake-up call followed by early breakfast at Nong Yao Restaurant. After saying farewell to the camp, transfer out to the Chiang Khong Border. Please arrive no later than 0800 at the border crossing point. 

At 12:30, meet with the Mekong Kingdoms representative in Chiang Khong to start the cruise of a lifetime on board Gypsy Cruise - the most exclusive and luxurious cruiser of the country.

Following border formalities with help from the cruise staff, the cruise director will proceed to give a safety briefing.

Gypsy is a 41 x 4.8 metre boat, with 5 crew members trained to fill the experience with three magical days. The boat has 2 private cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite shower and vanity, spa amenities, mini-bar containing free flow soft drinks and local beer. For a six-star accommodation service, there is an iPod docking station, bathrobes and slippers, generous closet space and storage, writing desk, hairdryer, in-suite safe and complimentary Wi-Fi.

As a thank-you gift for having chosen this exclusive package, enjoy a complimentary bottle of Champagne on-board.

Then, start sailing to Pak Tha village with a selection of activities on board and shore excursions. Please inform our Travel Consultant which of these are of interest!

ON BOARD ACTIVITIES 
Yoga
Folk dancing
Learning Lao language
Weaving workshop
Cooking class

SHORE EXCURSION
Fishing
Jungle trekking
Mountain biking
Lao whisky tasting
Meeting elephants
Upon arrival at Pak Tha, receive a Welcome Cocktail and canapes, followed by a dinner on the beach. The bar will remain open for after-dinner drinks. 

Overnight mooring at Pak Tha village

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Wake up early at 6:30 - 07:30 and be introduced to Buddhist meditation.
 
After, have breakfast will the cruise set sails to Ban Houy Phalam. At 09:00 visit the pretty Kamu Village of Ban Houy Phalam which is famous for its weaving and scarf production. Then, set sail for the village of Pak Beng while enjoying an A la carte lunch on board.
 
This evening, arrive in the village of Pak Beng where visits include Pak Beng Temple with falang mural, a Hmong village and an elephant camp on the opposite side of the river. Then, the Cruise Manager will give a briefing of the next day’s programme while dinner is being served. There would be a tasting of local spirits and Lao rice wine. The bar remains open for after-dinner drinks.

Overnight mooring at Pak Beng village

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

This morning, the cruise set sails to the village of Khok Aek. Go for an early morning yoga on the sun deck before having breakfast. 

At 09:00 arrive at Khok Aek (two villages: one Lao and the other a Hmong minority village) for a walking tour and a chance to compare and contrast villages. After, set sail to Ban Baw village.

Between 10:30 to 11:30, arrive at Ban Baw for a guided tour of a traditional Lao weaving village and get an opportunity to taste and buy Lao whisky. Then, set sail to Pak Ou Caves while taking part in a cooking demonstration by the head chef. Lunch is on board.

On arrival to Pak Ou Caves, take a guided visit of the two Buddhist caves before starting to sail to Luang Prabang. 

Listen to the final briefing by the Cruise Manager before arriving at Luang Prabang at 16:30. Be met by the guide and driver on standby at the royal pier and be transferred to the latest hotel phenomenon in Laos - the Rosewood, Luang Prabang.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. 

Overnight at Rosewood Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Explore Luang Prabang with a knowledgeable local guide. Visit the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and also learn about Laos’ rich, colourful culture.

Kick off the Luang Prabang half day tour at the former Royal Palace, a centrally-located building that now serves as the National Museum. Venture through the corridors and see intriguing displays of historical relics and informative exhibits.

Then take a short walk to neighbouring Wat Mai, a Buddhist temple whose gold-covered bas-relief is an incredible piece of craftsmanship. While here, learn about Buddhism and how its influence pervades the local culture.

Continue through the streets of downtown Luang Prabang to Wat Sensoukarahm, a temple noted for its dazzling gold façade. The final visit is Wat Xieng Thong, one of the oldest and most revered temple in the country. The temple is situated on the tip of the city’s peninsula and is filled with ornate carvings and mosaics that have withstood the test of time. Wrap up the Luang Prabang half day tour with a better understanding of this charming, northern Laos city.

Lunch will be at one of the town’s nicest tables; Manda de Laos offers a stunning setting around lily ponds with a selection of sophisticated -yet homey- laotian cuisine. 

This afternoon, see Luang Prabang through an expert’s eyes, exploring the city with a specialist on Lao architecture. Learn how the buildings of Luang Prabang have evolved over time, influenced by various historical and cultural factors. Gain a deeper appreciation for Laos by understanding its heritage and customs during this informative walking tour. 

Join Francis Engelmann, a leading expert on Lao architecture and heritage, on an insightful Luang Prabang architecture tour. Having spent the last 20 years researching Laos’ ancient and modern buildings, Mr Engelmann has become the leading expert on Lao architecture. Walking with him through Luang Prabang is an eye-opening experience as he explains the history of each building and the cultural nuances that influence the style.

The excursion focuses on the four different building types identified by UNESCO. From traditional bamboo buildings to Chinese-style shop houses, the buildings reflect different eras in Laos’ history. Mr Engelmann provides engaging insight into the culture of the country during each of its respective eras and how they have impacted the modern way of life. As well, many of the buildings have interesting side stories that add to the character of the structure.

Although the history of these buildings have been documented in books, Mr Engelmann’s engaging stories and depth of cultural knowledge result in a more thorough understanding and appreciation of Luang Prabang’s rich heritage.

When done, be transferred back to the hotel and enjoy the last evening in Luang Prabang at leisure. 

Overnight at Rosewood Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

This morning, as part of this exclusive Luxurious Mekong Journey, benefit from a Complimentary Royal Cooking Class.

A cooking master-class delving into the rich culinary heritage of Royal Laotian cuisine. Forage for fresh produce, roots and leaves during a tour of the morning market and nearby farm, prepare forgotten recipes using traditional methods without the modern shortcuts, before sampling the dishes accompanied by a glass of French wine. (08.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. followed by lunch in The Great House).

Afternoon lunch, check out and meet the private guide and driver and be transferred to the airport for the onward departing flight. Bon voyage!

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch