A Luxurious Mekong Journey

📍 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 will begin at 07:00. Travel away from Bangkok’s city centre for a visit to local markets and countryside neighbourhoods. Take a one-hour drive, leaving the high-rises behind and entering a land of lush landscapes and traditional wooden houses.

Stop at a local railway station where a bustling country market has sprouted up along the tracks. As a train pulls into the station, witness the vendors quickly clearing their stalls off the railway. Then, after the train departs, watch them set up shop and resume business as usual.

From here, continue to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although these days the stalls are mostly selling items for tourists, the Damnoen Saduak remains the best example of a traditional floating market. Take a stroll around and admire the floating shops, many of which are selling fresh fruits and typical Thai snacks. For visits falling on a Saturday or Sunday, there is an option to visit the less touristy floating market Tha Kha.

Leave the main market area and take a relaxing paddle boat ride. Pass by an old section of the floating market and enter a labyrinth of quiet canals. See houses built alongside the waterways and catch glimpses of local life in this rural Thai province. 

Following this insightful exploration of the countryside, return to Bangkok’s modern city Centre. 

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok.  
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

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

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, go on experiencing a cruise down the majestic Mekong river on-board a traditional longboat - “007” style en-route to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos come together. Once you are through with the Golden Triangle board a Songtaew followed by a Skylab to visit a local market and an ancient temple called “Chedi Luang”. 

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

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

At 12:30, meet with 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 WiFi.

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 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 on a 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 traditional Lao weaving village and get an opportunity to taste and buy Lao 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 Parabang. 
 

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. Foragefor 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