17 Days Thailand, Laos and Vietnam Highlights Tour

Meals: B / L

This morning visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you will experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local foods, fruits and products from their boats. Explore the market before continuing on to Kanchanburi to learn about the region's storied past and present-day culture. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the infamous bridge and railway is a notable part of the Kanchanaburi landscape. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to get an understanding of the deadly, Herculean task many Thais were faced with decades ago.

Enjoy a scenic long–tailed boat trip along Maeklong River to the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of Death Railway constructed by Allied POWs. 

Overnight in Bangkok

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement
Meals: B

After breakfast, start to visit the Grand Palace, a beautiful example of an ancient Siamese court, and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue. Then, ride like a Local by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple, to behold the 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha statue. Next, explore the city’s renowned klongs(canals) by boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Also visit Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum.

After the tour, Transfer back to Bangkok airport for your onward flight to Chiang Mai . Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and escort to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: B / L

The two ancient cities of Lampang and Lampoon are located in the Chiang Mai region and offer aunique experience. You will first visit the Lampang Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC).The centre cares for more than 50 Asian elephants in a beautiful forest. Aside from a fun day excursion, the TECC is also known for its work in conservation and science. Here you can observe some fascinating demonstrations by the elephants as well as experience a one-hour ride on top one of these majestic beasts through the jungle. After a delicious lunch, travel back towards Chiang Mai, stopping at Lampoon. Steeped in a history that dates back to A.D. 700, Lampoon is famous for several ancient and revered temples. Among them is Wat Prathat Hariphunchai, built in A.D. 1044 at the site of the ruins of the Royal Palace, and Wat Jamathevi, named after a 7th century queen and founder of Lampoon. Her ashes are interred in the main stupa of the Wat. The trip to be re concludes with a fascinating ride along the old Lampoon-Chiang Mai Road back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: B

After breakfast, , start to visit the Temples in Chaing Mai such like Wat Phra Singh; Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Doi Suthep where you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Chiang Mai City.

In the afternoon, drive to Chiang Rai, along the way, visit the White Temple, is an unusual Thai temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals: B / L

The golden triangle is a mysterious region for most of Indochina tour makes, today you will enjoy a full day excursion to the heart of golden triangle region. Your fascinating day will start from morning by firstly visit the Long Neck Karen village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If it is possible, you will also able to visit a Cock Fighting near the hill tribe village. Keep driving to Mt. Doi Mae Salong and visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. Doi Tung, provides an opportunity to view enrooted many different Lahu and Akha village as well as terraced farming areas and see from distance the Princess Mother's frigid flower Garden. Doi Tung temple, built in A.D.1493, is located at the peak. Its scenery reminds one of Switzerland, features many unique images and temple architecture over looking the entire northern rice field plain. Return to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals: B / L

Day 01: Huay Xai – Pakbeng:

We will pick you up by minivan at Thai – Lao border No. 4. The Cruise boat leaves at the slow boat pier for a cruise down the Mekong River. The first stop is Paktha this is (check point). At the second stop we will visit the hill tribal villages to learn their culture and relax, then come back to the cruise a buffet lunch will be served on board. After lunch is your free time to relax and enjoy the Mekong River. The cruise arrives at Pakbeng before sunset for an overnight stay at your hotel.

Overnight in Pakbeng

Meals: B / L

Day 02: Cruise downstream: Pakbeng – Luang Prabang

Departure time: 8 am.

Early in the morning you can visit the Pakbeng market (optional). After breakfast we depart at 8 am to journey down the Mekong River. The first stop is at Ban Baw where you will observe the traditional whisky village, weaving village, handicrafts and textiles. A buffet lunch is served on board. The boat stops again to visit Pak Ou caves. There are two caves, ‘Tham Ting’ and ‘Tham Phoum.’ The caves contain thousands of Buddha images. The Mekong cruise arrives at Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage city, before sunset. Upon arrive in Luang Prabang pier, you will transfer to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: B / L

You will be picked up at your hotel at 5:30 am and transferred to a street where a single-file line of silent, saffron-clad Buddhist monks walk with their alms bowls each morning. Observe or participate in this serene Buddhist ritual of almsgiving, known as tak bat. Luang Prabang’s many monastic communities are sustained by the local Buddhists who place sticky rice in the monks’ bowls during the daily ritual. Take the opportunity to make a rice offering with the help of your guide, or simply watch in awe as dozens of monks emerge to stroll past laypeople offering flowers and incense in reverence for this sacred observance.

Back to hotel to have breakfast and take a short rest then go to visiting the museum at the former Royal Palace and the monasteries of Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Saen and Vat Visoun. After enjoying lunch , the next stop is the incredibly scenic Kuang Xi Waterfall which is surrounded with turquoise blue pools and an ideal place for swimming! Back in Luang Prabang we will visit Wat Phousi to enjoy the rewarding view of the city.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement
Meals: B

This morning, Transfer to airport for your onward flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival ,our guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in. In the afternoon, start with pickup at your hotel in Hanoi at 1:30pm. You’ll cover a “best of” in historic Hanoi during this 4-hour tour, covering sites that include Hoan Kiem Lake—whose name recalls a 15th century legend about a magical sword—and Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain. Learn about the intellectual and religious heritage of Hanoi at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the Temple of Literature, an imperial school which was built during the dynasty of King Ly almost a thousand years ago. Stand at the food of the Pagoda But Thap, among the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, then see Dai Nghien, a carved, stone ink stand that rests on the backs of a trio of frogs. Visit the red-painted Huc Bridge, and take a cyclo ride through the winding streets of the Old Quarter, one of Hanoi’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, travel to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient (3 hr. drive). Your cruise across Halong Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam's most fascinating wonder. As the boat sets sails, you will be greeted by the Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard.

During the afternoon, discover some of the treasures spread across the Bay of the Descending Dragon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage at leisure of the Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you can attend the chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

One of the highlights of your stay on board is the innovative and varied cuisine offered at Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

Overnight on Board

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement
Meals: B / L

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and escort to your hotel in Hoi An for check in. Rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: B

In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lie the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.

In the afternoon, we'll spend the afternoon with a walking tour around this enchanting port town., which features the 16th century port town in its preserved state. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics which houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500’s to the 1,700’s. Continue on a brief visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century featuring China's influence in the region. Enter the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more Take a walk through the Old Tam Ky House to see it's imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You'll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge which for centuries connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. Then return to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Overnight in Hoi An

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement
Meal: B

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, after meeting your guide, leave the busy streets of Saigon on a 1.5 hour drive to Cu Chi district. You will be taken through the typical countryside of southern Vietnam. On arrival, the visit starts with a short video documentary before spending the next 3 hours exploring the Ben Dinh section of the tunnels. You will learn more about the history, incredible tenacity and ingenuity of the Cu Chi inhabitants. More adventurous travelers will have the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels and to fire off some rounds from AK-47 or M-16 assault rifles at the shooting range.

Overnight in Saigon

Meal: B / L

Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life. This morning, transfer to remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the "rice basket of Vietnam". First visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens overflowing with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Continue on a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. After lunch, visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small). Return to Saigon hotel and rest of the day on your own leisure.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals: B / L

At 8.30am your tour guide and car will pick you up from your hotel and will start our tour of Ho Chi Minh City. You will get to know its history and culture by stopping at: The Reunification Palace - on April 30th, 1975, what the Vietnamese refer to as the 'American War' officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam War Remnants Museum - formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the 'Requiem' exhibit is particularly touching and is dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. Notre Dam Cathedral and General Post Office were built around 1877 and 1883 respectively. These two iconic buildings are fine examples of French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in the building of the Notre Dam Cathedral was shipped from France to Vietnam. The Old Post Office is also the country's largest post office. The Opera House, after the lunch at local restaurant, we take you to see Chinatown and the Chinese market Binh Tay. We then move on to Thien Hau Pagoda, a temple entered through an iron gate and crossing a small courtyard. The roof is decorated with delicately fashioned porcelain figurines expressing themes from Chinese religion and legends. Lanterns and wooden models of Chinese theaters hang over the entrance. Our final stop before taking you back to your hotel is Ben Thanh Market, one of Vietnams largest markets and a real heart beat of Ho Chi Minh culture.

Overnight in Saigon

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request
Meals: B

Today transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Service End