21 Days Charm of Thailand and Laos Tour

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will have a full-day city tour of Bangkok. First visit Wat Traimit, known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It is the home to a gold Maravijaya Attitude seated Buddharupa statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons.

Then visit Wat Arun, known as the Temple of the Dawn, which is one of the most published images of Bangkok. In the middle of the temple, an 82 metres high beautifully decorated Khmer-style tower stands, where you can walk up the steep stairs and admire the view of Bangkok and the rivers.

After that, explore Wat Pho, also called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Finally, head for the Grand Palace, one of the must-sees in Bangkok, followed by Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: B

In the morning, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where you can experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local food, fresh fruit and products from their boats.

After an exploration of the market, drive to Kanchanaburi that is famous for the Death Railway built during WWII. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the bridge and railway are notable attractions in Kanchanaburi. Today, carriages still go on the tracks, taking travelers through the fields of sugar cane and rice terrace.

Finally, pay a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn more history about the railway.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Meals: B

In the early morning, drive to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam located in central Thailand.

Upon arrival, you can see the combination of Thai and European architecture. visit Bang Pa-In, a royal summer palace with lovely gardens. Admire the elegant Thai pavilion standing in the middle of a lake. Then visit Baan Hollanda the information centre on the history of Dutch-Thai relations. Opened in 2013, the centre was built with funds graciously donated by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the Dutch government.

In the afternoon, tour the must-see ancient ruins in Ayutthaya. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a marvelous Khmer-style temple ruin located along the river. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a temple complex with rows of restored Buddhas looking towards a huge Chedi. Wat Ratchaburana has the most incredible Khmer-style spire in Ayutthaya. Wat Mahathat was the most important temple in the kingdom and Royal ceremonies were held there.

Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Meals: B

After breakfast, drive to Phitsanulok, one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago. The city boasts many interesting temples and museums.

Wat Nang Phaya is on the middle of the Nan River that holds traffic between Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and Wat Ratburana in Phitsanulok. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a Royal temple dating to the 14th century. Wat Ratburana is an old temple where the two elder brothers of King Borom Rachathirat II were cremated.

After that, visit Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum, which displays a remarkable collection of tools, textiles and photographs that spread throughout five traditional-style Thai buildings. Across the street from Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum is the Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry, where bronze Buddha images of all sizes are cast.

Attached to the Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry is Garden Birds of Thailand, a collection of cages containing indigenous Thai birds, including some endangered species such as the very pretty pink-chested jamu fruit-dove and the prehistoric-looking helmeted hornbill.

Overnight in Phitsanulok.

Meals: B

Today, after about a 1-hour drive, you will reach Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage City. It is the first capital of Siam, housing a vast number of historical sites and temple ruins.

After arrival, head to Sangkholok Museum. The museum displays artifacts recovered from the city, all well-explained, and provides a general historical overview. You can also get an excellent introduction to ancient Sukhothai's most famous export, its ceramics.

After that, start to explore the old town of Sukhothai for a relish of the once flourishing Thai civilization. Head to Sukhothai Historical Park that covers the remains of 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls, with an additional 70 sites within a 5km radius.

For example, Wat Si Sawai is famous for its Khmer gateways and its stone Buddha footprint. Wat Tra Phang Ngoen contains the large and fabulous seated Buddha and walking Buddha. Wat Srasri is one of the prettiest temples in the park, with a bell-shaped stupa and Buddhist iconography.

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Meals: B

After breakfast, drive about 3 hours to reach Lampang, the third largest city in northern Thailand. Upon arrival, take a horse carriage to visit Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, the temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Then drive to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Several interesting religious structures are visible, including the most beautiful and oldest wooden Lanna temple in Thailand, the open-sided Wihan Luang.

Overnight in Lampang.

Meals: B

Drive over 3 hours to transfer to Chiang Rai, the northernmost major city in Thailand, adjacent to Laos and Myanmar.

In Chiang Rai, enjoy a city highlights trip. Tour the Navel City Pillar, a monument made of more than 100 Khmer-style pillars, and Rai Mae Fah Luang, a beautiful museum showcasing Lanna artifacts.

If time permits, drive to Black House, also called Baan Dam, where you can see a lot of skeletons and animal skins, strange but impressive.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: B

Today, head to the Golden Triangle region to have a full day excursion.

Start the morning by Long Neck Karen Village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If time permits, you can watch cockfighting near the hill tribe village. Then drive to Mt. Doi Mae Salong to visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain.

After lunch, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border, Doi Tung. Here you can overlook the entire northern rice field plain and visit Doi Tung Temple that was built in A.D.1493. The scenery here may remind you of Switzerland.

After that, drive back to your hotel and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: B

Today, you will transfer to Chiang Mai. Before leaving Chiang Rai, visit the White Temple that mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references.

After that, start your drive to Chiang Mai, taking around 3 and a half hours. En route, visit Meow Hill Tribe Village that locates on Doi Suthep. It was once famous for opium cultivation. Then head to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you can get a panoramic view of Chiang Mai City. The site is also one of the best places to enjoy a sunset.

Upon arrival, check in the hotel and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B

Today, tour the elephant rescue and rehabilitation center - Elephant Nature Park, involving in the rescues of the disabled elephants, dogs and cats.

You can volunteer and care for the animals. Take your time to wander freely on the grounds and get close to these gentle giants. You get the opportunity to feed them and learn how to bathe them.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Flight: International flight will arranged by GTT and include in the quotation

Meals: B

Today, enjoying your free morning until check out your hotel and transfer to airport for your onward flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort to your hotel for checking in.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, you will visit the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts; See the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground and representing classical Laotian architecture; Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.

In the afternoon, head to visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later, return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. Finally climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

At night, you will visit the famous Night Market, where you'll find handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe peoples living in the surroundings.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Your memorable trip will start from partaking in an alms ritual in the morning, you will accept the blessing by monks who you give the alms. Have breakfast in the hotel and then, visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn some history of Laos. Continue to you will embark on a private boat for a 2 hours boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Cave. During the boat trip, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River and see the daily fishing life of local people in the riverside.

Then, go to visit the Pak Ou Cave which locates by the Mekong River. Here, you will discover a number of gold lacquered Buddha statues in the cave.

After that, you can have an excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you will enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, have fun in waterfalls and relax.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

8:30 am – 9:00 am:  Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang

Today, you will learn how to be a Mahout and then get ready to get wet as you plunge into the Nam Khan river and give the elephant a refreshing bath! (No Elephant Ride)

8:00 am - 8:30 am: Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang;

Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants;

Elephant feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants;

Explore elephant village: Visit our elephant hospital, museum, gallery, and dung paper making facility;

One on one experience: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a Mahout! (Notice: 1 person per elephant)

Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water. Swimsuit recommended! (Notice: water levels will vary with seasonal conditions)

Bathe your elephant: Take your own elephant down to the Nam Khan river for an exhilarating and once in a lifetime bathing experience!

Boat trip back to camp: Traverse the Nam Khan River in a traditional Lao long boat from the waterfall back to our Elephant Camp.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Depart the camp. Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Flight: Domestic flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

After breakfast, the guide will escort you to the airport for your next destination - Vientiane, Laos.

Upon your arrival in Vientiane, your private local guide will welcome you in the airport then escort you to your hotel to check in.

Rest of the day at your leisure to relax and explore the city.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B

Today, your guide will take you to visit the highlights of Vientiane. You will firstly get to know some more history of Laos by visiting the National Museum. Then, go to visit Wat Si Saket which is the oldest surviving temple with thousands of Buddhist images. This tour will also take you to visit the symbolic site That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument.

In the afternoon, head to visit Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, and enjoy a stroll around the park. This unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. Afterward, you will start to drive back to Vientiane.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Flight: Domestic flight will be included and arranged by GTT

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will take a flight to Pakse. Upon arrival at Pakse, we will drive to Tad Fan Waterfall which is the largest and most amazing waterfall in Laos.

In the afternoon, you will continue your tour to visit Bolavan Plateau to discover the Alak, Nge, and Katu villages. The trip to the Bolaven Plateau will bring you away from the heats and allows you to observe the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, etc. Drive back to the hotel in Pakse before dark.

Overnight in Pakse.

Meals: B / L / D

After sightseeing for your Indochina tour in Laos, you might be tired and needs relaxing time. Embarking on the Vat Phou Cruise for a 3 days Mekong River Cruise tour will offer you unique experience in the rural Laos.

The cruise boat will starts at 10:30am and heading south to Champassak. Lunch will be served onboard. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a shore excursion to Vat Phou Ruins which is a temple complex built in Pre-Angkorian 10^th century. You will have time to visit the museum at the ruins site, walk up to the largest temple and stroll around.

Transfer to Vat Phou Boat, dinner will be served on board while you are enjoying a beautiful tropical sunset.

Overnight in the Cruise.

Meals: B / L / D

Today, you will set sail for the village of Huei Thamo. This is a small village a few minutes walk away from the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong.

Afterwards, rejoin the boat to continue our cruise southwards. Lunch is on the deck, while leisurely sailing closer to the wild paradise of the "4,000 Islands" Late afternoon we disembark from the boat to walk through Ban Deua Tia, a small Laotian Village where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries.

Today's cruise finishes at the most northern tip of Don Khong, the largest inhabited island in the river archipelago. After dinner, the evening is yours to relax and enjoy.

Overnight on the cruise.

Meals: B / L

While you breakfast on the deck, the Vat Phou boat cruises the Mekong to the small village of Ban Veuthong, where you board a small boat to meander among the 4,000 Islands to Khone Island.

You will visit the old French railway and walk across the bridge that links Khone and Det Islands.

Then, you'll continue on the boat back to the mainland for lunch at a local restaurant in a small fishing village, Xieng Di, on the banks of the Mekong. A bus will transfer you to the historically significant Pha Pheng Waterfall, "the Niagara of the East", close to the Cambodian border.

Finally, back to Pakse for the end of the cruise experience.

After disembarking, you will be picked up by your local guide in Pakse.Your guide and driver will escort you to the hotel.

Service end.