Thailand, Cambodia and Laos 16 Days

Meet your small group, average 24 of fellow like minded travellers in the bustling Thai Capital, Bangkok, check in to Nouvo City Hotel (or similar), before embarking on this wonderful Cultural Experience Tour of some of Asia’s finest three countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

After check-in time for exploring, a massage, or lounging by the pool to capture the first tropical sun will be possible after checking into our hotel. We’ll meet back at base to discuss the experience, then you may enjoy real Pad Thai and Khao San road nightlife.

Accommodation – Nouvo City Hotel

Bangkok

Bangkok

We’ll start early because there’s so much to see. Bangkok’s water taxis with locals are the easiest way to travel to our first stop, the Royal Palace. We’ll explore its 61 acres of stunning buildings and Thai Royal Family customs with our amazing local guide.

We’ll then take our private boat to see the klongs and feed the fish. Just mentioning today’s sites gives us butterflies. After returning to the hotel, ask your Trip Manager for the greatest local lunch before leaving Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi

Bangkok, you were ideal! The performance must go on. We head to Kanchanaburi, a tranquil town that’s become a must-see in this region. First, we’ll tour town’s most iconic bridge, then the Death Railway Museum and WWII Cemetery for more history.

Our waterfront home for the night is next! Yes, you may jump in the river from your room. A great meal of local dishes is the perfect start, right? Watching the sunset over the stunning countryside will conclude the day.

Accommodation – River Kwai Jungle Rafts

Included – Breakfast and Dinner

Included Experiences

Grand Palace and Klong Tour

Nose around the gilded Royal Palace, then travel like a local: floating down the Rivers.

Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai

A sombre slice of history. See the Death Railway Museum, WWII Cemetery and the famous Bridge itself.

Bridge over River Kwai

Kanchanaburi

We’ve got an exciting journey ahead of us today! We’ll first make our way to the impressive Erawan falls. Walk across the serene trials. Or dip your feet into the emerald blue waters before we head to our next destination.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We’ll grab bikes & ride past ornate temples, towering spires and beautiful palaces.

Overnight Train to Chiang Mai, all aboard for Chiang Mai!

Accommodation – Overnight Train

Included – Breakfast and Dinner

Included Experiences

Relax at Erawan Waterfalls

Cool off in emerald pools, shower under a waterfall and get your step count up. All in a day’s work.

Bike around Ayutthaya

Golden temples, a giant reclining Buddha and so many incredible sights to see. Try not to fall off your bike in shock!

The amazing adventure continues next when we travel to the stunning former capital of Siam, Ayutthaya, where we bike round this culturally rich city, before boarding your overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Elephant Nature Park

Our city has everything you’ve been waiting for. We’re spending all day at an elephant wildlife park! Watch these majestic giants walk through their natural habitat for an extraordinary MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. (You might befriend one!). We’ll head to Chiang Mai after a healthy park meal.

Chiang Mai

A free evening in this lovely city? Take a Vespa for an evening ride. The greatest way to explore is like a local.

Accommodation – Empress Hotel

Included – Breakfast and Dinner

Included Experiences

Hang out with Elephants (Ethically) Experiences

Help to protect to these majestic giants by learning about their struggle while watching them roam free – the way they were meant to live. ​

Optional Experiences

Vespa After Dark Tour

We’ll spend tonight zipping around on a Vespa, exploring the small streets & alleyways of Chiang Mai. Between foodie stops at family restaurants & street vendors, we’ll check out some local monuments and even try our hand at making papaya salad. Taste the amazing flavours of Tom Kha Gai & BBQ skewers before topping it all off with some live music in the market district (100kg weight restriction).

Elephant Experience

Enjoy second night at the Empress Hotel (or similar) and a chilled time mixed with free time to explore and expert locally guided tours to Golden Temples and stunning waterfalls, in this beautiful laid-back city with optional Thai Cooking Class, Vespa After Dark Experience and Muay Thai Martial Arts Class.

Accommodation – Empress Hotel

Included – Breakfast

Optional Experience

Thai Cooking Class and Market Visit

Travel to outskirts of Chiang Mai, tour local markets collecting ingredients, before your head chef takes you to kitchen’s in a rice field, where you will produce the most delicious food.

Muay Thai lesson

Learn from our expert master, in this non-contact lesson.

Thai Cooking Class

Chiang Mai

We must leave this magnificent spot. You ask why? Welcome to Chiang (‘city’ in Thai) of multicoloured temples! We’ll have a great breakfast and go straight there.

Chiang Rai

The Black House Museum. A royal white and blue temple. Welcome to the city of radiant colours. Dropping our luggage at the hotel, we’ll head to Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), a modern white-glass building. This temple is unique in Thailand! We’ll leave after viewing Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Temple) and the Baan Dam Museum’s stunning design.

Accommodation – Wing Inn Hotel

Included – Breakfast

Included Experiences

Admire the White Wonderland at Wat Rong Khun

Tour  one of Thailand’s most-recognisable temples – the White Temple. You’ll find plenty of Buddhist symbolism hinted throughout its beautiful architecture (you know, to satisfy your artistic soul).

Explore the Neo-Traditional Architecture of Wat Rong Seua Ten

Blazing blue deities will welcome you at the gates of this mesmerizing temple. Don’t forget your camera for a spectacular view of this unconventional style of Buddhist art.

Immerse Yourself in the Artistic Baan Dam Museum (Black Museum)

Visit the place that has hosted art scholars and researchers for over 50 years. This museum is all about mixing traditional and modern Thai architectural styles, and it’s pretty spellbinding too.

Wat Rong Seua Ten Thailand

Chiang Rai

Taking a border hop, we’ll cross out of Thailand and into Laos. After collecting our oh-so-valuable passport stamps, we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat.

Pak Beng

Remote, traditional, and endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream.

Accommodation – Local Guest House

Included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Included Experiences

Cruise on a Local Boat

Float down the Mekong from Pak Beng, past craggy caves and sleepy hillside villages. A proper taste of Laos life.

River Boat Excursion

Next day it is off to Luang Prabang for two nights.

Beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls, historic French mansions, bike tour, Weavers at Ock Pop Tock and hilltop sunset are just some of the delights this city has to offer.

Accommodation – Luang Prabang Inn (or similar).

Included – Breakfast and Lunch

Included Experiences

See 4,000 Buddhas at Pak Ou Caves

Definitely the most surreal caves we’ve ever seen. Rock caverns packed with thousands of mini-Buddha statues. Pics or it didn’t happen.

Waking up in Luang Prabang, you will be able this city for yourself, see the 4000 miniature Buddhas statues at Pak Ou Caves

Accommodation – Luang Prabang Inn (or similar).

Included – Breakfast

Included Experiences

See Luang Prabang on Two Wheels

Cycle around the former capital of Laos. Then visit Big Brother Mouse to help locals improve their English.

Channel Serenity at Wat Xieng Thong

Meditate at this ornate temple, or just marvel at its gilded beauty and take lots of pics.

Watch the Weavers at Ock Pop Tock Centre

Your chance to watch Lao textile artisans at work, making clothes and homeware using special techniques.

Optional Experience

Kuang Si Waterfall

Kuang Si waterfalls have a beautiful aqua colour. With transfers and entry included you can check out the 4 different swimming areas. You might even be fortunate enough to check out the nearby bear conservation centre.

Kuang Si Waterfall

Our next destination is two nights at The Elephant Crossing Hotel (or similar) at Vang Vieng, with breakfast included.

Enjoy Kayaking and Caving Experience, followed by free time in this bustling hub, full of a place’s to explore, food fairs, markets or venture out to watch wildlife in beautiful countryside.

Accommodation – Silver Naga Hotel (or similar)

Included – Breakfast

Included Experiences

Take part in a Buddhist Alms Giving

Always wanted to live like a Buddhist? Here is your chance to offer an ‘Alms’ to monks, in the spirit of karmic giving.

Jump on a High Speed Train to Vang Vieng

Hop onto the train from Luang Prabang, travelling at a dashing 160 km/h. You’ll catch some breathtaking views on the way.

Optional Experience

Kayaking & Caving Experience

Explore Vang Vieng by river with a kayaking and caving experience.

Vang Vieng by river with a kayaking and caving experience.

A day free for exploring, will you choose limestone caves and swimming holes or relaxing along the river taking in the sunset over the mountains.

Accommodation – Hotel Aaron (or similar)

Included – Breakfast

Included Experiences

Support the Work of COPE

See the amazing efforts of this non-profit, which gives prosthetic limbs to disabled locals – some of who are victims of unexploded bombs.

Wander Around Laos’ Serene Capital

This isn’t your typical hectic capital city. Today, you’ll walk around the peacefully lovely city of Vientiane and admire Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe – the Patuxai.

Let Yourself be Baffled by the Buddha Park

It’s bizarre. It’s beautiful. And it has a lot of Buddha statues. This fanciful sculpture garden will leave you with wonder (and a little bit of confusion) in your eyes.

Next something a little different as we visit former war-torn Vientiane where we learn much of the history and spend time helping at a local land-mine charity, a very rewarding and educational experience. Staying at the Daosavanh 2 Hotel (or similar) we also get to admire Luang Stupa and Patuxai with all the gold.

Accommodation – Mettavary Hotel (or similar)

Included – Breakfast

Included Experiences

Fly to Phnom Penh

Fasten your seatbelts folks, we’re off to Phnom Penh

Marvel at the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Admire the architectural wonder of some of the best buildings from the Khmer Empire of Vietnam – built back in the 1800s!

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Included next day is your flight to Capital Phnom Penh, in Cambodia, staying at Ohana Palace Hotel (or similar).

Our cultural historic education continues with visit to the killing fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum remembering victims of the Khmer Rouge.

Accommodation – Mettavary Hotel (or similar)

Included – Breakfast

Included Experiences

Pay respects at the ‘Killing Fields’

A sombre but important remembrance for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Visit the fields and Genocide Museum.

Explore the Bustling Bassac Quarter

Spend the evening at one of Phnom Penh’s best-loved after-dark hotspots for refreshing beverages and tantalising food.

Nightlife Phnom Penh’s

We board a flight (included) for two nights at the Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar).

A chance for some relaxation at Siem Reap, enjoying some pool time or taking in the night markets.

Accommodation – Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar)

Included – Breakfast

Included Experiences

Catch the Cambodian Phare Circus

Energy. Emotion. Enthusiasm. The Phare circus will have you captivated by its multicultural entertainment, which donates its funds to unprivileged children in Cambodia.

Cambodian Phare Circus

Stunning sunrise and sunsets over the ancient spiritual site of Angkor Wat, and temple of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm where Tomb Raider was filmed.

You will have a memorable meal at Tree Alliance Restaurant before heading out to enjoy the buzzing night life on the famous pub street.

Accommodation – Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar)

Included – Breakfast and Dinner

Included Experiences

Tour Cambodia’s Buddhist Temples

Visit Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon – where Tomb Raider was filmed. But dress appropriately (no hotpants, soz).

Empower Young Locals by Eating a Scrumptious Dinner

Not only is the food top-notch, this social enterprise makes a mission out of training and employing street youths. Respect.

Optional Experience

Quad Biking at Sunset

Depart from Siem Reap around 17:00 and head for the paddy fields located on the outskirts of the town. Drive over small dirt roads that pass the local communities and take in the sights and sounds of rural Cambodia before finding a spot in between the paddy fields to admire sunset.

Return to town driving along countryside roads after sunset. Included hotel return hotel pick up, entrance fees and guide. Running time 90-120 minutes.

Quad Biking at Sunset

So a chance to to reflect over a delicious Asian breakfast with your fellow travelers before saying goodbye and heading home.

Included – Breakfast