Itinerary

DAYS 1 – 3

You will be met upon arrival and taken to your luxury hotel in Bangkok, a vibrant commercial city of treasures and temples. Travel by long-tail speedboat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and klongs (canals). Visit the elegant Temple of Dawn; stop at a neighborhood monastery to learn about Thai Buddhism. Visit the Grand Palace and its holy Temple of The Emerald Buddha, built for the King of Siam in 1782 in traditional exotic Thai style. See its fabulous solid Jade Buddha, the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall. Continue through Chinatown to Wat Po, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. Enjoy a full day’s journey to the unspoiled rural floating market of Damnern Saduak. Eat lunch at the riverside Rose Garden Resort, then delight in a Thai village show, boxing, sword fighting, traditional dancing and a Thai wedding ceremony. (2B, L) 

The Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok

DAYS 4 – 6

Fly from busy Bangkok to the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai, a modern city that has preserved its rich history and traditions. Drive to Doi Suthep, enjoy a panoramic view of the city and visit Wat Prathad Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Visit Wat Suan Dok and Wat Jed Yod with its seven spires. Enjoy a full day exhilarating excursion to the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, specializing in the training of young elephants. Take an elephant ride through the jungle to the Lisu Village and a thrilling bamboo-rafting trek down the Ping River. (3B, L) 

Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai

DAYS 7 – 9

Today fly south to Cambodia and Siem Reap, home to the most incredible temples in Southeast Asia. Witness a sunrise over Angkor Wat, an incredible temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat displays beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art. Explore the fortified city of Angkor Thom, a four-mile site surrounded by a wall and wide moats. Visit the mysterious Bayon Temple, with its galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and its central sanctuary housing giant smiling stone faces. Next, travel to Ta Prohm, where the jungle still covers much of the monuments.

Travel to the sacred Cambodian pilgrimage site of Phnom Kulen where in 802 A.D. Jayavarman II declared himself divine universal ruler, marking the beginning of the Angkor period of Khmer history. See the spectacular riverbed rock carvings. Visit Banteay Srei, a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Tour Chantiers Ecoles (Artisans d’Angkor), a vocational training center for more than 650 apprentices learning fine arts and crafts trades including stone sculpture and woodcarving. (3B) 

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap

DAYS 10 – 12

Fly from Cambodia to Luang Prabang (meaning Royal Buddha) in northern Laos. Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, this enchanting town full of historic temples and colonial style buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Early the next morning, give alms and food offerings to the resident monks. Tour Wat Visoun, the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Aham and the ornate buildings of Wat Xieng Thong, featuring exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. Tour the National Museum (Royal Palace), the turn-of-the century royal residence and Wat Mai, one of the largest and most photographed wats in Luang Prabang, important for its religious and aesthetic beauty.

The morning of Day 12, take a boat excursion up the Mekong River, passing steep limestone cliffs, to the Tham Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with a vast and fascinating variety of Buddha images. Drive back to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai Village, famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. This evening enjoy dinner at the Grand Luang Prabang Hotel and attend a traditional Baci Ceremony with Lao Traditional Dance. (3B, D) 

La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang

DAY 13

Today you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination. (B)

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