Bangkok waits! Explore the palaces, temples and lively markets of the inner city. Travel over the friendship bridge and aptly into the friendly Peoples’ Republic of Laos. The former French-ruled capital Vientiane has fascinating modern and ancient history lessons just waiting to be told to you! Luang Prabang invites you to explore by bicycle its’ temples, handicraft and boutique shops before we ride a slow boat along the Mekong river. We take some time in Chiang Mai before travelling south for a touch of beach-life on the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui with their white sand beaches and enticing clear waters. We will be nicely wound down before our trip back to the capital.

TOUR SUMMARY

Day 1: Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok - Nong Khai

Day 3: Nong Khai - Vientiane

Day 4: Vientiane  Vang Vieng

Day 5: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang

Day 6: Luang Prabang

Day 7: Luang Prabang - Optional Elephant Camp

Day 8: Luang Prabang - Pakbeng

Day 9: Pakbeng - Huay Xay - Chiang Khong

Day 10: Chiang Khong - Chiang Mai

Day 11: Chiang Mai - Bangkok

Day 12: Bangkok

Day 13: Bangkok - Surat Thani

Day 14: Surat Thani - Koh Phangan

Day 15: Koh Phangan

Day 16: Koh Phangan

Day 17: Koh Phangan - Koh Samui

Day 18: Koh Samui

Day 19: Koh Samui - Surat Thani - Bangkok

Day 20: Bangkok

DAY 1: BANGKOK

Welcome to Thailand! Your tour starts in Bangkok, where you check in to your hotel room from check in time 12 pm at noon on Day 1. Your travel companions will also arrive this first day, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule. You will meet your English speaking tour leader at 12 pm noon on Day 1 in the lobby of your hotel in Bangkok. You are in the bustling city of Bangkok, the ‘City of Angels’ where you can explore this amazing vibrant city of contrast and color. Stop at simple roadside fast food stands, shop in enormous shopping centers, visit one of the many Wats (temples) such as Wat Po, Wat Arun and Wat Saket. Go on a unique bike ride along green klongs (canals), immerse yourself in the busy Chinese district or go on a long-tail boat ride. Our expert tour guides will accompany you and give tips and advice.

Overnight in BANGKOK. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 2: BANGKOK - NONG KHAI

Today you are totally free to enjoy Bangkok. The morning can be used for example to visit the famous Grand Palace and the (literally) stunning Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Both are easily reached by boat or tuk-tuk. Later in the day you may opt to attend a performance at the Calypso Cabaret, Bangkok’s famous “transvestite show. There are loads of great eateries, cafes close by and Khao San Road is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.Later this evening we transfer to the railway station and board the overnight train, 2nd class sleeper, to Nong Khai.

Overnight in Train. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 3: NONG KHAI - VIENTIANE

Your tour leader will arrange a few local tuk-tuks to transfer you to the Friendship Bridge. After checking out of Thailand, you cross the Mekong River on one of the shuttle buses, together with local traders. You will then spend some time at the Lao side, arranging your visa and then it is s onward in to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic!

Your driver will be waiting for you after you clear customs, and from here it is into Vientiane with the rest of the day free to explore what has got to be one of the most relaxed capitals in Asia. Home to an array of temples, an afternoon can easily be whiled away studying Laos historic past. If you are interested in more modern history, the COPE Visitor Centre offers an insight into the ‘Secret War’ and its legacy 40 years on. Guided tours of the city can be arranged if booked in advance.

Overnight in VIENTIANE. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 4: VIENTIANE - VANG VIENG

After breakfast, your minibus will collect you from your hotel and take you on the 3-4 hour drive to Vang Vieng, arriving early in the afternoon. This will give you free time for exploring this stunning landscape. Tubing in the river is a popular activity, although please take sensible safety precautions such as wearing a life jacket if you do decide to go. Vang Vieng is also well known for its network of caves which make for a fun afternoon – you should hire a bicycle and head to the other side of the river.

Overnight in VANG VIENG. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 5: VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG

There is a longer drive today, but it is a beautiful one. After breakfast you will head north for 5-6 hours to Luang Prabang. This UNESCO World Heritage town is famed for its beautiful temples, and there are plenty of exciting activities available in the surrounding countryside as well. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and you are then free to explore. The evening night market is a must-see, and some delicious street food is available here.

Overnight in LUANG PRABANG. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package

DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG

A completely free day to explore to your heart’s content. Luang Prabang boasts some exceptional handicrafts and local boutiques. It is a small enough town to cycle around and has plenty of traditional massage and spa offerings. Day trips can be arranged if booked in advance.

Overnight in LUANG PRABANG. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG

Full day is free at leisure. Overnight in LUANG PRABANG. Accommodation is included in this package.

OPTIONAL TOUR - ELEPHANT CAMP

Southeast of Luang Prabang is the privately owned Elephant village where, as well as caring for the elephants and their natural environment, the local peoples are supported through employment at the village. There are different elephant riding packages available as well as the trail of falls that takes you through some beautiful nature to see the famous Tad Sae Waterfall.

DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG - PAKBENG

This morning, after breakfast, we transfer down to the pier to board the slow boat to Pakbeng where we stay for the evening. We spend around 6 hours travelling up the mighty Mekong River, passing beautiful scenery and local village life along the way. The Mekong River is the life-source of the Indochina region, and a journey along its timeless waterways offers a different way to see the country. We stay overnight in Pakbeng in a delightful hotel with views over the delta. Tonight you will have a free evening.

Overnight in PAKBENG. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 9: PAKBENG - HUAY XAY - CHIANG KHONG

We re-join our boat this morning, and continue upstream towards Huay Xai which we reach in the late afternoon. From here it is just a short transfer to the immigration area and across into Thailand. Once in Thailand, it is a short walk through the charming riverside town of Chiang Khong to your guesthouse where you will overnight.

Overnight in CHIANG KHONG. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 10: CHIANG KHONG - CHIANG MAI

Today a comfortable, air-conditioned public bus will provide a scenic drive to Chiang Mai (about 2 hours). Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, offers a mix of ancient and modern, where you can wander through the small shopping streets, with their array of fascinating shops, dine at one of the many local restaurants, visit the evening market or hire a bike and explore. You can watch a Thai boxing match, visit a Buddhist monastery or travel to Doi Suthep just outside the city and climb the 300 dragon flanked steps to the exquisite temple. You can also visit one of the many temples in Chiang Mai, such as the Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in the city, famous for its 4-inch tall crystal Buddha statue.

Overnight in CHIANG MAI. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 11: CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK

This morning is your last chance to do that last minute shopping that Chiang Mai is famous for. In the afternoon we transfer to the train station for our overnight train journey to Bangkok. You travel in 2nd class, sleeper and arrive early tomorrow morning.

Overnight in Train. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 12: BANGKOK

This morning you arrive into the railway station in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure you might want to take an afternoon cycling trip. Check with your guide for nice places to visit and to eat out, in the evening.

Overnight in BANGKOK. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 13: BANGKOK - SURAT THANI

Last chance to explore Bangkok before transferring to the train station for the journey south to Surat Thani our staging point for the ferry to Koh Pha Ngan. The night train includes 2nd class sleeper reservations. The train will be usually equipped with a staff member selling refreshments or you may choose to wait until you pull into a station and you are spoilt for choice from the platform vendors!

Overnight in NIGHT TRAIN. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 14: SURAT THANI - KOH PHANGAN

On arrival into Surat Thani, we ride by bus to the coast and take the ferry to Koh Phangan. Once we arrive at Thong Sala (Koh Phangan) we will transfer to our bungalows and can allow ourselves to switch off and just relax. If you prefer, you can take an exciting ATV (Quad bike) safari, go fishing with a local fisherman, walk to refreshing waterfalls, or enjoy a barbeque on the beach at sunset. If you are lucky enough our departure date will coincide with Koh Phangan’s famous Full Moon Party!

Overnight on KOH PHANGAN. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 15: KOH PHANGAN

You are free again to enjoy yourself. Maybe take a songthaew (local transportation) across the island and explore other idyllic beaches. If you want a postcard-perfect strip of beach, then Haad Saikantang is very hard to beat – white sand, crystal clear water and to date fairly limited development. Other lovely beaches include Thong Nai Pan Noi, Bottle Beach, and Haad Khom on the north coast.

Overnight on KOH PHANGAN. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 16: KOH PHANGAN

You have one last full day to enjoy this wonderful island. One of the best snorkeling sites is the east side beach at Haad Rin where you can spend all day discovering the coral reef. You may decide to stay at your resort where every night there is a delicious barbecue and a special selection of traditional Thai or Western cuisine available to eat whilst sitting on the beach.

Overnight on KOH PHANGAN. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 17: KOH PHANGAN - KOH SAMUI

Today we say farewell to Koh Phangan and take the songthaew and then ferry over to Koh Samui. Samui is one of the larger islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It is an established destination and offers some paradisiacal beaches and great evening entertainment.

Overnight on KOH SAMUI. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 18: KOH SAMUI

You have the whole day to experience Samui. There are many things to do. You can find a beach and spend the time relaxing and bathing. Alternatively, you could go sea kayaking in the Angthong Marine National Park, elephant trekking, on a snorkeling safari or explore the island independently with a rental vehicle, being sure to check first with your guide as to which company to use.

Overnight on KOH SAMUI. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 19: KOH SAMUI - SURAT THANI - BANGKOK

Sadly today we say goodbye to our island paradise and our newfound friends. We transfer by ferry to Surat Thani then catch the overnight train back to Bangkok. The journey is about 12-13 hours.

Overnight in Train. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 20: BANGKOK

This is the last day of your tour. After arrival this morning, you can spend some more time exploring Bangkok before you leave to travel home. The group will have the shared use of several day rooms which will be available until around 12 pm noon (most times). We wish you a comfortable journey home and we are sure you will take some wonderful memories of Thailand and Laos with you.

When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any post-tour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (Day 20) is not included.

* It is possible that the group for a part of this trip is combined with the participants of our 20-day Total Thailand and 13-day North Thailand trips. Obviously, we ensure that the maximum of 24 participants is not exceeded. The local English-speaking tour guide(s) ensure(s) proper execution of the trip.

* Hotel check-out times are midday. Late check-out is not included.

PRIVATE TOUR

*Accommodation & Transportation is subject to availability at booking moment & Tour price is subject to seasonal fluctuations 

Included:

• All transportation between hotels by private airconditioned (mini)bus
• Train: Bangkok-Nong Kai / Chiang Mai-Bangkok / Bangkok-Surat Thani / Surat Thani - Bangkok
• Accommodation hotels in double rooms including breakfast
• Ferry and tuktuk transfers Koh Pha-Ngan / Koh Samui
• Boat cruise Luang Prabang - Pac Beng - Huay Xai (shared)
• Bus transfer Huay Xai - Chiang Khong
• English speaking tour leader

Excluded:

• International flights
• All other meals
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc.)
• Gratitude to guide and driver
• Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above
• Optional excursions
• All entrance fees
• Booking fee
• Airport transfers
• Travel insurance
• Visa Fees (Thailand & Laos), airport taxes or any other government fees or additional surcharges