16 Days Thailand & Laos Via Huay Xay Border

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.

The first destination is the Grand Palace. This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s.

Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there. Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. 

Wat Pra Kaew is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue will bring back fortune and prosperity for the nation.

Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho – the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage.

The Wat Pho wall-surrounded complex was divided into 2 by Soi Chetuphon running along East – West. The Northern complex is the one including the in gold Buddha statue and massage school mentioned above. The Southern complex, Tukgawee, is a monastery and a school.

We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.

On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. “Arun” means sunrise, but it is most beautiful in the sunset. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style. You can climb up to the top of Wat Arun to see Chao Phraya, Grand Palace and Wat Pho at the opposite side.

Afternoon, we visit the last destination of the day: Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power. The Golden Statue was defined to be built in Sukhothai period, the 13-15th century – one of the most famous periods of Thai Buddhism architecture.

Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok 

Meals: Breakfast 

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Meaklong Railway Market – a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed.

We continue our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating market, which is specialized in trading fruits, vegetables, etc… by small boat. In the old days, floating markets were formed because roads and means of road traffic have not developed.

Due to the demand for buying and selling goods, people gather in the river by means such as boats. Nowadays, despite the fact that the road network has developed everywhere, floating market still exists and develops more and more.

We transfer to Ayutthaya, check-in the hotel there and then you are free to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Ayutthaya 

Meals: Breakfast 

Having a breakfast and today we will pay a visit to some sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park, situated in the old city of Ayutthaya.

The city was constructed by Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by Burmese – Myanmar army in 1767. Being a ruin with many temples which characterize this type of architecture built with red bricks, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.

– Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields and can be seen from afar. Built by King Ramesuan in 1395, the pagoda is unique with the combination of 2 architectural styles: Thai – style and Mon – style. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.

– Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Ayutthaya Grand Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The highlight of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style, has the same architecture with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

– Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand. It was considered to be built during the Ayuttaya period of King Srongta, who transferred the location from the east side to the west and has been the location since then. After that he ordered to build a dome on top.

– Wat Lokaya Sutha is considered as the sacred place for pilgrims since it’s famous for the reclining Buddha statue, which is the statue of the Blessed Buddha intact compared to other monuments in the entire Ayutthaya ruins. It is also the most important relics in most of those in Wat Lokaya Sutha. Thai people believe that if they paste the golden leaf onto Buddha statues, they will be protected by Buddha. Heading back to Bangkok.

En route, we visit the Royal Summer Palace in Bang Pa-in district.

Situated about 60 km northern away from Bangkok, this palace is called Royal Summer Palace since it is a favorite resort of royal. The first palace had been built in mid-early of the 17th century, then was the ruins and be forgotten when Burman occupied Ayutthaya.

It was not until the rule of King Rama IV – did the palace rebuild. King Rama IV was the first Siamese king came to Europe and was sharply impressed by the architecture there. Therefore, the whole architecture of the palace is in the way of 19th century European style.

Proceed to the airport in Bangkok for a flight to Chiang Mai.
Check-in hotel and overnight in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai 

Meals: Breakfast 

Today morning, we have a walking tour to the old town with a stop at the old wall, the moat and a door of the old town. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai: Wat Phra Singh temple. 

The temple, which is also known as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha” or “The temple of the Lion Buddha” is an active temple, with hundreds of monks and novices living there. The Wat Phra Singh houses a number of highly revered and very old Buddha images. Moreover, it is one of the finest examples of classic Lanna style temple architecture in Northern Thailand.

The next is Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple sitting right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai town. It is known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan) entirely made of teakwood, which served as a throne hall during the reign of King Mahotara Prateth.

Next to Wat Phan Tao is Wat Chedi Luang. This is a Buddhist temple in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The current temple grounds were originally made up of three temples — Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmin.

Wat Chedi Luang’s massive chedi (pagoda) was built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty and is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline.

Then you will stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take a rickshaw tour. After that, you will take a walking through the central market of Warorot. 

Among the numerous markets in Chiang Mai, this is one of the most well-known, located right in the center of town. Warorot Market is a great spot for travelers wanting to experience the true Thai culture and daily life. You can buy almost anything at Warorot Market, a real mixed bag of everything.

In the afternoon we visit the Doi Suthep hill. The mountain’s temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand and, as such, large numbers of Thais and foreigners alike come to experience the special magic of this holy place.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an impressive embodiment of the Lanna (northern Thai) culture and is a symbol deeply cherished by the people of Chiang Mai.

Return to the hotel and you can relax or enjoy going to the night market.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai 

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai 

Meals: Lunch

This day will start with a transfer to Doi Inthanon National Park. It will take approximately 2 hours to this highest peak of Thailand.

On arrival, we will spend 2-3 hours trekking through the jungle following a narrow mountain trail which leads us to stunning hidden waterfall in the middle of lush jungle.

Along the way before reaching the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, we will pass through the farmland where you will see the coffee plantation, flowers farm and the beautiful rice terraces. Discover the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village and taste a cup of locally grown coffee. 

Then move on to Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70 meters high thunderous waterfall. Enjoy the cool fresh air at the waterfall before we continue back to the ground.

After that you will visit the beautiful architecture of Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri which build to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol and Queen Sirikit.

Heading back to Chiang Mai for your overnight.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai 

Meals: Breakfast 

Morning after breakfast, we will visit the local market to discover the local products. After that we visit the world famous Wat Phra Kaew, one of the oldest and most revered temple in Chiang Rai city.

The Wat Phra Kaew is an important temple in Thai history, as it was here where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in the year 1434 after lightning struck the chedi where it was kept. The Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaew Morakot is the most highly.

We also visit the famous Wat Rong Khun. Only a transparent white color from the towers to the Buddha statues, Wat Rong Khun is equally noteworthy as the gold-plated temples typical of Thailand’s smiley country. 

This is a combination of unique Thai architecture and realistic depiction style Completed in the late 20th century, the temple is one of the attractive destinations to both a large number of Thai and foreign tourists.

We can’t miss Wat Rong Seur Ten. It stands out among other magnificent temples in Thailand thanks to the enchanting green. This unique green building is one of the pride of Chiang Rai city.  Not only by the rare and magical blue, the temple is covered by meticulous, sophisticated and gilded decorative details.

Then take a boat to cruise on Mae Kok river from Chiang Rai to Karen village.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai 

Meals: Breakfast 

After a leisurely breakfast, we head to Doi Mae Salong Mountain, one of Chiang Rai’s main attractions. We will first visit to the remote Akha ethnic village where you can explore the delicious Chinese Cuisine, tea & coffee plantation as well as their traditions & life style.

Lastly we will continue to the village of Santi Kiri known for tea and coffee plantations, local wines and medical herbs. The locals come from Yunnan Province and are descendants of Chinese refugees from 50 years ago. The region is famous for its Chinese tea traders – so enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains and tea fields.

We continue taking a boat trip along Mekong River to see Thailand, Burma & Laos, confluence at the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is known for its beautiful scenery. Some of the sights in the area include a large golden Buddha image seated in a boat, an ancient temple on a hill.

Overnight in Chiang Saen.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Saen 

Meals: Breakfast 

Today you will be picked up at your hotel and transfer you to Thai – Lao border No. 4.
At 07:30am, you will meet our English-Speaking team with a welcome sign at the Chiang Khong immigration office. He will help the guests to exit Thailand and get the shuttle bus to Lao border (included). Our guide will assist customers to apply for the visa. After getting the VISA, guests will take a sharing transfer (minivan) to the slow boat pier to embark on the boat. During the morning, Quick lecture about Do’s and Don’ts in Laos and fun facts will be presented by our guide.
Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.
Before reaching Pakbeng, we will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Keng Lae), a tiny cozy place which host about 70 families. Travelers will learn about rural lifestyle in a very remote area.
The boat will arrive at Pakbeng before the night.
Overnight in your hotel in Pakbeng.
 
Accommodation: At the hotel in Pakbeng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
 
Note for Shompoo Cruise:

• From October to April: Departure every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
• From May to September: Departure every Monday and Friday.
• From November to February, it can get cold during the cruise, do not forget to bring a jacket.
• It is possible to leave luggage and suitcase on the boat and take only small daypack for your overnight in Pakbeng.
• For safety reasons and according to the weather conditions, the program may change without prior notice.

In the morning, our guide and cooker will make a short demonstration on how to make local handicrafts and will also prepare some lao desserts and local drinks that travelers will eat later in the afternoon.
A Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.
First stop will be at Ban Muang village, small village famous for its lao lao whiskey making. Right after the visit, the boat will stop for the second visit at the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its over two thousand Buddha statues. It is one of the most important Pilgrimage places for lao people.
After the visit, enjoy the homemade desserts and drinks made by our team and the travelers. The boat will arrive in Luang Prabang before 4:30pm.
We’ll arrive in Luang Prabang by 4:30 PM, concluding a day full of cultural exploration and scenic beauty.
Then, meet our staff, then transfer from pier to the hotel for check-in. Time at leisure.
 
Accommodation: At the hotel in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
 

Start your walking tour today at the National Museum, which features fascinating artifacts from Laos' royal history. Then hike up to the marble Phousi viewpoint for breathtaking views of this UNESCO city. Marble at Heunchan is a former traditional wooden house that was originally built in the 19th century.
Continue your exploration at the ancient temples Wat Sensoukharam and Wat Xieng Thong, then stroll through areas showcasing French colonial architecture. Take a moment to imagine the scenic confluence where the Nam Khan River meets the mighty Mekong. The late afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy at your leisure
Overnight in Luang Prabang
 
Accommodation: At the hotel in Luang Prabang 
Meals: Breakfast 

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be pick up from hotel to the venue located inside a small village overseeing rice field to participate in the Bamboo Experience.

You will be explained on usage on bamboo to make various items and also given experience to play their childhood games with metal balls, crossbow arrow, ….

Participate in a bamboo weaving course with the guides of an expert teacher. Try with a knife to cut the bamboo into several pieces and then weave them for about an hour to complete your own mat that you will take with you as a keepsake.

Then, enjoy great time learning about using bamboo in cooking, such as: bamboo shoot soup, bamboo shoot with banana leaf with sticky rice … Afterwards, savor your creations in the traditional Laotian house (Pavilion style).

Then travelling outskirt of Luang Prabang, driving through green rice paddies and farms.

On your arrival at the Kuang Si fall, enjoy your short walking on trails of falls to visit the bear rescued centre, and surrounding of orchids inside the park and falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools where you can cool off with a swim. Transfer back to Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Luang Prabang 

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch

Train detail: C91: 12:50 -13:50 (Subject to Change)
After a delightful breakfast, you will have free time at your leisure. When the time comes, you will be transferred to Luang Prabang train station for your journey to the outdoor adventure city of Vang Vieng.
Upon arrival, a Tuk-Tuk driver will escort you to take photos at the Blue-Sky Bridge, followed by a visit to the stunning Marble Cave.
End the day with an exciting kayaking experience on the Nam Song River, where you can enjoy the sunset amidst the karst mountain valley. Afterwards, unwind at your hotel or explore the charming city at your own pace.
Overnight in Vang vieng
 
Accommodation: At the hotel in Vang Vieng 
Meals: Breakfast

Train detail: C91: 13:57 -14:50 (Subject to Change)
Optional activities such as: Paramotor riding & Hot air balloon
Post- Breakfast, hop on Tuk-tuk to hike atop of Pha Namxay stunning viewpoint, picture at Ang Savanh and dip into Blue lagoon then transfer to Vang vieng train station travel to capital
Upon arrival, your English driver will take you to Buddha Park, where over 200 stunning statues beautifully blend Hindu and Buddhist art. Visit the iconic Pha That Luang and capture photos of the music fountain at Victory Gate. End your day with a relaxing walk through the lively Vientiane Night Market, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and unwind at your hotel.
Overnight in Vientiane 
 
Accommodation: At the hotel in Vientiane 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed morning, pick up some last-minute souvenirs, then get transfer to the airport. End of service !