Laos Vietnam Thailand Tour 32 Days: The Grand Escape from Indochina

Arrival at Luang Prabang international airport and meet your guide, then transfer to your hotel. Check-in time is between 13h30-14h00. Time for resting at hotel

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang 

Meals               : Breakfast

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Stop and visit fresh local markets and back to hotel for breakfast.

This morning, depart to visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao The Continue to visit Wat Aham. Then, visit to the most photographed temple, Wat Xiengthong. Located at the end of peninsular closed to the confluence of Mekong and Khan River.

This afternoon, continue to former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang 

Meals               : Breakfast

After breakfast, visit Vat Xieng Thong, regarded as the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with low sweeping roofs.

Then set sail on a traditional river boat for a 2-hour cruise up the Mekong River to Pak Ou, at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers and visit the sacred caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum, home to hundreds of Buddha statues.

On the way, visit the Ban Xang Hai Village and discover the distillation of sticky rice wine.

Return to Luang Prabang and proceed by road to Ban Xang Khong weaving village where traditional mulberry leaf paper is also produced. 

Arrival in town, visit Vat Longkhoune temple, famous for its 18th century frescoes (located on the other side of town center). End of your visit, back to town and transfer back hotel for resting.

Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang. 

Accommodation            : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals                           : Breakfast

After breakfast, your private guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and then drive to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Long Lao. You will be able to observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day-to-day basis and even sharing the same school.

As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddy and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Afterward, your trekking brings you to one of the many springs which feed Kuang Si waterfalls, a beautiful pool full of sacred fish can be seen here.

You also can visit the bear conservation center which is located nearby and home to many bears which have been rescued from illegal farms. Return to Luang Prabang and stop at a nearby Khmu village of Ban Thapene.

Meals on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals               : Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Vang Vieng, drive passes through splendid scenery and past many panoramic lookout points on the winding mountaintop road.  There are several stops en route to take photos in the scenery. 

Arrive in Vang Vieng and descending the Nam Song by long tail boat leads us through idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique sight with the limestone mountain in the background.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

Accommodation : At the hotel in Vang Vieng

Meals               : Breakfast

Transfer to visit the Tham Phoukam cave and Blue Lagoon. Continue to visit the Hmong village Ban Nasom. Then heading to Tam Jang cave 172 steps where you can see the spectacular views of the city and the landscape.

Then transfer to Vientiane, about 2-2h30mins. Arrival and check in hotel for resting.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Vientiane 

Meals               : Breakfast

This morning, we start our city tour by visiting the oldest Wat Sisaket which houses thousands of tiny Buddha images and row after row of seated Buddhas.

Our next destination is Haw Phra Kaew, the royal temple that once enshrined the Emerald Buddha. Today it is a museum where there resides a tremendous collection of religious art.

Vientiane’s own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumph. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumored to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway. 

Then it is the golden Pha That Luang - the most important national monument in Laos - a symbol of Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty.

In the afternoon, transfer to the amazing Buddha Park (also called Wat Xieng Khouane) which is definitely worth a visit during your tour to the capital of a million elephants.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Vientiane 

Meals               : Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel. Time at leisure until the transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival pick up and then transfer to your hotel for check-in

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals               : Breakfast

Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. You then will move to Train Street where you have chance to see the Train come through

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trekking.

Transfer back to your hotel for free time.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals               : Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and then start a 2.5 hours driving to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee before arriving to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Try the feeling of witnessing the sunset on boat is really great. Dinner on board. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  In the evening, there is the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars. Overnight on Junk.

Accommodation : On Ha Long Bay cruise

Meals               : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas, we then take kayaking and swimming in the stunning bay. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a backup vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 2.5 hours journey back to Hanoi for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals               : Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at 07:00 transfer to the airport for your flight to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival pick up and we depart to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park to visit Phong Nha Cave, which is known as the " First Wonder of the Cave".

Cruise up the poetic Son River, enjoy the charming natural scenery on both sides of the river, visitors will encounter images of young women and children playing on the riverbank, experiencing the daily life of riverside villages bearing the Vietnamese soul.

Conquer Phong Nha Cave (Water Cave): Southeast Asia's longest water cave enjoys breathtaking limestone karst landscapes, underground river systems and stalactites that are unique in the world. Explore Co Tien & Cung Dinh caves to admire the beautiful stalactites created by nature over thousands of millennia.

Overnight at the hotel in Phong Nha

Accommodation : At the hotel in Dong Hoi

Meals               : Breakfast

After breakfast, continue the journey to visit Chay River - Dark Cave

Join Kayaking on Chay River: visitors will feel the calm, romantic flow with clear jade-green water with spectacular limestone mountains. On both sides of the bank are cornfields stretching to create a charming painting, visitors will enjoy relaxing moments while immersing themselves in the natural world.

Exploring Dark Cave: is a branch of Phong Nha cave system, there is no lighting system, so it still retains the mysterious and pristine beauty of nature. You become a cave explorer with a flashlight and specialized equipment to explore the underground river system, admire thousands of stalactite columns with diverse and unique shapes. Visitors will have an extremely interesting experience when they have the opportunity take a natural mud bath or swim through the cool Thuy Tien and Bong Lai lakes.

Joining Zipline to swing in the air, you can go to the middle of Chay river with a well-invested and very modern zip-line system from which to fall to cool off with this blue and dreamy river and participate in other water games.

Goodbye Phong Nha - Ke Bang we then get on the car (No Guide) and transfer you to Hue for our overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hue

Meals               : Breakfast

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc. Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945, do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Transfer to Hoian for your overnight. Overnight at the hotel in Hoian.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoian

Meals               : Breakfast

08:00 am – 08:15 am: Our Car and tour guide will pick you up at hotel lobby. Reach Ba Na Hills via Cable Car.

Spend your time on the most modern Cable Car which gains 4 world scores.

Travelling through hills, contemplating the whole primitive forest and travelling freely by the Climbing Train. Come to Le Jardin D’Amour (consists of 9 gardens), Ling Ung Pagoda and Golden Bridge.

Continue to visit the French Village a classical ad romantic France with unique architectural works, peak of Chua Mountain, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple and Tru Vu Tea Shop,…

12:30 pm: Lunch at Restaurant by your own account

Join in Fantasy Park – one of the largest indoor games zone in Viet Nam. Discover Dinosaur Park and Jurassic Park, watch 5D, 4D and 3D cinemas, ride on Journey into the underground, challenge Freefall Tower and participate in adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.

15:00 pm: Return to the Cable Car and go down the mountain.

16:45 pm – 17:45 pm: Our Car will bring you back to your hotel. End of the tour.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoian

Meals               : Breakfast

Start your tour today with the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son, which is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by impressive mountains. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings. The passable road ends about 1.5 miles from the actual site. At this point you have the option of taking a 4WD jeep or hiking the remainder of the distance to the ruins. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon

Upon arrival pick up and then transfer to your hotel for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon 

Meals               : Breakfast

Morning after having breakfast, depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war.  Afternoon, we take a half day of city tour to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next, it is on to the Old Saigon Post Office. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offer guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here. Overnight at the hotel in HCM city.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals               : Breakfast

Pick up at your hotel in Saigon and then move 2 hours to Cai Be. The program will start with a quick visit of Cai Be town & the ancient church from the boat. Then, we’ll come to Tân Phong Island for the rowing boat. They will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time under the shade of mangrove trees. Stop at local garden to enjoy some fruits with hot tea when listening to the traditional music.

Then, start the biking trip on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses... On the way, we can make some stops to see how they wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes... (You can walk, but see less).

Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on the handmade canal to a local house & have lunch at this traditional house. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.

 Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at the new boat station of VinhLong city! From here we will pick up and transfer you back to Saigon for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals               : Breakfast, Lunch

Morning transfer without guide to the airport for flight to Bangkok. Warmly welcome you on arrival at the airport, transfer you with a comfortable vehicle to your hotel for your overnight.

Accommodation             : At the hotel in Bangkok

Meals                           : Breakfast

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. The pagoda is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue.

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.

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. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style.

 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.

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

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok

Meals               : Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, take just a short drive from the bustling streets of Bangkok, the high-rise urban landscape dissolves into a lush green rural idyll. This full-day trip to Samut Songkhram Province, only an hour outside the capital, allows guests to experience the traditional charms of the Thai countryside.

The day starts with a trip to Mae Klong Railway market; a country market has sprouted up along the tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors quickly clear their stalls, only to set them up again moments later when the train has passed! From here, the journey continues to very famous touristic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although quite touristy today, the market remains the best example to showcase how a floating market originally was like decades ago. A relaxing paddle boat ride through the labyrinth of canals offers the chance to see the old part of the floating market and local lifestyle along the canal side. Off the boat, it is time to enjoy strolling around the colorful floating marketplace bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights.

Next you transfer to Kanchanaburi for a visit to the World War II memorial including the Cemetery.

Afternoon, We continue to Wang Pho. Afterwards get on a train ride along the railway from Wang Pho along the river around 30 minutes. Transfer to the city for the night. Stay overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Kanchanaburi

Meals               : Breakfast

Early morning departure to Erawan National Park (NO CAVE VISIT) considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Thailand. This is such an impressive series of seven tiers, each with a shape and character on its own. 

Originating from the Monglai Stream, water flows down from the hill at height of 2000m and flows into the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest. You’ll get to enjoy a relaxing swim in the natural pools.

In the afternoon, transfer by road to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayuthay is known as the “Venice of the East” because it is located along the Chao Phraya River, tributaries surrounding the Ayuthaya province.

Night in Ayuttaya

Accommodation : At the hotel in Ayutthaya

Meals               : Breakfast

Morning after breakfast we will catch Kermit tuk tuk. These ‘cute’ tuk tuks are found in only two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya, and Trang. Along the ride, explore the temple highlights of the city from Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (with a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and strolling through a local market en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago. The city boasts many interesting temples and museums. Transfer to the railway station for your overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : On overnight train to Chiang Mai

Meals               : Breakfast

The morning will be mainly devoted to visit the old city with a stop at the ancient wall, the moat and a door of the old city. You will see more   beautiful temples in Chiang Mai:   Wat Prah Singh Temple, Wat Phan Tao temple and the temple Wat Chedi Luang. Then you will stroll along streets lined with traditional houses, where you make a rickshaw ride. From there, you'll at large Central Market Warorot. Afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous pagoda Chiang Mai. It is reached after climbing a staircase of 290 steps with ramps represent two giant naga. From the square, you can admire the panorama of the whole Chiang Mai Valley.

Then visit craft villages: lacquer factories, silk weaving, manufacture of umbrellas, wood carvings and goldsmith work.

Then transfer back to the hotel.

You are free exploring night market in evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals               : Breakfast

Start: 7:30am - 8:00am pick up from your Chiang Mai city hotel or start at officeno later than 7.30am

‘Hands Off’ Project: where the elephants roam freely as a herd and uniquely viewed from the SkyWalk.

Observe the Herd: Take a walk around the park and observe the elephants in their chosen herds and learn about their stories and special needs.

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious and varied vegan buffet of Asian and Western delights.

Observe Interaction: Observe the elephants socializing in their herds and playing in the mud pit or covering themselves with sand after bathing in the river.

Visit Rescued Animals: Visit the Dog Project and learn about our rescued dogs and our dog adoption program. Visit Cat Kingdom and learn about our rescued cats. Visit other rescued animals at the park.

Return: At 3:30pm it’s time to say goodbye to the elephants before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your hotel/guesthouse.

*Park visits are all about spending quality time observing and being with the herd. We do not adhere to a strict schedule. The best way to make the most of your visit is to relax, watch, and learn about elephants.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals               : Breakfast, Lunch

You have free time until we pick up and then transfer you to the aiport for your flight to Krabi.

Upon arrival pick up and then transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Krabi

Meals               : Breakfast

Relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful beaches and unrivalled charms of south Thailand

Accommodation : At the hotel in Krabi

Meals               : Breakfast

Relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful beaches and unrivalled charms of south Thailand

Accommodation : At the hotel in Krabi

Meals               : Breakfast

You have free time until we pick up and transfer you to Koh Lanta. Free & easy (B)

Accommodation : At the hotel in Koh Lanta 

Meals               : Breakfast

Relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful beaches and unrivalled charms of south Thailand

Accommodation : At the hotel in Koh Lanta

Meals               : Breakfast

Relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful beaches and unrivalled charms of south Thailand

Accommodation : At the hotel in Koh Lanta

Meals               : Breakfast

After breakfast transfer to Krabi airport for your flight to next destination.

Accommodation : NA

Meals               : Breakfast