Laos - Vietnam - Thailand Tour 22 Days: Southeast Asian Adventure

Arrival at Luang Prabang international airport, get transferred to your hotel. Check-in time at hotel is between 13h30-14h00. Time for resting at hotel.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals               : NA

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

This morning transfer to the pier where you board a traditional long trail boat, for a relaxing cruise upstream on the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and witness the simple rural lifestyles. You will reach Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-April. Cruise back Luang Prabang. Stop and visit Ban Xangkhong, a weaving village, where you can jump into wooden looms with local expert for practical and experience.

This afternoon, driving through green rice paddies and farms. On your arrival at the Kuang Si waterfall, enjoy your short walking on trails of falls to visit the bear rescued centre. Enjoy spectacular views 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. Return to Luang Prabang.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals               : Breakfast

Free time until your transfer by our driver to the airport for your international flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival pick up and then drive to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals               : Breakfast

Today, we enjoy a Half 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.

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. You have free time until the evening transfer you to the railway station for your overnight train to Lao Cai. Train time from 22:00- 06:00

Accommodation            : On Sharing train soft 4 berth cabin

Meals                           : Breakfast

Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms. Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life. Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream.

Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In leisure months men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends in midafternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa.

Accommodation            : At the hotel in Sapa

Meals                           : Breakfast, Lunch

You will cycle into the Sapa valley and experience the fantastic scenery of mountains and rice paddy fields along the way. You will visit the Black Hmong village of Su Pan and then continue mostly downhill to the Tay village of Ban Ho, where you will enjoy lunch and have time to explore the village and take a swim in the river. After lunch you will be able to take a walk up to Red Dao village of Nam Toong. Here you have time to visit the local school and a Red Dao house. After exploring Nam Toong you walk back to Ban Ho where your car is waiting to take you back to Sapa. And then transfer you back to Lao Cai station to take your overnight train back to Hanoi. Train time is 21:30-05:25

Accommodation            : On Sharing train soft 4 berth cabin

Meals                           : Breakfast, Lunch

Upon arrival at the railway station, pick up and transfer you to a mini hotel for breakfast and fresh up and then transfer you to Ha Long Bay.

We then transfer you to a wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  Dinner on board. Overnight on Junk

Accommodation            : On Ha Long Bay cruise

Meals                           : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising to 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. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi and Noi Bai airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival pick up and transfer you to Hoian for your overnight

Accommodation            : At the hotel in Hoian

Meals                           : Breakfast, Lunch

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

Today we pick up at your hotel in Da Nang and then transfer to Hoian. Then you will visit Cam Thanh village, where you can discover the beauty of Bay Mau Coconut Forest and learn how to fish like a local on a short basket boat tour in Hoi An.

In the heart of green trees, in harmony with the melodious rhythm of Basket Boat, you will experience wonderful moments!

This signature basket boat is called THUYEN THUNG! It is made of woven bamboo.

Then it's COOKING CLASS time by preparing your own lunch with local guidelines. You will be introduced to some Vietnamese dishes that you will then taste with the locals.

This friendly family get-together will end with a Hoi An herbal foot massage.

In the afternoon start walking to the Hoi An Old Town

You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world.

Make a stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm. Transfer back to your hotel in Hoian for your overnight.

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.

In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon  

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

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 depart for Ben Tre. On arrival in Hàm Luông pier. Cruise on BenTre river exploring the lively activities along river as fishing, water transferring...see  brick making in  handy traditional style by printing and baking. Visit one of plenty of coconut processing workshops located along canal. Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village. Take a walk to family workshop making sleep mats and enjoying some fruits and tea.

 Riding a motor cart (xe lôi) or bike on shady paths, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on realy life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. Lunch at Hai Hồ house.

Afternoon - riding a sampan along canal, before boat back to Ham Luông pier.

Continue transfer back to Saigon for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals               : Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. We will pick you up with a comfortable vehicle to the center of Bangkok to check-in your hotel, then take your time to have a rest

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

Time is free until you are transferred to the airport for your flight to next destination

Accommodation : NA

Meals               : Breakfast