16 Days Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Adventure

The one that covers Thailand, Cambodia and Laos in 2 weeks

No two days are the same on this epic quest. As you wander from the Bangkok cityscapes to Siem Reap’s remote beauty, you’ll be completely immersed in South East Asia – past and present. You’ll admire the Buddhist temples, learn all about the harrowing history, become a champion Muay Thai boxer and even try your hand at quad biking. Buckle up!

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DAY 1 BANGKOK

Bangkok

Touch down in Thailand's capital. After checking into our hotel there'll be time for DIY exploring, a massage or lying by the pool to catch the first of that sweet tropical sunshine. Later we'll rendezvous back at base so you can hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours to enjoy authentic Pad Thai & the Khao San road nightlife.

Hotel Nouvo City Hotel (or similar)

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DAY 2 BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI

Bangkok

We'll start the day early, with so much to see, there's no time to waste. Catching Bangkok's water taxi system with the city locals is the most convenient way to get to our first stop - The Royal Palace. With our incredible local guide leading the charge, we will learn all about its 61 acres of incredible architecture and some traditions of the Thailand Royal Family. Then we'll jump on our private boat for a tour of the klongs (canals) and some fish feeding. Just listing today's sites gives us the butterflies. Once we get back to the hotel, ask your Trip Manager where to find the best local lunch before we wave goodbye to Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi

Bangkok, you've been a dream! But the show must go on. Fast becoming a must-visit in this part of the world, we make tracks to our next destination - the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. We'll start with a stop to visit the most famous bridge in town & The Death Railway Museum & WWII Cemetery will give you a healthy dose of history. And then it’s time to reach our home for the night - right on the riverfront! (Yes, you can jump in the river directly from your room.) Nothing like being greeted with a delicious dinner of local specialities, right? We’ll finish the day off watching the sunset over the dazzling landscape.

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel River Kwai Jungle Rafts (or similar)

Included Experiences

Grand Palace and Klong Tour - Nose around the gilded Royal Palace, then travel like a local: floating down the Rivers.

Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai - A sombre slice of history. See the Death Railway Museum, WWII Cemetery and the famous Bridge itself.

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DAY 3 KANCHANABURI TO CHIANG MAI VIA AYUTTHAYA

Kanchanaburi

We've got an exciting journey ahead of us today! We'll first make our way to the impressive Erawan falls. Walk across the serene trials. Or dip your feet into the emerald blue waters before we head to our next destination.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayuhaya

We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We'll grab bikes & ride past ornate temples, towering spires and beautiful palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Overnight Train to Chiang Mai

All aboard for Chiang Mai!

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Overnight Train

Included Experiences

Relax at Erawan Waterfalls - Cool off in emerald pools, shower under a waterfall and get your step count up. All in a day's work.

Bike around Ayuhaya - Golden temples, a giant reclining Buddha and so many incredible sights to see. Try not to fall off your bike in shock!

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DAY 4 OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO CHIANG MAI VIA ELEPHANT NATURE PARK

Overnight Train to Chiang Mai

Time to rise and shine. Today we're waking up in Chiang Mai!

Elephant Nature Park

Right here in this city is everything you’ve been waiting for. That’s right, we’re spending an entire day at an elephant nature park! Watch these majestic giants strolling through their natural habitat as a part of an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. (Who knows, you might even befriend one!). We’ll grab a wholesome lunch at the park and make our way to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai

A free evening in this blissful city? How about spending the evening zipping around on a Vespa? Exploring like a local is the best way to explore, after all.

Meals Lunch

Hotel The Empress Hotel (or similar)

Included Experiences

Hang out with Elephants (Ethically) MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences - Help to protect to these majestic giants by learning about their struggle while watching them roam free - the way they were meant to live.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Vespa Aer Dark Tour - We'll spend tonight zipping around on a Vespa, exploring the small streets & alleyways of Chiang Mai. Between foodie stops at family restaurants & street vendors, we'll check out some local monuments and even try our hand at making papaya salad. Taste the amazing flavours of Tom Kha Gai & BBQ skewers before topping it all off with some live music in the market district (100kg weight restriction).

Adult: 2900.00 THB

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DAY 5 CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai

Ah yes. A completely free day in this amazing city - and there’s so much you can do. How about getting into a glove game with a Muay Thai lesson? Or maybe tour the local markets, guided by the head chef - who’ll then teach you how to rustle up an authentic Thai meal (right in the middle of a rice field!). The city really is all yours to make the most of.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel The Empress Hotel (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Muay Thai Class - Channel your inner martial arts master & learn from one of the best with a Muay Thai lesson. The Thai martial art is best known in Northern Thailand although more popular with tourists in the south (thanks to Muay Thai bootcamps) take a few pro tips from our resident expert in this non-contact lesson.

Adult: 1240.00 THB

Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit - Tour local markets, guided by the head chef, followed by travel to cooking class area which is set in a rice field in the outskirts of Chiang Mai.

Adult: 1200.00 THB

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DAY 6 CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI

Chiang Mai

It’s time to bid farewell to this lovely place. Why, you ask? Because we’re saying hello to the Chiang (‘city’ in Thai) of colourful temples! We’ll munch on a delicious breakfast, then head straight there.

Chiang Rai

The Black House Museum. A blue temple, and a majestic white one too. Welcome to the city where the beauty of colours culminates. We’ll drop our bags off at our hotel and head straight to the Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) - a modern architectural marvel, entirely designed using white glass. You won’t really find any temple like this in Thailand! We’ll then call it a day after admiring the incredible design of Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Temple), and the Baan Dam Museum.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Wiang Inn Hotel (or similar)

Included Experiences

Admire the White Wonderland at Wat Rong Khun - Tour one of Thailand’s most-recognisable temples – the White Temple. You’ll find plenty of Buddhist symbolism hinted throughout its beautiful architecture (you know, to satisfy your artistic soul).

Explore the Neo-Traditional Architecture of Wat Rong Seua Ten - Blazing blue deities will welcome you at the gates of this mesmerising temple. Don’t forget your camera for a spectacular view of this unconventional style of Buddhist art.

Immerse Yourself in the Artistic Baan Dam Museum (Black Museum) - Visit the place that has hosted art scholars and researchers for over 50 years. This museum is all about mixing traditional and modern Thai architectural styles, and it’s prey spellbinding too. 

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DAY 7 CHIANG RAI TO PAKBENG

Chiang Rai

Taking a border hop, we’ll cross out of Thailand and into Laos. After collecting our oh-sovaluable passport stamps, we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat.

Pak Beng

Remote, traditional, and endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Local Guest House (or similar)

Included Experiences

Cruise on a Local Boat - Float down the Mekong from Pak Beng, past craggy caves and sleepy hillside villages. A proper taste of Laos life.

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DAY 8 PAK BENG TO LUANG PRABANG

Pak Beng

Leaving Pak Beng, we make our way to Luang Prabang - get ready for gorgeous waterfalls, biking explorations and a chance to experience the local community and sacred Buddhist rituals.

Luang Prabang

Ending our Mekong River magic we arrive in the much-loved city of Luang Prabang. Temples dusted in gold, historic French mansions, & locals wrapped in saffron robes make this one of the prettiest places in Asia. Our explorations will involve a sunset from a hill-top stupa & a bout of shopping at the local night markets.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel Luang Prabang Inn (or similar)

Included Experiences

See 4,000 Buddhas at Pak Ou Caves - Definitely the most surreal caves we’ve ever seen. Rock caverns packed with thousands of mini Buddha statues. Pics or it didn’t happen.

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DAY 9 LUANG PRABANG

Luang Prabang

A city cycle and a swim under the 60-metre cascades of Kuang Si Falls will provide our daily nature fix, but most of the day is yours to visit palaces & temples & watch local life by the river, or choose to explore any way that suits. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar, and contemplate just how good life is and how relaxed you already feel just one week in.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Luang Prabang Inn (or similar) 

Included Experiences

See Luang Prabang on Two Wheels - Cycle around the former capital of Laos. Then visit Big Brother Mouse to help locals improve their English.

Channel Serenity at Wat Xieng Thong - Meditate at this ornate temple, or just marvel at its gilded beauty and take lots of pics. 

Watch the Weavers at Ock Pop Tock Centre MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences - Your chance to watch Lao textile artisans at work, making clothes and homeware using special techniques.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Kuang Si Waterfall - Kuang Si waterfalls have a beautiful aqua colour. With transfers and entry included you can check out the 4 different swimming areas. You might even be fortunate enough to check out the nearby bear conservation centre.

Adult: 25.00 USD

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DAY 10 LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG

Luang Prabang

This morning, the early risers will be rewarded with Buddhist rituals – kissed by the sun's morning rays. Take part in the daily ritual of offering alms to the Monks of Luang Prabang's 34 temples. After collecting our blessings, we’ll jump on a high-speed train that’ll whizz us to a lively tourist hub filled with plentiful opportunities for adventure. Makes leaving the charming town of Luang Prabang a little easier, right?

Vang Vieng

Known for its dramatic limestone karsts, Vang Vieng will keep you busy this evening. Explore the local rivers and caves by kayak, or chill out surrounded by like-minded travellers, watching the sun set over the mountains.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel The Silver Naga Hotel (or similar)

Included Experiences

Take part in a Buddhist Alms Giving - Always wanted to live like a Buddhist? Here is your chance to offer an ‘Alms’ to monks, in the spirit of karmic giving.

Jump on a High Speed Train to Vang Vieng - Hop onto the train from Luang Prabang, travelling at a dashing 160 km/h. You’ll catch some breathtaking views on the way

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Kayaking & Caving Experience - Explore Vang Vieng by river with a kayaking and caving experience.

Adult: 27.00 USD

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DAY 11 VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE

Vang Vieng

Today you should wake up feeling satisfied with your Vang Vieng explorations, and ready to peel back the layers of another Laos hotspot…

Vientiane

Welcome to the largest city in Laos! If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised. The vibe here is strictly chilled. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa & the artistic talent of Patuxai, we’ll use our time here to lend a helping hand to the COPE centre - a local charity that provides prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded bombs. It’s now time to visit the Buddha Park - a fanciful sculpture garden adorned with significant Buddhist images. Spend some time talking amongst the bizarre & sometimes ornate statues, and head back to our hotel for a good night’s rest.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Hotel Aaron (or similar)

Included Experiences

Support the Work of COPE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - See the amazing efforts of this non-profit, which gives prosthetic limbs to disabled locals – some of who are victims of unexploded bombs. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience

Wander Around Laos' Serene Capital - This isn't your typical hectic capital city. Today, you'll walk around the peacefully lovely city of Vientiane and admire Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe - the Patuxai.

Let Yourself be Baffled by the Buddha Park - It’s bizarre. It’s beautiful. And it has a lot of Buddha statues. This fanciful sculpture garden will leave you with wonder (and a lile bit of confusion) in your eyes

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DAY 12 VIENTIANE TO PHNOM PENH

Vientiane

This morning we’ll cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as we make our way to the capital of Cambodia.

Phnom Penh

Drop your bags off at our cool hotel in the Bassac Quarter (the perfect spot to kick back with a beer and a bite). We’re doing some historical sight-seeing today. We’ll visit The Royal Palace (the official residence of the Cambodian royals) and the Silver Pagoda (one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture). Later tonight, the city is yours to explore as you please.

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Mettavary Hotel (or similar)

Included Experiences

Fly to Phnom Penh - Fasten your seatbelts folks, we’re off to Phnom Penh

Marvel at the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda - Admire the architectural wonder of some of the best buildings from the Khmer Empire of Vietnam – built back in the 1800s!

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DAY 13 PHNOM PENH

Phnom Penh

You'll find reminders of Cambodia’s dark past hidden among the shy smiles and pretty treelined streets. Today we'll learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with our local guide. Once we’re done paying respect, we’ll head back to our hotel located at an after-dark dinner hotspot. (Ask your Trip Manager for some local favourites!)

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Mettavary Hotel (or similar)

Included Experiences

Pay respects at the ‘Killing Fields’ - A sombre but important remembrance for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Visit the fields and Genocide Museum.

Explore the Bustling Bassac Quarter - Spend the evening at one of Phnom Penh's best-loved aer-dark hotspots for refreshing beverages and tantalising food.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Take your Taste Buds on a Tuk-Tuk Adventure - Hop onto a tuk-tuk for a ride through the streets. Discover Phnom Penh's best street food, momand-pop restaurants and vibrant bars. We'll cover all the corners of the city - from famous specialties to hidden gems. Plus, there's live music too! 

Adult: 62.00 USD

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DAY 14 PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP

Phnom Penh

We'll take a coach out of Cambodia's capital this morning and drive into the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world.

Siem Reap

The resort town is all yours to explore today. You could relax poolside in the afternoon. Or visit the Phare Circus (which also holds the Guiness World Record for the longest circus show) for some insane multicultural entertainment. There are plenty of things you could spice up your night with - but it's probably best to reserve your energy for our early morning visit to an Eighth Wonder of the World (and something we know you've all been waiting for).

Meals Breakfast

Hotel Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar)

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Catch the Cambodian Phare Circus MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Energy. Emotion. Enthusiasm. The Phare circus will have you captivated by its multicultural entertainment, which donates its funds to unprivileged children in Cambodia.

Adult: 18.00 USD

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DAY 15 SIEM REAP

Siem Reap

Prepare to be moved to the core this morning as we journey to Angkor Wat through dawn's hours in preparation for sunrise. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of watching the day's first rays touch this ancient spiritual site, it's pretty much magic. After a siesta and pool hangs to break up the day back at our hotel, we journey back to the temples to explore Angkor Thom and the Tomb Raider temple of Ta Prohm, which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle. With knowledge in hand, we'll pay a visit to a social enterprise, where disadvantaged and former street children are trained up in hospitality skills. And wow, do they do it well; their frozen shakes and mouth-watering menu never fail to impress. With no early rise on tomorrow's agenda, we can let loose on the city's famous Pub Street and the buzzing local night markets.

Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar)

Included Experiences

Tour Cambodia’s Buddhist Temples - Visit Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon – where Tomb Raider was filmed. But dress appropriately (no hotpants, soz).

Empower Young Locals by Eating a Scrumptious Dinner MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience - Not only is the food top-notch, this social enterprise makes a mission out of training and employing street youths. Respect.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Quad Biking at Sunset - Depart from Siem Reap around 17:00 and head for the paddy fields located on the outskirts of the town. Drive over small dirt roads that pass the local communities and take in the sights and sounds of rural Cambodia before finding a spot in between the paddy fields to admire sunset. Return to town driving along countryside roads aer sunset. Included hotel return hotel pick up, entrance fees and guide. Running time 90-120 minutes.

Adult: 45.00 USD

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DAY 16 SIEM REAP

Siem Reap

We came, we saw, we did it all! After one final delicious Asian breakfast together it's finally time to say goodbye (sob). Team, it's been epic.

Meals Breakfast