The Glimpse of Thailand & Laos Package – 17 Days

Morning after breakfast, we depart to Ayutthaya, it takes about more than hour to reach the former Thai capital. Witness the glory of the ancient capital through its temple and palace ruins. First, 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. And after that we visit will be the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King. And transfer to the station to embark on the night train to Chiang Mai.  Overnight on the train Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast served at local restaurant. The morning will be mainly devoted to the walking tour of 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, Wat Phan Tao temple, Wat Chedi Luang temple. Then you will stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take rickshaw tour. After that, you will take a walking through the central market of Warorot. Lunch on your own at local restaurant and we continue to local workshops of craftsmanship in Sankampang Road, east of the city. Along this road you will touch very specializes in the making of Sa Paper umbrellas, the weaving handloom for Thai silk & cotton, silverware making, lacquer ware and a celadon. Back to the hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Chiang Mai. Overnight in Chiang Mai Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel Morning, drive through scenery from Chiang Mai to Chiangrai (200 km away) by road along picturesque scenic routes pass the several beautiful northern mountains and valley, short stop at Maekachan hot spring. Then, we visit the White temple, Wat Rong Khun. It nevertheless very recent temple is the most visited monument in the region, the work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started in 1997. Its creator himself announces that he will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. Its uniqueness, its whiteness, making it a unique temple of its kind. In wihaan a fresco mixing Buddhist codes with Matrix, Star Wars, the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York and even Kung Fu Panda stands out from the usual decorations such monuments. Move to Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple) The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Seua Ten literally translates to ‘temple of the dancing tiger.’ It was built on a site where tigers were said to have jumped over the river. Transfer to your hotel in Chiang Rai to check in and relax. Overnight in Chiang Mai Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast box will be prepared by hotel. We will transfer you to Huay Xai border to embark Anouvong Cruise. In the morning, Heritage Line extends a warm welcome to guests at the Lao immigration office. After gathering all passengers, we embark on a minivan journey to Huay Xai Pier, where the Heritage Line ‘Anouvong’ awaits. Our dedicated team facilitates your check-in and ensures the smooth handling of your luggage. Once preparations are complete, the captain charts the course for ‘Anouvong’s’ enthralling 3-night voyage along the Upper Mekong. As the ship progresses towards its initial destination, join our cruise director for a welcome and safety briefing in the lounge. Arriving at the confluence of the Mekong and a significant tributary, allow the gentle currents to carry you downstream, providing uninterrupted views of natural beauty. Our journey begins at Ban Pak Sith, a small riverside village mainly inhabited by the Khmu ethnic minority. Life here is simple and closely tied to nature, with families primarily sustained by rice and vegetable farming. Some households continue the traditional craft of blacksmithing, producing essential tools such as knives, hoes, and spades. Here, if available, the village blacksmith will demonstrate his time-honored methods and skills. Before returning on board, we also spent some time connecting with local students and enjoying their lively skill performance. Before dinner, step into the storied past of Laos with an engaging onboard talk aboard Anouvong, where our expert guide delves into the rich history of the country and its former royal dynasties. Then, feel free to join us in the lounge for a cosy cinematic setting featuring “Chiang” (Laotian for “elephant”). This cinematic gem, shot in this very region in 1927 and produced by the same visionary behind the first King Kong movie, promises to set the mood for our next day’s adventure. Overnight on a cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For the early risers, an open invitation awaits at our daily morning yoga class on the terrace deck, where the breath-taking Mekong scenery becomes a serene backdrop. Our journey unfolds as we arrive in the charming town of Pakbeng in the morning. Along the riverside opposite the town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos’ most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we have the privilege of encountering these majestic creatures. Born in Laos and once employed as logging elephants, they now find sanctuary in a peaceful and natural environment, their ability to survive in the wild having been curtailed in captivity. The sanctuary, a symbol of ecotourism and sustainability, reflects a deep commitment to these principles. Witnessing these gentle giants in the rainforest, and learning about their unique stories, makes for an unforgettable experience. Following lunch, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class where you will learn to prepare Lao-Thai classics that you can easily recreate at home. Because nothing stirs up memories quite like the taste of a good meal. Sailing into the afternoon, another breath-taking riverine spectacle awaits as we arrive at another Ban Khok Aek. Here, three distinct ethnic groups—Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khmu—coexist almost literally under one roof. Each group possesses its own unique history, traditions, ways of life, family dynamics, and housing styles. Venture into the village to a family home where representatives from each ethnic group will showcase and explain their differences and characteristics in day-to-day life. The theory provided the day before, through our lecture, suddenly comes alive before your eyes. As the afternoon transitions into evening, join us at the bar for snacks and a preview of the next day’s program. Before dinner, villagers grace us with a performance on the terrace deck, featuring the traditional “Kene” instrument and/or a unique dance. Later, join us in the lounge for a cosy screening of “The Rocket”, a 90-minute Lao film about a boy seeking redemption in a land scarred by war. Overnight on a cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embrace the early morning as the river bathes in the sun's initial rays, offering an open invitation to partake in our daily yoga class. After breakfast, our morning sojourn leads us to two traditional adjacent villages, where Lao Loum and Khmu communities have lived side by side for generations, each preserving their own traditions in quiet harmony. Most villagers are farmers, cultivating seasonal crops and tending small gardens, while in Ban Baw, a handful of women keep alive the intricate art of cotton and silk weaving. During our visit, you can witness a demonstration of this enduring craft, observing weavers as they work on traditional handlooms using labor-intensive methods that have remained unchanged through the ages. The village also has a small temple tending to the community’s spiritual life, where those who wish can join the resident monks for a short private meditation session. We go back to the ship for lunch, and we resume our meandering journey down the river toward Khok Luang. This village is home to the Khmu ethnic group spanning China, Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam. Strolling through the village, we gather for a Baci ceremony - a heartfelt Laotian ritual led by local elders (and possibly monks), bestowing blessings upon your journey. Upon returning to the ship for a refresh, the evening unfolds with a cocktail on the sandbank, followed by a farewell dinner meticulously arranged in this perfect setting. Revel in the ambiance of your last evening on the Laotian Mekong River, as the hues of the blue hour gracefully give way to the tranquility of the night. Overnight on a cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Concluding our exhilarating 3-night cruise, we approach the illustrious Pak Ou Caves, a prelude to our arrival in Luang Prabang. Today's breakfast, thoughtfully curated with a streamlined à la carte selection, paves the way for a diverse culinary brunch before our guests disembark. Arriving at the Pak Ou Caves, nestled along the rocky shore of the Mekong, there are two grottoes sheltering approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images. We delve into the lower cave, the most impressive and easily accessible. Post-cave visit, Heritage Line offers two optional choices to enhance your excursion: an adventurous kayak tour along the serene Nam Ou River or a visit to the nearby village of Ban Muang Keo, known for traditional silk weaving and Lao whisky distillation. We also have the opportunity to visit a local alcohol workshop in this village (depending on time and availability). Back on board, relax and relish the concluding tranquil hours of our voyage, with lunch served until approximately an hour before arrival. We arrive in the later afternoon. Upon check-out, we extend our assistance with luggage and any additional requirements, bidding you farewell at the pier in the town centre, wishing you a pleasant onward journey. Upon arrival, you will be met our local guide upon arrival and drive a short distance to the hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at hotel. Spend a morning on a community based living rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Experience the life of a farmer and try your hand at some of the activities. Or just view it all from the comfort of our traditional Lao rice house balcony, which is surrounded by rice terraces and our organic vegetable farm. All can join in and there are great photo opportunities. While there, spend some time to visit some local handicraft workshops like bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. Finally, join a tour of the organic garden with explanation on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible. Return to the city, we will climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for a panorama view of the city during sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast

• 8:00 am – 8:30 am: Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang, Laos
• Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants
• Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants
• Explore Elephant Village: Visit elephant hospital, museum, photo gallery and dung paper making area
• Learn to communicate with elephant: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a mahout and how they communicate with the elephants.
• Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water (swim suit recommended!)
• Lunch: Dine at our Shangri Lao restaurant. Buffet lunch served with coffee / tea and drinking water (Vegetarian options are available)
• Depart: Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang Prabang around 1:00pm

Note: This is a join in tour, guide & car arranged by the camp Free at leisure the rest of day Overnight in Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast. Lunch

Free at leisure the rest of day. Overnight in Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out hotel, we will transfer to train station to take speed train to Vang Vieng. Meet tour guide and transfer to hotel for checking in. Afternoon, we will take a visit to Blue Lagoon, free at leisure to attend zipline, or swimming at Blue Lagoon. Then we transfer to Nam Xay View point and have a descend hiking to the top to see panorama view of the town. This afternoon we have option to join Hot Air Balloon riding for the afternoon session, fee paid on your own account. (In case you would like to skip Nam Xay View Point) Overnight in Vang Vieng Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we visit Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, spend time at the fall before transfer back to the city center and proceed to Nam Song River where we will join in half day kayaking with so much fun. We drive 10 km up north of Vang Vieng town to Ban Vieng Samai (Khmu Village) where the kayaking starting point. Before your kayaking you’ll have a briefing about the basic and safety instructions by tour guide. You’ll enjoy paddling and seeing the green scenery covering the mountain karts while passing the Nam Song River’s side to Tham Norn cave (Sleeping cave) which lies on the banks of the river. After that, we visit Tham NangFar (Angel cave) and have tubing inside Tham Norn cave (Sleeping cave) you will know the history of this cave when Laos was in the second Indochina war. Return to hotel. Overnight in Vang Vieng Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we transfer to Vientiane by train. Upon arrival, check in hotel and relax. Overnight in Vientiane Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.  Afternoon, check out hotel and transfer to Khamsavath railway to take night train to Bangkok. Overnight on the train – 2^nd Class Ticket. No private cabin Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival at Bangkok station, you will be met by our guide and driver for transfer to the airport. Wishing you a safe flight home.

Thank you for choosing Vietnam Luxury Tours - we hope to welcome you back on your next adventure!

Meals: Breakfast