Day 1 Phnom Penh Arrival
Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request
Welcome to Siem Reap! Upon arrival, meet up with the tour guide at the airport. Then, your will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 2 Phnom Penh City Highlights
Meals: B
Start the day with a Tuk-tuk ride to visit the Silver Pagoda which is decorated with about 5000 silver tiles on the floor and the Royal Palace where the Khmer royal family lives. After that, tour the National Museum where you can see a large collection of Khmer history, arts and architecture.
In the afternoon, head straight to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to delve into the sad past of Khmer people. Accompanied by the knowledgeable guide, you will see the exhibitions in the museum and then pay a visit to Choueng Ek Memorial, a pagoda constructed out of over 8000 human skulls excavated from the Killing Fields.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 3 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Meals: B
After breakfast, drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, taking about 7.5 to 8 hours including the stops to visit some attractions along the way.
En route, you will first stop in Kompong Thom town to visit the ruined temples in Sambor Prei Kuk, the ancient capital of the Khmer between the 6th and 7th century. Second stop will be at the Naga Bridge built in the 12th century. It is well reserved and now still used by local people. Arrive in Siem Reap in the afternoon.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4 Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat
Meals: B
Today, begin your exploration of the remains of Khmer Empire that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Angkor served as the seat of the empire.
In the morning, tour the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Huge silk-cotton trees and strangler figs grow over, around, and through the ancient stone blocks. The temple would make you feel as if you are in an adventure movie set.
Then, visit Banteay Kdei, a kind of smaller version of Ta Prohm. Continue to Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, Royal Palace, Baphuon Temple and Bayon Temple. Bayon sets itself apart with its 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed. With winding tunnels, chambers, and climbs, Bayon offers many exciting moments to keep your camera busy.
In the afternoon, head to visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Angkor Wat possesses some of the longest and most intricate stone carvings. Spend the afternoon fully exploring the passages, levels, and chambers that once housed many treasures of the flourishing kingdom.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 5 Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Phluk
Meals: B
In the morning, head towards the deep jungle to visit Banteay Srei. The temple is carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate wall carvings, which are well preserved to this day.
After lunch, take a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake - Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Then, tour Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lake, to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6 Siem Reap to Bangkok
Flight: Internal flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement
Meals: B
After breakfast, the guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Upon arrival, meet up with your local tour guide at the airport. Then, have a city tour of Bangkok. First visit Wat Traimit, known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It is the home to a gold Maravijaya Attitude seated Buddharupa statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons.
Then visit Wat Arun, known as the Temple of the Dawn, which is one of the most published images of Bangkok. In the middle of the temple, an 82 metres high beautifully decorated Khmer-style tower stands, where you can walk up the steep stairs and admire the view of Bangkok and the rivers.
After that, explore Wat Pho, also called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Finally, head for the Grand Palace, one of the must-sees in Bangkok, followed by Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 7 Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Kanchanaburi
Meals: B
In the morning, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where you can experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local food, fresh fruit and products from their boats.
After an exploration of the market, drive to Kanchanaburi that is famous for the Death Railway built during WWII. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the bridge and railway are notable attractions in Kanchanaburi. Today, carriages still go on the tracks, taking travelers through the fields of sugar cane and rice terrace.
Finally, pay a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn more history about the railway.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 8 Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement
Meals: B
In the morning, drive to the airport for a flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and then escort you to hotel for check in.
After a short rest, drive to visit the House of Opium located at the bent of the mighty Mekong River to learn about the opium history of Thailand. From here, you can also get the overlooking views of the river junction by the three countries of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
Then head towards the ancient city of Chiang Saen, where ruins of numerous temples, stupas, Buddha images are still to be seen. Pay a visit to Chiang Saen National Museum or tour the temples of Wat Pa Sak, Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong or Wat Phra That Pha Ngao.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 9 Chiang Rai Excursion to Golden Triangle
Meals: B
Today, head to the Golden Triangle region to have a full day excursion.
Start the morning by Long Neck Karen Village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If time permits, you can watch cockfighting near the hill tribe village. Then drive to Mt. Doi Mae Salong to visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain.
After lunch, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border, Doi Tung. Here you can overlook the entire northern rice field plain and visit Doi Tung Temple that was built in A.D.1493. The scenery here may remind you of Switzerland.
After that, drive back to your hotel and enjoy your free time.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 10 Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Meals: B
Today, you will transfer to Chiang Mai. Before leaving Chiang Rai, visit the White Temple that mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references.
After that, start your drive to Chiang Mai, taking around 3 and a half hours. En route, visit Meow Hill Tribe Village that locates on Doi Suthep. It was once famous for opium cultivation. Then head to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you can get a panoramic view of Chiang Mai City. The site is also one of the best places to enjoy a sunset.
Upon arrival, check in the hotel and enjoy your free time.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 11 Chiang Mai Excursion to Elephant Nature Park
Meals: B
Today, tour the elephant rescue and rehabilitation center - Elephant Nature Park, involving in the rescues of the disabled elephants, dogs and cats.
You can volunteer and care for the animals. Take your time to wander freely on the grounds and get close to these gentle giants. You get the opportunity to feed them and learn how to bathe them.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 12 Chiang Mai Departure
Flight: International flight on your own arrangement
Meals: B
Today enjoy our free time until your guide transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
End of service.