Day 1 Arrive in Chiang Mai!
Flight: International flight on your own arrangement
Welcome to Thailand, upon arrive, the guide from Indochina tour will greeting at the airport and escort to your hotel for checking in.
In the afternoon , continue to the Buddhist temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. Learn about the Buddhist proverbs posted throughout the grounds in English and Thai before you head inside to see the impressive Buddha statue. You’ll also visit the 14th-century Wat Suan Dok, a white bell-shaped temple housing a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. See the large prayer hall and the unique open-sided chapel, then enjoy an opportunity to chat with a monk about Buddhism and temple life.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 2 Discover Golden Triangle – Transfer to Huay Xai
Meals: B / L
This morning , transfer to visit The golden triangle which is a mysterious region for most of Indochina tour makes, today you will enjoy a full day excursion to the heart of golden triangle region.
Your fascinating day will start from morning by firstly visit the Long Neck Karen village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If it is possible, you will also able to visit a Cock Fighting near the hill tribe village. Keep driving to Mt. Doi Mae Salong and visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. Doi Tung, provides an opportunity to view enrooted many different Lahu and Akha village as well as terraced farming areas and see from distance the Princess Mother's frigid flower Garden. Doi Tung temple, built in A.D.1493, is located at the peak. Its scenery reminds one of Switzerland, features many unique images and temple architecture over looking the entire northern rice field plain. Transfer to Huay Xai after that.
Overnight in Huay Xai.
Day 3 Embark The Luang Say Cruise, Depart toward Pakbeng
Meals: B / L / D
Depart on 9:30AM, Within the Mekong region, the capital of the Lao province of Bokèo, Huay Xai is an important border crossing point with neighboring Chiang Khong, Thailand and was thus chosen as the ideal departing port for the cruise. After one-hour journeying along the river, the boat stops at a traditional village. This is a chance to observe rural life along the Mekong and witness the daily life of ethnic minorities and their talented craftsmanship. Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a main course from Laos’ main culinary delights as well as a choice of fish and meat dishes.
The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and admire the surrounding nature.
A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Overnight in Luang Say Lodge.
Day 4 Pakbeng – Luang Prabang
Meals: B / L
Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the peaceful neighboring mountains, often shrouded in mist, while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.
Depart on 8:00 am . The cruise departs for another day of nature discovery along the legendary river with two stops planned along the way to Luang Prabang. A few hours into the day after enjoying the sights of granite cliffs and sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes a stop to visit the hill tribe village of Baw, where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.
Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a main course from Laos’ cuisine. A different choice of fish and meat dishes than on the first day is prepared for a greater culinary experience.
Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translated as Rock Cave, it is famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals.
Following a day along the wide Mekong river, with beautiful sceneries of mountains, wild nature, local life and delicious food, the cruise arrives at Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5 Elephant Village / Overnight in Mahout Lodge
Meals: B / L / D
This morning you will be transferred to the Elephant Village.
• Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome and greeting by our camp manager and participate in short briefing about elephants
• Ride the Elephant: Enjoy the impressive experience of a 1 km bareback elephant ride! 1 person per elephant.
• Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Take a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae waterfall and relax, dip your feet or go for a swim in the clear, cool ponds
• Mahout Training: Receive your mahout training on how to control an elephant like a mahout
• Lunch: Dine at our Elephant Camp restaurant. Buffet lunch served with coffee / tea and drinking water (vegetarian options available)
• Bring Your Elephant to the Jungle: Enjoy the unique experience of riding your elephant in the evening to her jungle hideaway where she gets to retire for the evening
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the Elephant Camp restaurant (set menu served with drinking water)
• Overnight: Enjoy a relaxing night at our Elephant Lodge with stunning views of the Nam Khan river
Overnight in Mahout Lodge.
Day 6 Elephant Safari / Transfer back to Luang Prabang
Meals: B / L
• Awake from your Slumber: You won’t believe how tranquil and beautiful the Lao jungle mornings are!
• Pick Up Your Own Elephant: In the morning, retrieve your elephant from her jungle hide away
• Bathe Your Elephant: Take your own elephant down to the Nam Khan river for an exhilarating bathing experience!
• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at our Elephant Camp restaurant (set menu with coffee / tea and drinking water)
• Depart: Transfer back to Hotel in Luang Prabang between 10:00 am and 11:00 am
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7 Cooking Class / Khoung Si Waterfall / Flight to Hanoi
Flight: International flight include and will be on INT (TBA)
Meals: B / L
In the morning, will gather in our local restaurant. From here, our guide will take you to a fresh morning market. Spend approximately 1 hour to experience the local lifestyle through their normal habits. Learn about fresh ingredients and their usages, especially for our upcoming dishes. Our local professional guide will share you interesting stories that make up your day. Back to the restaurant and have a morning tea break before the cooking class is started. Firstly you will have a delicious demonstration, which display many popular dishes such as Feu Khua (sticky rice noodles with chicken and vegetable), chicken larp, Oh Peadak, Gheng Phet,etc. Then, you will able to taste those dishes and choose which you prefer to cook. With helpful guide from our chef, you yourself will make them real shortly. Have lunch in the restaurant with your own homemade dishes.
In the afternoon, continue to explore the beautiful Khouang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.Taking evening flight to Hanoi. Upon arrive, guide will meet and escort to your hotel check in . rest is your own leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8 Hanoi – the 100 year old city
Meals: B / L
This morning see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400 year old temple features ten tiers enclosed by gardens, including a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll see the Tortoise Tower perched on the water. Enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s the Old Quarter. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist leads you while you sit in a canopied seat affixed to the front. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the midst of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in his vision.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9 Hanoi/Cruise along Halong Bay ( By Shuttle Bus )
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, travel to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient (3 hr. drive). Your cruise across Halong Bay starts around noon cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay. We start sailing among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islets…) of Bai Tu Long Bay.Visit and explore the Thien Canh Son Cave and Kayaking.
One of the highlights of your stay on board is the innovative and varied cuisine offered at Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.
Overnight in Halong Bay.
Day 10 Halong Bay/Return to Hanoi/ flight to Siem Reap
Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on INT's arrangement
Meals: B
Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your onward flight to Siem Reap, upon arrive, you will escort to hotel check in.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 11 Temple Touring Full Day
Meals: B / L
Breakfast is at hotel. We depart hotel at 8.00am for full day guided Angkor exploration, start with the south gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces, stroll to explore Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king, terrace of elephant & Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.
After lunch, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest monument in the world. Unlock the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia. On your way back to Siem Reap, enjoy the sunset from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 12 Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Phluk, Ox cart ride – Flight to Bangkok
Flight: International flight include and will be on INT (TBA)
Meals: B / L
In the morning, a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake—Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a fun ox cart ride through the countryside,. Continue on a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Spend rest of the morning at Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lake , to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.
This afternoon you will transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 13 Bangkok City Highlight
Meals: B / L
This morning you will visit the Grand Palace, a beautiful example of an ancient Siamese court, and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue. Then, ride like a Local by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple, to behold the 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha statue. Next, explore the city’s renowned klongs(canals) by boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Also visit Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 14 Farewell from Bangkok!
Flight: International flight on your own arrangement
Meals: B
Today you will transfer to airport for your flight back home.
End of service.