25 Days In-depth Thailand and Laos Tour with Phuket

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day you can freely explore the city, or have a good rest at the hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will have a full-day 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.

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.

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

After breakfast, drive to explore the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Your tour begins at one of Ayutthaya’s oldest markets, where you can sample the traditional boat noodles and among other authentic bites from a local vendor.

Next, visit the iconic temples in Ayutthaya. The first one to see is Wat Yai Chai Mongkol with its 196-foot-tall (60-meter) stupa, followed by the ancient ruins of Buddha images at Wat Mahathat, also known as the Temple of the Great Relics. Finally, stop by Ayutthaya’s most historically important temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

In the afternoon, visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to Wat Chai Wattanaram, one of Ayutthaya's most renowned temples. Then go behind the scenes of the production of roti sai mai to see how this spun sugar dessert is made and enjoy a taste.

Drive back to Bangkok airport for the onward flight to Chiang Rai.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: B

Today, enjoy a city highlights tour of Chiang Rai. Visit the Navel City Pillar, a monument made of more than 100 Khmer-style pillars, and Rai Mae Fah Luang, a beautiful museum showcasing Lanna artifacts.

After that, head to Wat Rong Khon, normally known as the White Temple and Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple. Then drive to Black House, also called Baan Dam, where you can see a lot of skeletons and animal skins, strange but impressive.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

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.

Meals: B

After breakfast, 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.

Meals: B

Today, you will transfer 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, go to tour the beautiful temples in Chiang Mai. Start with the Buddhist temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. Before you head inside to see the impressive Buddha statue, learn about the Buddhist proverbs posted throughout the grounds.

Then visit Wat Suan Dok built in the 14th century, a white bell-shaped temple housing a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. See the large prayer hall and the unique open-sided chapel. Also, you have the opportunity to chat with the monks about Buddhism and their temple life.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B

Today, you will experience a zipline tour in Chiang Mai. The tour begins with a pickup from your at about 10:30. After 1 hour drive, you get to the zip-lining center, set against a backdrop of lush rainforests and coffee plantations.

On arrival, meet your instructors and watch the safety briefing and demonstration before getting suited up in your helmet and harness. Then, climb up to the treetops to enjoy the zip-lining and feel a rush of adrenaline as you zoom through the trees.

A total of 28 zip-lines are included, reaching up to about 274 meters long. There are 4 abseils, ranging in height from 20 meters to 50 meters, 4 sky-bridges, and the "zigzag way" with its 3 hair-raising spiral stairways.

After that, head back towards Chiang Mai and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

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.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, departing your hotel at 8:30 am, head to a produce market where the locals pick up fresh food from farmers and vendors.

Visiting the market with a guide offers the building blocks of Thai cuisine. You can learn how to choose the right ingredients for each dish you are going to prepare. Upon arrival at the cooking school, roll up your sleeves for cooking.

You have a five-course menu to finish, including an appetizer, stir-fry dish, soup, curry, and dessert, as well as preparing fresh spring rolls and Thai tea. When the meal is ready, sit down to try the dishes you’ve prepared.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Enjoy your breakfast and free morning until transfer to airport for the onward flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and then escort you to hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Overnight in Phuket.

Meals: B

Phuket lies off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, consisting of Phuket Island which is the largest island of Thailand and another 32 smaller islands off the coast.

Today, you will take an excursion to Similan Islands, an archipelago in the Andaman Sea off the coast. These islands are covered with thick forest and the most striking sights are to be found beneath the waves. Snorkeling and swimming are good choices.

Overnight in Phuket.

Meals: B

The next few days are all about unwinding.

You can simply lie on the beach for a sunbath, jump into the blue sea waters to have fun, taste the fresh seafood with a glass of cocktail in hand, go further to adventure the off-coast small islands, or explore the nearby fishing villages to find the history of Phuket.

Overnight in Phuket.

Meals: B

Continue relaxing on the beaches.

Overnight in Phuket.

Flight: International flight will arranged by Indochina Tour and include in the quotation

Meals: B

Today, enjoying your free morning until check out your hotel and transfer to airport for your onward flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort to your hotel for checking in.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B

Today, your guide will take you to visit the highlights of Vientiane. You will firstly get to know some more history of Laos by visiting the National Museum. Then, go to visit Wat Si Saket which is the oldest surviving temple with thousands of Buddhist images. This tour will also take you to visit the symbolic site That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument.

In the afternoon, head to visit Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, and enjoy a stroll around the park. This unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. Afterward, you will start to drive back to Vientiane.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will drive to Vang Vieng. En route, you will see some breathtaking scenery as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. Then, you will make a stop along the way at Vang Xang, a famous archeological site dating back to the 11th century.

You will arrive at the final destination in the afternoon, Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. On arrival at Vang Vieng, you will cross the Nam Song River to Tham Jang caves and then enjoy a short trek through breathtaking mountain landscape to explore the Tam None Cave and some hill villages.

Today's tour ends with a superb panorama of the sunset reflecting over the Nam Song River.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals: B

Today, the tour will bring you to visit Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon. Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon is an improvised eco-water park in a scenic village close to Vang Vieng.

Here, you can observe sharp stalactites and stalagmites as you descend down steep walls to reach the largest hall of the cave, which holds the bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, with several other smaller Buddha images revered by locals.

The green-blue waters of the lagoon outside the cave provide a beautiful relaxation spot. You can also try your hand at abseiling one of the water slides.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, continue your journey to Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos and has one of the most beautiful settings in southeast Asia.

This drive journey is about 5 hours. On the way, you will stop at a street market at Phahom Valley to experience the local trade.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, your guide will meet you up at the hotel and help you check in. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can head to climb Mount Phousi and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong river. Or wander around the city and the night market to discover the local life of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, you will visit the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts; See the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground and representing classical Laotian architecture; Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.

In the afternoon, head to visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later, return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. Finally climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

At night, you will visit the famous Night Market, where you'll find handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe peoples living in the surroundings.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: B

Your memorable trip will start from partaking in an alms ritual in the morning, you will accept the blessing by monks who you give the alms. Have breakfast in the hotel and then, visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn some history of Laos. Continue to you will embark on a private boat for a 2 hours boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Cave. During the boat trip, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River and see the daily fishing life of local people in the riverside.

Then, go to visit the Pak Ou Cave which locates by the Mekong River. Here, you will discover a number of gold lacquered Buddha statues in the cave.

After that, you can have an excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you will enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, have fun in waterfalls and relax. This waterfall is in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, and this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

8:30 am – 9:00 am:  Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang

Today, you will learn how to be a Mahout and then get ready to get wet as you plunge into the Nam Khan river and give the elephant a refreshing bath! (No Elephant Ride)

8:00 am - 8:30 am: Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang;

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 our elephant hospital, museum, gallery, and dung paper making facility;

One on one experience: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a Mahout! (Notice: 1 person per elephant)

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. Swimsuit recommended! (Notice: water levels will vary with seasonal conditions)

Bathe your elephant: Take your own elephant down to the Nam Khan river for an exhilarating and once in a lifetime bathing experience!

Boat trip back to camp: Traverse the Nam Khan River in a traditional Lao long boat from the waterfall back to our Elephant Camp.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Depart the camp. Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Today, the tour will bring you to experience the process of making rice at a Living Land Farm, a project that supports the local community through the cultivation of rice, vegetables, and herbs.

This organic project was started in response to destructive farming methods that persist elsewhere in Laos, and the farm sells produce to Luang Prabang restaurants and supports education for underprivileged children.

Start by helping out in fields where farmers plow, plant, and harvest without the aid of machinery. Roll up your pants and push up your sleeves as you get knee-deep in the mud to plant rice, or learn to steer a water buffalo to plow the field. Help out with picking the herbs, plucking vegetables, or husking the rice, or just enjoy the view from the shady verandah.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Today, the guide will transfer you to the airport. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again!

Service end.