23 Days Trails of Thailand Myanmar and Laos: Temples, Cities & Island Escape

Welcome to Laos, the mysterious Buddhist country with a unique culture and natural beauty.

Upon your arrival in Luang Prabang, your private local tour guide guide will welcome you in the airport then escort you to your hotel in Luang Prabang city.

The rest of the day will be at your leisure to relax and explore the city, you can enjoy some drinks in one of the cafés or strolling along the beautiful riverside.

Feel free to ask our tour guide for suggestions if you'd like to explore the city instead of taking a rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: NA

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to start the day of the Luang Prabang city tour. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Royal Palace Museum: once served as the residence of King Sisavang Vong and was designed in the French Beaux-Arts style with many interesting artifacts of traditional Lao culture.
2. Wat Sene: the oldest temple of Luang Prabang.
3. Wat Xiengthong: its roofs sweep low to the ground and represent classical Laotian architecture.
4. Wat Visoun: the oldest Buddhist temple and the city’s museum of religious arts.
5. Wat Aham: the monastery of the blossoming heart.

After eating a delicious Laotian lunch, you are going on a tour in the afternoon.

1. Arts and Ethnology Center: learning about Laos’ many ethnic cultures.
2. Weaving Villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek: known for their arts and crafts including saa paper and silk.
3. Weaving Class: Start with a simple explanation of silk, dyeing, and weaving. Tourists will get their own loom and guidance from a weaver to learn how to weave.

After the class, you will return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai, which is one of Luang Prabang’s largest and most richly decorated temples. 

You will finish the afternoon trip by enjoying a refreshing drink at one of Café. Then, you will be escorted to the local night market to discover the local life of Luang Prabang.

After the tour, back to the hotel for a good rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am – 8:30 am. The day begins with a boat ride up the Mekong River, which gives you a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside. Along the way, you'll stop and visit:

1. Ban Xanghai village: the place where Laos rice wine and rice whiskey are produced. You'll have the opportunity to try some and learn about the process used to make it.
2. Pak Ou Caves: two linked caves filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

Lunch will be served near the caves. You'll try a local Laotian dish called "Orlam" which is a soup with vegetables and features a spicy wood that is partially edible. After a short rest, you’ll continue on your half-day tour to the beautiful Kuang (Khouang) Si Waterfall.

1. Bear Rescue Sanctuary: three bear houses were built with a capacity for 25 rescued bears.
2. Khouang Si Waterfall: the most beautiful in Laos. You can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.

After the tour, your tour guide will escort you to enjoy a Lao-style spa and get relaxed. Then, you will get back to the hotel for a good rest. 

Accommodation: Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning you will need to get up very early to visit an alms ritual unique to Laos, departure from the hotel at 5:00 am. You will accept the blessing of monks to whom you give the alms.

Around 6:00 am, you could enjoy the sunrise at Mount Phousi. It is a quiet, peaceful, and mesmerizing morning. Go back to the hotel for breakfast, and then you’ll catch the flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, which takes 45 minutes.

Welcome to Vientiane, the largest city and the capital of Laos. You’ll be escorted to the hotel in Vientiane for check-in. The rest of time is for you to explore this calm city.

Accommodation: Overnight in Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am – 8:30 am. The day will go through the highlights of Vientiane. You'll stop and visit:

1. Buddha Park: also known as Xieng Khuan, is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
2. Patuxay Monument: a monument about the war in Vientiane that honors the people who fought for freedom from France.
3. Pha That Luang Stupa: a huge Buddhist stupa covered in gold and constructed in the 3^rd century.

Enjoying a local Laotian lunch, you’ll continue your Vientiane day tour in the afternoon:

1. Wat Si Saket: the oldest surviving temple with thousands of Buddhist images.
2. National Museum: get to know some history of Laos.

After the tour, your tour guide will escort you to the hotel for a good rest. 

Accommodation: Overnight in Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your breakfast until your tour guide pick you up for a flight to Yangon, about 4 hours and 50 minutes.

Welcome to Yangon!

Our tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport upon arrival. You will be escorted to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure for recovery.

Accommodation: Overnight in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

After morning breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:30 am to Yangon Railway Station. Taking the local circular Train journey to the outskirts of town (20-30 minutes ride).

1. Circular train journey: observing the lively and colorful life of the rural Burmese people.
2. Kyi Myin Daing Market: a variety of street vendors sell colorful wares, where you can explore the market and meet friendly locals.

Go back to the downtown area of Yangon to enjoy Myanmar cuisine, you’ll continue your tour in the afternoon. You’ll explore:

1. Old City Hall: A well-balanced blend of Western and Burmese architectural styles, listed on the Yangon City Heritage List.
2. Botahtaung Pagoda: features golden decorations inside and houses a sacred hair of Gautama Buddha.
3. Bogyoke Market: sells many Burmese traditional handicrafts including stone, wood, bronze carvings, and much more.
4. Kandawgyi Park: famous Karaweik, a concrete replica of a Burmese royal barge built in 1972, near Chaukhtetgyi Reclining Buddha Image.
5. Shwedagon Pagoda: an important Buddist icon, which has been described as one of the wonders of the world, plays a very important role in old Burmese history.

Enjoy the sunset over the Shwedagon pagoda, and then you’ll get back to the hotel for a good rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your free time in the morning until transfer to the airport for an onward flight to Mandalay about 1 hour. Then you’ll be driven to Bagan, about 3 hours.

In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Bagan and then enjoy a fun horse cart ride to a little village called Taung Phi for a view of a teak monastery.

Keep riding in the horse cart around temples and winding roads, while the sun moves toward the horizon, making interesting shadows from the temples on the ground. You’ll visit Shesandaw Pagoda and watch one of the best sunsets in Southeast Asia.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you need to get up early at 5:00 am to experience a beautiful hot air balloon flight over Bagan’s temples.

Drifting over a panorama of a thousand ancient pagodas, silent in the shadow of low-slung mountains and against the banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River, you will have a wonderful overhead perspective of Bagan. It's a fantastic and interactive experience.

The entire experience will last about 2.5 hours. On landing, our fully trained Myanmar ground crew will pack the balloon whilst passengers enjoy a glass or two of celebratory champagne. You’ll receive a flight certificate signed by the pilot.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you have free time on your own until your tour guide picks you up at 1:00-1:30 pm to Mount Popa.

1. Mount Popa: a dormant volcano in central Myanmar and the highest point of the Pegu Range.
2. Popa Taungkalat Monastery: a special monastery high up on a big rocky hill, offering beautiful views of the fields nearby and Mount Popa.
3. Nat Shrine: mannequin-like figures representing the 37 Nats, dedicated to animist spirits.

Note: you need to climb 777 steps to get to Popa Taungkalat Monastery, if you don’t want to do that, you can choose to visit the sandalwood forest and medical herb garden with plenty of flora and fauna.

After touring Mount Popa, a stop will be made at a palm tree plantation on the way back to the hotel in Bagan. Villagers earn money from these palm trees. It's a nice break where you can watch them work with palm trees.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, after breakfast, your tour guide will escort you to start a half-day Bagan tour. You’ll visit:

1. Thousands of Buddhist pagodas: over 4000 Buddhist temples and Pagodas sprinkled all across the town.
2. Nyaung Oo Market: locals buy and sell products.
3. Shwezigon Pagoda: the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.

After enjoying lunch, you’ll be transferred by private van to Mandalay. The total distance is 112 miles and will take about 3 hours. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel for check-in.

Welcome to Mandalay! Upon your arrival in Mandalay, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel for the rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Mandalay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After enjoying your breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Mandalay at 7:30 am-8 am. You’ll be driven to Mingun, located 11 km up the Ayeyarwady River on the west bank from Mandalay. From here, you will explore the historic sites around Mandalay. In Mingun, you’ll visit:

1.Mingun Bell: the world's largest uncracked bell.
2.Pathodawgyi Pagoda: the world's largest pile of bricks.
3.Myatheindan Pagoda: It's white and looks like the mythical Buddhist Mountain called Mount Meru.

You’ll then continue to Sagaing, the ancient capital of the Shan and Myanmar Kingdoms. Uncountable white-and-gold stupas are highlights of Sagaing. Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. You’ll visit Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda on the tranquil Sagaing Hill.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Sagaing. Crossing a bridge over the Irrawaddy River, you’ll take a horse cart to explore the ruins of the old royal capital.

1.27m tall leaning tower.
2.Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery: built of brick in traditional style with elaborated stucco ornamentations that look like carvings.
3.Bargaya Monastery: a splendid teak wood monastery with wood carving.

Your last destination today is the Amarapura, the royal capital of Myanmar twice. In Amarapura, you’ll visit:

1. Mahargandaryon Monastery: The largest teaching monastery in Myanmar.
2. U Bein Bridge: exploring the local way of life and enjoying the sunset.
3. Weaving Workshop: Weaving is the main business of Amarapura people.

After the tour, you will be escorted to the hotel, enjoy your free time, and have a good rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Mandalay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you’ll transfer to Bangkok after having breakfast. Your tour guide will drive you to the airport for a flight to Bangkok, about 60 minutes.

Welcome to Bangkok! Upon arrival, our tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport. You will be escorted to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is free for you.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your breakfast in Bangkok and prepare to enjoy a full day’s Bangkok city’s exploration. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Wat Phra Kawe & the Grand Palace: a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, which has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam.
2. Ride like a Local by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple

Then, have a nice local lunch after the long morning tour, and have a short break.

In the afternoon, explore the city’s renowned klongs(canals) by boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Also, visit the following two sites:

1. Wat Arun: one of the most visited temples in all of Thailand
2. Royal Barge Museum: many exhibitions on Thai history, royalty, and Buddhism.

After the tour, you will be escorted to a spa center to enjoy one-hour traditional Thailand massage to relax your senses. Then go back to your hotel to have a good rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, after breakfast, at 7:00 a.m., you’ll be driven to Samut Songkhram, located south of Bangkok for 80km. It’s a good chance to have a glimpse of Thai countryside life. Today, the tour will stop at the two famous tourist spots:

1. Railway Market: experience a short regional train ride bounding for an amazing country market that has sprouted along the railway tracks.
2. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Thailand’s most famous and popular traditional floating market. Enjoy watching the farmers selling food, fruits, flowers, and many kinds of local products in their boats.

After the tour, you will be escorted to the airport and take the flight to Chiang Mai, about 80 minutes.

Welcome to Chiang Mai, a delightful city nestled in northern Thailand, celebrated for its rich culture and stunning natural beauty. You could have a rest in your hotel after arrival.

Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will be picked up by our guide at 7:30 am – 8:00 am, to enjoy a full-day visit to Elephant Nature Park, which is a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, and other rescued animals.

Watch the saved elephants in two different places where they live together with their friends. You can learn about their stories. Besides, you could get a cool view of the small groups of elephants from SkyWalk.

1. 'Hands Off' Project: This is where elephants freely roam together, and you can see them from the SkyWalk, which is a special viewing spot.
2. Watch the Herd: Take a walk in the park to see the elephants in their groups. You'll also learn their stories and what they need.
3. See Them Socialize: Watch the elephants hang out together, play in the mud, or roll in the sand after they've had a bath in the river.
4. Visit Rescued Animals: You can visit the Dog Project and Cat Kingdom to learn about the saved dogs and cats. Besides, you can meet other saved animals in the park.

Enjoy a tasty buffet with vegan food from Asia and the West. At 3:30 pm, it's time to say bye to the elephants. Then, we'll drive you back to your hotel or guesthouse in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, after breakfast, you will enjoy your free time until your tour guide picks you up for your flight to Surat Thani. It takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. After arriving in Surat Thani, your local tour guide and driver will escort you to Khao Sok National Park for about 1 hour.

As you glide along the meandering path between the towering limestone cliffs in a classic long-tail boat, you'll arrive at a cozy floating bungalow, nestled in the enchanting Khao Sok National Park.

Welcome to Khao Sok National Park! It has the world's oldest lush forest, big tall mountains, deep valleys, stunning lakes, cool caves, wild animals, and lots of other cool things.

The day ahead is filled with adventures like kayaking, tubing, and seeking out playful monkeys.

Accommodation: Overnight in Khao Sok National Park

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, after breakfast, you will enjoy your free time exploring Khao Sok National Park until your tour guide picks you up to Koh Phangan after lunch.

You’ll take a private van and speedboat to Koh Phangan, which is famous for hosting Full-moon parties. It will take about 5 hours.

You will be escorted to your hotel in Koh Phangan for check-in and rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Koh Phangan

Meals: Breakfast

Today is on your arrangement, enjoy your beach relaxing in Koh Phangan.

Note: You can check more information for any extra excursions at your resort, or contact our sales consultants for suggestions.

Accommodation: Overnight in Koh Phangan

Meals: Breakfast

It's going to be a full day. After breakfast, at 8:00 a.m., you’ll take a speedboat to Koh Samui for 30 minutes.

After arriving in Koh Samui, you'll relax with a boat ride to the limestone islands of Ang Thong Marine Park for a quiet sail. You can snorkel in a remote lagoon, kayak along the coast through tunnels, and end your full-day excursion at the Blue Lagoon lookout.

During the tour, you’ll stop at these picturesque islands in the following for activities:

1.  Ko Nai Phut: it is the most remote and magical spot. Guided sea kayaking tour to explore caves, limestone islands, tunnels, and lagoon.
2. Ko Wao Yai: a fantastic place to see colorful coral reefs. It's one of the top 20 places in Thailand for snorkeling.
3. Ko Mae Ko: the most special part of the Ang Thong Marine Park – “Blue Lagoon”, also called “Emerald Lake”, which inspired a book and movie called 'The Beach.'
4. Ko Phaluai: home to a small community of “sea gypsy” fishermen.

After the trip, you can relax on the boat while it goes back to Ko Samui. You can have some drinks, eat a yummy banana split, or swim in our Jacuzzi. Most days, you can see a beautiful sunset that you'll remember forever.

Accommodation: Overnight in Koh Samui

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your free time on Koh Samui until your tour guide picks you up at Samui Airport to take the flight to Phuket for 1 hour.

Welcome to Phuket! Upon arrival, our tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport. You will be escorted to the hotel and check-in. After a short rest, you’ll start a half-day Phuket city tour.

1. Old Phuket Town: the capital of the island and the historical part of Phuket. Visit Big Buddha built from White Marble on top of the hill.
2. Wat Chalong: the most reverend temple on the island.
3. Karon viewpoint: known as the three beach view points, a beautiful panoramic landmark to admire the view of Karon, Kata, and Kata Noi beaches.

After the tour, you will transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day free at your leisure.

Accommodation: Overnight in Phuket

Meals: Breakfast

This morning you’ll be picked up from the hotel at 7:30 am and head to Phuket port. Around 9:00 am, you’ll depart for Phi Phi group islands. It takes about 45 minutes by speedboat to stop at the first site: Ko Phi Phi Ley.

1. Maya Bay, where the Hollywood movie “The Beach” was filmed at the beach. Enjoy activities like snorkeling or sunbathing.
2. Loh Samah Bay, where you'll find lots of colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs. It's like swimming in a giant pool! This place is also where local fishermen and sea gypsies seek shelter during the rainy season.
3. Phi Leh Cove, passing by the famous Viking Cave. Locals come here to collect the swallow's nest. Besides, you’ll see drawings of boats and elephants on the walls.
4. Monkey Beach, visiting a hundred friendly monkeys.

Enjoy a tasty Thai buffet at the Phi Don Restaurant and then have some free time to explore the island. You'll start from Phi Phi Don Island and head to Koh Khai Nok Island, which is a cluster of three islands in Phang Nga Bay, part of Koh Yao District. When we reach Khai Nok Island, you'll have free time to relax on the beach, go swimming, or do some snorkeling.

Around 4:30 pm, we'll arrive at Phuket port, and from there, your tour guide will escort you back to your Phuket hotel to have a rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Phuket

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is on your arrangement, enjoy your beach relaxing in Phuket.

Note: You can check more information for any extra excursions at your resort, or contact our sales consultants for suggestions.

Accommodation: Overnight in Phuket

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your breakfast and free time in the morning until your tour guide picks you up to the airport. Tour service ends here.

Hope you enjoyed a great trip with us and we look forward to seeing you next time.

Note: If you’re planning to continue exploring the Indochina region, like Vietnam and Cambodia, please never hesitate to tell us, we’re tour experts for all of these destinations.

Accommodation: NA

Meals: Breakfast