Thailand And Laos Adventure

Board your overnight flight from the UK to Bangkok Airport BKK.

Meet and greet your local guide at meeting point Exit B / Gate 6 of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Transfer by private minivan to your hotel in Bangkok for check in and stay overnight. 

Accommodation: W22 by Burasari (Superior Room) or similar.

Transfer: Private minivan.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, then meet your guide in the hotel lobby and head to the MRT station to explore Bangkok’s main attractions using local transport.

Start at Wat Pho, a significant Buddhist temple near the Grand Palace, home to the 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha symbolizing Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. The temple also features various chedis, shrines, and a library.

Next, visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), Thailand’s most important Buddhist site, where the 66cm Emerald Buddha sits in a meditative pose.

After lunch at a local restaurant, take a longtail boat ride on the Chao Phraya River and explore Khlong Bangkok Yai, passing historic wooden houses.

End your day at Wat Arun, the iconic ‘Temple of Dawn,’ situated on the Chao Phraya River, and return to your hotel via the MRT.

Accommodation: W22 by Burasari (Superior) or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Transport: Local public transport.

Today, venture an hour southwest of Bangkok to the Maeklong Railway Market, set amidst the tranquil Thai countryside near the Samut Sakhon salt pans. Witness the unique spectacle of vendors swiftly moving their goods off the tracks as the train approaches, creating a fascinating display of agility. Capture the moment as the train passes through, inches from the market's produce.

Continue to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi, where locals sell goods from boats. Enjoy a boat ride along the canals, engaging in friendly bargaining and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Khwae Yai Bridge, known as the 'Bridge over the River Kwai,' for a reflective walk across this historic site. Explore the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, offering insights into the Death Railway, and pay respects at the Allied War Cemetery before heading to your hotel in Kanchanaburi.

Accommodation: River Kwai Resort (Superior) or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Transport: Private minivan.

Visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, which documents the harrowing history of the Death Railway with poignant photographs and tools used by prisoners of war. A brief video with commentary from former prisoners enriches the experience. Walk to the Hellfire Pass site to reflect amidst the remnants of history, honoring those who perished with memorials and national flags.

Then, transfer to Ayutthaya to explore Wat Mahathat, a 14th-century Buddhist temple known for housing the Buddha's holy relic and featuring a sandstone Buddha head entwined in tree roots. Enjoy a traditional lunch of Boat Noodles, a rich broth dish with pork, beef, and noodles.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once Ayutthaya's most exquisite temple, noted for its elegant bell-shaped chedis. Before your overnight train journey to Chiang Mai, relax with refreshments at Krungsri River Hotel, then board the train at 19:45, arriving at 07:15 the next day.

Accommodation: Overnight train to Chiang Mai in 2nd Class.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Transport: Private minivan and overnight train.

Arrive at Chiang Mai Railway Station at 07:15 and meet your guide for breakfast before heading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a historic temple atop Mount Doi Suthep. Believed to date back to 1382, this temple is a revered pilgrimage site. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush greenery to the temple base, then take a tram to explore its grounds, featuring pagodas, bells, and a replica of the Emerald Buddha. Admire the statue of the Hindu deity Ganesh.

After exploring, return to your hotel for leisure time at your own pace.

Accommodation: Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Transport: Private minivan and tram.

Start your day with breakfast and meet your guide for a tuk-tuk adventure, beginning at Warorot Market. Explore this bustling market known for northern Thai delicacies like nam phrik num, Vietnamese pork sausage, and dried fruits, sampling local treats as you go.

Next, head to Chiang Mai's Old Town to visit two significant temples. At Wat Phra Singh, constructed in 1345, admire the revered Buddha statue, Phra Phutta Sihing, and the intricate wood carvings and murals in the Viharn Lai Kham chapel. Then, visit Wat Chedi Luang, home to Chiang Mai’s largest Buddhist stupa, standing 98 meters tall. Originally built in 1481 and restored after a 1545 earthquake, the temple's ordination hall showcases exquisite Lanna architecture, highlighted by its distinctive serpent motifs.

After temple exploration, return to your hotel for some leisure time. At 15:30, meet a representative for a cooking class at Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School in the serene countryside. Visit a local market to learn about traditional ingredients and buy fresh produce. In a charming bamboo hut surrounded by greenery, learn to prepare four Thai dishes and sticky mango rice. After cooking, enjoy your creations with fellow participants. The class runs from 16:00 to 21:00.

Accommodation: Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel (Deluxe room) or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.

Transport: Tuk Tuk

Begin your journey by transferring to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver, who will escort you to your hotel.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll to the night market, a vibrant cultural hub offering an array of unique gifts and delectable street food. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, interact with friendly vendors, and indulge in a culinary adventure at the local restaurants nearby.

Accommodation: The Sanctuary Hotel Luang Prabang (Superior Room) or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.

Transport: Flight to Luang Prabang and private minivan.

Start your day early in Luang Prabang to witness the serene alms giving ritual as monks collect offerings from locals, symbolizing humility in Buddhist tradition. Participate respectfully, and capture the moment discreetly. Then, explore the vibrant morning market bustling with locals haggling for fresh produce and meats.

Visit cultural landmarks such as Wat Xieng Thong, one of the city’s most ornate temples, and the former Royal Palace, now a museum showcasing religious and cultural artifacts. If there is time, visit the UXO Visitors Center to learn about Laos’ history as the most bombed nation per capita.

Explore traditional weaving techniques at Ock Pop Tok, where artisans Mone and Keo demonstrate their craft and share their story. Finally, ascend Mount Phousi's 328 steps for panoramic views of Luang Prabang and a majestic sunset.

Accommodation: The Sanctuary Hotel Luang Prabang (Superior Room) or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a Free Day at Your Leisure or choose to join an optional excursion; 

Option 1: Waterfalls, Swimming and Buffalo Dairy Farm Experience.

2024: $85 USD per person  ($132 USD for solo travellers).

2025: $89USD per person ($136 USD for solo travellers).

Payable locally and subject to availability. 

Embark on a journey to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, with a stop at Buffalo Dairy Farm. Explore the farm, interact with gentle buffalos, and help bathe them. Participate in milking demonstrations and feed adorable calves. Visit the café for homemade cake, ice cream, and locally grown coffee.

Continue to Kuang Si Waterfalls to see its mesmerizing turquoise waters cascading over calcified tiers. Swim in the cool pools and visit the Sun Bear Reserve, a conservation centre dedicated to rescuing bears from the wildlife trade. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the waterfalls before heading back.

Option 2: Laos Cooking Class 

2024: $76 USD per  person ($150 USD for solo travellers).

2025: $82USD per person ($156USD for solo travellers).

Payable locally and subject to availability. 

Join a cooking class with Mrs. Chouny at her Mekong River home. Begin by selecting fresh ingredients at the local market with her guidance. Learn to prepare traditional Laotian dishes like steamed sticky rice, bamboo shoot soup, steamed fish in banana leaves, Luang Prabang stew, and aubergine sauce. Experience cooking over a fire stove in a family setting. After the experience ends around 5 pm, enjoy the meal you’ve cooked and listen to Mrs. Chouny’s captivating stories about her life and culinary journey in Laos.

Accommodation: The Sanctuary Hotel Luang Prabang (Superior Room) or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast 

Enjoy your free time today at your own pace. Later, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Farewell to beautiful Luang Prabang!

Meals included: Breakfast.

Your overnight flight arrives back in the UK for you to make your journey home.