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Classic Thailand, Laos and Cambodia
Duration: 8 days
Highlights: Bangkok, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap.
What better way to start an exploration of the Southeast Asia than this introduction to Thailand, and two of its neighbours Laos and Cambodia.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok
Your travel experience starts the minute you disembark when our representative will be right there to breeze you through immigration and customs, after which you will be
accompanied to the legendary Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Upon arrival, explore the many facilities the hotel has to offer or just relax in the comfort of your room. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental
Day 2 - Bangkok
This morning experience an important part of Thai culture by offering food to the monks at a local temple. Afterwards cruise along the legendary Chao Phraya River and
canals where you will see the family homes and temples dotted along the waterways which inspired Bangkok's reference as the "Venice of the East".
Your exciting journey continues once you disembark at the public pier, here you will take a short ride on a tuk tuk (a motorised tricycles, one of the symbols of Bangkok) to
visit the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. Perhaps the greatest spectacle for any visitor to Bangkok, it consists of over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden
spires and glittering mosaics, and dates back to 1782 when Bangkok was founded. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of
Emerald Buddha) itself, is Thailand's most important and sacred temple.
After enjoy local cuisine for lunch, visit the Arts of the Kingdom Exhibition at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall (closed on Mondays). The Arts of the Kingdom is an
exhibition of exquisite but rarely seen traditional Thai crafts created by artists under The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related
Techniques under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 3 - Bangkok
After breakfast, visit the home of the American adventurer, Jim Thompson. Credited with re-establishing the Thai silk industry, Mr. Thompson was an enigmatic figure who
had great passion for all things oriental. After settling in Thailand following the Second World War, he set about developing the silk industry as well as amassing a
considerable collection of oriental antiques and artworks. Mr. Thompson mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in 1967 and today his home has been opened to the public for
visits.
After a sumptuous lunch at local restaurant, visit the Prasart Museum, a private family gallery that highlights the artistic splendour of Thai culture. The complex is made up of
two exquisite teak houses built in the traditional Thai style which display a wealth of handicrafts. There is also a mansion in the style of 19th century France which exhibits an
extensive collection of objets d'art from both Europe and the Thai royal family’s personal collection. After visiting the gallery, chat with Khun Prasart Vongsakul, owner of
Prasart Museum and ardently devoted to preserving Thai antiquity.
(This activity is dependent on your travelling dates and Khun Prasart's availability)
After dinner, together with your guide you will explore the largest flower market in Thailand. The area around the flower market is transformed into a hypnotic kaleidoscope of
activity, as fresh deliveries arrive and then leave in the hands of the wholesalers, florists and hotel buyers who come at this time to find the freshest flowers. It’s a real treat
for the senses, with many great photo opportunities.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 4 - Bangkok - Luang Prabang
This morning bid goodbye to Thailand and journey to mystical Laos.
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang (flight by own arrangement) you will be met by our representative who will assist you with your visa application, immigration and customs.
After clearing immigration and customs, our guide will personally usher you to the charming La Residence Phou Vao Hotel.
This afternoon you will start your journey in Luang Prabang, a Unesco World Heritage town. The first stop brings you to the highest point in Luang Prabang, Mount Phousi,
home to a thriving Buddhist monastery. Wat Phuosi offers spectacular 360 degree views of the old town. Leaving the highest point in Luang Prabang, continue to the National
Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Constructed as a palace between 1904 and 1909 during the reign of King Sisavangvong, and now turned into a National Museum, it
houses the royal throne of Lan Xang kingdom in its original splendour and many other religious treasures.
In the evening, celebrate with the locals with the traditional Baci ceremony. The Baci is a ceremony that celebrates a special event, such as a marriage, a homecoming or
welcoming of visiting guests. The ceremony begins with selected individuals (usually the elderly of the village) tying strings around your wrist, believing the strings will
protect the wearer. Legend has long held that these strings must not be removed for at least three days. The ceremony is heightened by the accompaniment of music and a
traditional dance - both integral parts of the Baci ritual.
Overnight: La Residence Phou Vao Hotel
Meal Plan: B
Day 5 - Luang Prabang
This morning take a boat trip to the spectacular Pak Ou Caves. A jagged hole in the cliff face reveals a cave filled with hundreds of statues of the Buddha. For at least the
last 500 years, kings and pilgrims have worshipped at Pak Ou's lower cave, Tham Ting. Along the way stop at the village of Baan Xanghai where they distill rice wine.
After a Laotian lunch, continue your adventure by car to Khoung Si Wwaterfall, a breathtaking waterfall nestled amidst primitive hilltribe villages in the mountainous jungles on
the outskirts of Luang Prabang. With close proximity to the waterfall is the Khmu minority village of Ban Thapaene. Take a walk around the village for glimpse of their lifestyle.
Overnight: La Residence Phou Vao Hotel
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 6 - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap
Overnight: Raffles Grand Hotel D’ Angkor
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 7 - Siem Reap
Early this morning witness the beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat which is regarded by many as the quintessential Angkor experience.
This morning see another great sight in Siem Reap, the Pink Temple, otherwise known as Banteay Srei. A 10th century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva,
Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today.
On the way to Banteay Seri, visit one of the local villages where we have helped provide a series of water wells that supply fresh water to the local village. Free flowing fresh
water is a basic humanitarian necessity that the Cambodian government is currently unable to provide to all of the villages in the countryside. Through the kind and generous
donations of our guests, we have been able to provide over 30 villages with fresh water under guidance of our local expert guides. We are very proud to be affiliated to this
wonderful humanitarian Cambodia Clean Water Project.
Continue your journey to the Landmine Museum and meet Aki Ra, the founder of the Cambodia Landmine Museum and National Project Manager for the CLMMRF (NGO).
He began his life as a child living in the countryside prior to the Khmer Rouge Revolution. His mother and father were killed during the Pol Pot regime and he soon found
himself living in a Khmer Rouge camp for children.
After lunch, visit Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Standing tall within Angkor Thom is the Bayon temple which was the last state
temple to be built at Angkor as well as the Terrace of the Leper King and the Terrace of the Elephants.
Overnight: Raffles Grand Hotel D’ Angkor
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 8 - Siem Reap - Depart Bangkok
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Upon arrival at Bangkok airport our representative will be on hand to assist you with transferring to
your international departure flight.
Meal Plan: B