Overview
Experience the rich history and tradition of Lao culture in Luang Prabang as you visit Buddhist temples, local rice farms, and crafts workshops. Fly to Chiang Mai, Thailand and enjoy incredible cuisine and visit with tigers; drive along winding mountain roads to Chiang Rai to explore the mighty Mekong River—hiking mountain trails and through bamboo forests; and relax in luxury on an island paradise overlooking the Andaman Sea.
Days: 14
Best time to visit: October-April
Ideal for: Couples
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Laos
Arrive and settle into town of Luang Prabang, Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled into a mountain valley where the Mekong and Khan rivers converge. Once home to the Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang sits at the heart of Lao culture and is brimming with Buddhist temples and traditional architecture.
Day 2 – Temples of Luang Prabang
Wake before first light and witness the ancient daily ritual of offering alms to the hundreds of saffron-robed Buddhist monks in the community. After breakfast, visit the National Museum in the former Royal Palace, and then tour several of the most important Buddhist temples, including the 16th-century Wat Xiengthong. After a traditional lunch, attend a presentation on sericulture, natural dyes, and weaving techniques. In the evening, relax at your hotel or visit the local night market.
Day 3 – Artisan Crafts & Traditional Farming
Spend the morning on a private tour of a community-oriented rice farm, which is surrounded by mountains and verdant rice terraces. Try your hand at some of the activities around the farm and visit local workshops to learn about traditions like weaving, blacksmithing, and natural medicine. In the afternoon, transfer to the village of Ban Muang Keo to observe traditional whiskey distillers and visit Pak Ou Caves. This evening, embark on a private Phou Vao boat cruise and watch the sunset from Chompet HIll.
Day 4 – Fly to Chiang Mai & Explore
Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Chiang Mai, located in the foothills of northern Thailand. You will be met at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. Start exploring the city on a guided tour of several magnificent Buddhist temples, enjoy a 6-course dinner prepared with local organic ingredients, and then explore the Warorot night market.
Day 5 – Mountains of Chiang Mai
This morning, drive to Doi Suthep to visit the holy temple of Wat Phra That, perched in picturesque mountains just outside of Chiang Mai. After exploring the 14th-century temple compound, visit a local Meo hill tribe that has maintained its traditional lifestyle across the centuries. In the afternoon, enjoy a private cooking class at Thai Garden Farm Cookery School—start with a trip to the local fresh market for ingredients and then savor the meal you helped prepare.
Day 6 – Scenic Drive to Chiang Rai
Leave Chiang Mai this morning on a 5-hour drive through spectacular scenery along winding mountain roads to Chiang Rai. Along the way, stop at Baan Tong Luang to learn about the hill tribes of northern Thailand, and then continue on to visit The Tiger Kingdom, where you can interact with grown tigers and cubs. Arriving in Chiang Rai, take a traditional boat ride to the luxury Four Seasons Tented Camp.
Day 7 – Four Seasons Tented Camp
At the Four Seasons Camp, enjoy a longtail boat ride on the Mekong to visit local temples and markets, a half-day Mahout training and elephant trekking excursion, delicious meals, spa treatment, and wine and cheese tastings. Explore mountain trails and bamboo forests, and enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings of Thailand’s Golden Triangle region.
Day 8 – Fly to Bangkok & Explore
Transfer to the airport in Chiang Rai for your afternoon flight to Bangkok, a vibrant, modern city with traditional charm. This evening, explore the street food scene on a guided tour of one of Bnagkok’s boisterous night markets. Sample local specialties before heading to a sit-down restaurant for dinner.
Day 9 – Buddhist Temples of Bangkok
Begin the day with a visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and then embark on a longtail boat tour along the Chao Phraya River. Next, visit the Royal Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the immense Reclining Buddha at Wat Po. After lunch, visit the collection of Asian antiques in the beautiful estate of an American businessman who helped revive the silk industry post-WWII.
Day 10 – Fly to the Island of Phuket
This morning, visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where boats piled with fruits and vegetables line the canals, and then transfer to the airport for your flight to Phuket, an island of glorious beaches and clear waters which are bursting with marine life. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxury resort to enjoy the next three nights.
Day 11-13 – Relax & Enjoy Phuket
The Amanpuri Phuket is the Aman Resorts’ flagship property and is an elegant reflection of Thai architecture and culture. Situated in a coconut plantation on a headland overlooking the Andaman Sea, the resort boasts a private white sand beach, spa facilities, and its own luxury boats to get you out on the water. Take advantage of the remarkable amenities of the resort and bask in warm sunshine and hospitality of Phuket.
Day 14 – Departure
Fly back to Bangkok and connect to international flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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