|
||||||||
Lands of the Mekong - Four Countries in Asia
|
|
Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia Uncover the best of Southeast Asia in this mesmerizing journey that covers four countries and showcases the region's diverse array of cultures and scenery. From sedated, scenic towns to grandiose past civilizations and timeless architecture, you will be immersed into the best of Asian culture for almost a month as you travel a carefully planned route through Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Staying in hand picked hotels that reflect each country's unique traditions and , this itinerary offers is a rare and rewarding touring experience that should not be missed.
|
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.
Day 1 - Arrival in Bangkok
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and taken to the Siam Heritage Hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping or taking one of the highly recommended tours around the city.
Overnight at Siam Heritage Hotel in Bangkok.
Today you will fly to Luang Prabang and discover an amazing blend of golden wats (temples) and French colonial buildings in this quaint kingdom formerly known as the Land of Million Elephants. Enthrall in the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Laos at the Ethnology and Traditional Arts Museum. In the evening, ascend the 328 steps up to the peak of Mount Phousi and revel in the breathtaking panorama of the city and surrounding countryside in the glorious sunset before stopping by the evening hill tribe market to pick up some local handicrafts.
Overnight at Villa Maydou in Luang Prabang.
You will start the day by exploring the town through its numerous temples. Deepen your understanding of the Lao culture with visits to Wat Visun with the Watermelon Stupa, Wat Aham with the altar of Luang Prabang's two respected geniuses, Wat That where King Sisavang Vong's ashes are kept, National Museum (or former Royal Palace), Wat Mai renowned for its golden bas-reliefs and the golden Wat Sene.
Overnight at Villa Maydou in Luang Prabang.
Day 4 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou - Pakbeng (B)
Enjoy the beauty of Wat Xieng Thong in the morning sun before gently cruising along Mekong River to Houei Xay and Ban Muang Kheo. At Pak Ou Caves, you will discover gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes nestled deep in the limestone caverns. Relish a home-cooked meal at a fishing village before returning to Pakbeng to catch the sunset.
Overnight at Pakbeng Lodge in Pakbeng.
Cruise along the majestic Mekong River on a slow boat which offers the opportunity to observe life in rural villages scattered along the riverbanks before crossing the borders from Houei Xay to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong, the only site where the increasingly rare giant Mekong catfish is most commonly spotted.
Overnight at Namkhong Riverside in Chiang Khong.
In the morning, you will explore the ancient ruins and temples by riverside town of Chiang Saen before heading to the Golden Triangle area and Mae Sai, the bustling trading town that borders Burma. After crossing over to Tachilek in Burma, take a scenic drive through the mountains to Kengtung, a pleasant city nestled in the mountain valley of Shan state which has retain most of its temples and traditional architectural grandeur. A visit to the striking Maha Myat Muni Pagoda and hot spring is a must.
Overnight at New Kengtung Hotel in Kengtung.
Day 7 - Kengtung (B)
In the morning, you will visit the local market to observe the peddling of wares by the villagers and the minority hill tribes in their traditional garbs. We will bring you on a trek to Hwe Lon, an Akha minority village where you can interact with the villagers to learn their customs and habits. After lunch, you will continue to Ann village and discover a tribe known for its black dress and teeth stained black from chewing betel nuts. A stop at Lone Tree Hill will offer you a panoramic view of Kengtung.
Overnight in New Kengtung Hotel in Kengtung.
We will take you on a further exploration of the hill tribe villages by visiting four neighboring Akha villages in the morning, while trips to Loi, Li Shaw and Khun villages in the Mong Kwan region in the afternoon will deepen your insight of these unique hill tribe cultures and traditions.
Overnight in New Kengtung Hotel in Kentung.
Watch lacquerware production by skilled Shan artisans and visit the water buffalo market, held twice weekly to capture the Shan way of life. After crossing back into Thailand at Mae Sai, you will be captivated by the splendid views when as you ascend the highlands to Doi Mae Salong, the Santi Kiri KMT Yunnan Chinese Refugee settlement. Delight in the alphine-like climate and landscape as you sample the tea, coffee and wine that are cultivated on local soils.
Overnight at Thaton Riverview Hotel in Thaton.
Today, head out to the Chiang Dao Young Elephants Training Camp where you will experience elephant riding and trekking through a natural forest setting. Observe the merriment of these gentle giants as they frolic in water and witness their skilled displays of traditional prowess in the forest. Indulge in the tranquility of the pristine forest as you gently float down Mae Ping River on a bamboo raft. Admire the many orchid varieties in bloom at Orchid Nursery and the brilliantly colored butterflies at the Butterfly Farm.
Overnight in Manathai Village in Chiang Mai.
Day 11 - Chiang Mai (B)
Gently sail down Ping River on scorpion-tailed boats which used to serve as cargo boats plying between the Lanna region and Bangkok. Experience the early days of western trading in Chiang Mai as a field expert provides a lively narrative of the historical sites along the river before disembarking at Wat Gatekaram, an old trader community with Chinese, Portuguese and Indian influences.
Overnight in Manathai Village in Chiang Mai.
En route to Lampang, gain insight of how injured elephants are treated and cared for at the National Elephant Institute, the world's first elephant before heading to Wat Phrathad Lampang Luang, a classic emblem of Lanna architecture. At Sri Satchanalai, stroll through the ancient town dotted with ruined monuments before reaching Sukhothai in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Ananda Gallery in Sukhothai.
Reminiscence the golden age in Thai history at Sukhothai Historical Park which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Glimpse into the culture and architecture of a bygone era as you stroll through the ruined capital that has been carefully restored. Head south towards Uthai Thani and observe the floating houses that reveal the intimate linkages of the locals' lifestyles to the Sakaekrang River in the Chao Phraya River basin.
Overnight in Uthai River Lake in Uthai Thani.
At Lopburi, formerly known as Lawo, be intrigued by its significant archaeological artifacts as well as the hordes of mischievous monkeys that abound on these historical sites. You will be exhilarated to concede that the reign of powerful Khmer kings during the Angkorian period extended to Prasat Hin in Phimai which houses the largest sandstone Khmer temple complex in Thailand. After a day of exploration in this historical sanctuary, cool off under the shade of the world's largest banyan tree.
Overnight at Sima Thani in Korat.
Pay a worthwhile trip to the pottery village of Daan Kwian noted for its beautifully crafted earthenware. Enhance your understanding of Khmer influences in Thailand by visiting Phanom Rung Historical Park and Prasat Muang Tham, some of the most majestic and best-restored Khmer monuments in the Thai kingdom before stopping by the five Khmer-style pagodas at Prasat Sikhoraphum en route to Ubon Ratchathani.
Overnight at Tohsang Ubon in Ubon Ratchathani.
Today, be charmed by the small-town feel of Pakse, the provincial capital of Champasak province after crossing over into southern Laos. Enjoy the sheer view of waterfalls plunging into a forest gorge at Visit Tad Fane Falls followed by visits to the tea and coffee plantations in the agriculturally rich Bolavens Plateau.
Overnight at Champassak Palace in Pakse.
Day 17 - Pakse - Vat Phou - Khong Island / Don Daeng (B)
Explore and bear testimony to the stunning architectural flavors expressed by the pre-Angkorian Khmer temple of Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst remarkably well-preserved landscape. Return to Champassak and savor the romance of French colonial architecture dotting the town. Enjoy the trek up to Ban Kiet Ngong, a hillside village on Mount Assa on the back of an elephant before heading for Khong Island, the biggest island in southern Laos.
Overnight at Senesothxeune in Khong.
Travelling southwards to the majestic Khone Papheng waterfalls, you will experience the staggering sight and thunderous roar of crystal clear water cascading downwards in Southeast Asia's largest waterfall. After crossing into Cambodia at Dong Kralor, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Irrawaddy dolphins at Prek Kampi en route to Kratie.
Overnight at Oudom Sambath in Kratie.
Start your string of Cambodian temple visits at Kampong Cham's Wat Nokor which is a notable sandstone Buddhist shrine dating back to 11th century. Uncover the romanticized legend and naming of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey, which translate as "man hill" and "women hill" respectively while taking in the sweeping views from these two hills before heading to Phnom Penh.
Overnight at Phnom Penh in Phnom Penh.
Sample the strong cultural heritage of Cambodia by visiting the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom hill, all of which stand out distinctively in Phnom Penh's skyline. Gain a deeper insight into Cambodia's recent tragic past with a visit to the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocidal Musuem that captures the brutality committed by the Khmer Rouge. To lighten the sombre mood, explore the colorful Russian Market and Central Market which are good havens for interesting handicrafts by local artisans.
Overnight at Phnom Penh in Phnom Penh.
En route to Siem Reap, you will stop by Kompong Thom, home to Sambo Preikuk which houses one of the biggest pre-Angkorian temples in its complex. Imbue the spirit of an intreprid explorer as you venture from Kompong Thom to Siem Reap on major dirt tracks which pass off as highways in Cambodia. Prepare to witness the following day the splendor of the fabled Angkor temples at Siem Reap, the gateway to Cambodia's spiritural and cultural essence.
Overnight at Tara Angkor in Siem Reap.
Day 22 - Siem Reap (B)
Today, you will explore one of the humankind's most enduring and grandiose architectural masterpieces at Angkor. The South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King present some of the best loved images of the Angkor relics. End the day at Angkor Wat, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the sun setting over an ertswhile and sphisicated civilisation long decayed and gone.
Overnight at Tara Angkor in Siem Reap.
A interesting full day excursion to more Khmer temples awaits you. Trace the path of early French explorers as you clambor over the overgrown sculptures and pyramids of Koh Ke and the moss-covered rubble at atmospheric Bueng Mealea.
Overnight at Tara Angkor in Siem Reap.
You can best witness the interaction of nature with the works of man at Ta Prohm, which has been left in its original state with roots of enormous fig trees and cascading giant creepers intertwining with stone pillars. Summing up your journey through the magnificent Angkor empire, you will explore the "Big Circuit" comprising of the temples of Pre Rup, East Mebon, Neak Poan and Preah Khan.
Overnight at Tara Angkor in Siem Reap.
In the morning after breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for onwards departure flight.
As with all the tours listed on this website, this is simply a suggested itinerary, which can easily be customized to suit your schedule, budget, and interests. Please contact us to discuss your tailor-made travel requirements.
|
|||||||
| For an accurate quotation please send an inquiry | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Napasai Koh Samui |
 |
| The Napasai is hidden amongst dense cashew, palm and coconut trees...more |
| Amansara Hotel Siem Reap |
 |
| The tranquil property offers a multitude of relaxing opportunities...more |
| Imperial Treasures - 5 Days / 4 Nights |
 |
| Best known for their historical monuments, ancient relics...more |
| Myanmar in Style - 7 Days |
 |
| Discover an enigmatic and deeply spiritual Myanmar...more |
