Colors of Indochina: Thailand, Cambodia & Laos 12 days

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure. You may choose to relax after your flight or begin exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Thailand’s capital at your own pace.

Morning

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Bangkok’s most iconic cultural and historical landmarks.

Visit the magnificent Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s most celebrated royal monuments and a masterpiece of Thai architecture. Once the official residence of Thai kings, the palace remains a symbol of the nation’s heritage and grandeur.

Within the palace grounds, discover Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Thailand’s most sacred temple. Admire its revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings, and the distinctive Eight-Coloured Towers.

Continue to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most important temples. Known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and Thailand’s first public centre of learning, the temple houses remarkable murals, statues, and the famous Reclining Buddha. During your visit, enjoy a relaxing 30-minute traditional Thai massage.

Afternoon 

Board a traditional long-tail boat for a scenic journey along the Chao Phraya River and the historic Khlongs (canals) of Thonburi.

Cruise past riverside communities and traditional wooden houses, offering a glimpse into a quieter side of Bangkok that contrasts with the city's modern skyline.

Stop at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of Thailand’s most recognisable landmarks, renowned for its elegant riverside setting and intricately decorated central spire.

Continue to Bangkok’s vibrant Flower and Vegetable Market, where colourful displays of orchids, fresh flowers, and handcrafted floral garlands showcase local traditions and daily life.

This Bangkok day comes to an end near Golden Mountain. The Royal Palace Grounds and the Emerald Buddha Temple Enclosures nearby are also beautiful. 

Note: 

• Modest clothing is required when visiting the Grand Palace and temples. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and sandals are not permitted.
• The inner courts of the Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays.

Morning

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart Bangkok for Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Along the way, visit the elegant Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, also known as the Royal Summer Palace. Featuring a blend of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles, the palace has long served as a royal retreat and is occasionally used for official ceremonies and receptions.

Continue to Ayutthaya and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your afternoon exploration.

Afternoon 

Discover some of the most important historical temples within the ancient city of Ayutthaya.

Begin at Wat Phra Mahathat, one of the kingdom’s most significant royal temples, famous for the iconic Buddha head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree.

Continue to Wat Mongkhon Bophit, home to one of Thailand’s largest bronze seated Buddha images and an important place of worship for local Buddhists.

Next, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the former royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, renowned for its three iconic bell-shaped chedis that once housed the ashes of Siamese kings.

Conclude the tour at Wat Lokayasutharam, known for its impressive reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest and most striking images in Ayutthaya.

After the visit, return to Bangkok and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is free for you to relax after your journey, enjoy the hotel facilities, or begin exploring the charming atmosphere of Siem Reap at your own pace.

Morning

After breakfast, begin your exploration of the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire.

Enter through the impressive South Gate, renowned for its monumental stone faces and the dramatic causeway lined with statues depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Continue to Bayon Temple, famous for its serene stone faces carved into towering structures. Explore the nearby Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King, each showcasing the remarkable artistry and history of the Khmer civilisation.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic landmark and the largest religious monument in the world.

Take time to explore its vast galleries, intricate bas-reliefs, elegant courtyards, libraries, and reflecting ponds. Admire the temple’s five soaring towers, which symbolise Mount Meru, the sacred mountain of Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.

After a day immersed in the grandeur of the Angkor temples, return to your hotel in Siem Reap.

Morning

After breakfast, travel through the Cambodian countryside to visit Banteay Srei, often referred to as the “Citadel of Women.” Considered one of the finest examples of Khmer art, this remarkable temple is renowned for its intricate pink sandstone carvings and exceptional craftsmanship.

Continue to Banteay Samre, a well-preserved 12th-century temple complex featuring a central sanctuary, elegant libraries, and impressive architectural details that reflect the grandeur of the Angkor period.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Transfer to Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, located approximately 16 kilometres from Siem Reap.

Board a local boat and cruise through a traditional floating village, where houses, schools, and shops rise and fall with the changing water levels. This fascinating excursion offers valuable insight into the daily life and unique culture of communities that depend on the lake for their livelihood.

If time permits, stop at the Old Market (Psar Chas) in Siem Reap, where you can browse local handicrafts, silk products, jewellery, wood carvings, souvenirs, and other traditional goods.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast, visit the handicraft center and family Artisans D'Angkor and Silk Farm this morning, which was constructed by a French NGO to revitalize Cambodia's magnificent silk industry. Every stage of silk manufacture is visible to us. 

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch, enjoy free time until your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore the charming streets of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its well-preserved architecture, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful riverside setting.

Evening

Experience a private Baci Ceremony hosted by a local family. This traditional Lao ritual is an important cultural practice that symbolises blessings, good fortune, health, and spiritual harmony.

Following the ceremony, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with your hosts, offering a wonderful opportunity to learn about local customs and daily life while sharing authentic Lao cuisine.

Morning

After breakfast, enjoy a short break with tea or coffee at Hoi Khua Coffee Shop, followed by a safety briefing and zipline training with an experienced guide.

Begin your adventure with a thrilling 900-metre zipline experience, gliding through the lush jungle canopy, crossing forest valleys, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding greenery.

Afternoon

Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to Wat Xiengthong, one of the most beautiful and significant temples in Laos, known for its elegant low-sweeping roofs and classic Luang Prabang architecture.

Next, visit Wat Sen, the city’s oldest temple, distinguished by its golden exterior and traditional decorative details.

Proceed to the Royal Palace Museum, home to a collection of royal artefacts, historical objects, and cultural exhibits that reflect Laos’ rich heritage.

Later in the afternoon, visit Wat Phra Bat to enjoy a peaceful sunset viewpoint, offering a calm and scenic end to the day.

Conclude your experience at the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can browse handcrafted textiles, local art, and souvenirs made by local artisans and hill tribe communities.

Morning

After breakfast, take part in a hands-on cooking experience at Tamarind Restaurant, one of Luang Prabang’s most well-known culinary spots.

Begin with a guided visit to a local food market, where you’ll discover fresh ingredients, herbs, and traditional Lao produce while learning how they are used in everyday cooking.

Return to Tamarind Garden for your cooking session and lunch. Prepare and enjoy signature Lao dishes such as jeow (traditional dipping sauces), Mok Pa (herbed fish steamed in banana leaves), and Tamarind’s specialty dishes featuring local herbs and flavours. Lunch concludes around 14:30.

Afternoon

After a short rest, continue to the breathtaking Kuang Si waterfalls, one of Laos’ most beautiful natural attractions. The multi-tiered falls cascade into turquoise pools surrounded by lush forest, offering a peaceful and scenic setting for walking, photography, or swimming.

Visit the nearby Bear Rescue Centre, home to rescued Asiatic black bears protected from illegal wildlife trade.

On the return journey, stop at the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre along the Mekong River. This cultural centre showcases traditional Lao textiles and weaving techniques, with free demonstrations and insights into local craftsmanship.

Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for the evening.

Morning

At 08:00, be picked up by our English-speaking guide from your hotel lobby in Luang Prabang, Laos 

Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp, welcome greeting by your guide, and join in a short briefing about elephants. Elephant feeding and elephant village discovery are both amazing activities. 

Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall by riding in a traditional Lao long boat to the waterfall and relaxing or swimming in the clear water. 

Enjoy lunch at the Elephant Camp restaurant, with buffet options and refreshments including tea, coffee, and water (vegetarian options available).

Depart the camp at around 13:00 and return to your hotel in Luang Prabang.

Afternoon

Later, take a gentle walk through the old town, exploring quiet lanes and observing daily local life.

Visit Heuan Chan Heritage House, a beautifully preserved 100-year-old wooden home that offers insight into traditional Lao architecture and culture.

In the late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views over Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, and surrounding mountains - especially beautiful at sunset.

Return to your hotel for the evening.

At 08:30, meet your guide and driver at the hotel before setting off on a scenic journey along the Mekong River. Enjoy peaceful river views, limestone cliffs, and rural landscapes as you cruise upstream toward one of Laos’ most spiritual sites.

Arrive at the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred site known for its thousands of Buddha statues placed by pilgrims over centuries. Explore the two limestone caves filled with figures of all sizes, each carrying deep religious and cultural meaning.

Along the way, stop at Ban Muang Keo, a traditional village known for producing Lao rice whisky using age-old distillation methods.

Continue to Ban Xangkhong, a Thai Lue weaving village famous for handmade textiles and natural dye techniques. Then visit nearby Ban Xienglek, well known for its traditional Saa paper production, where you can observe the handmade paper-making process.

Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax, take a final stroll around Luang Prabang, or do any last-minute exploration at your own pace.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Luang Prabang International Airport for your onward journey. Safe travels and see you on your next adventure!