Laos and Thailand Overland Discovery

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival

Welcome arrival. Meet your tour guide and drive to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a welcome drink and chose to relax or explore nearby sights on your leisure time.

Overnight in Treasure hotel or similar.

Day 2: Luang Prabang (B)

Discover the charms of Luang Prabang with a leisurely walk around the old quarter. Start with the vibrant morning market, the charming city main street and the National Museum. After, visit Wat Xienthong, considered the finest temple in Laos. For the finalé, embark on a scenic boat ride for a memorable sunset cruise along the Mekong river.

Overnight in Treasure hotel or similar.

Day 3: Luang Prabang (B/ D)

A short drive to the outskirts of Luang Prabang takes us to the multi-tiered turquoise-colored Kuang Si Waterfall, deemed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Here you can also visit the Bear Rescue Centre to see rescued Asiatic bears. On our way back, get to see the fascinating world of Lao textiles come alive with a visit to Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre. Tips: • Stop at Buffalo Dairy for ice cream made from real buffalo milk! In the evening, see a bamboo presentation with dinner and a ‘Baci’ ceremony at Bamboo Experience.

Overnight in Treasure hotel or similar.

Day 4: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (B)

Leaving Luang Prabang, we'll drive up into the amazing mountains of north-central Lao PDR, where we will visit Hmong villages. The Hmong are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Lao PDR. They are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in southern China. Hmong people began a gradual southward migration in the 18th century due to political unrest and a lack of arable land. We'll end our journey at the small city of Vang Vieng, tucked in amongst giant limestone cliffs. This is an area of immense natural beauty, with the small Nan Song River passing through the shadows of the dramatic mountains.

Overnight in Saksiri Riverside Boutique or similar.

Day 5: Vang Vieng to Vientiane (B/ L)

Today we will drive to Vientiane, capital and the largest city of Laos and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere unlike the typical hustling and bustling cities of Southeast Asia. This historic old French colonial quarter beguiles glittering temples and statues, sleepy tuk tuk drivers, wandering Buddhist monks and boulevards lined with frangipanis. Explore the charming capital starting with a TukTuk ride from your hotel to the iconic Phatuxay Monument. Walk down Lane Xang Avenue, stopping at the Morning Market and the Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE). Visit Wat Si Muang and Wat Sisaket, before stopping at the Presidential Palace. Get re-energised with a Lao coffee and croissant at Anouvong Park. Visit a series of temple before reaching the Mekong riverbanks.

Overnight in Grand Hotel Vientiane or similar.

Day 6: Vientiane to Udon Thani (B)

Arrival at Friendship Bridge, Thai-Laos border. After checking in immigration. Meet and greet out local guide, then transfer to visit Sala Keoku. Explore the fascinating park of enormous Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Created by mystical artist Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, the park features towering statues that blend religious traditions and the imagination of its visionary founder. Then drive to Udon Thani visit Phu Phra Bat Historical Park. Step into history at this prehistoric site nestled in a forested region. Marvel at unusual rock formations, ancient dwellings, and centuries-old religious shrines, which reflect the influence of prehistoric human activity and Buddhist traditions. Then drive to hotel for check in and overnight.

Overnight in VELA Dhi Udon Thani Hotel or similar.

Day 7: Udon Thani (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Early morning visits the Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng), one of the most breathtaking natural sights in Thailand. Depending on the season (best seen between November and February), the lake is covered with millions of blooming pink lotus flowers, creating a sea of vibrant colors. Then drive to Ban Chiang Archaeological Site: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ban Chiang is considered one of the most important prehistoric settlements in Southeast Asia. Discover artifacts dating back over 5,000 years, including pottery, jewelry, and evidence of ancient metallurgy. Then proceed to Baan Noen Kok Batik Workshop: Learn the intricate art of traditional Thai Silk and batik from local artisans at this village, known for preserving age-old methods of textile production. You'll have a chance to observe the process and even create your own batik masterpiece using natural dye colors from the lotus leaves. Return to hotel for overnight.

Overnight in VELA Dhi Udon Thani Hotel or similar.

Day 8: Udon Thani to Korat (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and Journey to Khon Kaen Visit Wat Thung Setthi, this relatively new but stunning temple, blending modern and traditional Buddhist architecture. The temple's striking design includes a multi-colored pagoda and an interior with golden Buddha statues, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Then drive to Phimai Historical Park, one of the most important Khmer temples in Thailand, dating back to the 11th century. Phimai is thought to be one of the inspirations for Angkor Wat and features intricate carvings and well-preserved ruins. Then visit the 350 years old banyan trees “Sai Ngam”, with amazing interlocking branches and roots creating a serene and mystical atmosphere. Continue to Korat for Check in and overnight.

Overnight in Kantary Hotel or similar.

Day 9: Korat to Khao Yai (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning visit Korat morning market to see the way of life of the people. Continue to Silk Weaving Center. Witness the time-honored art of silk weaving, a craft passed down through generations. Learn how the silk is produced, dyed, and woven into intricate patterns, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s rich textile heritage. You can see all the processes of making Thai silk here. Afternoon, continue to Pak Chong. On the way, visit the temple Wat Khao Chan Ngam which houses prehistoric rock paintings. Walk through a natural rock garden and shady forest for some 150 m. to see the paintings which appear in a row of red silhouettes on a sandstone shelter. There are figures of humans and animals that reflect the way of life and people’s activities i.e. how they were clad, lived or hunted. It is assumed that the paintings were created by an agricultural community who inhabited this area some 3000-4000 years ago. Then drive to the biggest vineyard in Khao Yai. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards with explanation about the various wine grapes. A tour of the Winery including a wine tasting at the wine tasting and education center. Then drive to hotel, nearby Khao Yai National Park.

Overnight in Recall Isaan Isan Concept at Khaoyai Hotel or similar.

Day 10: Khao Yai to Ayutthaya (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Check out and drive to Khao Yai National Park. Start Walk Nature Trails, embark on a 2-3 hour guided hike through the pristine forests of Khao Yai, Thailand’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll trek through lush jungles, encounter unique wildlife, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Visit Haew Suwat Waterfalls, the waterfall cascades over a 20-meter-high cliff into a serene pool, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. Afternoons continue to Saraburi province. Visit the important historical site at the temple Wat Phra Buddha Bat -the Lord Buddha's Footprint, discovered on a nearby stone panel during the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya who commanded to build a Mondop - a square building with a seven-tier castle roof - to cover the footprint. The pearl inlaid artwork on the Mondop doors represents one of the best craftsmanship in the country. Then drive to Ayutthaya the UNESCO World Heritage ancient city. Ayutthaya was a former and by far longest time active capital of Siamese Kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767.

Overnight in Kantary Hotel or similar.

Day 11: Ayutthaya to Bangkok (B/ L)

Breakfast at hotel. The day begins with a ride in a Kermit Tuk Tuk and explore the city's temples Wat Yai Chaimongkol, a significant and historical Buddhist temple. Built during the reign of King U-Thong in the 14th century, it has become one of the most important religious sites in the region. Wat Mahathat (where Buddha's face naturally appears from a tree). Afterwards, stroll through a local market and see the remains of the Royal Palace and the Royal Temple Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which were demolished by the Burmese Army following the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, in the Historical Park of Ayutthaya.

Afternoon ca.13:15pm Embark on a deluxe river cruise back to Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River (Wat Chonglom pier). Sumptuous buffet lunch with a choice of a variety of oriental and western cuisines will be served, while you may relax and enjoy the fascinating scenery on the River of Kings.16:00 pm Arrival and disembark at the River City Shopping Complex Pier. Then transfer to hotel for check in and overnight.

Overnight in Silom Serene Boutique hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 12: Bangkok (B)

Visit to the “must see” and the most interesting attractions of Bangkok will give you an impressive insight into Bangkok’s history, Thai architecture, religion. The tour visits the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s major landmark, which was built in 1782 by King Rama I. Each building of the complex is a work of arts including the royal chapel of Temple of the Emerald Buddha - which houses Thailand’s most revered Buddha Image. Only visitors in proper attire are allowed for the entry. Then proceed to Wat Po, which is one of the most important temples of Bangkok with its very impressive huge reclining Buddha image in bronze built in Ayuthaya period (1350-1767). Spend the remainder of the day at leisure upon return to hotel.

Overnight in Silom Serene Boutique hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 13: Bangkok Departure (B)

Breakfast at hotel, free at leisure till time to transfer to airport for your departure flight.

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