Laos & Thailand – From city to beach

When you arrive at Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ), your local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in a private transfer (without a guide). Check into your hotel (rooms available from 2pm) and enjoy some free time. Meals at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast in the morning, meet your guide at the hotel to start exploring the city, discover:

• Vat Mai, a highly respected sanctuary with a magnificent roof that was built at the end of the 18th century.
• The Royal Palace, now home to the National Museum, boasts an extensive collection of precious artefacts that once belonged to the royal family. There are also a large number of statuettes that were discovered in temples in the region. Here, you can admire the Phra Bang Buddha, which is considered the most sacred artefact in Laos and gave the city its name. Have lunch at your leisure.

Afternoon: Visit the Kuang Si Falls:

Composed of karst formations and numerous turquoise pools, these waterfalls are a must-see in northern Laos. The lower part of the waterfalls has been converted into a public park where you can relax and enjoy the refreshing shade of the scattered trees. However, the main attraction for most visitors is a little further along the path, where erosion has formed numerous small natural rock pools in which you can swim and relax.

Then, return to Luang Prabang to visit a weaving workshop. The Ock Pop Tok weaving centre is a beautiful place to visit if you are interested in traditional Lao crafts. Thanks to a local guide, you will discover the secrets of beautiful Lao textiles and learn about each step of silk weaving and fabric dyeing. You will also learn about batiks and bamboo weaving, but the best way to learn is to watch the artisans at work in the workshop (this activity starts at around 4:30pm and ends at around 6pm). Finally, you will have time to stroll through the beautiful tropical garden and admire the breathtaking view of the Mekong River and the mountains.

To finish off the day, enjoy a cocktail at sunset on a picturesque terrace with a stunning view of the river.

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Have breakfast, then meet your guide at your hotel.

Your day will begin with a drive through the charming countryside of Luang Prabang to the picturesque village of Ban Muang Keo, where you will learn the art of traditional flower arranging. You will learn how to create beautiful floral offerings for monks. Next, visit a serene local temple and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, receiving a blessing from a monk. Continue your cultural immersion by visiting a village and interacting with the friendly locals to gain insight into their daily lives.

Afterwards, enjoy a delicious aperitif on a picturesque beach while savouring local flavours and admiring the tranquil beauty of the Mekong River. Next, enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Laotian cuisine, followed by a cup of local coffee.

Finally, you will visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves. If you feel like it, you can take an easy 30-minute hike through the forest to reach the caves via a unique and secret entrance. Otherwise, you can reach them by taking a short local boat ride. Once inside, you can admire the thousands of Buddha statues nestled in these two caverns and discover the history and religious significance of this remarkable site.

Return to Luang Prabang by private local boat and transfer to your hotel. Free evening, overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel to continue your city tour.

Vat Xieng Thong, the royal city temple, is a complex of temples and shrines where you can admire some of the finest examples of traditional Laotian art. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful site in Luang Prabang.

Vat Visoun, the city's oldest temple, stands out thanks to That Makmo, a stone stupa in the shape of a lotus flower.

At around 1:30pm, you will be transferred to Luang Prabang railway station to take the express train to Vang Vieng (journey time: 1 hour; 2:58pm - 3:49pm).

You will be welcomed by your local guide at Vang Vieng railway station and transferred to your hotel.

Free evening and overnight stay at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel. Today, you will explore ethnic villages and walk through the rice fields of Vang Vieng.

You will then be driven to a Lao Loum village, located 30 minutes north of Vang Vieng and 30 minutes from the hotel. This picturesque area boasts a vibrant rural lifestyle that will delight aspiring photographers. From there, you will begin an easy one-hour walk through the rice fields alongside a small canal. You will then arrive at an important Hmong village. The Hmong are one of the largest ethnic groups in the region and have preserved many of their ancient traditions and ways of life. You will meet a traditional basket maker, whose baskets are still used by local farmers, as well as a young woman doing embroidery specific to this ethnic group.

Next, you will take a short drive to a Khmu village. The Khmu are another of the region's largest ethnic groups. Here, you will be invited to share a meal with a local family and learn how to make rice wine, also known as "Lao Hai".

The final part of the walk will take you to a traditional hut surrounded by rice fields and herds of cows. Here, you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while tasting the famous rice wine. You will then return to the hotel in time to enjoy the sunset. You can have dinner at your leisure and then spend the night at the hotel.

Please note:

Distance and duration of transfers: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Distance and duration of walks: 3 kilometres (approximately 1 hour) + 2 kilometres (approximately 40 minutes).

Meet your guide at the hotel. Depart for Vientiane. Stop along the way for a lunch cruise on Nam Ngum Lake: an opportunity for a relaxing escapade in a secluded paradise.

Embark on a scenic cruise to a secluded private island, a haven of tranquillity. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the enticing aroma of a freshly prepared barbecue lunch of fish, served amidst the island's serene beauty. The crystal-clear waters of Nam Ngum Lake beckon you for a refreshing swim. Then, explore the island at your own pace. Stroll along the coastline, discover hidden coves or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before returning by boat.

After a short rest, continue the journey to Vientiane. Dinner at your leisure, overnight at the hotel.

Meet your guide at the hotel to begin your tour of Vientiane.

Despite the strong French colonial influence, the capital of Laos retains a strong Asian identity. You will visit the city's main sites, contrasting old monasteries and other Asian-style buildings.

- Vat Sisaket Temple: featuring unique Siamese-influenced architecture, it is the largest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane.

- Vat Phra Kèo Temple: built in 1565 to house the famous Emerald Buddha, it was rebuilt identically in 1942 and is located in a beautiful garden. Under its distinctive Laotian and northern Siamese-style roof are superb engraved wooden panels and graceful columns.

- Pha That Luang: this cloister, built around a large stupa, was damaged by Hmong looters in 1873 and renovated by the French in 1930. It has become a national symbol representing both the Buddhist religion and the country's sovereignty. This large sanctuary is a masterpiece of Laotian architecture.

- Patuxai (or Gate of Triumph): you can admire Vientiane from the summit of this monument to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France.

- Talat Sao Market: here, you will find everything made or imported in Laos.

At the end of the day, transfer to Vientiane station to catch the night train to Bangkok in an air-conditioned second-class cabin. Dinner at your leisure.

Early morning arrival at Bangkok station. You will be greeted by a local driver and then transferred privately to the hotel (room available upon arrival).

Around 1:30 PM: meet your guide at the hotel. You will head to the pier for a long-tail boat cruise to get a glimpse of the local life on the Thonburi canals. Afterwards, you will visit the imposing Wat Arun, the most impressive temple in Bangkok, located by the river.

Private blessing by monks: Besides their impressive architecture and historical significance, temples also play a practical role in the daily lives of Thai people. During your visit to Wat Arun, you will experience this firsthand as your guide introduces you to one of the resident monks and explains how to make an offering. This is an extremely important ritual practiced throughout Thailand, believed to bring good karma and prosperity. The monk will then bless you by chanting Buddhist sermons and sprinkling holy water.

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Note:

Wat Arun opening hours: 1 PM - 5 PM.

Meet your guide at the hotel. Early in the morning, you will depart for the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a destination that has fascinated visitors for centuries with its unique tradition of trading on the water. Climb aboard a Thai longtail boat and glide through the canals, passing lush green plantations along the banks, traditional local houses and scenes of daily life unfolding at the water's edge. After the boat trip, take time to explore the market.

Return to Bangkok.

In the afternoon: Visit to Bangkok's temples, havens of peace in a bustling city.

Today, discover Bangkok's three most remarkable historical landmarks. Your first visit will be to Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, which are part of the same complex. Wat Phra Kaew is possibly the most important temple for Thais, due to the presence of the Emerald Buddha; as for the Grand Palace, it embodies the symbiosis between traditional Thai and Western architecture. It is believed that the Emerald Buddha brings good fortune to the royal family and prosperity to the entire country. A little later, you will visit Wat Pho, which houses more than a thousand representations of Buddha, as well as the breathtaking reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also renowned for being Thailand's first massage school.

Culinary Tuk-Tuk Tour in Chinatown and Night Walk: Let's discover the real lifestyle of Bangkok! At dusk, you will board a tuk-tuk for a unique culinary adventure. First, your driver and guide will take you to the heart of Chinatown, a street food paradise.

Discover vibrant Yaowarat, the heart of Chinatown, on a gourmet stroll among iconic neon signs. Soak up the aromas of spices and savoury dishes, and admire the street food artists and their unique family recipes. Explore the Pak Klong Talad flower market in a tuk-tuk and watch the florists and vendors at work under the starlight. End your day in peace and quiet in front of an illuminated temple, before enjoying a drink by the river with a magnificent view. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Notes:

Floating market opening hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Opening hours Wat Pho: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (last tickets sold at 3:00 p.m.).

Duration of the culinary tour: from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The street food tour is not recommended on Mondays, as most stalls will be closed and Chinatown will not be as lively.

The flower market is closed on Mondays.

In the morning, meet the driver at the hotel for a private transfer (without a guide) to Ao Prao pier. Take a one-way speedboat shuttle to Na Dan pier, Koh Samet (Scheduled departure times: 1:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. – for reference).

Upon arrival at Na Dan pier, join a group transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy some free time. The evening is at leisure, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Free days to enjoy the coastline. Overnight at the hotel.

Free days to enjoy the beach and explore the island at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, then, depending on your flight schedule, group transfer to Na Dan Pier, followed by return transfer by speedboat shuttle to Ao Prao Pier (scheduled departure times: 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – for reference only).

Upon arrival at Ao Prao pier, private transfer (without guide) to Bangkok airport for your departure flight.

Note: Room available until noon.

TRANSFERS

During this tour, guests will be provided with return transfers between the airport and hotel in a private vehicle with a driver (but no guide).

Transfers between stops and hotels are provided in an air-conditioned private vehicle.

Luang Prabang–Vang Vieng express day train (day 4): second class; journey time: approx. one hour.

Vientiane–Bangkok night train (day 7): second-class sleeper with an air-conditioned cabin.

No driver is provided during free time.

GUIDING / ACCOMPANYING

During this tour, guests are accompanied by a local English-speaking guide who meets them at their hotel every morning. There are three different guides: one for the Luang Prabang section, one for the Vang Vieng/Vientiane section and one in Bangkok.

No guide is provided during free time.

Transfers between the airport and the hotel are not guided.