Thailand & Laos: Hidden Treasures and Beaches - Pre-Reservation

Thailand & Laos

Hidden Treasures of Thailand and Laos - Pre-reservation 2025

January 2025 (14 Days / 13 Nights)
This tour starts and ends in Bangkok, Thailand

We are currently in the process of planning this tour. Once we have all the activities, dates, hotels and other details confirmed, and the pricing finalized, we will post a complete itinerary, including the price. If you would like to be notified of this tour's availability when the planning process is completed, please complete the pre-reservation form.

PRE-RESERVATION FORM

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Thailand is a treasure trove filled with glittering temples, exotic markets, mystical Buddhist sanctuaries, dreamy white beaches and sumptuous food. The country is rich in history and traditional culture which blend seamlessly with the contemporary lifestyle. From the gleaming ultramodern highrises and impressive temples of Bangkok, through tranquil waterways and lush jungle hideaways to the ancient beauty of Chiang Mai, the colorful hill tribes' villages in the North and the world-class island beaches in the South, this trip will leave you dreaming of golden palaces and turquoise seas long after you leave. We'll tour Bangkok and the imperial Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siam Kingdom, once considered the grandest city on Earth, spend an exciting day with Thailand's beloved elephants, study Thai cuisine, offer alms to monks at some of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temples, visit the exotic hill tribes, snorkel in the tropical paradise, as we sail off Phuket on a private speedboat, and enjoy the peaceful experience of Yoga and meditation on the beach.

Known as the land of a million elephants, Laos is the most serene country in Southeast Asia. The landscape is a stunning mix of mist-shrouded mountain peaks flanked by jungle-clad valleys, beautiful French colonial towns, gilded temples, golden Buddhist stupas and the magic of the Mekong. Overused as a battleground in its time, Laos is now watching from afar as the rest of Asia is racing ahead. Here, the world moves at the pace, both physically and spiritually, of the saffron-robed monks who set out at dawn in search of alms. It is a place where the skyline is defined by mountains and temples rather than skyscrapers, where cicadas and waterfalls drown out the hum of city traffic and the only sound in the temples is silence. During this journey, you will experience the essence of old Asia with glittering temples, unique hill tribe cultures, and the mighty Mekong flowing through it. Exotic Laos is a laidback and charming place, characterized by scenic boat journeys, lush riverside settings and the pervading Buddhist culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bangkok: Bangkok's opulent Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and the Temple of Dawn ● The magnificent Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siam Kingdom ● Chiang Rai's White Temple ● A day volunteering at the Elephant Sanctuary ● Traditional Thai cooking class ● Visiting ethnic tribes, including Long Neck Karen ● Day on a private sailing boat in the Andaman Sea off Phuket ● Snorkeling off Phi Phi Islands ● Yoga and meditation on the beach in Phuket

Laos: Luang Prabang architectural gems ● Wat Xiengthong Temple ● Alms giving ceremony with Buddhist monks ● Kuang Si Waterfall ● Long boat excursion on the Mekong River ● Pak Ou Caves ● Meeting the ethnic Hmong people

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Testimonials

Loved the variety of sights, cities and countryside. Mr. Pat is the best tour guide ever. He gave us all a white rose because it was Valentine’s Day. I hope he is paid triple his wage. - Mary from Iowa

Simply, my best trip to date. The chance to experience a completely new culture of Thailand, an area of the world I had no real experience with was wonderful. I felt safe and well protected so that I was able to appreciate the new environment and experiences fully. Laos, Luang Prabang was an amazing contrast to Bangkok, I am so glad I did this portion of the trip. It enabled a perspective that was necessary to compare the political and economic climate, and Mr Pom, reflected a different type of existence in a Communist country. Very engaging and thought provoking. - Laurie from Pennsylvania

I am glad I went to Thailand. I love being immersed in different cultures and learning about the customs and mores of perole I knew little about. I came away from the Thailand trip having learned a lot about the country and I was pleased. Mr. Pat provided cohesion, clarity and knowledge on the trip. Since he was so informed about everything Thai… he gave us a grouding on appropriate cultural sensitivity. He is highly skilled as a leader and guide. The hotels and food destinations were very good. I really appreciated the Sheraton Hotel in Bangkok and the city of Chiang Mai generally. – Ellen from New York

It was great to immerse myself in a completely different culture… but my much needed vacation vibe really started and ended in Laos where I was seduced by its charms and quirks. The cooking class was a lot of fun. It gave us the opportunity to participate rather than be a spectator. The people running the school were organized, pleasant patient and present… definitely one of the highlights of the trip. - Julie from New York

Our local guide, Mr. Pat was wonderful and made the trip for me. His kindness, desire to help us understand Thai culture, Thai Buddhism (and Thai food), and attentiveness to our needs were outstanding. – Sue from Massachusetts

I love the Country. Local guide “Mr. Pat” made the trip for me and my friends. Hotels were nice, especially Sheraton Royal Orchid in Bangkok. – Theresa from Oregon

I had a wonderful time sharing adventures in history and culture with women who became instant friends. I instantly felt welcome and included. This upscale tour company provides fantastic experiences in safe, welcoming environment, and I highly recommend it to anyone traveling alone or with a friend. - Eva from Massachusett