Thailand & Laos Hidden Treasures of Thailand and Laos - Pre-reservation 2025
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.
Thailand: Bangkok | Thai Dancing | Thai Cuisine | Books & Movies |