Laos, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Welcome to Luang Prabang! Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your private local guide outside the baggage claim area and then be transferred to check-in at the downtown hotel. We’ll leave the rest of the day for you to recover from jet lag or explore the city by yourself. The city was the ancient capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom (1353-1694) and is the birthplace of Buddhism in Laos, boasting many revered temples.

➤ Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Tonight, dine at the riverside Dyen Sabai Restaurant, providing both authentic Lao cuisine and the natural beauty of the Mekong River. Try the Lao national dish, Laap, a minced meat salad served with various spices, including lime juice and fish sauce. Coconut soup with tofu, steamed fish, and eggplant dip with sticky rice are also highly recommended.
Average Cost per Person: LAK 200,000-300,000 (USD 9-14)
Address: Ban Phan Louang, PO Box 805, Luang Prabang

➤ Tips
1. Clothing: Buddhism is the principal religion in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, and the religious sites have a strict dress code. So, pack clothes covering your shoulders and knees.
2. Weather: The Indochina countries mainly feature a tropical climate. It’s advisable to bring sun protection gear and replenish water in time to protect against the scorching sun.
3. Food Safety: When you try street snacks, choose hygienic street food, and bring some stomach medicine for emergencies.
4. SIM Cards: For better signals, it is suggested that you use local SIM cards, like the ETL card in Laos, the Happy card in Thailand, the Smart card in Cambodia, and the Viettel card in Vietnam. You can purchase packages catering to your needs online in advance.

Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) or similar

Today, your 3 weeks Indochina vacation package starts with the Royal Palace Museum. The palace was built in 1904, integrating traditional Laotian architectural style with French elements, and served as the residence of Laos’ last king, Sisavang Vong, until it was taken over by the government and turned into a museum in 1975. Take your time to admire the items of the royal family and the quantity of rare Buddhas collected from India, Cambodia and Laos, especially the most revered Phra Bang Buddha. It is also required to remove your shoes and store your bags before entering.

Then, board a cruise along the Mekong River and immerse yourself in the natural scenery along the banks. En route, enjoy a short stay at Ban Xang Hai Village, where you can sample the specialty, lao-lao whiskey. Then, continue the cruise until you disembark at Pak Ou Caves, which feature two caves on the cliff and enshrine around 2,000 Buddha images! On the way back, stop at Ban Xang Khong Village and appreciate the unique Saa paper products and traditional silk weaving.

After returning to the downtown, climb up Mount Phousi to enjoy the amazing sunset view. It takes only about 10 minutes to reach the summit; however, it’s the highest point in Luang Prabang. Then, stroll around Phousi Night Market, which is teeming with not only local snacks like coconut ice cream, baked bananas and sticky rice but also distinctive handicrafts, including textile handkerchiefs and woven bags. Haggle for things you like!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) or similar

In the early morning, your guide will accompany you to experience a traditional local ritual, the morning alms-giving ceremony, locally known as ‘Tak Bat’. At around 5:30, locals devoutly sit on low stools or kneel on the mats with food, waiting for the monks in orange-red robes, who walk barefoot and file out onto the streets for alms. This is the belief that has been passed down in Luang Prabang for centuries. If you wish, mingle with the locals and give alms.
➤ Ritual Process of Morning Alms-giving
1. Purchase some food from the locals by yourself, remove your shoes, sit, and wait at a distance.
2. As the monks pass by, put a small portion of food into their bowls gently. Please avoid looking directly at them and keep silent.
3. After your offerings are completed, walk away quietly from behind the monks.

After the ceremony, experience the local life in the ancient town before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. Then, proceed to admire two sacred temples: Wat Xieng Thong, featuring the prestigious mosaic fresco called the ‘Tree of Life’; and the city’s largest temple, Wat Mai, which is in the standard Luang Prabang architectural style, with an imposing roof made of five layers of red tiles. The temples also hold grand celebrations and activities around mid-April for the Lao New Year, aka Boun Pi Mai, including elephant parades and the Buddha bathing ritual. During the ritual, people sprinkle clean water mixed with flowers and spices through the Buddha statues and then collect this sacred water to pray for blessings.

After that, have a blast at Kuang Si Falls! Change into your swimsuit and plunge into the multi-tiered turquoise water, or sit by the pond to enjoy a natural fish pedicure. At the end of the day, you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) or similar

Today, your Indochina tour will be extended to Thailand. A private transfer to the airport will be arranged for you to take the 1.5-hour flight to the capital city, Bangkok. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to check in at the downtown hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

➤ Recommendations in Bangkok (at your own expense)
If you are an art aficionado, visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, which is actually a large-scale art mall, displaying from sculptures to oil paintings, from photography to design, and from fashion to drama. Most of the exhibitions are free of charge, and you can also savor delicious food in snack bars and coffee shops, and find interesting cultural and creative products on its bottom 4 floors. On the 3rd floor sits a world-class, award-winning chocolate shop called Paradai. Try Thai flavors like tom yum goong and green curry.
Address: 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today's journey begins with the Grand Palace, which was established during the founding of the Chakri Dynasty in 1792. Marvel at the magnificent structures and images including the soaring spires, golden towers, and exquisite guardian deities, which make a stunning blend of Thai architecture and art. You won’t miss appreciating the Chakri Group, the largest in scale, which is influenced by the Italian Renaissance architectural style. At the northeast corner, we’ll admire Wat Phra Kaew, home to the highly revered Emerald Buddha. The temple also boasts a tower enshrining the Buddha’s relics, and delicate murals depicting the Thai epic ‘Ramakien’, in which Prince Rama was exiled to the forest and his wife was abducted by the demon, but he finally saved his wife with the help of a divine monkey.

Then, proceed to Wat Pho to marvel at one of the world's biggest reclining Buddhas, measuring 46 meters (151 feet) long and 15 meters (49 feet) high. Behind the statue are 108 bronze bowls, where people always put coins to pray for good fortune. In addition, the temple is also the birthplace of Thai massage, offering related courses.

Afterward, explore Bangkok from another perspective, and we’ll take a cruise across the Chao Phraya River, the major river flowing through the city. Enjoy the city’s landmarks along the banks and finally stop at the enchanting Wat Arun, known as the ‘Eiffel Tower of Thailand’. The 79-meter (260-foot) tall stupa, surrounded by four smaller ones, is inlaid with colorful ceramic tiles, glass, and shells. The temple is always swarming with people in Thai costumes. If interested, rental shops can be found outside the temple.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll drive around 2 hours southwest to navigate the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to get fascinating insights into how the Thai people use waterways for daily transactions. On arrival, hop on a rowboat, which is more environmentally friendly and slow-paced than an electric one. Along the narrow canal, primitive trading unfolds in front of you: local vendors are slowly rowing wooden boats fully loaded with fresh tropical fruits, flowers, and specialty delicacies; stilt houses lining the banks are brimming with cute handicrafts, local food, and braided fabrics. When something entices you, feel free to ask the boatman to pull over.
➤ Tips:
1. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat would be helpful on sunny days. You can also cool off by sampling some refreshing coconut juice or luscious coconut ice cream on your own.
2. Goods in the market always charge inflated prices, so drive a hard bargain!

Then, drive back to the downtown and visit the mysterious Jim Thompson House, a museum named after an American businessman who is hailed as the Thai silk king. Surrounded by lush greenery, this complex of Thai red teak structures is like a calm oasis hidden in the bustling city. It houses a magnificent collection of Asian art and many unique displays, including exquisite ceramics, Buddha statues, paintings and wood carvings. As today's trip ends, you’ll be driven back to the hotel.

➤ Activities & Food Recommendations (at your own expense)
Bangkok’s famous entertainment area, Siam Square, just sits near the museum, and you can explore it by yourself. Take a stroll around the Siam Paragon to browse international luxury brands, local designer brands, and exquisite boutiques. Head to the food area on the G floor to sample savory pig trotter rice, curry noodles, and Thai milk tea crab. Most of them cost about THB 100 (USD 3) per serving.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today, a private driver will escort you to the airport for the 1-hour flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, your local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, take a boat on the Tonle Sap Lake to admire the impressive natural beauty, as well as the floating village and the stunning sunset. Colorful stilt houses, including shops, schools and churches, are all built on the water, surrounded by small wooden boats, which serve as the villagers’ means of transport. During the dry season, the water level drops and the wooden stakes of the structures come into view; while in the wet season, the houses seem to float on the water surface. The lake is also home to many rare birds, such as the little cormorant and the Asian openbill. Bring your telescope during the birdwatching season from November to March! Besides, it’s advisable to wear light clothing and walking shoes, as well as sunglasses and a sun hat.

➤ Insider Tips on Cambodia
1. US dollars are widely used in Cambodia. However, we suggest that you exchange some small denominations of riel, the official currency, at 7-Eleven (USD 1 = KHR 4,000). Generally, you can pay the integer part in US dollars and the change in riel.
2. Cambodia has fewer traffic lights than other countries, so be mindful when crossing the road. Besides, in Phnom Penh, please take good care of your belongings and follow your guide closely in case of drive-by motorbike snatch thieves.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Angkor, the ruins of the Khmer Empire (802-1431), submerged in the jungles, is regarded as one of the Four Wonders of the East. This early morning, your private guide will accompany you to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, the world’s largest Hindu-Buddhist site and a national treasure printed on the Cambodian flag. For a better sunrise experience, you can choose any day during your stay in Siem Reap to go, depending on the weather or the time you like. When the sun rises above the symmetrical pagodas bit by bit, illuminating the surrounding ruins, you won't regret getting up so early today! Besides, the bas-reliefs carved on the pillars and corridors depicting the Hindu epics are also well worth a perusal.

Afterward, navigate through the South Gate, which is lined with statues of gods and devils, and arrive at Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Admire the Bayon Temple, which is famous for 216 smiling faces carved on four sides of 54 stupas. Some believe that these ‘Khmer smiles’ are the faces of Jayavarman VII, a productive king who initiated the Buddhist era in Khmer. Then, appreciate the vivid elephant carvings in the Terrace of the Elephants and visit the Terrace of the Leper King, which got its name from the leper king statue atop.

In the afternoon, conclude the day with Ta Prohm Temple, which is the shooting spot of the film Tomb Raider. The incredible scene of the ancient temples tightly entwined with the roots of the towering trees will take your breath away!

➤ Tips:
1. It is suggested that you prepare a thin mask to cope with the dusty area. Mosquito repellent is also a necessity in Angkor, especially in the rainy season, as it is surrounded by water.
2. Keep a distance from monkeys meandering around the ruins to prevent unintentional harm.

➤ Massage Recommendation (at your own expense)
After a whole day’s Angkor exploration, it’s a good idea to relieve muscle fatigue at Relax Spa, a high-scoring massage parlor in the city center, which offers a quiet environment and professional massage services, as well as a free refreshing beverage and fresh mangoes. Different packages are available for you to choose from. For instance, a 60-minute foot massage costs around KHR 50,000 (USD 13).
Address: Next to Park Hyatt Hotel, Sivutha Blvd, Krong Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Today, continue your Angkor trip to the Roluos Group, which boasts three main temples named Bakong, Preah Ko, and Lolei. The group can be traced back to the late 9th century and is regarded as the beginning of Angkor architectural art. Then, you’ll be escorted to Banteay Srei Temple, which enshrines the Hindu god Shiva. The delicate scale, red hue and exquisite reliefs earned the temple its name, which literally means ‘Citadel of Women’. Afterward, proceed to Preah Khan Temple, which boasts the only Grecian-style structure in all the Angkor ruins. The overall layout of the temple is a cross, with four long and narrow vaulted corridors extending in four directions from the central hall.

After the visit, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Phnom Penh. Upon landing, your private guide will greet you at the airport and accompany you to check into the well-selected hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Phnom Penh (at your own expense)
Eleven One Kitchen is a highly praised Cambodian-style restaurant that also provides Western cuisine and vegetarian food. Try the classic Khmer dish, amok fish, a steamed savory fish curry made with meat wrapped in banana leaves and blended with coconut milk, lemongrass, and other spices. Deep-fried taro shrimp fritters and loc lac, Khmer pepper beef, are also worth trying.
Average Cost per Person: KHR 40,000-60,000 (USD 10-15)
Address: 20 St 334, Phnom Penh

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pavilion Hotel, Phnom Penh (4 stars) or similar

Today, your knowledgeable private guide will accompany you to delve into the massacre by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. First, pay a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which was originally an ordinary middle school and then transformed into a detention camp by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. The buildings were surrounded by electric barbed wire, and the classrooms were used as cells and torture facilities. During the three years and eight months of the brutal rule, countless young and vibrant lives were taken prisoner only because they ‘used watches’, ‘lived in buildings’, and ‘listened to pop music’! Besides, a national map made of skulls displayed in the museum would render people speechless. After that, visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, the most famous among the killing camps, where around 17,000 people were executed! Pray for the poor innocents before the memorial stupa, which houses more than 9,000 skulls and crania.

Afterward, escape from the depressing sights and explore the Royal Palace, featuring more than 20 resplendent Khmer-style buildings with towering spires. The yellow and white hues of the structures are symbols of purity and wisdom. Along the corridor, peruse the magnificent relief murals, which display the achievements of successive dynasties and religious stories. Inside the palace, the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is totally paved with silver bricks, was a sacred place where the kings paid homage to the Buddha.

Today's last spot is the National Museum, displaying a large number of handicrafts and carvings of the 4th to 10th centuries, as well as Angkor photos taken by French photographers and genuine Angkor sculptures. Apart from the collection, the museum's architecture itself is also impressive, with classic Khmer-style red buildings nestled in greenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Pavilion Hotel, Phnom Penh (4 stars) or similar

Today, board a 4-hour speedboat to travel along the Mekong River to Vietnam. After immigration clearance, continue sailing to Chau Doc. The immersive navigation provides you with picturesque scenery like tropical rainforests, rice fields, ancient temples, and rustic life along the river. Upon arriving, your local guide will pick you up at the pier and transfer you to check in at the hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Chau Doc (at your own expense)
Quan Chay Hoa An is a family-owned vegetarian eatery highly praised even by the locals. Savor the Vietnamese signature dishes like Vietnamese pho, crispy fried noodles and spring rolls. If you are a hot pot fanatic, try the mushroom and vegetable hot pot.
Average Cost per Person: VND 50,000-100,000 (USD 2-4)
Address: 361 Cu Tri, Chau Phu A, Chau Doc

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, visit a Cham community, where people retain the traditional way of life in modest shacks, making a living by weaving intricate and colorful fabrics like blankets, scarves, and belts. They also preserve the customs of Muslims, so you’ll see many beautiful mosques. Then, enjoy a hike up Sam Mountain, a spiritual spot in Chau Doc, home to numerous Buddhist temples, also offering a stunning panoramic view of the surroundings. Afterward, take a boat to visit the floating village to experience the local lifestyle and catch a glimpse of the fish-farming process.

In the afternoon, after a private drive of around 3 hours, you’ll arrive at Can Tho, and your guide will help you check into the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guide and driver will escort you to Vinh Long Market, teeming with vegetables, seafood, clothing and souvenirs, as well as fresh tropical fruits like rambutans, pitayas and longans. Afterward, embark on a boat to the countryside to sail through small branches and enjoy the rural landscape. En route, go ashore to visit a village and enjoy a cycling tour to immerse yourself in the idyllic surroundings with lush rice fields, friendly locals and birds twittering in the trees. After that, we’ll cruise back to Vinh Long and enjoy a 2.5-hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to check into the hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Ho Chi Minh City (at your own expense)
If you are looking for somewhere with a warm and inviting ambiance, head to the Runam Dong Khoi, a café providing specialty coffees. Try Vietnamese drip coffee, and experience the special drip tools served with an hourglass timer. It’ll take about 5 minutes to make a cup of mellow coffee. If you have a sweet tooth, try the smooth and creamy egg coffee. Moreish and diverse dishes like Vietnamese pho, soft-shell crab noodles and crispy salmon skins are also on the list.
Average Cost per Person: VND 300,000-400,000 (USD 12-16)
Address: 2-4-6, D. Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, kick off your visit to the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s iconic retail markets, with an ocean of products ranging from daily necessities and fresh produce to souvenirs. Specialties like the Vietnamese coffee, nuts, and dried fruits are of high quality. Try to ask for 30% off the asking price, as bargain games are on here.

Then, head to the War Remnants Museum, where you can get insights into the Vietnam War (1955-1975) through a large number of battlefield photos and materials, as well as heavy weapons like helicopters and tanks used by the US military displayed in the courtyard.

Afterward, admire some landmarks built in the French colonial period in succession. The Reunification Palace, aka the Independence Palace, was the former presidential office of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The impressive Notre Dame Cathedral, modeled on the world-famous Notre Dame de Paris, features a red-brick façade and striking twin bell towers. The hundred-year-old Saigon Central Post Office, which is still working, boasts vintage telephone booths, exquisite decorations and worldwide mailing services. Before the day ends, stroll around Dong Khoi Street, which is chock-full of boutiques with exquisite Vietnamese embroidery and fabric bags, high-end malls, and French-style buildings like the Opera House.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels will show you the life of Viet Cong soldiers and local residents during the Vietnam War. The 3-layered 250-kilometer (155-mile) long underground hiding network boasts living quarters, hospitals, schools, traps, armories, etc. Follow your guide to experience parts of the cramped tunnels, with some areas being only nearly 1 meter (3 feet) high and 0.7 meters (2 feet) wide. You need to lower yourself and even crouch down as you move forward. If you suffer from claustrophobia, you can stay on the ground and observe the military weapons, including a captured tank and bombshells. As the tunnels’ exits are in the jungle, it’s advisable to bring insect-repellent spray.

After that, you’ll be escorted to the airport to catch the 2-hour flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up and lead you to check into the hotel. Then, you can enjoy some rest or stroll around the city by yourself.

➤ Recommended Activities in Hanoi (at your own expense)
To savor the indigenous life, visit the Old Quarter, featuring nearly 40 streets, each focusing on its primary goods, like silver street and kitchenware street. Experience the unique Hanoi rickshaw, in which passengers sit in the front and the driver rides at the back, and observe the bustling streets brimming with fruit and street food vendors and motorbikes dashing out from everywhere. Then, sample the signature beef noodles at the nearby Michelin-starred Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan Restaurant. The rich and flavorful beef bone broth, generous meat, and chewy rice noodles won’t let you down! It costs around VND 50,000 (USD 2) per serving.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

Today, your Hanoi sightseeing begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of the nation’s founding father. The mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and during the annual maintenance, when we’ll only admire it from the exterior. Then, walk several minutes northward to the Presidential Palace to appreciate the vibrant yellow French-style mansion, and President Ho’s former residences: a simple 2-story stilt house and the No. 54 electrician's dormitory. You’ll also pass by the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, a small Buddhist temple built on a single pillar standing in a lotus pond.

Then, drive to the serene West Lake area to visit either the Quan Thanh Temple or the Tran Quoc Pagoda, according to your interests. The former temple enshrines the Taoist God, Tran Vu, while the latter one is Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple. Afterward, continue your trip to the Temple of Literature, a well-preserved Chinese-style architectural complex committed to Confucian scholars. Then, based on the limited time, choose one of the following museums you like: the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which provides an overview of the history and culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups; or the National Museum of History, consisting of 2 buildings displaying Vietnam’s history from the prehistoric era to the 1990s.

★ Water Puppet Show: A Window to Vietnam Culture & Life

Round off today’s trip with a traditional Water Puppet Show, which originated from the rice farmers’ lives in the Red River Delta. The most distinctive feature of this down-to-earth show is that it is performed in a pool! Beside the pool, an orchestra cooperates with the performance of background music played by traditional instruments like the monochord and gong. Although the show is in Vietnamese, the plot is simple, mainly themed around farmers’ transplanting of seedlings and the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake. Don’t worry, your guide will explain it to you in advance.
➤ Tip: The puppets are so small that it’s hard to see them clearly from the back seats, so please confirm your trip as soon as possible so that we can book a front seat for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

For the coming two days, a cruise to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay awaits! After a 2.5-hour private drive, you’ll arrive at the pier and board the cruise. While having a hearty lunch onboard, indulge yourself in the stunning view of countless karst limestone islands and islets towering out of the emerald water.

★ Our Guest Privilege: Explore More Pristine Bai Tu Long Bay

To escape from the highly commercialized area of the bay, we’ll escort you to seek an immersive experience in Bai Tu Long Bay, an extension of Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival, hop on a rowboat or a sampan to visit the Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Nestled amid the green limestone islets, colorful wooden houses tranquilly float on the water, with fishing areas and pearl farms surrounding them. In recent years, many families have been forced to move inland due to economic reasons, resulting in a gradual decline of the floating village lifestyle.

After the visit, come back to the cruise and enjoy recreational activities like squat fishing, card games and a cooking class. Tonight, stay overnight on the cruise.

➤ Tip: Please note that the itinerary mentioned above will be subject to the cruise company.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Signature Royal Cruise (4 stars) or similar

Today, be an early bird to take part in a Tai Chi class on the deck, watch the sunrise and enjoy the morning tea. Then, board a small boat to Thien Canh Son Cave to visit impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and appreciate a panoramic view of the bays from the top of the cave. Afterward, return to the cruise and have brunch onboard before disembarking at noon. Then, you’ll be transferred to Hanoi airport and extend your tour to Thailand by a 1.5-hour flight to Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom (1292-1892). Upon landing, your local guide will welcome you and escort you to check in at the hotel.

➤ Evening Recommendation in Chiang Mai (at your own expense)
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op is really legendary, with a perfect atmosphere and contagious energy! It opens from 19:30 to 0:00 every night, with three live jazz bands performing in turn, each lasting for an hour. During the opening hours, both inside and outside the bar is packed with people, so it’s advisable to arrive at least half an hour early. A cup of cocktail costs around THB 250 (USD 7), and a glass of beer is about THB 120 (USD 3.5).
Address: 91/1-2, Sri Poom Rd, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District

Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

★ Be Friends with Gentle Elephants

Today, enjoy an ethical experience of observing elephants’ lives in the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (EJS)! After a 1.5-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the destination. Change into a unique Karen outfit and learn about elephants’ living habits from a volunteer. Then, fill your basket with bananas, sugar cane or pumpkins, and feed these friendly giants. Gently touch them and feel their rough skin when they are savoring their treats. Then, take a 1.5-km (1-mile) walk with them. Remember not to stand behind or in front of them to avoid being in their blind spot. A buffet lunch with fresh fruit will be served at noon. After a short break, have fun giving the elephants a mud bath, which is helpful to regulate their body temperature and protect their skin from insects and sunlight. At last, you’ll be escorted back to the downtown hotel.
➤ Tips
1. Bring your swimsuit and a towel if you plan to give a mud bath to your new elephant friends.
2. Pack sun protection gear and insect repellent to protect against the heat and mosquitoes derived from lush vegetation.
3. Elephants here won’t be forced to do anything, so just let them be if they don’t feel like eating or playing.

After some rest, take in the Buddhist culture in Chiang Mai’s two prestigious temples. In Wat Chedi Luang, marvel at the 60-meter (200-foot) high majestic pagoda, which was 80 meters (260 feet) high before it collapsed after a massive earthquake. But it’s still the tallest in the city. In Wat Phra Singh, a masterpiece of Lanna art, admire northern Thailand’s most revered Phra Singh Buddha image and the frescos about ancient clothes and customs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

This morning, enjoy a join-in Thai cooking class. First, drop by an organic farm for some seasonal ingredients, where you can also learn about the various northern Thailand’s herbs and spices. Then, come to the class, follow the cook, and learn to make several signature dishes like curry and tom-yum soup. The hands-on experiences, like mashing the spices with a mortar and seasoning the food according to your own preference, would be magical! When the cook’s done, eat with relish. Bon appétit!

In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep with two long statues of Naga, a semi-divine serpent, lying on both sides of the steps up to the temple. Ascend the 306 steps to reach the entrance, or take a cable car (included in the price) as you wish. In the temple center, marvel at the gilded pagoda, which is said to enshrine the Buddha’s holy relics. Emulate local habits and walk around the pagoda 3 times for blessing. Keep strolling to the viewing platform and enjoy a broad view of Chiang Mai! Then, stop at the forested Wat Umong, also known as the ‘Tunnel Temple’, featuring three Buddhist niches well-placed inside a tunnel. Remove your shoes before entering the tunnel. It’s chilly inside, especially on the ground, and you can wear a pair of socks. Besides, watch out for the sleeping bats hanging on the ceiling! You’ll also drop by the Meow Hill Tribe Village to take in the traditional tribal village life, where a small shed museum displays their history and tribal tools. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

Today, say farewell to your Southeast Asia tours of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam. At the appointed time, we’ll escort you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok, where you can connect to your flight home. Wish you a nice trip!

If you desire to explore more of Indochina, such as Bagan of Myanmar, which is known as the "City of Ten Thousand Pagodas" on a par with the famed Angkor, please let us know at any time, and we’ll tailor the most favorable route for you!

Meal: Breakfast