The Colors Of Capitals (Thailand - Cambodia & Laos) 12 Days

We will leave early morning and head westwards. Our first stop is the world-famous Damnern Saduak Floating Market. This is a place where traditional Thai lifestyles dating back many years continue to thrive today among a crowded environment filled with vendors and patrons buying, selling and trading a host of goods including fruits and vegetables. The Floating Market is an ideal place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other from small boats. Tourists will also be able to see traditional Thai houses and the way locals use boats in their everyday lives.

From right in the heart of Kanchanaburi, we will board the train a ride on the historic Death Railway Train (approximately 30 minutes – from Tha Ki Len to Tham Krasae), which passes through a lush forest along the original wooden viaducts. Internationally famous, thanks to several motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the Japanese Army and reassembled under Japanese supervision by Allied prisoners of war labour as part of the "Death Railway" linking Thailand with Myanmar.

We disembark at one of the local train stations along the railway.

Have lunch at restaurant near the train station.

After enjoying not a good and much-needed lunch yet also the stunning surroundings. The journey continues to Kanchanaburi, a place with a unique and important history relating to World War II. Sites guests will visit include the Allied War Cemetery and JEATH War Museum, which is a replica of prisoner of war camp and contains many photographs, artefacts and other memorabilia. Apart from the fascinating natural geography, this region has many major attractions affiliated with World War II: The Bridge over the River Kwai, still in use today, was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during 1945, and was rebuilt after the war end. The JEATH Museum, an enclave constructed largely as an Allied prisoners of war camp, contains a collection of photographs. The War Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6000 prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the “Death Railway,” (alsoknown as Hell Fire Pass). Visitors to Kanchanaburi will be moved as they reflect on how these memorials have come to signify the harsh realties of war.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Kanchanaburi

After breakfast, we check out of our resort and drive to the Hellfire Pass, a part of the Death Railway and were cut through the stone mountain during World War II. A part of the Death Railway, constructed during the Second World War and now abandoned, is located in

the thick forest near km. 66 of Sai Yok – Thong Pha Phum Road. A long passage made through the stone mountain by the Allied prisoners of war indicated the extreme difficulty in constructing the Death Railway. The enclosed impressive museum will fill in the parts and/or give a much more extensive explanation, which is not shown inside the JEATH Museum. Continue to Ayuthaya via Suphan Buri. The scenery near the Burmese border is dominated by fertile farmland and jungle-style mountain range. Travelling around the Suphan Buri province is like drifting through historical novels: Suphan Buri is an ancient town (more than 4000 years old), rich in natural and historical heritage. The province was once an important border town involving battles and important wars during the period of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Located just 100 kilometres away from Bangkok, the town can easily be visited in one day from out of Bangkok.

Lunch included at local restaurant en route.

In the afternoon, arrive in the former capital of the ancient city of Siam, Ayutthaya. The mixing of cultures in Ayuthaya began in the mid-16th century when ships from Ayuthaya plied the Asian seas, trading with neighbouring countries. When the Dutch began showing up in the 17th century, Ayuthaya became a port city and trade routes were extended to China, Japan, Indonesia, Portugal, Holland and France and up to the Scandinavian countries later. Although the ancient villages of foreign traders lining the Chao Phraya riverbanks were abandoned when the city was sacked by Burmese troops in 1767, some remnants survive to showcase the cities past glory.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ayuthaya

This morning visit to famous temples in Ayuthaya i.e. Wat Srisanpetch, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and another

of Ayuthaya most beautiful temples at Wat Chai Watthanaram. Spending a few days visiting Ayuthaya without any knowledge of its history is like going to the beach without ever taking a dip. Ayutthaya’s Historical Studies Centre (but now is closed for renovation until further notice) is a good start with clear pictures of what Ayuthaya looked like at its peak. On almost any day of the week, students on school tours visiting the centre can be seen admiring the ruins and learning more about Thailand’s rich history. More than simply marvelling at the remarkable prosperity evident in the ruins of Ayuthaya, getting a chance to observe the lives of local people perhaps gives a clearer picture of what it was like to live in the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam at its peak. Proceed to Bang Pa In, the former summer residence of the kings of Ayuthaya built in the 18th century. This beautiful palace is some 30 kilometres south of Ayuthaya. It was built in the reign of King Rama V. The palace consists of many Royal Buildings built in contrasting architectural styles. Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian styles predominate. The most well known building is a Thai pavilion in the centre of a small lake. Many as one of the finest examples of Thai architecture regard it. The only building in the palace open to visitors is the Chinese style Wehat Chamrun Palace. Please dress respectfully by not wearing T – shirts, shorts or sandals, when visiting the Bang Pa In Summer Palace.

After this exiting visit, we head down to the riverbanks and board our booked river cruises, sailing during the afternoon downstream back to Bangkok.

An extensive lunch buffet will be served on board, where you will not only find the most famed international, yet also some traditional Thai dishes from around the country. Of course, fruit and deserts complement an excellent meal with even a better view, while sailing.

The river cruise gently sails down to Bangkok. The Pearl of Siam, a five-star pleasure yacht equipped with state of the large sea ship including damage art accessories. The hull structure is designed with top technology of the large sea ship including damage control system and life accessories. With expert captains and security men system will allow all passengers ensured of the top smooth and pleasure on board along the waterways. Touch an enchantment of our Thai and international lunch buffet. Cool down yourself by sipping variety of our cocktails from great bartender and try our exclusive wine from World's selected vineyards. Come and touch a dreaming moment with our

superb catering along the cruise line. Where the pleasure is secured and indulged by our professional state of the art function systems.

While you are sipping your drinks enjoy the beautiful night scenery on both sides of the Chao Praya River in our open-air deck, before you know it, you’re in Bangkok. The captain will be leading the boat gently under the Pinklao Bridge and then, you will have an unique opportunity to get some great pictures of the Wat Arun – also known as the temple of Dawn and the Grand Palace & Wat Pra Kaew -The Temple of Emerald Buddha. After take pictures of The Temple of Dawn and the Grand Palace for your memory.

At around 17:00 hrs, arrival at the River City Boat pier and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. End of services

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: NA

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide at the airport and then be transferred to the hotel for check-in. You’ll have a good rest then to get rid of the jet lag.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel, first visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant T and the Terrace of the Leper King. Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, continue to seeing the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. We stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

After breakfast, visit the temple of Banteay Srei temple (women's castle), it is considered a classic pearl in the crown of Khmer art. Then continue to visit Banteay Samre, established in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple consists of two four-winged library a hall before and after example of very good southern accompany reservations. Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will take a boat trip at the Tonle Sap, about 16 km from the southeastern city of Siem Reap. Here is a good choice for you to visit the floating village. This is a relatively small village, provides a good insight into the Tonle Sap village lifestyle. The village is almost entirely in fishing and related activities. If the time permitted, before returning to the hotel, we will stop at Old Market. You will find artifacts, gold and silver jewelery, precious stones, silk, stone and wood carvings, as well as shirts, CD and other memorabilia. Then, back to Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, visit the handicraft center and family Artisans D’Angkor and Silk Farm, there was built by a French NGO to revive Cambodia's beautiful silk production. We can see every step of silk production. Lunch at local restaurant.

After lunch, free time until transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide at the airport and then be transferred to the hotel for check-in.

You are free to stroll around the city for your own first impression of this ancient city. Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.

Late afternoon, join a private Baci ceremony at a local family. The Baci ceremony as a traditional ritual of the Lao people expresses the spirituality of the country and is a highly memorable experience and a deep insight into Lao culture for the participants.

Dinner will be served after that for you to share with the host family. This is the best chance for you to have first experience of local life and culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

08:00 Guide and driver pick up at hotel.

In the morning, transfer by sharing minivan to Hoi Khua waterfalls (15Km, 45-minute transfer)

At your arrival on spot relax for a Tea or a coffee at the Coffee shop to fill our security acknowledgement form and then start climbing to the top of the waterfall with a local guide for a hiking loop of around 2h30.

Discover the natural pool from the waterfall water spring, centenaries trees, the jungle vegetation, the tales of Hoi Khua waterfall and the local life style.

Continue by the governor’s trees plantations project, wild field, veggies found along the way, walk back down to the coffee shop, take a short rest and climb up to the higher trees then enjoy the fresh air with 12 stations and 900 meters of Zip Line down to the Valley between the trees across the Green Jungle Canopy to the Green Garden Flower before abseil down of the tree and then back to the coffee shop by the Green Organic Trail, take a short rest and back to Luang Prabang by sharing minivan.

In the afternoon, your city tour begins with a visit to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. After that, you will visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts.

If time permits, we will take a short walk around the small streets of city center, watching the life of local people, and visiting the traditional house of Heuan Chan, the Chantal wooden house dating back to 100 years old.

From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

08:30 Guide and driver pick up at hotel.

We start with a visit to the major food market; explain what the foods are and what they are used for. We then transfer back to Mai Too Restaurant to cook and eat. The lunch should be finished at around 14:30.

In the afternoon, we transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals

We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed from 15 APR – 30 JUN; 01-14 SEP, & 01 JAN every year), whose mission is to create a research centre studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation.

Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour.

Note: Mai Too Cooking Class is the private class with maximum of 04 people at once. If there are more clients to join, we will do at another cooking class

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

08:30 Guide and driver pick up at hotel.

The Pha Tad Ke boat departs Ban Wat That at 9:00 (please be at the pier at 8:45). Enjoy a 15-minute leisurely boat trip down the Mekong River. Upon arrival at Pha Tad Ke Botanic Garden reception you will be given a short presentation about the gardens. After that walk through the Ginger Garden and the Ethno-botanic Garden, which is the centrepiece of the garden. Follow the path through the Limestone Walk and take in the amazing mountainous Mekong landscape. Learn how to make a bamboo stick animal at the site of the hunting lodge of the former royal family. Then continue your tour of Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden walking through the Arboretum, Palm Garden, and Bamboo Garden to our viewpoint that overlooks the rice field. Stop by the Mist House where you will learn more about the importance of biodiversity conservation and finish your excursion with an optional orchid talk at Pha Tad Ke Nursery.

All of the gardens will have introductory panels and labels. You can always ask our expert staff should you have any questions or require more information.

Enjoy a delicious Lao set lunch at Pha Tad Ke’s café.

After lunch embark on a trek following our limestone paths to the Pha Tad Ke cave. Inside you will find a rustic Buddhist shrine. Return to the Pha Tad Ke café for a refreshing beverage and snack some delicious Lao delicacies.

We then join the workshop about Lao Traditional Medicinal Herbal Teas. This workshop introduces you to the rich ethno botanic heritage of the Lao people and their medicinal herbs. Learn how these herbs can make our everyday life healthier and more balanced.

Finish your workshop at about 17:00 with some more free time to spend walking around the gardens or relaxing in the restaurant.

The boat will depart back to Luang Prabang at 17:30. Transfer back to your hotel by tuk tuk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

08:30 Guide and driver pick up at hotel.

After breakfast, we will first ascend the Phousi hill to enjoy the panoramic view over the ancient city. We then continue with seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene.

Afterwards, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. En route, you will stop at Ban Muang Keo, a well-known village for its traditional Lao rice whisky distilling.

We then take the cruise downstream to Chanthavinh Resort, which locates on the other sides of Mekong river, at the peaceful village of Ban Chan.

You are free for the rest of the day to relax, or visit the village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

You are free to stroll around the resort for your own exploration before taking the departure flight

(Pick-up: 03 hour before departure)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: NA