Northern Indochina Mysteries
ITINERARY
1-3
Bangkok
Capital City
Your grand adventure begins at last! Once you arrive in Bangkok you’ll be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel to settle in. You’ll get to know the city exceptionally well on your full-day tour; see the skyline on the city’s Skytrain, take a boat to the iconic landmarks of Wat Pho and Grand Palace and hop aboard a tuk-tuk to Soi Ban Batra where you’ll see artisans making monks’ alms bowls. You’ll finish up your time in the capital city with a bus boat through the canals where you’ll get a close-up look at the life of locals. You’ll disembark to explore the Jim Thompson House (the home of a historic mysterious silk merchant) before indulging in some retail therapy at the nearby modern shopping mall.

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4-6
Kanchanaburi
Tour +Wildlife
In the morning you’ll head to Kanchanaburi, stopping en route to visit the fascinating Woodland Muangmai Fantasy Museum. Once you arrive in Kanchanaburi you’ll enjoy a longtail boat cruise around the River Kwai before paying a visit to the Death Railway Museum & Research Centre and War Cemetery. The next day you’ll visit Erawan Waterfall and marvel at its spectacular seven tiers. Pack your walking boots and swimming suit to make the most of this trip! Afterward, you’ll drive through the national park area to Phra That Cave and stare at stunning stalactites and stalagmites. After some lunch, you’ll finish up your day with a ride along the infamous Death Railway.

On day six you'll meet the rescued elephants at Elephant World - a sanctuary that cares for these beautiful giants with their best interests as the first priority. You'll feed and wash your new pachyderm friends, and learn about their daily lives. After a tasty Thai lunch, you’ll have a chance to bathe the elephants before walking them back into camp.

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7
Ayutthaya
Activity & Adventure
Today you’re off on a cycling trip! You’ll ride through the Ayutthaya Historical Park where you’ll see the stunning temple ruins and historical sites from the old city of Ayutthaya. You’ll also enjoy a spot of urban cycling and spend some time in nearby parks before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

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8-9
Sukhothai
Tour + Overnight Train
After breakfast, you’ll head to the small town of Lopburi where you’ll take a short walking tour. Look out for the monkeys! You’ll also check out King Narai͛s Palace, where some 350 years ago important trade and foreign diplomacy debates took place.

The following day you’ll embark on a full day of private cycling where you’ll pass scenic rice paddies, spot the Kao Laung mountain range and further explore Sukhothai's famous ancient ruins. It’s then time to hop aboard the overnight train to the city of Chiang Mai.

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10-11
Chiang Mai
City + Wildlife
You’ll arrive in Chiang Mai by train first thing in the morning; you’ll then be transferred to your hotel to freshen up before spending the afternoon exploring the old and modern facets of this charming city. Enjoy a panoramic view over the city from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, conveniently sat atop Doi Suthep mountain. In the evening you might like to check out the bustling Night Bazaar.

The following morning you’ll travel through rolling hills, forests and farms before you reach the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary where you’ll change into traditional Karen clothing and enjoy a mud spa with these majestic creatures.

 

 

12
Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Tour
Today you'll be heading to Chiang Rai, the quiet sister city of Chiang Mai. On your way there you’ll stop by Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. Revel at this stunning and unique architecture, then spend the rest of the day at leisure.

 

13
Pakbeng
River Cruise
Today you'll head for the Thai-Laos border where you'll board the Luang Say longtail boat for a gentle cruise down the stunning Laotian Mekong river, stopping on the way to observe rural village life on the river. You’ll meet locals and see their craftsmanship before continuing on to Pakbeng where you’ll stay overnight. 

 

14-16
Luang Prabang
City + Tour
Today you'll begin your cruise to Luang Prabang, stopping off at a traditional hill tribe village and Tam Thing Cave. The cave is famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues and is a pilgrimage site for local people. You'll arrive in the city in the early evening where you'll transfer to your hotel.

Spend the following day at the Kuang Si Waterfalls, a series of cascading turquoise pools surrounded by lush forest. You can take the tough but rewarding hike to the top of the highest drop or kick back and bathe in the pools. After a delicious picnic lunch, you’ll swing by the Bear Sanctuary which looks after Asiatic Black Bears rescued from poaching. Get up early the next morning to watch the monks collecting the alms as the sun begins to rise – it’s a beautiful and serene ceremony definitely worth setting your alarm for. The rest of the day will be spent with your knowledgeable local guide touring the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site including the former Royal Palace and the stunning Buddhist temple Wat Mai.

 

17-18
Yangon
City
Say farewell to Laos – today you’re flying to Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar! Here you’ll enjoy a half-day tour of the city where you’ll explore the downtown area admiring its fascinating mix of fading colonial buildings and glittering temples. Send the rest of the day exploring as you wish.

 

19-20
Bagan
Tour
Today you’re off to one of the world's greatest archaeological sites – the ancient city of Bagan. You’ll cruise the Irrawaddy at night-time and watch as the sun casts its final rays on the temple plains. The next day you’ll spend your time exploring the sites of Bagan which boasts the largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world.

 

21-22
Inle Lake
Tour
Say bye-bye to Bagan as you make your way towards the unique watery world of Inle Lake. On your way, you’ll stop at a beautiful monastery, enjoy a trishaw tour around Nyaung Shwe and visit the Tomato House where the lake’s freshly picked produce is sorted. Once at the lake you’ll board a private motorboat and head out into the lake where you’ll pass villages built on stilts, floating gardens and see the iconic one leg-rowing fishermen.

The following morning you’ll visit the lake’s famous five-day rotating market where you can pick up some super authentic souvenirs. Afterward, you’ll travel to Indien, known for its gorgeous stupa-covered hill where you’ll wander around and enjoy magnificent views of the lake.

 

23-24
Naypyidaw
City
After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic ride to Naypyidaw, once shrubland and now Myanmar’s seat of power and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. After checking into your hotel you’ll visit the Gem Museum where you can ogle the largest pearl in Myanmar. In the evening you’ll check out the night market before heading on to see the 99m tall golden Uppatasanti Pagoda, a replica of the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.

 

25
Bangkok
Capital City
You’ve got one more night and one night only in Bangkok! Enjoy the capital however you please – chow down on delicious street food, visit your favorite attractions or indulge in the capital’s epic nightlife.

 

 

26-28
Koh Samet
Beach
It’s time for a few days of serious chilling on the beach on Koh Samet. With its white sandy shores, turquoise blue seas and decent nightlife, it’s the perfect place to end your epic adventure. Explore the thick jungle interior, catch a fire juggling show or simply flop down beachside with a good book. The choice is yours. On day 28 you’ll head home full of epic new traveling memories you’ll have forever.