


Thailand & Laos
From $7,460
Summary
Ancient Buddhist kingdoms
The only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonised by the West, Thailand (“Land of the Free”) has a long, independent history and a rich Buddhist heritage. Our tour takes us through spectacular scenery to magnificent temples and peaceful stupas. Leaving the forested northern highlands, we board a boat for our leisurely Laotian cruise down the Mekong River, visiting wonderful historical sites and riverside villages.
Tour highlights:
- Spend a day exploring the great Khmer temples of Phimai, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung and Muang Tham, all built at the height of the Angkor Empire
- Explore Sukhothai, the capital of the first kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries containing over 190 ruins
- Discover the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang with its intricately carved monasteries, unique and well-preserved
- Reach the remote and mysterious Plain of Jars, a megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos
Today's Price
$7,460
Benefit from this limited time offer:
- Pay a low deposit of $149, was $1,250.
Single supplement: $1,965
Keeping you safe on your next tour
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FREE 'Travel Safe' kits for every traveller
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COVID-19 insurance
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Enhanced Health and Safety audits
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Distanced seating on coaches
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'Get me home' service and private airport transfers
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COVID protocols at our hotels, and aboard our cruise ships
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Flexible balance payment date and COVID-friendly refund conditions
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COVID-testing and medical training for tour staff
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Constant monitoring and post-tour tracing
Meet your Experts
Expert guides, whenever you travel
We are proud of our team of expert guide lecturers. Whenever you travel, your guide lecturer will be on hand to answer questions, tell stories and deliver insights to make your trip truly remarkable.
Miranda Bruce-Mitford
Guide Lecturer
Miranda specialises in social anthropology, Burmese language and literature, Buddhist Art & Architecture of South and Southeast Asia, and Oriental religious studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London University.
Your itinerary
Day 1 - Bangkok
Today, we meet the group at our hotel and take some time to relax and settle in before this evening’s welcome dinner.

Hotel | Riva Surya, Bangkok |
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Meals included | Dinner |
Riva Surya, Bangkok
Riva Surya is a luxurious hotel and urban oasis along the Chao Phraya River. the Hotel offers the well-known reputation of Thai hospitality. This idyllic setting and boutique hotel is situated in the heart of the city and conveniently connected via Chao Phraya Express boats MRT and the Skytrain.
There are 68 rooms which include panoramic views of the river and old city. All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi.
The hotel also includes a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre.
Day 2 - Bangkok
Our first full day in Bangkok begins at the National Museum. Founded by King Rama V, the museum occupies the former 18th-century Wang Na Palace in Phra Nakhon and displays Thailand’s largest collection of local art and artefacts. We continue on to the Grand Palace, including the most famous building on the palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. We end the day at the Suan Pakkad Palace, which was originally the home of Prince Chumbhotbongs Paribatra and his wife before it was converted into a museum in 1952. Among its exhibits is a wonderful collection of objects from the prehistoric site of Ban Chiang.

Hotel | Riva Surya, Bangkok |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Riva Surya, Bangkok
Riva Surya is a luxurious hotel and urban oasis along the Chao Phraya River. the Hotel offers the well-known reputation of Thai hospitality. This idyllic setting and boutique hotel is situated in the heart of the city and conveniently connected via Chao Phraya Express boats MRT and the Skytrain.
There are 68 rooms which include panoramic views of the river and old city. All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi.
The hotel also includes a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre.
Day 3 - Bangkok – Ayutthaya - Korat
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya provides a look at one of the most important landmarks in Thailand. Once a prosperous Siamese kingdom, this former Thai capital is now a fascinating site of historically significant temples and ancient ruins. We’ll visit the monastery, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the large chedi at Wat Yai Chaimongkhon and Wat Mahathat, one of Thailand’s most photographed sites. In the afternoon we travel to the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat. Located at the western edge of the Korat Plateau, close to the Cambodian border, it once marked the boundary between Lao and Siamese territory and so has many magnificent temples in the Angkorean style.

Hotel | Kantary Hotel, Korat |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Kantary Hotel, Korat
Kantary Hotel is a luxurious hotel situated in Korat. It features a number of dining experiences including The Grill Room Korat, Oriental delights at Tapestry Chinese Restaurant, The Orchard International Restaurant and the irresistible pâtisseries at the adjacent Café Kantary.
Kantary hotel has a swimming pool, sauna and steam room and fitness centre.
Day 4 - Korat
Phimai Historical Park is the largest of all Khmer temples in Thailand. The rectangular complex measures over 1,000 metres long by almost 600 metres wide and it contains some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture in Thailand. What makes this temple at Phimai unique is that it was constructed as a Buddhist temple, even though the Khmer rulers at the time were Hindu. We spend the morning here and then, in the afternoon, we explore Phanom Rung, which was constructed in the Angkor style between the 10th and 13th centuries as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Finally, we reach the temple of Muang Tham, meaning "lower city” in reference to the “higher city” of Phanom Rung.

Hotel | Kantary Hotel, Korat |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Kantary Hotel, Korat
Kantary Hotel is a luxurious hotel situated in Korat. It features a number of dining experiences including The Grill Room Korat, Oriental delights at Tapestry Chinese Restaurant, The Orchard International Restaurant and the irresistible pâtisseries at the adjacent Café Kantary.
Kantary hotel has a swimming pool, sauna and steam room and fitness centre.
Day 5 - Korat – Phitsanulok
We make a long journey today from Korat to Phitsanulok, stopping at the lesser known temple of Wat Pha Sorn Kaew along the way. This unusual temple is famous for its amazing series of Buddhas. On arrival in Phitsanulok we explore Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, a royal temple on the banks of the Nan river dating to the 14th century. Local people often refer to the temple as the Wat Phra Si or Wat Yai, which means “big temple”. It is particularly famous for its golden Buddha image named Phra Buddha Chinnarat.

Hotel | Pattara Resort & Spa, Phitsanulok |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Pattara Resort & Spa, Phitsanulok
Pattara Resort and Spa is the first and only resort located in the centre of Phitsanulok. Pattara Resort and Spa's rooms all have access to the infinite swimming pool with a jacuzzi and are surrounded by beautiful pond and gardens.
Rooms are all fitted with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and a television.
The hotel also has a restaurant, fitness centre, large swimming pool and a library.
Day 6 - Phitsanulok – Sukhothai & Si Satchanalai – Chiang Mai
We start the morning in Sukhothai, the first independent kingdom of Siam. A UNESCO World Heritage Site containing some of the most incredible ruins in the country, Sukhothai Historical Park covers 70 square kilometres and contains over 190 ruins spread out in five zones. A visit to Sukhothai wouldn't be complete without a visit to the historical site of the the ancient sister city of Si Satchanalai, the second largest city after Sukhothai during its glory days. The historical park here is home to remaining structures of what used to be palaces, temples, and homes. This evening we arrive in Chiang Mai, also known as the “Rose of the North”.

Hotel | The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai |
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Meals included | All meals included |
The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai
The Rim Resort is a comfortable hotel situated in the old city in Chiang Mai. Built in Lanna-Burmese style, the hotel has a welcoming lounge, restaurant and bar, swimming pool and gym.
Rooms are comfortable and airy and include air conditioning, a flat screen LCD TV, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, bathroom amenities, and a safe.
Day 7 - Chiang Mai
This morning is dedicated to the temples of Chiang Mai, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Perched atop a forested mountain with sweeping views of the city below, this sacred temple houses a wealth of Buddha images, murals, and Buddhist art. The wat is approached via a 306 stepped Naga staircase. On return to the city we visit the two temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. We also discover Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan) made entirely of teakwood. It is one of the few remaining all wooden structures of its sort in Chiang Mai. After lunch we head to San Kamphaeng, to learn about local crafts. The 18-km stretch of highway that runs through it is home to villages and factories producing pottery, saa paper, lacquerware, paper umbrellas, and silk.

Hotel | The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai |
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Meals included | All meals included |
The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai
The Rim Resort is a comfortable hotel situated in the old city in Chiang Mai. Built in Lanna-Burmese style, the hotel has a welcoming lounge, restaurant and bar, swimming pool and gym.
Rooms are comfortable and airy and include air conditioning, a flat screen LCD TV, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, bathroom amenities, and a safe.
Day 8 - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
Today we discover the lost city of Wiang Kum Kam - "The Underground Empire” – a unique ancient ancestral and archaeological site that was re-discovered in 1974. Wiang Kum Kam was a settlement long before it became King Mengrai’s capital around 1287-90. Frequent flooding caused King Mengrai to move the capital to Chiang Mai, but the place remained important throughout the Lanna period. The site was later buried under mud when the river changed course during the Burmese period. The area was restored as a historical park during the 1980’s. We continue on the winding road to our hotel located in the Chiang Rai mountains.

Hotel | Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai
Surrounded by forests and tucked within the mist-shrouded hills of northern Thailand, Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa brings contemporary luxury to its guests.
There are a range of suites and rooms available with views overlooking the forest. Rooms are decorated to a high standard, using local hardwood and bamboo.
The hotel also includes a terraced restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre and swimming pool.
Day 9 - Chiang Rai – Pakbeng
We have an early start this morning to arrive at the border at Chiang Khong, where we cross into Laos to embark on a short cruise on the Mekong River. We travel downstream towards Pakbeng, stopping along the way at the Khmu village of Ban Houy Phalam. The Khmu are the largest minority ethnic group in Laos, thought to be the indigenous people of northern Laos. Their houses are traditionally built on stilts, mostly made of local wood but sometimes they use plaited bamboo for the walls. The space underneath the houses is used as a storage place for tools, firewood and animals such as chickens, ducks, pigs etc. The boat arrives at Pakbeng this afternoon, where we spend the night in a local hotel.

Hotel | Le Grand Pakbeng, Pakbeng |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Le Grand Pakbeng, Pakbeng
Le Grand Pakbeng is situated alongside the awe-inspiring Mekong River and nestled in the undulating jungle of northern Laos.
The hotel has 45 villas each with a private terrace and jacuzzi.
The hotel has a swimming pool which overlooking the Mekong River and a spa.
Day 10 - Pakbeng – Luang Prabang
We board our boat again in the morning and depart Pakbeng for another day amidst the impressive natural landscapes all along the river, passing local villages. After lunch we stop at Pak Ou to visit the famous limestone Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and their thousands of Buddha images. The next stop is at Ban Xang Hai village where local Lao people make whisky from sticky rice. Here we learn about the locally made rice whisky and have the chance to taste it. The boat arrives in Luang Prabang (a UNESCO World Heritage City) this afternoon, where we transfer to our hotel.

Hotel | Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, Luang Prabang |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, Luang Prabang
Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel is situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is only a five minute walk from the Mekong River. It is surrounded by dozens of temples and overlooks Mount Phousi.
The hotel has 53 rooms which are all open plan which are all finished with a teak style.
There is a restaurant, spa and fitness centre within the hotel.
Day 11 - Luang Prabang
We spend the day in Luang Prabang exploring its numerous sites, including the stupa at Wat Visoun, Wat Aham tutelary shrine, and Wat Xieng Thong. This 15th century Wat was a royal temple until the revolution of 1975. During the 1960s, Wat Xieng Thong was completely remodelled and redecorated, becoming the splendid temple we see today. Next we visit Wat Sene Souk Haram, literally "Temple of a 100,000 treasures", which is one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang. In the afternoon we continue to the National Museum, which was formerly the King’s Palace and now displays a collection of personal artefacts of the Royal Family. Afterwards we visit Wat Mai, the “New Monastery” built in 1796. It was given its present name following the restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourat. The most striking feature of the temple is the array of gilded relief panels covering the front façade. We return to our hotel and take the rest of the day at leisure.

Hotel | Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, Luang Prabang |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, Luang Prabang
Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel is situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is only a five minute walk from the Mekong River. It is surrounded by dozens of temples and overlooks Mount Phousi.
The hotel has 53 rooms which are all open plan which are all finished with a teak style.
There is a restaurant, spa and fitness centre within the hotel.
Day 12 - Luang Prabang
We drive out of town today to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, stopping along the way at the Hmong minority village of Ban Na Ouan. The waterfalls tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into cool, clear pools ideal for swimming and relaxing. We also visit the nearby butterfly park and enjoy lunch at the local restaurant near the waterfall. On the way back to Luang Prabang we stop at Laos Buffalo Dairy, a socially-responsible enterprise consisting of a commercial dairy and production facility to make products such as yogurt, cheese and ice cream for local and overseas customers.

Hotel | Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, Luang Prabang |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, Luang Prabang
Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel is situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is only a five minute walk from the Mekong River. It is surrounded by dozens of temples and overlooks Mount Phousi.
The hotel has 53 rooms which are all open plan which are all finished with a teak style.
There is a restaurant, spa and fitness centre within the hotel.
Day 13 - Luang Prabang – Phonsavanh
Today we make the long journey from Luang Prabang to Phonsavanh, taking the road over the highlands through the countryside. On the way we stop at Ban Kioukacham, a Hmong village where we learn about local life. The Hmong are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Laos. They are also one of the sub-groups of Miao ethnicity in southern China.

Hotel | Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel, Phonsavanh |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel, Phonsavanh
Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel is situated in the heart of Phonsavanh. It’s grounds include a spacious garden.
There are 44 smoke-free rooms which include a TV, toiletries, and a fridge.
The hotel also has a restaurant and bar/lounge as well as a luggage room.
Day 14 - Phonsavanh
Today we explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Plain of Jars, the largest cultural site in Laos containing thousands of stone jars. Archaeologists believe that the jars were used 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. Most of the excavated material has been dated to around 500 BC to 800 AD. Anthropologists and archaeologists have theorised that the jars may have been used as funeral urns or perhaps storage for food. Lao stories and legends claim that there was a warrior race of giants who once inhabited the area. The local legend tells of the ancient king named “Khun Cheung” who fought a long, victorious battle. It is told that he celebrated his victory by creating the jars to brew and store huge amounts of Lao-Lao traditional rice wine. Most of the day will be dedicated to site No. 1, 2, & 3, but we also have a chance to visit Muang Khoun, the ancient Tai Phouan capital city that was destroyed during the second Indochina war. The ruins of Vat Piavat and That Foun are the only remaining evidence of this historically significant site.

Hotel | Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel, Phonsavanh |
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Meals included | Breakfast, Lunch |
Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel, Phonsavanh
Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel is situated in the heart of Phonsavanh. It’s grounds include a spacious garden.
There are 44 smoke-free rooms which include a TV, toiletries, and a fridge.
The hotel also has a restaurant and bar/lounge as well as a luggage room.
Day 15 - Phonsavanh – Vientiane
Before we leave Phonsavanh we visit the morning market where the ethnic minorities from the surrounding villages gather every morning. We visit the Lao Sericulture Company at their silk farm and training centre to learn about mulberries, silk, and tea. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Vientiane, a quiet but endearing capital city.

Hotel | Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane
Salana Boutique Hotel is set in Vientiane and has a Lao contemporary style which is displayed throughout.
Rooms are equipped with a 32” TV, minibar, hairdryer, safety deposit box and Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a bistro restaurant serving French and Lao cuisine. There is a lounge bar, a spa and a souvenir shop. There is also an opportunity to rent bikes.
Day 16 - Vientiane
The day begins with the Talat Sao (Morning Market), where you can find an abundance of locally made handicrafts. We also visit numerous temples, including Wat Si Saket, which was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture rather than the Lao style, and Wat Ho Phra Kaew, the former home of the Emerald Buddha until it was captured by Thai King Taksin and carried to Bangkok, were it now resides in ‘Wat Phra Keaw’. Pha That Luang Stupa is a gold-covered Buddhist stupa initially established in the 3rd century. Then it’s on to the imposing Patuxay Monument, “Victory Gate” or “Gate of Triumph” which is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. In the afternoon we drive out of town to the Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan), a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. Built in the 1950’s, it has become a bizarre-yet-enjoyable attraction which gives an insight into the way people think about Buddhism in all its forms.

Hotel | Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane |
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Meals included | All meals included |
Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane
Salana Boutique Hotel is set in Vientiane and has a Lao contemporary style which is displayed throughout.
Rooms are equipped with a 32” TV, minibar, hairdryer, safety deposit box and Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a bistro restaurant serving French and Lao cuisine. There is a lounge bar, a spa and a souvenir shop. There is also an opportunity to rent bikes.
Day 17 - Vientiane
Today, our tour comes to an end.

Meals included | Breakfast |
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Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Expert Guide Lecturer
- Professional Tour Manager
- Local travel aboard a private air-conditioned coach
- Meals as per the itinerary, tea or coffee with dinner
- Accommodation
- Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
- All taxes & gratuities
- Field notes
Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single Supp. | Offer | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
November 9 2021 | ATHL211108 | November 9 2021 (Tuesday) | November 25 2021 (Thursday) | Miranda Bruce-Mitford | $7,335 (ex. flights) |
$149 |
$1,965 |
$6,968.25 save $366.75 |
Book Now |
February 8 2022 | ATHL220207 | February 8 2022 (Tuesday) | February 24 2022 (Thursday) | Miranda Bruce-Mitford | $7,460 (ex. flights) |
$149 |
$1,965 | Book Now |
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