Duration: 16 Days
No two days are the same on this epic quest. As you wander from the Bangkok cityscapes to Siem Reap’s remote beauty, you’ll be completely immersed in South East Asia – past and present. You’ll admire the Buddhist temples, learn all about the harrowing history, become a champion Muay Thai boxer and even try your hand at quad biking. Buckle up! Day 1
Bangkok
Touch down in Thailand's capital. After checking into our hotel there'll be time for DIY exploring, a massage or lying by the pool to catch the first of that sweet tropical sunshine. Later we'll rendezvous back at base so you can hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours to enjoy authentic Pad Thai & the Khao San road nightlife.
Day 2
Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
We'll start the day early, with so much to see, there's no time to waste. Catching Bangkok's water taxi system with the city locals is the most convenient way to get to our first stop - The Royal Palace. With our incredible local guide leading the charge, we will learn all about its 61 acres of incredible architecture and some traditions of the Thailand Royal Family. Then we'll jump on our private boat for a tour of the klongs (canals) and some fish feeding. Just listing today's sites gives us the butterflies. Once we get back to the hotel, ask your Trip Manager where to find the best local lunch before we wave goodbye to Bangkok.
Bangkok, you've been a dream, but the show must go on! Fast becoming a must-visit in this part of the world, we make tracks to our next destination, the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi to really get local. There's nothing like getting some local transport to keep things interesting, so we'll pop into a boat along the River Kwai where we'll reach our home for the night, the The Jungle Raft Hotel, Kanchanaburi. Rooms lit by candle light are what you'll be greeted with, followed by a delicious included dinner of local specialties at dusk. You can even jump in the river directly from your room. Amazing! Because of course here at Contiki we like to keep things a bit special. Tonight as we watch the sunset over the landscape we'll no doubt be toasting our first full day on the trip and contemplating just how good life is.
Day 3
Kanchanaburi
We'll wake up in jungle paradise, eat breakfast and take some time to enjoy our surroundings. Next up on today's activities is Elephant Haven in Kanchanaburi, where we'll spend half a day learning about how the sanctuary rescue and care for these beautiful creatures. It makes us all warm and fuzzy inside seeing these gentle giants living their peaceful lives. Finish up with some lunch before visiting the famed Bridge on the River Kwai, with our guide giving us all the info we need on this riverside spot steeped in history. Afterwards, you've got some free time to explore Kanchanaburi town or just do some relaxing. It's up to you!
Day 4
Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai
We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We'll grab bikes & ride past ornate temples, towering spires and beautiful palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai.
All aboard for Chiang Mai!
Day 5
Chiang Mai
The laid-back city of Chiang Mai is ours to explore as we wake this morning. Buddhist rituals, traditional architecture & surrounding countryside will see us smitten. The city is yours to make the most of - maybe that means roaming the old quarter or getting to know the city's heart.
Day 6
Chiang Mai
Another free day in this amazing city is a great opportunity to explore. Maybe hit the street food scene or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Tonight we'll be exploring like a local - jump on our Vespa tour to explore the city on two wheels.
Day 7
Chiang Mai to Pakbeng
Taking a border hop we'll cross out of Thailand & into Laos. After collecting our passport stamps we'll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat.
Remote, traditional, & endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveler's dream.
Day 8
Pak Beng To Luang Prabang
Leaving Pak Beng, we make our way to Luang Prabang - get ready for gorgeous waterfalls, biking explorations and a chance to experience the local community and sacred Buddhist rituals.
Ending our Mekong River magic we arrive in the much-loved city of Luang Prabang. Temples dusted in gold, historic French mansions, & locals wrapped in saffron robes make this one of the prettiest places in Asia. Our explorations will involve a sunset from a hill-top stupa & a bout of shopping at the local night markets.
Day 9
Luang Prabang
A city cycle and a swim under the 60-meter cascades of Kuang Si Falls will provide our daily nature fix, but most of the day is yours to visit palaces & temples & watch local life by the river, or choose to explore any way that suits. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar, and contemplate just how good life is and how relaxed you already feel just one week in.
Day 10
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
This morning early risers will be rewarded with Buddhist rituals kissed by the sun's morning rays. Take part in the daily ritual of offering alms to the Monks of Luang Prabang's 34 temples. This morning we take an overland journey to a lively tourist hub filled with opportunities for adventure. It makes leaving the charming town of Luang Prabang a little easier.
Known for its dramatic limestone karsts, Vang Vieng will keep you busy. Explore the local rivers and caves or chill out surrounded by like-minded travelers, watching the sun set over the mountains.
Day 11
Vang Vieng
Today is yours to conquer Vang Vieng. Stuck for ideas? Grab a pushbike and allow yourself to get a little lost, stopping at swimming holes and weaving through limestone caves, watching life unfold in the pretty countryside of Laos.
Day 12
Vang Vieng To Vientiane
Today you should wake up feeling satisfied with your Vang Vieng explorations, and ready to peel back the layers of another Laos hotspot.
Welcome to the capital of Vientiane. If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised; the vibe in this quaint Mekong town is strictly chilled. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa & the artistic talent of Patuxai, we’ll use our time here to visit the COPE center, a local charity that provide prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded bombs. Our visit here will also provide an insight into Laos’ troubled history, and is a great chance for us to lend a helping hand to the Laotian community.
Day 13
Vientiane To Phnom Penh
This morning we cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as we make for the capital of Cambodia.
Although it's easy to find reminders of Cambodia's dark past in the city of Phnom Penh, it is also a place brightened by shy smiles and pretty tree-lined streets. We'll learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with our Local Guide. Later tonight, the night is yours to explore as you please.
Day 14
Phnom Penh To Siem Reap
Another included flight takes us out of Cambodia's capital this morning, landing us in the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world.
You could relax poolside this afternoon, before seeing what's going on by night! There are plenty of things you could spice up your night with, like local night markets though probably best to reserve your energy for our early morning visit to an Eighth Wonder of the World and something we know you've all been waiting for.
Day 15
Siem Reap
Prepare to be moved to the core this morning as we journey to Angkor Wat through dawn's hours in preparation for sunrise. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of watching the day's first rays touch this ancient spiritual site, it's pretty much magic. After a siesta and pool hangs to break up the day back at our hotel, we journey back to the temples to explore Angkor Thom and the Tomb Raider temple of Ta Prohm, which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle. With knowledge in hand, we'll pay a visit to the Tree Alliance Restaurant, where disadvantaged and former street children are trained up in hospitality skills. And wow, do they do it well; their frozen shakes and mouth-watering menu never fail to impress. With no early rise on tomorrow's agenda, we can let loose on the city's famous Pub Street and the buzzing local night markets.
Day 16
Siem Reap
Our trip will wrap up in Siem Reap shortly after our final team breakfast. We'll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour.
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