Treasures of a Kingdom
12 days - Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phuket, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap
12 days - Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phuket, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap
This multicountry program takes you through the Kingdoms of Thailand and Cambodia, and to the treasures of Laos. The adventure begins in Bangkok, Thailand's capital city known for it's glittering golden temples, delectable Thai cuisine, cruises on the Chao Phraya River, shopping galore, and vibrant nightlife. In southern Thailand discover Phuket's sandy white beaches and tropical palms, backdropped by the azure waters of the Andaman Sea. A variety of beach activities and sea excursions await; or simply relax and unwind by the pool, or indulge yourself with a luxurious massage at the spa. Luang Prabang is truly the highlight of any visit to Laos. A quiet, lulling peacefulness permeates the city, from the beautiful temples to the warm smiles of the friendly residents. While not touring, there are charming shops to explore in town, and excellent restaurants and cafes to relax and unwind in. Finally there is Siem Reap, gateway to the famed temples of Angkor; it has grown to be Cambodia's major tourist destination. The crown jewel is Angkor Wat, the UNESCO world heritage site that has become the symbol of Cambodia, it's image depicted on the national flag. In fact, the entire Angkor area is a world heritage site, with important and magnificent Khmer temples to explore. Popular favorites and must-sees are The Bayon, with it's distinctive massive stone faces looking down at you, and Ta Prohm; looking very untouched, it is fascinating to see the giant tree roots emerging from the temple's ruins.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok. Arrive at Bangkok Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok. Full-day private tour of Bangkok. Begin at the magnificent Grand Palace, which served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since the reign of Rama I. The golden stupas, glittering reflective mosaics, and colorful statues depicting mythological gods and demons are truly a sight to behold. Also on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contains the revered priceless "Emerald Buddha" carved from a single piece of jade. Afterwards, continue to Wat Po, Bangkok's largest temple, to view it's giant reclining Buddha statue. In the afternoon travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River; no visit would be complete without a boat ride on the "River of Kings." Visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, a major riverside landmark, and finish with a visit to the colorful and fragrant Flower Market, and Wat Saket, or Temple of the Golden Mountain. (breakfast).
Day 3: Ayutthaya/Bangkok. Full-day excursion to Ayutthaya to see the surviving ruins of this once magnificent city which served as Thailand's capital from 1350-1767. A world heritage site, highlights include the summer palace at Bang Pa In, and many other important and well known temples. Finish with a cruise down the Chao Phraya River, returning to Bangkok by boat. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Phuket. Fly south to Phuket, Thailand's "Pearl of the Andaman." Phuket is renowned known for it's beautiful palm-fringed white beaches, forested hillsides, and majestic bays and coves. Upon arrival transfer to your resort. (breakfast).
Day 5: Phuket. Today is free at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your resort, or explore the island. (breakfast).
Day 6: Luang Prabang. Fly via Bangkok to Luang Prabang, the enchanting Laotian town filled with historic temples and colonial-style buildings. (breakfast).
Day 7: Luang Prabang. Touring today begins with visits to some of Luang Prabang's most important temples; Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries, Wat Aham, known for it's two large banyan trees, and Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. From there, stroll down the main street, and time permitting stop at some of the many temples that line it's sides. Continue to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a turn-of-the century royal residence which has been preserved as it was when the royal family lived there, and to Wat Mai, constructed in 1821, it is Luang Prabang's largest and perhaps most photographed temple due to it's rich decoration. Finish the day at Mount Phousi for a beautiful sunset view over the temples and rivers. (breakfast).
Day 8: Luang Prabang. Embark on a boat excursion up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. Later visit Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. There is a chance to swim in the clear water, or simply relax in the natural environment. Finish with a visit to Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village. (breakfast).
Day 9: Siem Reap. Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the famous temples of Angkor. Begin your exploration at Angkor Thom, the fortified "Great City" that was the final capital of the Khmer empire. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, and continue to the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper King, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeankas before continuing to the Bayon Temple. The Bayon is one of Angkor's most compelling and popular sights, with galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs, and where giant stone faces smile enigmatically down at you from every angle. We finish the day watching the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. Note: the flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap does not operate daily, therefore travel dates need to be planned accordingly. (breakfast).
Day 10: Siem Reap. The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat, is the national symbol and highlight of any visit to Cambodia. It is the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. Cross the vast moat, and enter the main building, ascending through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary. Intricate stone-carvings adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Afterwards continue to Ta Prohm, built in the Bayon style it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. A most interesting and distinctive feature of Ta Prohm are the twists of tree trunks and roots that emerge from the ruins and soar upward into a lovely shaded canopy. Also visit Banteay Srei, smaller in comparison to other Angkor temples, but considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. (breakfast).
Day 11: Kampong Kleang/Siem Reap. Embark on an excursion to Kampong Kleang, one of the largest of the Tonle Sap lake communities. From here board a boat to explore the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farms. (breakfast).
Day 12: Depart Siem Reap. Transfer to Siem Reap Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (11), and one lunch.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $4,180.
Day 1: Bangkok. Arrive at Bangkok Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok. Full-day private tour of Bangkok. Begin at the magnificent Grand Palace, which served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since the reign of Rama I. The golden stupas, glittering reflective mosaics, and colorful statues depicting mythological gods and demons are truly a sight to behold. Also on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contains the revered priceless "Emerald Buddha" carved from a single piece of jade. Afterwards, continue to Wat Po, Bangkok's largest temple, to view it's giant reclining Buddha statue. In the afternoon travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River; no visit would be complete without a boat ride on the "River of Kings." Visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, a major riverside landmark, and finish with a visit to the colorful and fragrant Flower Market, and Wat Saket, or Temple of the Golden Mountain. (breakfast).
Day 3: Ayutthaya/Bangkok. Full-day excursion to Ayutthaya to see the surviving ruins of this once magnificent city which served as Thailand's capital from 1350-1767. A world heritage site, highlights include the summer palace at Bang Pa In, and many other important and well known temples. Finish with a cruise down the Chao Phraya River, returning to Bangkok by boat. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Phuket. Fly south to Phuket, Thailand's "Pearl of the Andaman." Phuket is renowned known for it's beautiful palm-fringed white beaches, forested hillsides, and majestic bays and coves. Upon arrival transfer to your resort. (breakfast).
Day 5: Phuket. Today is free at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your resort, or explore the island. (breakfast).
Day 6: Luang Prabang. Fly via Bangkok to Luang Prabang, the enchanting Laotian town filled with historic temples and colonial-style buildings. (breakfast).
Day 7: Luang Prabang. Touring today begins with visits to some of Luang Prabang's most important temples; Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries, Wat Aham, known for it's two large banyan trees, and Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. From there, stroll down the main street, and time permitting stop at some of the many temples that line it's sides. Continue to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a turn-of-the century royal residence which has been preserved as it was when the royal family lived there, and to Wat Mai, constructed in 1821, it is Luang Prabang's largest and perhaps most photographed temple due to it's rich decoration. Finish the day at Mount Phousi for a beautiful sunset view over the temples and rivers. (breakfast).
Day 8: Luang Prabang. Embark on a boat excursion up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. Later visit Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. There is a chance to swim in the clear water, or simply relax in the natural environment. Finish with a visit to Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village. (breakfast).
Day 9: Siem Reap. Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the famous temples of Angkor. Begin your exploration at Angkor Thom, the fortified "Great City" that was the final capital of the Khmer empire. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, and continue to the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper King, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeankas before continuing to the Bayon Temple. The Bayon is one of Angkor's most compelling and popular sights, with galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs, and where giant stone faces smile enigmatically down at you from every angle. We finish the day watching the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. Note: the flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap does not operate daily, therefore travel dates need to be planned accordingly. (breakfast).
Day 10: Siem Reap. The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat, is the national symbol and highlight of any visit to Cambodia. It is the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. Cross the vast moat, and enter the main building, ascending through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary. Intricate stone-carvings adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Afterwards continue to Ta Prohm, built in the Bayon style it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. A most interesting and distinctive feature of Ta Prohm are the twists of tree trunks and roots that emerge from the ruins and soar upward into a lovely shaded canopy. Also visit Banteay Srei, smaller in comparison to other Angkor temples, but considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. (breakfast).
Day 11: Kampong Kleang/Siem Reap. Embark on an excursion to Kampong Kleang, one of the largest of the Tonle Sap lake communities. From here board a boat to explore the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farms. (breakfast).
Day 12: Depart Siem Reap. Transfer to Siem Reap Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (11), and one lunch.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $4,180.
Our deluxe Thailand, Cambodia and Laos tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
