After breakfast, we will visit the local market to discover the local products. After that we visit the world famous Wat Phra Kaew where the Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined. Move on to Wat Phra Singha where one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images is now enshrined. Then short drive from Chiang Rai City to Black House. Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs. Lunch on your own and afternoon we will take on our boat cruise on Mae Kok river from Chiang Rai to Karen village, visit to the Karen Long-neck Village, where you’ll experience the unique customs of the Karen people, watch elephants or feed them. After that you will take 1 hour elephant trekking.

After tour, private transfer to Chiang Khong a border of Laos and Thailand.

Overnight in Chiang Khong.

• From October to March: Departure every: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• From April to September: Departure every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

07:30: After breakfast, pick up by driver (no guide) and drive to Chiang Khong border, a district in the northeastern part of Chiang Rai to Houayxay check point.

After you pass by Thailand Immigration, take shuttle bus from Thailand side to Laos side (the bus ticket costs 40 Bath per person and 45 Bath for each luggage, and this cost not included, so please pay directly there).

After passing through Laos immigration, you will cross the Mekong River to Houayxay in Laos where your Lao guide will be waiting for you at the immigration point. After completing border formalities, you board a ready traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. Serene, timeless Laos is one of Asia's most unvisited, unchanged countries. This once-powerful kingdom known as Lane Xang (Million Elephants) was founded in the 14th century with the help of the Khmers, and it went on to become one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast Asia until its demise in the late 19th century. Bisected and bordered by the Mekong River, omnipresent symbol of Indochina, Laos today is an amalgam of cultural influences, Theravada Buddhism, animism, France, and the socialist ideal. It is a peaceful place, and the legendary hospitality, resilience and friendliness of the Lao people is much in evidence. Laos is Old Asia preserved. As your journey downriver you will stop at some tribal minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu.

Overnight in Pakbeng.

Join Slow boat tours:

Breakfast, as you sail downriver as a second leg, you will pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the riverbanks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You visit a fishing village and a rice winemaking village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao Rice wine. You also visit the Pak-Ou caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored. You arrive in Luang Prabang around sunset and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.

AM: Visit Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional handicrafts, and today we will visit the villages of Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene and the weaving village of Ban Phanom which are populated by Lao ethnic minority groups. We spend time at the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths.

PM: We spend the rest of this day touring the Lao capital, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai. We continue seeing Luang Prabang with the temple of Wat Xieng Thong, a magnificent piece of architecture, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes as well as doorways and the main sim has a marvelous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient and once royal city and the Mekong River. Then, we stroll around the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of textiles made by the local and the hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast in the hotel; met by your guide & driver in the hotel lobby and then transfer to the airport for flight to Pakse; met by our guide & driver upon arrival and transfer to Wat Phu Champasak – to visit the fascinating pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phu. Wat phu is one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates to the 5th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We continue our journey KHONG Island the largest island in the South Mekong River region known as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos.

Overnight in Don Khone.

After an early breakfast, we explore Mekong with a slow motorboat down to Ban Khone (Khone Island), where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with it’s locomotive. We continue discover the 4000 islands area by boat at our leisure to visit the Liphi waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the end of Lao border to Cambodia, also known as the Samphamith.

Overnight in Don Khone.

After breakfast, we drive to famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng, the largest waterfall in South East Asia, known as Niagara of the east. Transfer to Cambodia-Laos border. Say goodbye to Laos guide and driver before crossing border to Cambodia. Meet your Cambodian guide and drive for the charming Mekong port of Kratie, gateway to an encounter with the rare freshwater dolphins that inhabit the upper reaches of the Mekong in Cambodia.

We stop at Kampi, one of the many deep pools where the rare river dolphins gather to feed. We board a local boat and cruise out into the mighty Mekong for a chance encounter with these gentle mammals. Viewing is guaranteed. After enjoying an hour or more of dolphin viewing, we travel to a sleepy Mekong port and charming town of Kratie.

Overnight in Kratie.

After breakfast, we walk through the central Market of Kratie where you will see the local trades and see some of the old colonial building which remain from the French colony. Before we leave Kratie, we might visit local rice whiskey production.

Depart to Koh Ker, the former capital of the Khmer Empire between 928 and 944 A.D. Enjoy a simple packed or local lunch near the temple and continue to visit other ancient structures in the peaceful area. The remote archaeological site in northern away from Siem Reap and the ancient site of Angkor. It is a very jungle filled region that is sparsely populated. Only about two dozen monuments can be visited by tourists because most of the sanctuaries are hidden in the forest and the whole area is not fully demined.

On the way, we may stop to visit the sprawling jungle temple of Beng Mealea., Hindu temple, but there are some carvings depicting Buddhist motifs. Its primary material is sandstone and it is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

We start very early in the morning so we can capture the iconic picture of the pre-dawn facing Angkor Wat temple. Sunrise at Angkor Wat can be a busy venue especially during the months of December, January, February and March.

After sunrise, we will explore the vast and rich of Angkor Wat temple, taking pictures at different angles, playing with light and shadows and capturing the most beautiful devatas carved in sandstone.

Next destination will be the Ta Prohm "Tomb Raider" fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy.

Next, at the Golden Hour, will be the impressive Bayon temple with its 54 towers and 216 faces overlooking the defunct city of Angkor Thom. The final stop will be at one of gate of Angkor Thom to capture sunset over the moat.

Overnight in Sem Reap.

Breakfast is at the hotel.

We leave hotel at 7.00am to unlock the intricately carved, beautiful red-pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei – considered to be a Jewel of Khmer art which features elaborate decorations and its finest details. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a “precious gem”.

Continue our journey to visit one of Cambodia’s national parks – popularly known as “Phnom Kulen” where you meet famous, beautiful waterfalls. Phnom Kulen (Mountain of Lychee) situates about 57km with approx. 1 hour drive, Phnom Kulen is regarded as the holy mountain for religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists and was the significant home of the ancient Khmer Empire when King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE. The journey provides nice views of rice paddies, countryside dotting with palm trees and cattle.

Enjoy the walking tour to see the giant reclining Buddha statue on the hilltop along with breath-taking, spectacular views and learn from your tour guide about historical site. Resume walking within the jungle to witness religious Hindu of the riverbed of 1000 linga carvings, next we move to observe the sacred ground-pool before we head to relax near the waterfall. From then on, it is your own free time for cooling down and swimming.

On the way back to Siem Reap, we stop for a visit at Palm Sugar Village and various other local handicraft souvenirs, and we will stroll at Preah Dak village to observe local people making the famous steaming-rice cake which hides coconut milk inside before we arrive at the hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, travel by road from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by private vehicle with English guide. On route you will witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no ‘freeway dash’ as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school.

Visit a floating village on the Tonle Sap lake where we can experience a unique lifestyle. The lake is the largest fresh water in Southeast Asia. The size of the water body changes dramatically during the year. It is very rich in fish, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, turtles and otters. About 700 fishing families live on the lake. We visit a floating restaurant where we can have lunch based on daily fishing. So back to Siem Reap and the rest of the day is free, so you can buy souvenirs.

On route you may wish to stop off in Kampong Kdei, to look at Spean Pratos – an ancient Angkorian bridge.
Not far from Phnom Penh you may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spiderville’ due to the deep-fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one?

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will check-in to your hotel after which you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital city, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels. A Phnom Penh city tour allows you to delve into the city's heart, exploring its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant local life.

Morning Delights:

• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Be mesmerized by the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Cambodian King. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about Cambodian royalty. Next door, explore the Silver Pagoda, adorned with a gleaming silver floor and housing priceless Buddha statues.
• National Museum: Immerse yourself in Cambodian history and art at the National Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Angkor era and other periods, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia.

Afternoon Exploration:

• Central Market (Phsar Thmey): Indulge in your senses at the bustling Central Market, a shopper's paradise. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys filled with stalls overflowing with local crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and Cambodian delicacies. Be sure to try your bargaining skills!
• Wat Phnom: Ascend the scenic Phnom Penh Hill, where Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple with a long history, sits atop. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and experience the tranquillity of the temple grounds.
• We will enjoy a cruise for view sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into two branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.