Thailand Laos and Vietnam Tour 3 Weeks
Amazingly venture to witness Thailand’s the main attractions included Bangkok’s impressive Grand Palace admired by sacred Emerald Buddha, oldest Buddhist temples, river cannels and popular floating market. By train, followed by Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, these provide wonderful experience from hill tribe villages to cultural insights, fascinating temples, elephant sanctuary and the famous golden triangle. Continue by boat navigate on Mekong River to reveal the peaceful Pakbeng admired by rural villages, mountainous Pak Ou Caves, and its natural beauty before observing Luang Prabang’s the respectful culture and heritage site, the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfalls, see saffron monks searching for Alms Giving, the reputable Wat Xiengthong and feeding buffaloes. Indulgently emerges yourselves in the natural town of Vang Vieng admired by the spectacular scenery before visiting the sleepy Vientiane Capital along with Buddha Park. Visit Hanoi’s main attractive sites, pleasantly relax in Halong Cruise admired by beautiful Halong Bay, limestone formation and natural beauty .Finally, see the vibes of Vietnam from the must-see Mekong Delta, Saigon’s French architectures, the thrilling historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels and end the trip by farewell dinner cruise on the mighty Saigon River.
Destinations
Bangkok → Ratchaburi → Kanchanaburi → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Chiang Khong → Pakbeng → Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng → Vientiane → Hanoi → Halong Bay → Saigon
Or Vice Versa
Program Detail
Day 1: Bangkok – Arrival
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Our friendly team (guide and driver) will welcome you at the arrival gate upon your arrival at Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang Airport then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in and simply enjoy yourselves free time at hotel or explore central city by your own.
Overnight in Bangkok
*Meal Plan: None
Day 2: Best Bangkok City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we begin at 8.00am for the amazing day to explore significant tourist attraction in central Bangkok City, visit Wat Traimit which houses the largest Golden Buddha statue in the world and catch the highlights of bustling China and Indian towns animated by interesting daily activities or you can stop by for a short visit when we drive pass to observe the Temple of the reclining Buddha in Wat Pho. Continue for a guided strolling at The Grand Palace which is popularly known as “The City Landmark” admired by the most impressive Emerald Buddha and other building complex that features unique architectural designs and cultural arts. Enjoy delicious Thai lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, enjoy a long-tail boat excursion across Chao Phraya River to pay attention at the remarkable Wat Arun which means Temple of Dawn which dates back to Ayutthaya Kingdom and take beautiful photos of Bangkok Skylines. Resume our exciting journey on boat through small canals of Thonburi to see Bangkok’s real local lives, wooden houses on the water, temples and other interesting things along the canals before we make our way back to the hotel.
Overnight in Bangkok
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Floating Market, Death Railway & The Bridge on the River Kwai
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we leave a bit early for our remote adventure at 7.00am to Ratchaburi which popularly emerges the must-see Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where we will process to take a rowing boat to see the bustling activities along rivers and canals, colorful fruits, flowers, vegetables, snacks and other various items on local boats in this famous floating market in Thailand. Lunch is provided at a selected local restaurant.
Continue our journey to Kanchanaburi whose the well-known Death Railway is located and it dates back to World War II, we spend our worth visit to War Cemetery and JEATH war museum that displays the remnants left from the war including photography, artifacts, documents, equipment and so on. After unlocking the horrific war history, we enjoy the walking on the black iron bridge over the remarkable River Kwai where you can take a good breathtaking and take nice photos before we make our way back to Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Nice Train Experience: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Breakfast is served at hotel. Check out and get transferred by our team at 7.45am for the day train at 8.30am to Chiang Mai. This is quite suitable for those who seek for nice experience of Thailand’s beautiful sights by popular trains from bustling Bangkok Capital to the fascinating Northern Thailand’s hilly jungles, panoramic landscapes and other impressive attractions on the way. The train journey takes approx. 11-12 hours and arrive in Chiang Mai’s train station at 7:30-8:30pm.
Note: Food, drinks and snacks can be purchased on the train.
*Daily domestic flights (1 hr 15 min) are available upon request.
Upon your arrival, your will be friendly greeted by our team and transfer to a booked hotel for check in.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Chiang Mai - Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Hmong Village & 3km Trekking
Breakfast is served at hotel. We start our wonderful Chiang Mai tour at 8.30am, drive up on Doi Suthep Mountain to visit the famous golden temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep standing 3500 feet above the sea level and it religiously houses Buddha relics then enjoy breathtaking the panoramic view over Chiang Mai City from the summit of Doi Suthep. Resume our journey to Black Hmong Village locates at the hillside, observe daily life of Hmong villagers admired by their interesting routine activities.
Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.
After lunch break, we continue driving down the hill for a pleasant trekking with 3km through jungle trails up and down towards the fascinating and less touristy Monthatan waterfalls hidden among the dense forest in Chiang Mai. Unwind and emerge yourselves with the stunning surrounding, get refreshed and enjoy swimming before heading back to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Chiang Mai – Full Day Elephant Nature Park
Breakfast is served at hotel. Be ready with your small light pack for pickup at 7.40am arranged by Elephant Nature Park. Enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffaloes, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals. Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding) and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary. Your visit helps support our regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation. We finish the tour and returning Chiang Mai between 5:00pm – 5:30pm.
What to Bring: Hat, Sunscreen, Sandals/Flip Flops, Shoes for walking, Camera, Bug Repellent, Refillable Water Bottle. (Rain Jacket – Rainy Season April – October).
Overnight in Chiang Mai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Vegetarian buffet lunch
Day 7: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai & Chiang Rai Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Check out at 8.30am then we say goodbye to beautiful Chiang Mai and drive with 2 ½ hours to Chiang Rai Province, we will stop at Mae Kachan Hot spring for coffee break and wander in the area to see locals boiling eggs inside the hot spring. Continue driving, we then pay attention to witness the well-known Wat Rong Khun (popularly known as White Temple) admired by its stunning Thai art styles and unique temple architecture where many tourists always take fabulous photos of its reflection.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant and check in at a booked hotel in Chiang Rai.
Afternoon, we leave hotel for a worth visit at Black House temple museum which inspires traditional Northern Thai arts and architecture then continue to visit the impressive Wat Rong Suea Ten (or Blue Temple) in rare blue color, adorable carvings with its own architectural styles. We’ll then make our way for Kad Luang market to observe daily life of local people and see various Thai products from fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, meats to local street food, clothes and accessories.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong – Golden Triangle & Long Neck Karen
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we leave a bit early at 7.30am for our wonderful journey to explore the most attractive destinations of Chiang Rai. We spend about an hour to visit Mae Chan admired by its fresh massive Choui Fong Tea plantation where you will learn a bit more about tea processing and enjoy the taste of real tea flavor of Chiang Rai while observing the fantastic scenery. Continue our adventure to interact diverse Akha hill tribal village and Long Neck Karen where we witness their daily life of living in exotic clothes/handicrafts while observing their interesting activities and the surrounding before heading to the well-known Mae Sai market where you wander around to grab a lovely gift for yourselves, this market is boring between Chiang Rai and Tachileik, Myanmar – the commercial place for locals and ethnic minority people come for trades and exchange their various goods.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we drive to Golden Triangle point where the parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Ruak River and Mekong River meet at the confluence, the region was largely famed for opium production and cultivation in the world. We then take a change to take Mekong River boat which pleasantly provides amazing boat ride to see the mighty Mekong River, to Don Sao Island – a part of Laos where we will wander around Don Sao market.
Note: Visiting Don Sao Island is not required visa but make sure you bring along passport with you and keep it safely with boat company and claim it back when you finished the boat ride. Or you may skip the boat ride if you want.
The best part of the trip is not to miss out Opium House Museum which gives you best interesting history about Opium plantation, production and cultivation, and there are numerous exhibits of opium artifacts as well as houses of opium collection which can tell you that the Golden Triangle is one of most impressive opium cultivation in the world. Finally, our trip ended with meaningful and we drive with 1 hour to a booked hotel in Chiang Khong town.
Overnight in Chiang Khong
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Chiang Khong Border Crossing & Houay Xay to Pakbeng, Laos
Breakfast is served at hotel. Our team transfers you to Chiang Khong Thai immigration border (before 7.30am). After you’re done the immigration, make sure you walk to Houay Xay immigration office (Lao border) where you will be greeted by our English-Speaking guide with a welcome sign. Our guide will assist customers to apply for the visa. After getting the VISA, guests will take a sharing transfer (minivan) to the slow boat pier to embark on the boat. During the morning, Quick lecture about Do’s and Don’ts in Laos and fun facts will be presented by our guide
Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.
Before reaching Pakbeng, we will stop to visit a traditional Kamu village (Ban Houa Phalam), a tiny cozy place which host about 90 families. Travelers will learn about rural lifestyle in a very remote area.
The boat will arrive at Pakbeng and you will then be picked to hotel.
Overnight in Pakbeng
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang & Visit Pak Ou Caves
Breakfast is served at hotel. The boat will leave Pakbeng at 08am.
Enjoy the beautiful nature and jungle during your journey. In the morning, our guide and cooker will make a short demonstration on how to make some Lao desserts and local drinks that travelers will eat later in the afternoon.
First stop will be at Ban Baw village, a complex but harmonic mixed of three ethnicity: Lao Loun, Shan and Tai Lue. Today the village is famous for its Lao Lao whiskey making.
Right after the visit, a Lao traditional Lunch set is served on board.
In the afternoon, the boat will stop for the second visit at the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting) and its over two thousands Buddha statues. It is one of the most important Pilgrimage place for Lao people. After the visit, enjoy the homemade desserts and drinks made by our team and the travelers.
The boat will arrive in Luang Prabang before 4:30pm, and you will then be greeted by our team and transfer to a booked hotel in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Alms Giving, Luang Prabang Tour, Buffalo Dairy & Kuang Si Waterfalls
Breakfast is served at hotel. We rise a bit early in the morning to observe Buddhist saffron monks in progress searching for alms offers from locals which it is religiously known as traditional alms giving ceremony that all tourists can’t definitely ignore when visit Luang Prabang.
Return hotel for breakfast before heading out again to stroll at Phosy market to observe bustling trades between locals and vendors. Continue to challenge 328 steps up to the top of Phousi Hill to catch the spectacular views of Luang Prabang city, Mekong & Nam Khan Rivers, forests and mountains. Afterwards, visit Royal Palace which is one of national museums in Laos that was built by French during French colonial period, see Heuan Chan Heritage – the 19th century and well reserved wooden house in Luang Prabang then we’ll wander to observe the finest artistic styles of Buddhist monasteries included Wat Sensoukharam, important Wat Xiengthong and Wat Wisunarat at the end of the trip. Have lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we journey passing rural Lao countryside and Hmong tribe villages then we stop for a short visit Ban Na Ouane Hmong minority village where you witness their basic living and daily activities before going for a worth visit at Buffalo Dairy that you’re gonna observe how they feed, milk buffaloes and get to know how some kinds of cheeses are produced from buffalo dairy in the region. Continue our journey to visit the fascinating Kuang Si Waterfalls where we have a walking up to wander on the top of the waterfalls, enjoy the tranquil surrounding and beautiful views. Return to the major area then spend times to observe its natural beauty with take nice photos, get refreshed and cooled off, and swim in crystal blue water pools. We’ll then visit the Black Bear Rescue Centre before returning hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Blue Lagoon & Phu Kham Cave
Breakfast is served at hotel. Checked out and we leave Luang Prabang at 7.00am with 5-6 hour drive to Vang Vieng – the town emerges the spectacular nature, Nam Song River, lush mountains and various caves. The journey passes Laos villages, beautiful views of nature, mountains, rivers and forests. Feel free to ask for some stops to take picturesque photos as if we make our way to Vang Vieng.
After check in, we set off to visit Blue Lagoon & Phu Kham Cave which provides a scenic ride through the countryside leads to natural lake, a turquoise pool with a tree swing, for relaxation and swim (if you want) before we observe Phu Kham Cave – a labyrinth of chambers with stalactites, stalagmites and a reclining Buddha. A steep hike and a flashlight are needed to explore the cave.
Note: You can speak with our tour guide for a recommendation for lunch at a local restaurant on the way.
Overnight in Vang Vieng
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 13: Explore Natural Beauty of Vang Vieng & Drive to Vientiane
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we venture to explore mysterious limestone caves of Vang Vieng included the most notable Tham Xang which is a temple cave and also known as Elephant Cave, resume to visit Snail Cave followed by its long corridors and wonderful limestone formations and the last is the Water Cave where you can cool off and swim. We’ll then unpack and enjoy our picnic lunch before trekking with an hour and half to a Hmong village, passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens.
Continue our journey by kayaking on the famous Nam Song River which it is truly admired by picturesque nature, green mountains, limestone formation and interesting local life along the river while we’re making our way back to Vang Vieng. Checked out and we drive with 2 hours to a booked hotel in Vientiane Capital.
Overnight in Vientiane
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Buddha Park, Vientiane City Tour & Flight to Hanoi, Vietnam
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave hotel at 8.30am to see interesting local trades at Talat Sao market then drive with 25km for a worth visit to the impressive Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane) situates along the Mekong River, the park contains more than 200 religious Hindus & Buddha images along with the notable giant reclining Buddha, the park comes with three interesting stories representing three levels: Hell, Earth and Heaven. Hear story from your tour guide while strolling around to take some nice photos of various sculptures.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we go for city tour of Vientiane Capital, start with Wat Si Saket which is known as the oldest temple in city and wander at Wat Si Muang which admired by its attractive cultural Lao art styles. We’ll continue to unlock history of Haw Phra Kaew was built 16th century and used to house sacred Emerald Buddha. Next, we pay attention at the famous Pha That Luang which is well recognized as the significant gold covered Buddhist stupa and also the national symbol of Laos. Near the end of the trip, go for breathtaking at the garden park dotting with the remarkable Patuxai Monument – the most prominent Victory Gate in the city.
Our team transfers you to airport for evening flight departure to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Fully Guided Hanoi City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 8.00am for a fully guided tour within Ba Dinh Square, visit the main attractions included the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda with most interesting architecture and 10th century Temple of Literature – the first national university of Vietnam along with rich history. Enjoy delicious lunch at Hoang Cuisine restaurant (or similar).
Afternoon, we observe Hoa Lo Prison which tells you an interesting war from French colonial time to Vietnam and American War. Continue to visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – the significant place to witness the best collection, documentation, exhibition and preserving the cultural and historic patrimony of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next, we take rickshaw (cyclo) explore the popular Old Quarter admired by attractive daily life and bustling local activities. Ending the cyclo ride at Thang Long Opera Theatre, we then enjoy a traditional, unique water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
You will be greeted by our escort guide and driver at railway station then transfer to a booked hotel for refreshment and enjoy breakfast.
*(Private car/minivan round trip transfers Halong Bay is available upon request).
Prepare yourselves with light packing ready to be picked up by shuttle bus between 8.00-8.30am at your hotel and start your trip to explore the most amazing Halong Bay in the North of Vietnam. On the way, we will have a quick stop in the middle of the way to rest. We will reach Halong cruise port around 12.30pm then process the registration and get transferred by tender to Swan Cruise. After safety brief, a welcome drink and checking in, delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay, enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing before getting back to the cruise for sunset party.
Evening, have sumptuous set dinner on board and it’s your free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply have a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.
Overnight in Cruise Halong Bay
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note:
There are many cruise companies operate from standard to luxury cruises to Halong Bay and every cruise companies have their similar cruise itineraries. The above cruise itinerary is detailed according to Swan Cruise’s standard itinerary. If you chose to stay at another cruise, cruise itinerary will then be provided at the time you confirmed. If you really love Halong Bay and want to stay a night longer, 2nights/3days cruise is available, so feel free to speak about this with our sale team.
Day 17: Halong Bay Cruise, Back to Hanoi
Rise a bit early in the morning for Sunrise Tai-chi section on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
Breakfast will be served in Western style, familiar to you to fulfill your strength and ready for another exploring day to the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave for an hour then return to the boat you will have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.
Around 10.00, attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish or challenge yourself in fruit and vegetable carving. Next, we enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat while the cruise is heading back to the harbor and disembark at Halong cruise port. At 12.30pm: our shuttle bus will take you back to Hanoi and arrive in the evening around 16.00-17.00pm.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18: Hanoi - Flight to Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Hanoi before transferring to airport for flight to Saigon.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in.
Afternoon, we head out of the bustling Saigon City, pass countryside to explore the famous attraction of Cu Chi tunnels which are known as the deadly dangerous trap tunnel networks and was used by Viet Cong army as the facility base to supply food, accommodation, storage, escape rooms as well as strong holes to fight against their enemies during French and American war from 1948 until 1975. Learn from your tour guide about this interesting and sad history of Vietnam, and personally experience the real feeling when crawl into the tunnels to reveal some remnants left after the war ended
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 19: My Tho - Mekong Delta Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off 8.00am out of the bustling Saigon straight to My Tho boat pier where we process to embark a local motorboat which slides on Mekong Delta overlooking islets, fish farms and floating houses admired by fishing and trading activities on boats. In Unicorn Island, we will be pampered by Vietnamese traditional music depicting a folk art rooted from South Vietnam and get refreshed by tropical fruit tasting. Continue by canoe, we explore the natural beauty of Mekong canals with lush beautiful coconut trees stretching at both sides until we enjoy the walking tour to observe bee keeping farm and sample honey tea before having lunch. After lunch break, we catch our regular boat to coconut candy workshop to learn the processing of how coconut candies are made, along with a chance to taste and chew sweet candies or purchase a few packs before we get in our awaiting car/minivan and drive back to Saigon City in the evening.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20: Saigon City Tour & Dinner Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave hotel at 8.30am for guided Saigon City along with War Remnants Museum that you can witness Indochina war history while browsing various items relating Vietnam War, visit the fascinating architecture of Reunification Palace which was the former workplace and residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, admired by French colonial buildings of Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, we then stroll at Jade Emperor Pagoda before go shopping at the famous Ben Thanh market where you observe trading exchanges and you can’t absolutely ignore to purchase some souvenirs.
Enjoy Vietnamese lunch at a selected local restaurant. Return hotel and have your own free time in the afternoon.
Evening at 6.00pm, transfer to Saigon port where we embark Indochina Junk – the floating restaurant offers the spectacular and beautiful Saigon river with the modern riverside city. On board, you will have plenty of choices of delicious food which all you can eat. You will get transferred back to the hotel after dinner cruise finished around 9.15pm.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cruise
Day 21: Saigon - Departure
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Vietnam then our team will pick you up from hotel’s lobby and transfers to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight to the next destination.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Thank You
Goodbye Beautiful Southeast Asia
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