Thailand & Laos Adventure

Fly to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Bangkok is an exotic assault on the senses, a whirlwind of chaos, refinement and rewarding sights. A city of many faces, go from tranquil golden temples to forests of gleaming skyscrapers before experiencing authentic Asia on bustling streets. Today's sightseeing includes Wat Pho, the dazzling Grand Palace and Chinatown. Take to the Chao Phraya River on a longboat, getting an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market. This evening enjoy a traditional Thai dinner.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and experience the Maeklong railway market. Fly to Chiang Mai this evening.

Chiang Mai is a chilled out, nonchalant city in the foothills of Thailand's northern highlands. Take a cyclo tour of the city, visit Flok Life Museum, admire Wat Chedi Luang and ascend to Wat Doi Suthep perched on top of Doi Suthep Mountain. This evening enjoy a traditional Kantoke dinner and a performance of the ancient songs and dances of northern Thailand and wander through the buzzing night bazaar in search of bargains.

Visit the Elephant Care Centre in Mae Rim, which offers a peaceful retirement for elephants rescued from logging camps and elephant shows. After lunch continue to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge amidst the striking natural beauty of the region. This evening enjoy a barbecue dinner and a cultural show.

Depart the Hilltribe Lodge and continue 90 minutes to Tha Ton, a small town by the Mae Kok River, and board your long tail motorboat for your cruise to Baan Pha Tai. Upon arrival, drive a further 2 hours to Chiang Rai where you may wish to take a walk around the night market before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Explore the laidback, small town charm of Chiang Rai, visiting the eccentric White Temple and Doi Mae Salong, a hill village once at the heart of the area's notorious opium trade.

Transfer to the Thai-Laos border and climb aboard a boat to cruise along the Mekong taking in the scenery as you go. Stop at Pakbeng with time to visit the village of Ban Houei Lumpane before settling in for the night.

Back on the river, continue your leisurely cruise down to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang, stopping at the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, a riverside cavern that is full of statues of Buddha that can no longer be used for worship.

An enchanting city, Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos – a place of vivid colours with an extremely rich heritage and enduring French legacy. Visit Ban Xang Khong craft village where you can see Sa Paper and local handcraft production. Take a city tour, seeing sights including Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong. Later, spend some time at a local wat, chatting with the friendly monks who love to practice their English.

Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. After breakfast, ascend Phousi Hill for panoramic views over the town and see the treasures at the National Museum. Head out of the town to enjoy the cascading turquoise waters of the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls before returning to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre.

Catch a flight to Laos' capital city, Vientiane.

Nestled in a sleepy bend of the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city. Spend the day exploring with a visit to Talaat Sao market, Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo (a former temple that now houses a museum), That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane. Finally, explore the magical Buddha Park. Later, enjoy dinner and a traditional Laos music and dance performance.

Enjoy a free morning in Vientiane making the most of the languid pace of life. Fly back to the UK, arriving the following day.