"Northern Delights"
16 Days package price from just £1,820 per person.
Day 1 - UK Departure
Depart the UK with international flight to Bangkok.
Day 2 - Bangkok Arrival
Upon your arrival in Bangkok you will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of day free at leisure.
Day 3 - Bangkok
This morning we will experience the majesty of the Grand Palace, the mysterious Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew and the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho, two of the most important Buddhist sites in Thailand. We then cross the Chao Phraya River to sample the flavours of Thai cuisine at the Oriental Hotel's luxurious Sala Rim Nam. Next we drive out to the Prasat Museum and admire a special collection of priceless Thai art and antiquities. (B/L)
Day 4 - Bangkok
Today we head north out of Bangkok to Bang Pa In, the summer palace of King Chulalongkorn, and enjoy a stroll through the palace’s beautiful gardens and pavilions. Next we cruise up the Chao Phraya on a traditional rice barge, enjoying lunch aboard. Disembark at the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya and explore the city’s graceful ambience and ruined temples. Return to Bangkok by car. (B/L)
Day 5 - Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Today we travel by plane to Chiang Rai, Thailand’s gateway to the Golden Triangle. An easy tour of the town and a visit to the Hall of Opium to experience life in this special land is organised. (B)
Day 6 - Chiang Rai
Come face to trunk with one of Thailand's most graceful creatures as you learn how to be an elephant mahout. Mastering the necessary commands, you'll have chance to ride an elephant through bamboo forests and across river flood plains on a trek to experience local wildlife and breathtaking views. (B)
Day 7 - Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen
Today we visit the point of the Golden Triangle where the Thailand, Burma and Laos borders meet, stopping also at the border town of Mae Sai which is full of colourful shops stacked with Chinese goods. After dining at one of the many restaurants located on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, we pay a visit to the Opium Museum for a deeper insight into this area's problematic past. Following this is a visit to Akha and Yao Villages to see their lifestyle. (B)
Day 8 - Chiang Saen to Pakbeng
IStop by colourful Mae Sai on the way to the border junction between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Visit the Opium Museum then enter Laos through Houeixay, having a boat cruise downstream along the Mekong River passing by beautiful green forests and towering hills. (B)
Day 9 - Pakbeng to Oudomxay to Nong Kiau
This morning we visit the hill tribe market of Pakbeng before leaving Pakbeng. Next we venture into the remote area in Northern Laos, heading for Oudomxay, residence of 23 ethnic minority groups. With a few rest stops en route, we have the opportunity to see the Hmong, Khmu, Akha and Taidam. After Oudomxay we reach Nong Kiau in late afternoon, a forlorn but lovely village situated by the banks of the river and close to a dramatic valley surrounded by stunning mountains. (B)
Day 10 - Nong Kiau to Luang Prabang
After breakfast we take a boat downstream the Nam Ou River, making stopovers at beautiful villages. Then at the point the Nam Ou River meets the Mekong River, we’ll visit Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. We continue our trip down to the World Heritage City of Luang Prabang. The former capital city of Laos, with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains a unique charm rarely found in Asia. Little traffic but a lot of monks coming from the sun. The rest of the day at your own leisure until the Baci ceremony, followed by dinner. (B)
Day 11 - Luang Prabang
This morning we tour the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong (with its roof sweeping down to the ground), Wat Mai and Wat Aham. Afternoon we climb to the top of Phousi Mount, captivating the sunset into the Mekong River, glorifying the city’s sacred gilded stupas. We then go down to explore the Street Night Bazaar, beholding its lovely selection of handmade textiles, made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 12 - Luang Prabang
An early rise will give you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from devout residents. Laos is the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession nowadays. Then we will visit the morning Phosi Market, where a wide range of local produces like dried buffalo skin, tea and salt amongst chickens, vegetables and weavings displayed. After breakfast at hotel we will visit some ethnic minority villages at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, and Ban Thapene. We then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. On the way back to Luang Prabang we will visit Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings jute paper. We top off the day at Wat Siphouthabath, watching the magnificent sunset. (B)
Day 13 - Luang Prabang to Xiengkhouang
After the visit to the the National Museum (closed on Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, we drive 300 km to Xieng Khouang. The journey is a great way to explore the real Laos, with as many stops as you want. We will see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are so curious about our lifestyle, but also timid and friendly. (B)
Day 14 - Xiengkhouang to Vientiane
We take a morning flight to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Afternoon we drive around for an overview of the city considered the sleepiest in the world, including a stop at a riverside café. (B)
Day 15 - Vientiane
Today we visit the city’s major sights such as That Luang, Wat Sisaket and Monument Anousavari, the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong. We also see Buddha Park with 200 Buddhist and Hindu images on the Mekong Riverside meadow and the Friendship Bridge. (B)
Day 16 - Vientiane to London
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight departing Vientiane to Bangkok. Take connecting flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow. Arrival in London Heathrow. (B)
16 Days Package Price from just £1,820 per person (based on double occupancy)
Price includes:
- Hotel accommodation (on twin share basis);
- Meals: daily breakfast at hotel and others as mentioned in itinerary;
- Sightseeing excursions with English speaking guides;
- All road transportation in private air-con car or minibus;
- Entrance fees;
- Domestic flights;
- Boat trip as mentioned in sights;
- Government tax and service charge;
- Luggage handling and drinking water.
Price excludes:
- International flights (due to high fluctuation of prices at different times of year - prices can start as low as £750 per person. Emperor Tours will provide details on enquiry);
- Laos Visa fee;
- Departure tax;
- Personal expense such as laundry or drink during meals etc.;
- Optional visits;
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details);
- Tips to guides and drivers.
