Slow boat to Laos (Thailand & Laos Exploratory Trip)

BANGKOK, BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI, BURMA RAILWAY, HELL FIRE PASS, CHIANG MAI, CHIANG RAI, CHIANG KHONG MEKONG RIVER BOAT, LUANG PRABANG, H’MONG HILL TRIBES, PLAIN OF JARS, VIENTIANE

Please note: the itinerary below is a sample itinerary and can be modified as required by your group to suit your travel style and budget. Please contact us for a complete range of itineraries.

11 days A$1590 (3 star hotel option) (4 Star hotel option $1860) - excluding airfares) (for convenience we have listed this trip price in Australian dollars but can naturally accept payment in any currency)

This 11-day adventure offers travellers a journey through Thailand and Laos begins with an unusual trip around the waterways of Bangkok from where we will head to the famous’ Bridge over the River Kwai’ and Hellfire Pass. From here we will visit the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya before flying north to the highland cities of Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai and then a visit to the ‘Golden Triangle’ region. A day later our real adventure begins as we board our private river boat to cruise down the Laotian reaches of the Mekong Delta to the beautiful town of Luang Prabang. Whilst in Laos we will also visit minority tribes in the country’s capital city of Vientiane and make a special side trip to the remote and archeologically wondrous Plain of Jars.

Day 1 Bangkok On arrival in Bangkok our group will head straight out to explore this quintessential steamy Asian Metropolis. Beginning with the fabled Grand Palace, with its many spectacular temples, we will learn of the exploits of the modern King. Our local guide will explain why Thailand maintains one of the world’s strongest and most respected monarchies. We will visit Wot Po - a Buddhist temple with a giant reclining Buddha. The afternoon will take us to one of the most enormous markets in Asia, before returning to our hotel for a swim and our first taste of the fine cuisine for which Thailand is famous.

Day 2 Bangkok/Kanchanaburi After breakfast we take to the canals of Bangkok - the Venice of Asia. We will board a long boat and explore the watery canals to witness the everyday life along the canals, or ‘klongs’. After lunch today we will begin our journey northwest of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi Province, site of the infamous Thai –Burma Railway Later we will travel to board the infamous ‘Death Railway’ where thousands of British & Allied soldiers died whilst constructing the Japanese initiated Thai -Burma railway. In the afternoon we will board the train which today still runs part of the distance to the Burmese border all the original route. This evening we will travel to a delightful eco –resort to relax and enjoy a swim before dinner.

Day 3 Kanchanaburi/Chiang Mai An early departure today will bring us to Hellfire Pass where POWs were forced to dig a gorge through solid rock. Whilst here we will visit the fascinating Museum to learn of the efforts and hardships faced by POW’s who endured life here during World War II. Whilst here we will also visit the POW (prisoner of war) built Bridge over the River Kwai, popularised by the Hollywood movie of the same name. In the afternoon we will make the short journey back to Bangkok from where we will travel straight to the airport to catch a 1 hour flight to the central city of Chiang Mai. (B)

Day 4 Chiang Mai Today we will visit the fascinating Hill Tribe Museum, and then head out to the villages of the Karen hill tribe people where we will learn of their unique customs and rituals. The Karen religion is Animism, where all living things and seasons are defined by the spirits of the people’s ancestors. No trip to Thailand would be complete without a traditional, hands-on Thai cooking lesson, which we will also enjoy today.

Day 5 Chiang Rai / Chiang Kong In the morning we take the bus up to Thailand’s picturesque Golden Triangle Region, once home to numerous poppy fields used in the production of opium, before the Thai King initiated programs to replace these crops. We will then journey up a small hill affording glimpses into both Burma and Laos. We will also visit the region’s fascinating Opium Museum to learn of the colourful and controversial history of opium and its by-products. In the afternoon we will travel to a remote border-town where we will spend the night in a house with a huge veranda,

Day 6 Luang Prabang After completing immigration formalities at the Thai – Laotian border, we will make our morning crossing into Laos by boat across the Mekong River. We will then board a fast boat bound for the charming city of Luang Prabang. The view of life on the river, peaceful jungle scenery and thriving small villages are a wonderful distraction en route as we reach the delightful town of Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Day 7 Luang Prabang This morning we will take a journey upriver by long boat to the cave of Pak Ou where thousands of ancient Buddha figures have been stored. After, we will journey down river to visit a village belonging to a low land ethnic minority group whose traditional manufacturing of textiles and weavings have changed little in 300 years. In the afternoon we will visit a local school to learn about the Laotian education system.

Day 8 Phonsavan This morning we will farewell Luang Prabang and travel east through some spectacular Laotian hinterland to the country’s central provinces and the town of Phonsavan. The town was the capital of Xieng Khuang province and has the dubious distinction of being the most bombed town in the world at one stage during the American War in Vietnam. These days it is a lovely place to relax and enjoy its rolling hills and talk to its friendly inhabitants, whose houses are often built from unexploded ordnance and rusting American gun shells.

Day 9 Plain of Jars This morning, after a late breakfast, we will visit the hinterland around Phonsavan and home to the ancient mystery of what is known simply as ‘The Plain of Jars’. Made in the same period of Stone Henge anthropologists are still in disagreement as to the exact origins and builders of these strange features. We will also learn more about Laos’s tragic involvement in the American war due to its geographical proximity to the historic Ho Chi Minh trail as we enjoy a walking tour around the area.

Day 10 Vientiane We fly out to the Laotian capital of Vientiane this morning for our last day in Laos. On arrival in the mid morning will we visit That Luang shrine followed by a trip to Wa Prakeo -home of the Emerald Buddha as well as stopping at the local markets and the beautiful Wat Si Saket. In the afternoon we will stroll around the city with its French-colonial buildings, past robed clad novices and monks before our final dinner at one of the city are delightful riverbank restaurants.

Day 11 Depart Laos Today we depart Vientiane for our flight back to Thailand and then back home. We will spend a short time in Bangkok this afternoon enjoying lunch and perhaps a short time to pick up some last minute souvenirs for family and friends. Following this your group leader will escort you back to the airport and bid you farewell. Key (All breakfast included), L –lunch, D-dinner)

SUMMARY

Grading: Easy. Anyone with reasonable fitness should be able to take part. There are no real physical difficulties however travellers will be expected to carry their own luggage throughout the trip. Accommodation: Accommodation is on a twin share basis. All hotels are clean and comfortable, with a 3 star equivalent rating. Sleeper boat 1 night Transport: Modern air-conditioned bus, boat, plane Group size: Minimum 14, maximum 34

Land tour Inclusions:

• All accommodation and transport en route including 3 internal flights,
• all domestic departure taxes and transfers
• Tailor Made Vietnam group leader throughout the tour
• Local English speaking guides where required
• All sightseeing and entrance fees for museums, attractions and sights as described in the itinerary
• All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners and water with all included meals
• Complimentary pre departure meetings with travellers to discuss trip details at the venue of your choice (within Australia & Southeast Asia)

Land tour Exclusions:

• International flights to Thailand and departing Laos
• Laotian Visas
• Laotian departure tax
• Travel insurance

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