Thailand Cambodia and Laos : Indochina Adventure

We begin our journey in Thailand's infamous Golden Triangle, where the frontiers of Burma, Thailand and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic meet. From there you'll travel by river and road through the unspoilt mountains and jungles of remote northern Laos to the ancient capital, now World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang. After exploring the beautiful temples and colonial architecture of what is acknowledged to be the best preserved city in SE Asia, the itinerary leads you to the contrasting, contemporary capitals of sleepy Vientiane and bustling Phnom Penh. From there we’ll continue overland through picturesque countryside to the mysterious & dramatic, jungle-clad temples of Angkor, followed by a scenic boat journey to the town of Battambang before finishing the tour in Thailand’s vibrant capital Bangkok. Please note for those with limited time there is now a shorter version of this itinerary returning directly from Siem Reap on day 19.

Day 1
Departure from London.

Day 2
Morning arrival in Bangkok and transfer by Thai Airways to Chiang Mai, the cultural and historical capital of Northern Thailand. Afternoon free to relax or explore this charming, friendly city and an evening tour of the famous ‘night-bazaar’.

(For those wishing to arrive a day or 2 early in Chiang Mai various options include spa treatments or a Thai cookery class?)

Day 3
Leisurely morning to recover from your jet-lag by the pool or wander around one of the local markets before an afternoon drive through the mountains to neighbouring Chiang Rai Town, main commercial centre for the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’ region – so called because of it’s former notoriety for warlords and opium cultivation.

Day 4
Day tour of some of the main sites of this far northern region: beginning at the bustling trading town of Mae Sai on the Burmese Border and on to Sob Ruak where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet, for a visit to the unusual Opium Museum, before following the Mekong River via the historic, ruined city of Chiang Saen to our day’s destination, the scenic riverside town of Chiang Khong.

Day 5
Time to cross the Mekong into Laos itself where we’ll begin with a visit to a traditional village of the Lanten people lead by our host the local schoolteacher, before continuing upcountry with a scenic drive though mountains and dense jungle to the remote town of Luang Nam Tha near the Chinese border. Accommodation at a beautifully situated eco lodge on the banks of the Tha river.

Day 6
Day trip into the surrounding Nam Ha National Protected Area to hike through some of the spectacular scenery and visit some of the local ‘hill-tribe’ villages to discover the traditional way of life of the area’s ethnic Akha people.(Or an alternative minority village depending upon weather conditions.)

Day 7
Drive across the mountains of Oudom Xai Province to the picturesque village of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Ou River. Stop-offs to visit a Hmong village and a hill-tribe market on the way and overnight in traditional Lao style wooden chalets set high on the banks overlooking the river.

Day 8
Day relaxing in this superb mountain setting; discover the area on foot or bicycle or just sit back on your balcony and admire the mountains and river below.

Day 9
Boat ride down the picturesque Ou River, winding through mountains, limestone escarpments and pristine forests to the ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang

Day 10
Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world, we’ll discover World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, French colonial architecture and taste Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes. Morning walking tour of the town including the National Museum & former king’s palace, Wat Xiengthong and Phu Si Hill Temple and afternoon at leisure to wander the quiet lanes or check out the hill-tribe handicraft market?

Day 11
Day trip through the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls and to discover the fascinating, traditional village life of some of the local peoples.

Day 12
Morning flight to the Lao capital of Vientiane and afternoon of some of the City’s fascinating sites; markets, temples and museums.

Day 13
Flight to Phnom Penh and check-in to a small, comfortable hotel close to the historic riverbank quarter. Time to relax before stretching your legs with an introductory walking tour, taking in the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and lively waterfront area

Day 14
Day tour of some of the sites of Cambodia's fascinating capital city; the infamous Killing Fields site and highly moving Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum, Tuol Sleng, the Russian Market and finishing perhaps with sundowners at the famous Foreign Correspondents Club?

Day 15
Up-country through Cambodia’s scenic countryside to the small provincial town of Siem Reap in Western Cambodia – our base for the next few days and jumping off point for the nearby Angkor Temple complex. Stops on the way at the famous spider village of Skuon, (tasting not compulsory), the rarely visited but well preserved 10th century temple of Kuhananokor and lunch by the Tonle Sap Lake. A dusk visit to the atmospheric ruins of Banteay Kdei completes our day.

Days 16 & 17
Angkor – an unforgettable two-day tour of this fabulous site – its vast jungle clad temples and mysterious stone carvings: a comprehensive tour of the major sites, plus some lesser known ones, including sunrise and sunset visits. (A detailed itinerary for our Angkor visit is available upon request.)

Day 18
Free morning in Siem Reap: explore the market, relax by the pool or visit the unusual landmines museum before an afternoon trip to some of the remoter temple Angkor sites such as Banteay Samre or sunset at the little visited Bakong Temple.

Day 19Morning departure from Siem Reap, via Bangkok with an evening arrival in London.

or………..

Day 19
Spectacular boat journey across the Tonle Sap Lake, past the ‘flooded forest’ and Prek Toal bird sanctuary and on down the Sangker River and its floating and stilt-house fishing villages to the town of Battambang. Stop off on the way to visit the Prek Toal community water hyacinth weaving project. Time of arrival will depend upon water levels.

Day 20
Morning ride through the paddy-fields on Battambang’s famous ‘bamboo train’, (we’ll explain later!), before continuing through this little visited region of Cambodia to the Thai border at Pailin -, famed for its gemstones and as the Khmer Rouge’s last stronghold - and on to Bangkok. *(See below for Koh Mak or Koh Chang island extension).

Day 21
Day at leisure in Bangkok: relax by the pool, last-minute shopping or an opportunity to visit some of the sites of the vibrant Thai capital. Evening transfer to the airport for a return flight to London.

Day 22
Morning arrival at London.

*Note: extensions in Bangkok before or after your tour, or a variety of beach and island stays are available.

Notes:

this tour is offered with or without return flights from London. Persons not taking up the flight option should join the tour in Chiang Mai on day 2 of the itinerary and leave in Bangkok on day 21.

tourism in Laos and Cambodia is relatively undeveloped and services, transport etc may not always be of 'international' standards. To us that is part of the charm and the emphasis, as usual, will be on small, family-run accommodation and traditional food to give you a real feeling for, and genuine insight into, these fascinating cultures and stunning landscapes.

Suggestions: make the most of your time in SE Asia with a few days relaxing in Chiang Mai before the tour or a a few days relaxing on a Thai island prior to your departure?

Thailand Cambodia and Laos : Indochina Adventure

Give us a call Call us on Skype with any further questions. What to bring Item Is it required? Comments Bags etc Day pack/small pack Required 15 -20 litres is fine Rucksack/Backpack Required Any smallish bag which can be easily carried over short distances. Suitcases are not really suitable. Sheet sleeping-bag/sleeping-bag liner Not required Sleeping bag Not required Waterproof bag Up to you Clothing Hat Required Cheaply available locally. Light hiking boots or sandals Required Hiking in Lao and around Angkor temples often involves muddy conditions. Light waterproofs Up to you Necessary in rainy season, also available locally. Lightweight cotton clothes Required Long sleeves for evenings are useful. Nights can get cool in Laos during Nov. to Feb. period. Sarong Up to you Useful all purpose item. Available cheaply in SE Asia. Swimming costume Up to you The hotels in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Siem Reap have pools should you wish to bring your bathers. (Please nothing too ‘skimpy’) Towel Up to you Provided by all hotels and guesthouses on the itinerary. Umbrella Up to you Small umbrella may be useful during rainy season. Medicines etc Anti malaria drugs Up to you If you are considering taking them or wish for further information consult a specialist. Basic medical kit Up to you Tour leaders will carry one and you will never be far away from a pharmacy so basic is the operative word. Mosquito repellent Required Containing deet. Sun-block Required Water purification tablets Not required Miscellaneous Film/Camera equipment Up to you Most common film types and brands are widely available as are batteries, digital camera cards etc. Guide book Up to you Please bear in mind that even the most recent copy is still a minimum of 1 year out of date Mosquito net Not required Torch/flashlight Required Occasional power cuts in Cambodia Papers and Money ATM/cash card Up to you ATMs now common in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Cambodian currency Not required Cambodian currency is unobtainable outside of the country. Lao currency Not required Lao currency is unobtainable outside of the country. Passport Required Valid for at least 6 months after date of arrival Passport photos (For visas) Required 2 photos are required in Chiang Mai for your Lao visa and 1 in Phnom Penh for the Cambodian visa. Thai currency Not required Thai baht can be obtained at the airport on arrival at a better rate than at home. Travellers cheques Up to you ATMs are widely found throught out Thailand but there are none in Laos or Cambodia. US $ (For Cambodian visa only) Required Lao visa is payable in $US or Thai bahtany currency, Cambodian in US$ only. (approx 2,000 bhat or $60 and $20 respectively) US$ (cash) Required US dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia & Laos. $20 is needed for your Cambodian visa on arrival in Phnom Penh. Visas (Cambodia and Laos) Not required Issued upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport. Your tour leader will obtain a Lao visa for you in Chiang Mai upon your arrival at a cost of approximately $60. Visas Thailand Not required For all EC, US, Canadian & Aus/NZ citizens a 30 day tourist visa is automatically issued free of charge upon arrival at BKK Int. Airport. For other nationalities please check with your Thai embassy.

| All Points East Home | About All Points East | Our Tours | Late Availability | Request a Brochure |
| Make a Booking | Background Information | Trip Feedback | Contact All Points East |
| Employment Opportunities | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use |