Receive good luck blessings, swim by lush waterfalls, ride elephants on tropical jungle safaris, catch a water puppet show, sample rice wine, visit with friendly hill tribes, get a traditional Thai massage, go on a bicycle adventure & more with this culturally rich journey through Vietnam, Laos & Thailand. Led by private guide, discover the exotic highlights of hauntingly beautiful Hanoi & the mountains of Luang Prabang before boarding a slow boat on the Mekong River that will take you to the village of Pakbeng, the teak forests of Chiang Rai, the temples of Chiang Mai & vibrant Bangkok. Featuring private guide, driver, mouth-watering cuisine & premium hotels.

Hanoi is nestled on the banks of the Red River, it is a beautiful city that retains an air of French colonial elegance with pretty yellow stucco buildings lining leafy streets. Hanoi is also a city of lakes, which adds to its air of sleepy grace. In the middle of the city lies the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake with the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple sitting on an island in its center. To the north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of small antiquated streets lined with markets and pavement restaurants and cafes. Also worth a visit, the former Ville Française was the old French administrative center and is characterized by enormous colonial-era châteaux and wide spacious boulevards. It also houses Hanoi’s most popular attraction, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

The Silk Path benefits from an advantageous location in the heart of the charming old quarter of Hanoi: countless tourist attractions, government and diplomatic institutions as well as proximity to the business district of the city. The hotel, with its 106 well-appointed exclusively designed rooms and suites, is the preferred choice of the demanding traveler. The hotel has a 2 level restaurant with private dining rooms, a unique bar, and a fitness center and sauna. Silk Path Hotel guarantees a comfortable stay with all luxury amenities within reach. 

Overnight at Silk Path (4*).

Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and his former residence, One pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. After lunch, continue your city tour to one of Hanoi's many museums: Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, Ethnology (of your choosing), then head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Experience a one hour cyclo ride. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

Overnight at Silk Path (4*).

Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is the cultural and religious center of the country, boasting 32 large temple complexes. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive temples, decorated with colored glass and gold. Testament to the fact that it had been the royal capital until 1975, the royal palace there contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings. Nearby, in the town center, visitors can ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum (the former royal palace), easily recognizable by its golden-inspired stupa, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from old rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.

You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

Fly from Hanoi, Vietnam to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

Explore Luang Prabang by bicycle. Visit former royal temples, Wat Visun where you can see the Biggest Buddha statue, Wat Xieng Thong the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its mosaic decoration and the former royal carriage. Visit the Museum (former king's palace), then climb up Mt Phousi overlooking the city of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, take a ride around the outskirts of town.

The 3 Nagas hotel is an elegant boutique comprising three UNESCO World Heritage buildings more than a century old, steeped in Lao tradition yet embracing the best of modern comforts. Restored in 2003, the hotel blends contemporary style with the buildings’ original architecture, seamlessly connecting the past and the present. Each of the guest rooms are tastefully decorated and open onto a spacious private terrace overlooking the street or garden. Have a leisurely breakfast or afternoon tea while sitting on your private veranda and indulge in the divine culinary fare of the hotel’s renowned restaurants, offering the best in Lao cuisine, with a touch of French flare. Embark on a timeless cultural journey of discovery amid the hotel’s warm and inviting ambience.

Overnight at The 3 Nagas.

Pick up from your hotel for an excursion by car to Kuang Si Waterfall, 32 kms to the south of Luang Prabang. On the way, visit the Hmong village Ban Na Ouane. Walk through the forest to the waterfall. After enjoying the scenery, take a swim in one of the nearby clear pools. Below the tiered limestone pools lies the Khmu village Ban Thapene. Khmu men are especially good basket weavers and can sometimes be watched crafting. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant close to the falls. Return to Luang Prabang by car, on the way back stop at Ban Xiang Khong, the paper village & Ban Xieng Lek, a weaving village. Finally, visit Wat Phon Pao located, at the summit of a mountain overlooking Luang Prabang.

Overnight at The 3 Nagas.

Pakbeng is a small village in Laos, located on the Mekong River about halfway between the Thai border at Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, Laos. The town is a major stop for the boats running from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai; the slow boats which run between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang over a period of two days spend the night moored in Pakbeng. You can expect quiet evenings there, as most places close by 10 p.m. There is a small wat to be found in the hills not far from the village. It is a very quaint example of a Buddhist temple from the former Lanna Kingdom. Many of the old temples had been destroyed during wars with the Thai Kingdom 300 years before.

Luang Say Pier transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

Today you will begin your 2 day journey from Luang Prabang to the border of Thailand by slow boat. Your boat, Luang Say, leaves Auberge Calao at 7am to begin cruising up the Mekong River to Luang Say Lodge in Pakbeng. A continental breakfast is served on board. The boat first stops opposite the mouth of Nam U river to visit the famous Pak Ou caves where you will visit "Tam Ting" and "Tam Phoum", where thousands of Buddha images are found. After this stop, a buffet lunch is served on board. The second stop is at Ban Baw to observe the processing of traditional rice alcohol. The boat arrives at Luang Say Lodge before sunset for an overnight stay and a dinner is served on the terrace overlooking the Mekong River.

The Luang Say Lodge sits majestically above the Mekong River, blending artfully into the natural environment through careful landscaping, raised platforms and indigenous styling. It features 17 large pavilions, each elegantly furnished in dark toned wood and white fabrics, and offering stunning views on three sides of the Mekong.

Overnight at Luang Say Lodge.

Chiang Rai is the most northern province of Thailand. The mighty Mekong river creates a border in the north to both Laos and Myanmar (Burma). The place where all these countries touch is the famous-infamous Golden Triangle. The terrain of Chiang Rai province is mountainous and covered in large parts with tropical rain forests. The scenery is among the most beautiful of Thailand and one of the best things about Chiang Rai province is its rich cultural diversity - various hill tribes, Thais, ancient aboriginal people like the Lawa or Khamu, Shans, Lao, Chinese, and Mon. In addition, the province offers opportunities for boat tours (on the river Kok and on the Mekong), elephant rides, hill trekking, and sightseeing.

A continental breakfast is served on the terrace of Luang Say Lodge starting at 6am. The boat leaves at 7am, and one stop is made en route to Houayxay in order to observe some rural life along the Mekong River at Ban Houay Phalam; a Kamu village. A buffet lunch is served on board. The boat should arrive at the slow boat pier in Houayxay before 5pm.

Transfer by private vehicle from Houayxay to Chiang Rai. A short boat transfer is taken at the border with Thailand, and then by road the distance is roughly 2 hours.

Inspired by a culture rich in architectural design, paintings and pottery, as well as a history that dates back to the 7th century, The Legend, Chiang Rai is ideally located directly on the Mae Kok River. The Hotel is secluded from the city, yet is only a few moments away from the city center. The preserved riverside provides a tranquil environment and offers a panoramic view of the near-by hills and mountains. The Thai style buildings are enchanting and are designed to enhance the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. Each guest room is spacious and perfectly incorporates the outdoors with modern amenities such as the semi-tropical outdoor bathroom. During your stay make sure to experience the Chiang Saen Spa, which is a highlight of the resort.

Overnight at The Legend.

Chiang Mai in the far north is Thailand's second-largest city and a center for excursions to the region's ancient and beautiful temples, the teak forests and their working elephants, caves and waterfalls, and journeys to visit the northern hill tribes. The main attractions are the Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking. Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in northern Thailand. Perched high on a hilltop, it offers fine views over the city on clear days. The trip up can either be made via a funicular or a grand staircase with 400 steps. The banisters alone are worth a visit: a giant green-and-red glazed serpent winds its way down to end in a magnificent dragon's head.

Depart from the hotel to visit the Wat Phra Kaew, said to have been the original place where the Emerald Buddha now venerated in the Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew, was found. Proceed to Wat Phra Singha, a fine example of Lanna Thai religious architecture. Continue to the Ob Khum Museum Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre, which is known to embrace a collection of objects from areas affiliated with the Lanna kingdom including ritual objects and objects used at the Royal courts. If time permits, continue the tour to Wat Rong Khun. Unlike the many temples with centuries of history behind them, Wat Rong Khun (also known as the White temple) was only built recently. Construction began in 1998 and is expected to take seven generations to fulfil the design and vision of noted local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat who is overseeing the project. Visit the most popular fresh market of the Chiang Rai town and return to the hotel. A perfect half day to get to know the city!

Transfer between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai with private vehicle, driver and English Speaking guide. This is a very scenic 3-4 hour drive.

Tamarind Village is set in the heart of Chiang Mai, just 15 minutes from the airport, and close to the local bus and train links. The world famous night bazaar is a short stroll away, along with various temples and cultural points of interest. This boutique property boasts 42 guest rooms and 3 suites reflecting a range of styles accustomed only to northern Thailand. All rooms are decorated with contemporary elegance. On-site facilities include a spa, travel desk and car rental service.

Overnight at Tamarind Village (4*).

The elephant is Thailand’s working pride and one of this country’s national symbols. Current estimates of wild elephants left in Thailand were between 3000-4000 animals. Although logging is being banned in this Kingdom, they remain a very important mode of jungle transport as it beats any other animal or machine for its ability to move through a forest with minimum damage. For centuries these animals were trained to use their skills by moving lumber and served as a mode of transport within the jungle area. Over the past decade, with the reduction in lumbering, these giants of the forest have been protected in various conservation camps. An interesting journey through the scenic countryside brings you to Chiang Dao Elephant Conservation Camp. Here you to see elephants at work during a half-hour presentation. There’s also an opportunity to watch the elephants as they take their morning bath. During your visit to the camp, you’ll have an opportunity to ride on elephant back during a one hour trek into the surrounding forest.  After a thai set lunch at the camp, the afternoon is reserved for a leisurely cruise on a bamboo rafting along Ping River to the raft station before heading back visit Orchid Farm.

Overnight at Tamarind Village (4*).

One of the most unique experiences in Thailand is a visit to a Buddhist temple to offer alms to the Buddhist monks. Each morning before dawn (pick-up from your hotel is at 06:00 hrs), the monks put on their distinctive saffron robes and quietly pad in their bare feet along the streets, carrying alms bowls and receiving boiled rice and condiments from the citizens of Thailand In return people receive the monks’ blessings. You can participate in this very special Thai custom by personally presenting alms; a brief exploration at the Sri Soda temple may be made as well, religious festivals permitting, including see the monks pray in the early morning.

Visit the most sacred temple in the north of Thailand; the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in Chiangmai containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha. Tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056 meters (3520 feet), the temple is reached using a Naga (7- headed dragon head serpent) railing rising along both sides. The temple compound – reachable via a 300 steps stairs offers an exhilarating view of Chiangmai city and surrounding countryside. Drive back down to the city centre to visit some of the other impressive temples of Chiangmai. Wat Suan Dok is one of them, which dates back to the 14th century when it served as the pleasure gardens to the Thai monarchy. Nowadays it houses several white Chedi’s, containing the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former Royal family. This temple also houses one of the most famous Monk Schools in the whole of Chiang Mai and the Wat Jedyod, also known as The Temple of Seven Spires. Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless T – shirts, shorts or strapless sandals, when visiting the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Overnight at Tamarind Village (4*).

Bangkok is a frequently chaotic jumble of traffic, temples, savory food and entertainment. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new elevated tramway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have made tourism in the city newly appealing. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Welcome to Bangkok and AriyasomVilla - step back in time to a more leisurely life style. The Villa was built in 1942 and is still in the hands of the original family who built it. With 25 beautifully appointed Rooms and Suites, "Na Aroon" Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool, Spa, Meeting Room, Library, Meditation Hall and under ground Car Parking we are well equipped to really look after you during your stay in the "City of Angels". Conveniently located in the "heart" of Central Bangkok.

Overnight at Ariyasomvilla.

A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, with the enclosed and dazzling Wat Phra Keo with its revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Coloured Towers, is a must. In Thailand by many, it is considered to be a living example of classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple-educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and to be considered, home of the Thai traditional massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minutes’ Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning sightseeing. Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by water.   We bring you to a more traditional way of living, more serene and traditional, away from all the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as we gently pass Thonburi residential areas. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun). Finally, a visit to the Flower and vegetable market will round off this day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where they have a vast selection of all kinds of flowers, especially orchids and tropical flowers and see how the merchants create very special flower garlands. The end of this Bangkok day ends at the Golden Mountain.  Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.  Note: Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless, shorts or sandals, when visiting the Grand Palace and temple complex.  The Palace may be closed without prior notice during Royal ceremonies and officials/head of state visits. The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays; we recommend not to book this excursion on Sundays to avoid disappointment.

Overnight at Ariyasomvilla.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).