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TREASURES OF THE KHMER EMPIRE
Day 1 London Heathrow to Bangkok
Fly with Thai Airways non-stop to Bangkok.
Day 2 Arrive Bangkok
Arrive into Bangkok in the morning and transfer by car to the Royal Orchid
Sheraton Hotel or upgrade to the Peninsula Hotel. (N)
Day 3 Bangkok
Today tour the city with a local guide covering the beautiful Grand Palace
complex, the superb Temple of the Golden Buddha, the reclining Buddha as well
as Wat Arun and the Temple of Dawn. (B)
Day 4 Bangkok to Chiang Rai – by air
Chiang Rai to Sop Ruak
This morning leave your hotel and transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight
to Chiang Rai. Located in the heart of North East Thailand, on your arrival
in Chiang Rai proceed to Sop Ruak and the Anantara Golden Triangle Hotel which
commands stunning views of Laos and Burma. (B)
Day 5 Sop Ruak
Today visit the ‘Golden Triangle’ region where the borders of
Burma, Thailand and Laos meet at the intersection of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers.
Visits will be made to some hill tribe villages such as Ban Kiew Karn and
Ban Had Bai, known for their traditional weaving, and later travel by local
boat to the ancient town of Chiang Saen. (B/L)
Day 6 Chiang Rai to Pakbeng
Early this morning leave your hotel and cross the border into Laos to join
the Luangsay Cruise which departs from Houeisay. Several stops are made to
observe life along the Mekong and you will arrive into the small village of
Pakbeng before sunset. Overnight will be spent at the Luangsay Lodge, a traditional
style lodge built of wood on the shores of the Mekong. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Pakbeng to Luang Prabang - by boat
This morning enjoy a visit to the local market before re-boarding your boat
for the journey downriver to Pak Ou a place famous for caves full of small
Buddha images. Later leave Pak Ou and continue onto the ancient royal capital
of Luang Prabang where you will stay for two nights at the Maison Souvannaphoum
Hotel or upgrade to the Pansea – La Residence Phou Vao. (B/L)
Day 8 Luang Prabang
With its historic temples this UNESCO world heritage town is a wonderful place
to explore. Visit the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace, and walk
through the town to enjoy the many colourful markets and French colonial houses.
(B)
Day 9 Luang Prabang to Vientiane - by air
This morning you are at leisure before transferring to Luang Prabang Airport
in the afternoon for your fight to Vientiane. The modern-day capital of Laos,
Vientiane is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. Later this afternoon
visit That Luang, a 3rd Century Stupa, as well as the magnificent temples
of Wat Phra Keo and Wat Sisaket built during the reign of King Anou. Stay
overnight at the Settha Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 10 Vientiane to Pakse – by air
Today fly south to Pakse and on arrival travel by car to the Bolovens Plateau,
home to many ethnic Lao tribes. Later leave the Plateau and return to Pakse
where you will stay overnight at the Residence Champa. (B)
Day 11 Vat Phou Cruise
Depart Pakse this morning by long-tail boat for the two hour journey to Champassak
where you will board the Vat Phou in time for lunch. The Vat Phou is a 34
metre steel-hulled former barge converted in 1993 to a cruise vessel with
twelve air-conditioned cabins, each with private facilities, and an air-conditioned
restaurant. Later visit the 10th Century temple of Vat Phou and as dusk falls
cruise down the river. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Vat Phou Cruise
Arrive at the village of Huei Thamo and explore the spectacular hidden forest
temple of Oup Moung. Later sail south, past the island of Don Xai, and towards
Si Phan Don, the location of over the 4,000 river Islands, and spend the afternoon
weaving amongst the many waterways. Visits will also be made at the village
of Muang Kong on Khong Island where the way of life has remained unchanged
for centuries. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Return to Pakse
Leave the Vat Phou at Ban Veuthong and travel by long-tail boat via Khone
Island back to the mainland. After lunch visit the spectacular Khong Pha Peng
waterfalls and later drive back to Pakse where you will stay overnight at
the Residence Champa. (B)
Day 14 Pakse to Ubon Ratchathani - 130kms
Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok – by air
This morning visit Pha Taem National Park which is noted for its 3,000 year
old cave paintings, before continuing to Ubon Ratchathani in good time to
catch your evening flight back to Bangkok. On your arrival stay overnight at
the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport where you will stay overnight. (B)
Day 15 Bangkok to Krabi – by air
This morning return to Bangkok Airport in good time to catch your onward
flight to Krabi. On your arrival you will be met and transferred by boat
to Lanta Yai Island and to the Pimalai Resort & Spa. (B)
Day 16 Krabi
to
Day 18 Krabi
At leisure to relax and enjoy Krabi. (B)
Day 19 Krabi to Bangkok – by air
Later today transfer back to Krabi Airport in good time to catch your
flight to Bangkok.
Day 20 Depart Bangkok
On your arrival in Bangkok connect onto your Thai Airways flight back
to London Heathrow.
STAYING ON
Mysterious and ancient, the Plain of Jars, near the town of Phonsavan, is not only an area of intriguing natural beauty but also one of historical significance. With a landscape scattered with 2,000 year old large stone jars a two-night extension here can easily be included in to most tours in Laos.
Adventure is readily available in Luang Nam Tha, a mountainous and little-visited province of Northern Laos. Luang Nam Tha is an excellent base for kayaking, biking, fishing and trekking.
Tradition and culture come together at Tad Lo near Pakse in southern Laos. Home to numerous tribal villages, Tad Lo is also good walking country. Accommodation here is simple with fan-cooled wooden bungalows.
Extend the Luangsay Mekong River Cruise to two nights. This includes a night at Kamu Lodge, an eco-lodge surrounded by lush tropical vegetation in the heart of the Lao jungle – a perfect hideaway for people who want to get away from it all.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – TREASURES OF THE KHMER EMPIRE
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £5,200. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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