Thailand, Laos & Cambodia Uncovered

Touch down in Thailand’s capital. If you’re arriving earlier in the day, feel free to get a head start on the fun - explore the city, grab a massage or chill poolside and soak up that first hit of sunshine. At 6pm, the trip officially kicks off as we meet at the hotel to get the lowdown on what’s ahead. Then it’s time to head out and dive straight into Bangkok life with authentic Pad Thai and a night out on legendary Khao San Road.

We'll start the day early, with so much to see, there's no time to waste. Catching Bangkok's water taxi system with the city locals is the most convenient way to get to our first stop - The Royal Palace. With our incredible local guide leading the charge, we will learn all about its 61 acres of incredible architecture and some traditions of the Thailand Royal Family. Then we'll jump on our private boat for a tour of the klongs (canals). Just listing today's sites gives us the butterflies. Once we get back to the hotel, ask your Trip Manager where to find the best local lunch before we wave goodbye to Bangkok. Bangkok, you've been a dream! But the show must go on. Fast becoming a must-visit in this part of the world, we make tracks to our next destination - the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. We'll start with a stop to visit the most famous bridge in town & WWII Cemetery will give you a healthy dose of history. And then it’s time to reach our home for the night - right on the riverfront! (Yes, you can jump in the river directly from your room.) Nothing like being greeted with a delicious dinner of local specialities, right? We’ll finish the day off watching the sunset over the dazzling landscape.

• Grand Palace and Klong Tour
• Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai

We've got an exciting journey ahead of us today! We'll first make our way to the impressive Erawan falls. Walk across the serene trails. Or dip your feet into the waters before we head to our next destination. We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We'll grab bikes & ride past ornate temples, towering spires and ancient palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. All aboard for Chiang Mai!

• Relax at Erawan Waterfalls
• Bike around Ayutthaya

Time to rise and shine. Today we're waking up in Chiang Mai! Right here in this city is everything you’ve been waiting for. That’s right, we’re spending today at an elephant nature park! Watch these majestic giants strolling through their natural habitat as a part of an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. (Who knows, you might even befriend one!). We’ll grab a wholesome lunch at the park and make our way to Chiang Mai. A free evening in this blissful city? How about spending the evening zipping around on a Vespa? Exploring like a local is the best way to explore, after all.

• Hang out with Elephants (Ethically) MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Ah yes. A completely free day in this amazing city - and there’s so much you can do. How about getting into a glove game with a Muay Thai lesson? In the evening, join us on an optional cooking class, starting with a tour of the local markets, guided by the head chef - who’ll then teach you how to rustle up an authentic Thai meal (right in the middle of a rice field!). The city really is all yours to make the most of.

It’s time to bid farewell to this lovely place. Why, you ask? Because we’re saying hello to the Chiang (‘city’ in Thai) of colourful temples! We’ll munch on a delicious breakfast, then head straight there. The Black House Museum. A blue temple, and a majestic white one too. Welcome to the city where the beauty of colours culminates. We’ll head straight to the Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) - a modern architectural marvel. You won’t really find any temple like this in Thailand! We’ll then call it a day after admiring the incredible design of Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Temple), and the Baan Dam Museum.

• Admire the White Wonderland at Wat Rong Khun
• Explore the Neo-Traditional Architecture of Wat Rong Seua Ten
• Immerse Yourself in the Artistic Baan Dam Museum (Black Museum)

Taking a border hop, we’ll cross out of Thailand and into Laos. After collecting our oh-so-valuable passport stamps, we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local slow boat. Remote, traditional, and endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream.

• Cruise on a Local Boat

Leaving Pak Beng, we hop back on our slow boat and continue our journey to Luang Prabang - get ready for gorgeous waterfalls, biking explorations and a chance to experience the local community and sacred Buddhist rituals. Ending our Mekong River magic we arrive in the much-loved city of Luang Prabang. Temples dusted in gold, historic French mansions, & monks wrapped in saffron robes make this one of the prettiest places in Asia. Our explorations will involve a sunset from a hill-top stupa & a bout of shopping at the local night markets.

• See 4,000 Buddhas at Pak Ou Caves

A morning cycle around the city and an optional visit to the 60-metre cascades of Kuang Si Falls in the afternoon will provide our daily nature fix. Otherwise you have the chance to explore any way that suits. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar, and contemplate just how good life is and how relaxed you already feel.

• See Luang Prabang on Two Wheels
• Channel Serenity at Wat Xieng Thong
• Watch the Weavers at Ock Pop Tok Centre MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

This morning, the early risers will be rewarded with Buddhist rituals – kissed by the sun's morning rays. Take part in the daily ritual of offering alms to the Monks of Luang Prabang's 34 temples. After collecting our good karma, we’ll jump on a high-speed train that’ll whizz us to a lively tourist hub filled with plentiful opportunities for adventure. Makes leaving the charming town of Luang Prabang a little easier, right? Known for its dramatic limestone karsts, Vang Vieng will keep you busy this evening. You can opt to explore the local rivers and caves by kayak, or just chill out surrounded by like-minded travellers, watching the sun set over the mountains.

• Take part in a Buddhist Ceremony
• Jump on a High Speed Train to Vang Vieng

Today you should wake up feeling satisfied with your Vang Vieng explorations, and ready to peel back the layers of another Laos hotspot… Welcome to the largest city in Laos! If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised. The vibe here is strictly chilled. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa & the artistic talent of Patuxai, we’ll use our time here to lend a helping hand to the COPE centre - a local charity that provides prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded bombs. It’s now time to visit the Buddha Park - a fanciful sculpture garden adorned with significant Buddhist images. Spend some time talking amongst the bizarre & sometimes ornate statues, and head back to our hotel for a good night’s rest.

• Support the Work of COPE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
• Wander Around Laos' Serene Capital
• Let Yourself be Baffled by the Buddha Park

This morning we’ll cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as we make our way to the capital of Cambodia. We’re doing some historical sight-seeing today. We’ll visit The Royal Palace (the official residence of the Cambodian royals) and the Silver Pagoda (one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture). Later tonight, the city is yours to explore as you please.

• Fly to Phnom Penh
• Marvel at the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

You'll find reminders of Cambodia’s dark past hidden among the shy smiles and pretty tree-lined streets. Today we'll learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with our local guide. Next, you can choose to hit the streets on a tuk-tuk and taste your way through the city's best foodie spots. Then we’ll head back to our hotel located at an after-dark dinner hotspot. (Ask your Trip Manager for some local favourites!)

• Pay respects at the ‘Killing Fields’
• Explore the Bustling Bassac Quarter

We'll take a coach out of Cambodia's capital this morning and drive into the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world. You're free to explore today! You could relax poolside in the afternoon. Or choose to visit the Phare Circus (which also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest circus show) for some insane multicultural entertainment. There are plenty of things you could spice up your night with - but it's probably best to reserve your energy for our early morning visit to an Eighth Wonder of the World (and something we know you've all been waiting for).

Up before the sun and out to Angkor Wat for sunrise. Because watching the first light hit those temples is a proper jaw-dropper. Then it’s straight into explore mode with Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm (yep, the Tomb Raider temple where jungle roots are fully taking over). Later, golden hour gets a little more adventurous with an optional quad bike ride out by the rice paddies. For dinner tonight, we’ll swing by a brilliant social enterprise where disadvantaged people are trained in hospitality skills, and yes, the frozen shakes and seriously good food live up to the hype. The evening’s yours for Pub Street and the night markets if you’re keen. Make the most of your last night here.

• Tour Cambodia’s Buddhist Temples
• Empower Young Locals by Eating a Scrumptious Dinner MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience

Our trip will wrap up in Siem Reap shortly after our final team breakfast. We'll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour.