Spectacular Trip to Laos, departing Toronto, January 28, 2015
Here are the itineraries to include Cambodia or Northern Thailand,
Laos & Cambodia Itinerary
Jan 28, 2015 – Day 1 – Depart Toronto
January 29, 2015 – Day 2 – Arrival Luang Prabang, Laos 4:40pm (D)
Airport Transfer to hotel (SaLa Xangkeo Hotel – 2 nights)
Welcome Reception and Dinner
Optional Browse through the colourful Night Market (near restaurant)
January 30, 2015 – Day 3 (B/L/D)
Breakfast at Hotel
12pm – 45 minute scenic drive to Kwangsi Water Falls Park and Bear Reserve.
Includes Lunch prior to entrance and entrance fee.
Afternoon at leisure for swimming and spectacular views.
4pm – return to Hotel
6pm – Dinner overlooking the Mighty Mekong River
Evening Free to enjoy the numerous wine bars and night market and short walk back to hotel
January 31, 2015 – Day 4 (B/L/D)
Breakfast Included
8:30am pickup – approximately 1 ½ hour scenic drive to Ban PhonSavanh
Rest Stop. Includes visit of a typical village home and fish farm.
Continue to Nong Khiaw
Check into Guest House
Lunch overlooking the Khan River.
Afternoon at Leisure, or
Optional 10 minute drive to local cave where the governor lived during the 9 year war of the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Dinner at CT restaurant overlooking the Nam Khan River and majestic view of the foothills.
February 1, 2015 – Day 5 (B/L/D)
Breakfast Included
p/u box lunch
Depart at 8:30am – Transfer to boat ramp dock
Scenic Boat Ride up the Khan River to Ban Hatsapheuy.
Distribution of Water Filters , toothbrushes, etc. to each family, Hygiene Training and tour of the local village.
Short Break for lunch at the boat
Short Boat Ride to Ban Soupcham.
Distribution of Water Filters , toothbrushes, etc. to each family, Hygiene Training and tour of the local village.
(Includes Distribution of your own Water Filter System to a family)
½ hour boat ride to Muang Ngoi
Check into guest house and dinner overlooking the Nam Khan.
February 2, 2015 – Day 6 (B/L)
Breakfast Included
8:30am – Return to Nong Khiaw – p/u box lunch
1 ½ hour Scenic Drive into the highlands to Katang Xieng
Distribute school supplies, inspect projects, take pictures
Return to Nong Khiaw
Check in to Accommodation
Dinner at leisure (not included) with choices of local, western, international food.
February 3, 2015 – Day 7 (B/L/D)
Breakfast included
9am departure to PhonSavanh for special Baci Ceremony
Return to LPB to Hotel (approximately 1:30pm)
Late Lunch and afternoon at leisure to enjoy the many sights of the Luang Prabang – Museum, Royal Palace, Phousi Mountain, Landmine museum, outdoor markets and others.
Farewell Dinner
February 4, 2015 – Day 8 (B)
Breakfast Included
Airport transfer
Cambodia Stay
Feb 4th Day 8 – Luang Prabang – Phnom Penh (L/D)
Upon arrival Phnom Penh airport, you will meet and greet by our friendly guide at the airport who will accompany and assist everyone with the hotel check-in. After a short rest, visit to the National Museum, This is one of Phnom Penh’s true architectural gems. The Museum is instantly recognizable with its warm red terracotta and its gracefully cured roof topped by dozens of guardian nagas. It was designed in Khmer style in 1917 by famed French architect Georges Groslier&Ecole Des Arts Cambodgiens and TuolSleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Lunch at local restaurant In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda, Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. Then continue your visit at Wat Phnom Temple, a small hill crowned by an active Wat (Pagoda) marks the legendary founding place of the Phnom Penh. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight in Phnom Penh
Feb 5th Day 9 – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for a short flight to Siem Reap. Arrival at Siem Reap, met with your tour guide and driver to drive to visit to Angkor National Museum & visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art; Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor.
Lunch and dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Feb 6th Day 10 – Siem Reap (B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion to discover Angkor Thom and Temples. Firstly, you will visit the wonderful Angkor Thom (the Great City) including the Southern Gate, famous Bayon temple (12th century in the centre of city remains one the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Baphuon temple is lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. Terrace of Elephants used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall ; Terrace of the Leper King a platform 7m high, with statue. Lunch at local restaurant Afternoon, it is time to visit the wonderful Angkor Wat Temples – one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of
the world, as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of 12th. Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, with a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the centre of the universe, which was home to the Hindu God Vishnu. The whole complex covers 81 hectares, a rectangular wall measuring 1025 meters by 800 meters borders the inner edge of the moat, and temple’s greatest sculptural treasure is its 2 km-long bas-reliefs around the walls… In the late afternoon, visit to the Phnom Bakheng temple, is the first temple in Angkor region build by the Yacovarman I King in the first of 9th century, located on a slope gently hill where thousands tourist
are grouping on the hilltop to catch a memorable time of life when viewing the marvellous sunset, the distant Angkor Wat in the jungle and Tonle Sap Lake.
Dinner at local restaurant and stay overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap
Feb 7th Day 11 – Siem Reap (B/L/D)
Breakfast at hotel In morning, we travel through the traditional village of Preah Dark to the 12th century temple of Banteay Samre. Built by King Suryavarman II, the genius behind Angkor Wat, this temple has been extensively restored. The temple is unique in that over-quarrying of sandstone led to the use of laterite for the roofed corridors. The pediments above the inner doors here include some of the most accomplished carving from the Angkor period. We continue further north to Banteay Srei, Angkor’s ultimate art gallery. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as ‘Fortress of the Women’, thanks to the intricate detail here, considered too fine for the hands of a man. Originally believed to date from the latter part of the Angkor period, inscriptions at the site suggest it was built by a Brahman in 967. However, some architectural historians have suggested that the inscriptions may date from an earlier structure on this site and the temple is in fact later, marking a high-water mark in Khmer sculpture. Lunch at local restaurant In the afternoon, visit the unique brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, and continue to Ta Prohm. One of the area’s most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them.
Visit as well Takeo. Visit Thommanon, small attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. It’s Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the carved Apsaras and the shape of the tower, Chaosay Tevoda, it seems to stand in partnership with Thommanon but actually was built much later in Suryavarman II’s rule. Buffet dinner and enjoy with traditional dance show at local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap
Feb 8th Day 12 – Siem Reap – Home (B)
Breakfast at hotel Visit to Old markets and floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Visit the village and take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia and enjoy a wonderful sunset from Tonle Sap Lake. Transfer to Siem Reap international airport for your departure flight to the next destination.
*** END OF SERVICES ***
SERVICES INCLUDED
Tours and transfers as per the program
Domestic air ticket (LPQ – REP – PNH)
Accommodation with daily breakfast in the program
Meals : as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast / L – lunch / D – dinner)
All entrance fees, boat fees, private A/C vehicles with English speaking guides
For The Laos/Northern Thailand Option;
1 – Depart Toronto
January 29, 2015 – Day 2 – Arrival Luang Prabang, Laos 4:40pm (D)
Airport Transfer to hotel (SaLa Xangkeo Hotel – 2 nights)
Welcome Reception and Dinner
Optional Browse through the colourful Night Market (near restaurant)
January 30, 2015 – Day 3 (B/L/D)
Breakfast at Hotel
12pm – 45 minute scenic drive to Kwangsi Water Falls Park and Bear Reserve.
Includes Lunch prior to entrance and entrance fee.
Afternoon at leisure for swimming and spectacular views.
4pm – return to Hotel
6pm – Dinner overlooking the Mighty Mekong River
Evening Free to enjoy the numerous wine bars and night market and short walk back to hotel
January 31, 2015 – Day 4 (B/L/D)
Breakfast Included
8:30am pickup – approximately 1 ½ hour scenic drive to Ban PhonSavanh
Rest Stop. Includes visit of a typical village home and fish farm.
Continue to Nong Khiaw
Check into Guest House
Lunch overlooking the Khan River.
Afternoon at Leisure, or
Optional 10 minute drive to local cave where the governor lived during the 9 year war of the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Dinner at CT restaurant overlooking the Nam Khan River and majestic view of the foothills.
February 1, 2015 – Day 5 (B/L/D)
Breakfast Included
p/u box lunch
Depart at 8:30am – Transfer to boat ramp dock
Scenic Boat Ride up the Khan River to Ban Hatsapheuy.
Distribution of Water Filters , toothbrushes, etc. to each family, Hygiene Training and tour of the local village.
Short Break for lunch at the boat
Short Boat Ride to Ban Soupcham.
Distribution of Water Filters , toothbrushes, etc. to each family, Hygiene Training and tour of the local village.
(Includes Distribution of your own Water Filter System to a family)
½ hour boat ride to Muang Ngoi
Check into guest house and dinner overlooking the Nam Khan.
February 2, 2015 – Day 6 (B/L)
Breakfast Included
8:30am – Return to Nong Khiaw – p/u box lunch
1 ½ hour Scenic Drive into the highlands to Katang Xieng
Distribute school supplies, inspect projects, take pictures
Return to Nong Khiaw
Check in to Accommodation
Dinner at leisure (not included) with choices of local, western, international food.
February 3, 2015 – Day 7 (B/L/D)
Breakfast included
9am departure to PhonSavanh for special Baci Ceremony
Return to LPB to Hotel (approximately 1:30pm)
Late Lunch and afternoon at leisure to enjoy the many sights of the Luang Prabang – Museum, Royal Palace, Phousi Mountain, Landmine museum, outdoor markets and others.
Farewell Dinner
February 4, 2015 – Day 8
Breakfast Included
Airport transfer
Northern Thailand Stay
Feb 4th – Day 8 – NORTHERN PART : IN 03 – 08 FEB’15 (TOTAL = 05 NIGHT STAY)
04 Feb’15: Arrival Chiang Mai (No Meal)
Arrival at Chiang Mai Airport. Welcome and Transfer to Hotel
IN 04 – 05 Feb’15: Overnight at Empress Chiang Mai / Superior Room with daily Breakfast (Total = 01 night stay)
05 Feb’15: Chiang Mai – Mae Hong Son (Breakfast)
Check-out, By land transfer from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son with Excursion on the way.
Arrival in Mae Hong Son in the afternoon, transfer to the boat pier for a boat ride along the Pai River to visit Long Neck Karen Tribe at Baan Nam Pieng Din.
Then transfer to your Hotel for check in
Accommodation at Hotel in Mae Hong Sorn
IN 05 – 06 Feb’15: Overnight at Fern Mae Hong Sorn / Deluxe Room with daily Breakfast (Total = 01 night stay)
06 Feb’15: Mae Hong Son – Pai (Breakfast)
Check-out, By land transfer from Mae Hong Son to Pai with Excursion on the way.
First Visit Shan Temples: Wat Jong Kham, Wat Jong Klang and Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kong Moo. Then we continue to Fish Cave, home of the holy fishes.
In the afternoon, we visit Tham Lod with its impressive stalagmites and stalactites. We drive further to Pai and check into your Hotel.
Accommodation at Hotel in Pai
IN 06 – 07 Feb’15: Overnight at Baan Krating Pai : Deluxe Room with daily Breakfast (Total = 01 night stay)
07 Feb’15: Pai – Thaton (Breakfast)
Check-out, By land transfer from Pai to Thaton with Excursion on the way.
Leave from the hotel, passing the beautiful northern mountains and valley with a stop on the way for taking a photo. Then drive along Mae Taeng District with stop at Mae Malai local market to witness the daily life of local people. Continue to Chiang Dao Elephant Camp to experience elephant ride through the jungle, followed by bamboo rafting along the Ping River.
Drive further north to Thaton and check into your nice resort on the bank of the Kok River.
Accommodation at Maekok River Village Resort (poolside suite room)
IN 07 – 08 Feb’15: Overnight at Maekok River Village Resort / ROH Room with daily Breakfast (Total = 01 night stay)
08 Feb’15: Thaton – Chiang Rai (Breakfast)
Check-out, By land transfer from Thaton to Chiang Rai with Excursion on the way.
Take a boat trip along the Kok River to Baan Mai, Shan Village. Walk around the village before continuing drive to Chiang Rai. North Thailand is well known for its hill tribes with their colourful costumes and this morning we will visit some of the villages. The drive takes us on narrow hilly road through beautiful landscape with spectacular views to the villages of the Akha and Yao Hilltribes. These tribes still wear their beautiful traditional costumes and live a simple life, following the old rules of tradition and nature.
Arrival in Chiang Rai town and check into your hotel.
Accommodation at Rimkok Resort Chiang Rai / Superior Room
IN 08 – 09 Feb’15: Overnight at Rimkok Island Resort Chiang Rai / Superior Room with daily Breakfast (Total = 01 night stay)
09 Feb’15: Chiang Rai – Bangkok (Breakfast)
In the morning, we visit Mae Sai which is geographically the most northern town of Thailand on the border to Burma. The two countries are connected by a bridge over the Mae Sai River, which allows a lively cross border traffic between the Thais and Burmese. From here, we take off to the centre of “ Golden Triangle “, meeting point of the borders of Burma, Laos and Thailand. For those who would like to come even closer to the border of Burma and Laos, an optional trip on the Mekong River will be offered for an additional cost.
Fly to Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok Airport you will be met and transfer to your Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Bangkok
In 09 – 10 Feb’15: Overnight at Century Park Hotel or similar (Total = 01 Nights Stay)
10 Feb’15: Bangkok – Departure (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel.
Normal check-out time at 1200 Hrs. Transfer to Bangkok Airport for departure flight.