Thailand & Laos Experience Tour

Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. This evening, meet your tour leader and group for a tour briefing and welcome drinks. While in Bangkok we will visit the Grand Palace, cruise the Chao Phraya River on a longtail boat, explore Chinatown and wander down Sampeng Lane, once infamous for its seedy collection of opium dens and brothels. There will, of course, be opportunities to savour some of the world's best Thai cuisine and free time to enjoy some of Asia's best shopping.

We depart Bangkok for the beautiful River Kwai region, enjoying an interactive cooking demonstration before boarding boats which will take us to our accommodation for the night – a serene riverside resort surrounded by towering mountains and verdant jungle. The following day, we will discover some of the rich and turbulent history of the region, as we head to Hellfire Pass and the Bridge over the River Kwai.

We return to Bangkok for our flight to Chiang Mai, jewel of the north. Admire the stunning views from the hilltop Doi Suthep temple, one of the most sacred in all Thailand, and see the city's sights on a fun samlor tour. Delve into the local culture with visits to a local elephant training camp and orchid farm and learn more about Buddhism when you meet one of the local monks. There will be time to visit the famous night markets, pamper yourself with Thai massages.

Travel to Chiang Rai, in the heart of the mystical Golden Triangle region. The next morning, cross the border into Laos, the "Land of a Million Elephants". We travel down the Mekong River, witnessing traditional rural scenes, rustic villages and stunning scenery. Stay overnight in the old trading post of Pakbeng.

We board our boat and continue to Luang Prabang. Along the way we visit a remote hilltribe village and witness the hundreds of Buddha effigies at Pak Ou Caves. In beautiful Luang Prabang, gain an insight into the local culture as we enter ornate monasteries, visit the interesting Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, and chat with the local monks. Enjoy a fun Lao cooking class at the riverside Tamarind Restaurant and visit stunning Kuang Si Falls. We will also rise early to witness the ancient ritual of local monks collecting alms at dawn, and soak up the town's relaxed atmosphere with a game of petanque.

Fly to Vientiane, which retains an old world charm that is becoming increasingly rare in Asia. Here we visit the golden-spired That Luang, Wat Sisaket and the Patuxai Monument – Laos' own Arc de Triomphe. Visit the interactive COPE centre and gain a valuable insight into the problems UXO's (unexploded mines, bombs etc) have caused in this peaceful land and what this fantastic organisation is doing to help. Late afternoon is the ideal time to reflect on your journey with a sunset drink by the Mekong. Your journey ends with an airport transfer on day 14.