Thailand and Laos: Treasures of the Mekong

Arrival in Bangkok, customs procedures, and transfer to the hotel. Free time to explore Thailand’s capital, a vibrant city that blends ancient temples with modern skyscrapers.

Total distance covered: 15 km

Important Note: To visit the Grand Palace, visitors must wear long pants or a long skirt, and a long-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves at least to the elbow.

08:00 a.m. – Extensive city tour of Bangkok. We will travel along its main avenues until we reach the bustling Chinatown district, where we will make our first stop at the Temple of the Golden Buddha, or Wat Traimit (entrance included), home to a five-ton solid-gold Buddha statue filled with history.

Our next stop takes us to the Golden Mount, or Wat Saket (entrance included), where we will climb to the top to enjoy a panoramic view offering a different perspective of Bangkok.
We continue to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, or Wat Pho (entrance included), which houses one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world.

We will end our tour at the Grand Royal Palace (entrance included), which served as the official residence of the King of Thailand. During the visit to the Grand Palace, we will also see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important in all of Thailand.

Afterward, we will cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry to finish our tour at the city’s most impressive shopping mall, IconSiam. Free time for lunch or shopping. Return to the hotel on your own and free afternoon to continue enjoying this fascinating city. Overnight stay.

Total distance covered: 320 km

Scenery: The region becomes higher and greener as we move away from Bangkok. Lush jungles dominate the landscape. Bridges, old railway tracks, and shrines blend harmoniously with the surrounding greenery.

07:00 a.m. – Bangkok – Departure toward the west of the country.

09:15 a.m. – Wat Tham Suea Temples – Stop to explore these temples located on top of a hill. We will ride up on a cogwheel train. From the summit, we will enjoy beautiful views of rice fields, mountains, and the Mae Klong River. This is a very popular pilgrimage site. We will see the 18-meter-tall Buddha statue decorated with golden mosaics, housed inside an artificial cave.

10:15 a.m. – Wat Tham Suea Temples – Departure toward Kanchanaburi.

10:45 a.m. – Kanchanaburi – We begin by visiting the War Cemetery (entrance included), a moving tribute to the prisoners of war who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway. We then explore the JEATH War Museum (entrance included), which offers a powerful look into the events that took place during World War II.

11:45 a.m. – Departure from the War Museum toward the River Kwai pier, famous for the bridge built there during World War II by prisoners of war.

11:50 a.m. – River Kwai – Arrival at the pier for a boat ride along the river, taking us to the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, a symbol of resilience and historical memory. We will have free time to walk across the bridge, take photos, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

12:45 p.m. – River Kwai – Departure.

1:30 p.m. – Arrival at a local restaurant. Lunch included.

2:30 p.m. – Departure from the restaurant.

3:30 p.m. – Hellfire Pass – Arrival. This deep cutting through the rock connects us with the harsh conditions endured by the prisoners who built the railway. The visit (entrance included) is a moving and unforgettable experience.

5:00 p.m. – Hellfire Pass – After this journey filled with history and impressive landscapes, we return to the city of Kanchanaburi.

6:15 p.m. – Kanchanaburi – Arrival at the hotel and check-in.

Total distance covered: 483 km.

Scenery: We leave the jungle landscapes behind as we enter an almost entirely agricultural plain. Ancient temples and ruins appear among trees and urban areas.
Important Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. To visit archaeological sites and temples, you must wear pants or a skirt that reaches the knee and a shirt/t-shirt with long sleeves or sleeves at least down to the elbow.

7:30 a.m. – Kanchanaburi – Departure
10:30 a.m. – Ayutthaya – Arrival in the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. We visit two of its most iconic temples: the impressive Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (admission included), with its large stupa and rows of Buddhas dressed in orange robes, and the enigmatic Wat Mahathat (admission included), famous for the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a sacred tree. After the tour, we enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.

2:00 p.m. – Ayutthaya – Departure toward the north of the country.
6:30 p.m. – Phitsanulok – Arrival in this peaceful town with canals and local markets. Accommodation.

Total distance covered: 367 km
Scenery: Low hills begin to appear. A wilder landscape with lush nature and fewer agricultural areas. Traditional villages and temples.
Important Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. To visit archaeological sites and temples, you must wear pants or a skirt down to the knee and a long-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves at least to the elbow.

05:30 a.m. – Phitsanulok – For those who wish, we will leave the hotel vicinity to make an offering to the monks and experience one of the most important rituals in Buddhist culture. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
07:00 a.m. – Phitsanulok – Departure toward the northwest of the country.

08:20 a.m. – Sukhothai – Arrival at this Archaeological Site (entrance included), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible beauty and sophisticated temples, a testament to the centuries of prosperity of Thai civilization. We will also visit Wat Si Chum Temple (entrance included), in the northern area of the park, known for its 15-meter-tall Buddha statue.

10:30 a.m. – Sukhothai – Departure.
12:30 p.m. – Lunch included at a local restaurant en route.

1:15 p.m. – Departure from the local restaurant.
1:45 p.m. – Lampang – Arrival in this peaceful city in northern Thailand, known for its traditional atmosphere and relaxed pace. Here we will visit the sacred Wat Phra That Lampang Luang Temple (entrance included), one of the oldest and most revered wooden temples in the country. Located on a walled mound reminiscent of an ancient religious fortress, its golden chedi dates back to the 13th century and houses a Buddha relic. It is highly revered by locals and far less crowded than other temples in the north.

2:45 p.m. – Lampang – Departure.
5:00 p.m. – Chiang Mai – Arrival. The cultural capital of northern Thailand, this city is surrounded by mountains and known for its relaxed atmosphere, historic temples, and vibrant artisan life. Its old town, protected by ancient walls and moats, is home to dozens of temples, while its night markets, festivals, and cuisine attract travelers year-round. We will take a brief panoramic tour of the city to see its main highlights before heading to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Total distance covered: 140 km
Scenery: Mountains covered in tropical forest. Predominantly rice fields, tropical fruit plantations, and small traditional villages.

Important Note: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and for interacting with elephants. To visit temples, you must wear pants or a skirt down to the knee and a long-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves at least to the elbow.

07:30 a.m. – Departure from the hotel. We begin the day visiting two unique mountain temples in Chiang Mai.
08:00 a.m. – Wat Pha Lat Temple (entrance included). Hidden in the jungle and crossed by a stream, this mystical sanctuary offers a deep connection with nature and spirituality. Stone sculptures and natural terraces overlook the Chiang Mai valley. It is an ideal place for those seeking peace, nature, and a less-crowded temple experience.

08:40 a.m. – Departure from Wat Pha Lat.
09:00 a.m. – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple (entrance included). A symbol of Chiang Mai and one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand. Located 1,000 meters above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The visit includes an ascent by funicular (cogwheel train). Its golden stupa, gleaming in the sunlight, houses Buddha relics and attracts pilgrims from around the world. A uniquely sacred atmosphere. This is an essential visit to understand the spirituality and history of the north.

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, enjoying scenery that blends mountains, jungle, and meadows—creating a picturesque and relaxing environment.
11:30 a.m. – Elephant Eco Valley (entrance included). Arrival. This center promotes more respectful tourism with elephants: the main activities include walking with them, feeding them, and participating in basic care. The site also features a cultural museum about elephants that explains their anatomy, history, the dangers they face, and their relationship with local communities.

1:30 p.m. – Departure from Elephant Eco Valley.
1:45 p.m. – Karen Ethnic Community – Arrival. We will have the opportunity to visit a community known for the traditional brass rings worn by women around their necks, which has led to the term “giraffe women.” Our visit seeks to promote respect, intercultural understanding, and support for local development, while also acknowledging that many of these communities live in situations of displacement or without full citizenship in Thailand.

2:45 p.m. – Lunch included at a local restaurant.
3:45 p.m. – Departure from the restaurant.

5:00 p.m. – Chiang Mai – Arrival at the hotel and free time to continue exploring its lively night market.

Total distance covered: 327 km
Scenery: Green valleys surrounded by forested mountains. The road passes through rural areas with rice fields, small villages, and gentle hills. Views of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, mountains descending into river valleys, and riverside communities.

07:45 a.m. – Chiang Mai – Departure toward the east of the country.
08:30 a.m. – Tweechol Botanical Garden – Arrival. Entrance included to this extensive and well-maintained botanical garden, home to a rich variety of tropical plants, sculptures, lakes, and peaceful walking paths. A vehicle tour inside the park is included to see the Orchid Garden.

09:30 a.m. – Departure from Tweechol Botanical Garden.
10:15 a.m. – Mae Kachan Hot Spring – Arrival at this rest area for travelers, known for its hot springs, where you can see columns of steam rising from the ground. Would you like to try a foot bath in these very hot waters?

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Mae Kachan Hot Spring.
12:15 p.m. – Wat Rong Khun – Arrival and entrance included to one of Thailand’s most impressive temples, also known as the White Temple. A contemporary work of art, completely white and decorated with mirrors, blending Buddhist symbolism with modern creativity. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

1:45 p.m. – Departure from Wat Rong Khun. We continue north, where the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous, with winding roads passing through forests, terraced rice fields, and deep valleys.
3:15 p.m. – Golden Triangle – Arrival in this region where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, shaped by the Mekong and Ruak rivers. Historically known for opium cultivation, it is now a tourist destination with river landscapes, mountains, and border villages. We will learn about the culture and history of the area at the Opium Museum (entrance included), through interactive and audiovisual exhibits. Here we gain insight into how opium influenced the local economy, culture, and society, as well as the efforts to eradicate its production.

5:00 p.m. – Departure from the Golden Triangle.
6:15 p.m. – Chiang Rai – Arrival in the northernmost city of Thailand. Surrounded by rivers, hills, and rural villages, it offers a relaxed atmosphere. Overnight stay.

Total distance covered: 240 km
Scenery: A boat journey along the Mekong River, one of the most beautiful river routes in Southeast Asia. On both sides of the river rise steep, green mountains covered in tropical jungle.
Important Note: Ensure you have the necessary documents on hand to enter Laos: passport and Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (required by authorities depending on your country of origin).

6:00 a.m. – Chiang Rai – Departure toward the east of the country, heading to the border with Laos.

7:30 a.m. – Chiang Khong – Arrival at Thailand’s border checkpoint. We leave the vehicle with all our belongings and pass through Thailand’s exit passport control.

8:00 a.m. – Chiang Khong – Departure by shuttle bus (included) to Houayxay (Laos border control). The border crossing is done without an accompanying guide.
8:10 a.m. – Houayxay – Arrival at the Laos border. We get off the shuttle bus. Our guide will be waiting here to assist us with all documentation procedures.

Laos Visa Note: Visa not included. Approximate price: 50 euros. You must bring a recent color photo (4x6 cm, taken within the last 6 months) with a white background.

8:40 a.m. – Houayxay – Departure to the pier, located on the outskirts of the town, to begin our seven-hour boat journey along the Mekong River aboard a traditional vessel. Entering Laos by navigating the majestic Mekong is a truly transformative experience. Throughout the trip, rural life unfolds along the banks: hidden villages, lush jungles, and landscapes that seem frozen in time. Lunch included on board. From time to time, you will see wooden-house villages of the Hmong, Lao, and Khmu ethnic groups. Overall, the feeling is one of absolute tranquility, with very little modern infrastructure.

Note: Laos has less-developed infrastructure compared to its neighboring countries. The pier for boarding and disembarking on the Mekong is very simple. The boats used on the Mekong River are not luxurious; they are very traditional with basic services.

4:00 p.m. – Pakbeng – Arrival. We disembark in this small town where different ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Lue, and Khamou live side by side. Accommodation in a hotel with dinner included.