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Bangkok
Bangkok
14 days
Maximum 16
discovery
About your trip
This epic two-week journey embraces slow travel, as we take scenic routes via train and boat that allow you to really bathe in the natural beauty of Southeast Asia. It begins in the beating heart of Thailand, Bangkok. From here we’ll be boarding the train to Thailand’s oldest city, Phitsanulok, from where we’ll set out to explore the ruins of Sukhothai, an ancient Khmer-era city. Next, it’s on to Chiang Mai, where you’ll get to dive into authentic local street food and try your hand at Thai cuisine with a cookery class. We’ll meet some of Thailand’s most charismatic locals at an elephant sanctuary near Mae Wang, before crossing the border into Laos. Here, you’ll cruise down the Mekong River to learn about traditional village life, embark on a trek to Kuang Si Falls and explore Luang Prabang . Finally, we’ll take a sleeper train back to Bangkok – for a walking tour with a Local Insider.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Bangkok with a Local Insider
- Tuck into authentic Thai street food in Chiang Mai
- Get up close with Asian elephants at an ethical sanctuary
- See the atmospheric ruins of the Khmer city of Sukhothai
- Embark on a cruise along the Mekong River
- Experience local village life in Laos
- Kayak along the Namsong River
Your Itinerary
What's Included
- 11 nights boutique accommodation
- One night glamping accommodation
- One night overnight sleeper train (standard class - no single supplements apply)
- 13 breakfasts
- Six lunches
- Five dinners
- Train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok
- Visit to Sukhothai Historical Park
- Train from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai street food and city sights tour
- Thai cooking class
- Visit to an ethical Asian elephant sanctuary
- Bamboo rafting experience
- BBQ dinner and drinks
- Mekong River cruise
- Khmu village experience
- Ban Baw village experience
- Visit to Pak Ou Caves
- Trek to Kuang Si Falls
- High-speed train to Vang Vieng
- Kayaking on the Nam Song River
- Walking tour of Bangkok with a Local Insider
- Airport Transfers
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from the destination
Customer Reviews
Accommodation
Riva Surya Bangkok
Elegant, understated and right in the heart of Bangkok’s main sights, this boutique hotel ticks a lot of boxes. Rooms are colonial-chic without the clichés, there’s an outdoor pool overlooking the Chao Phraya River, and the Riverside Bar makes the most of the twinkling waterside views.
Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa
Sensitively done, the elements of traditional Thai design incorporated into this impressive hotel feel genuine rather than gimmicky. Rooms are airy and generously-proportioned, and views across lush green fields are as soothing as the spa’s massages.
The Rim Resort Chiang Mai
The pagoda-like building design, the polished wooden floors throughout, the central courtyard swimming pool – this boutique hotel is a temple to rest and relaxation in the heart of the city.
Campiness Camping and Farmsook
Encircled by rainforest-blanketed hills, this glamping site will immerse you in the magical landscapes of Chiang Mai. Quaint and idyllic, this cosy retreat is most notable for the amazing countryside views you can enjoy from shared spaces like the patio, campfire and garden.
Fortune River View Hotel Chiang Khong
A contemporary, elegant hotel overlooking the mighty Mekong River. Rooms are simple yet stylish, with a neutral colour scheme enhanced with pops of red and gold, and balconies overlooking either the central outdoor pool or the river.
The Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge
The word ‘sanctuary’ gets bandied about a lot, but this sustainability-minded hotel earns the right to use it. Valley views of the snaking Mekong River, a lush botanical garden (where the hotel’s staff can grow fruit and vegetables for their families) and spacious rooms with hand-crafted furniture make this place truly special.
The Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel
This gorgeous urban oasis of a hotel is built around three listed buildings that date back to when Luang Prabang was a kingdom in its own right. Most of the rooms are split between these buildings – and come flooded with natural light, glossy wooden floors and beautiful views over the landscaped gardens and lotus pond.
Riverside Boutique Resort
We can’t decide what we like about this place more: the huge outdoor pool, surrounded by immaculate gardens, the views of the towering rocky karsts or the effortlessly elegant room decor. An unforgettable hotel for an unforgettable trip.