Highlights of Thailand & Laos

(10 days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bangkok, Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai

This tour features in-depth cultural touring in Bangkok, northern Thailand, and Luang Prabang. Accommodation is at the most luxurious hotels in each location. Private touring is with expert local guides who provide exceptional insight and connection to the local people and culture.

Begin with comprehensive touring in Bangkok. Enjoy a fascinating, private longtail boat tour through Bangkok's canals. Visit Bangkok’s most important attractions, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Learn about Buddhist practices and influences on daily life. Explore colorful markets selling textiles, flowers, Buddhist items, food and crafts. There will also be time to enjoy one of the world's leading spas, swim, shop for exquisite Asian art, and dine on some of Southeast Asia's best cuisine.

Next, fly to enchanting Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town on the Mekong River in Northern Laos. During private touring of Luang Prabang with your own guide and driver, walk through streets lined with a unique blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture. Visit landmarks such as the National Museum and Wat Xieng Thong, an important Buddhist temple. Explore local markets, and browse for handwoven silk and cotton textiles and other items. One day, take a memorable private cruise on the Mekong River to visit riverside craft villages and the Pak Ou Caves, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. If desired, also rise early to give alms to local Buddhist monks during their dawn procession, and learn more about Buddhism’s central role in Lao culture. Accommodation is at one of the top luxury hotels in Luang Prabang.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also incorporate special touring such as hiking, biking, kayaking, jungle excursions, a visit to a private home, photography excursions and more.

Continue to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Stay at an exclusive luxury resort surrounded by mountains and lush fields of terraced rice paddies. During private touring, visit a revered mountaintop temple and see monks collecting their morning alms. One day, take an excursion to an elephant sanctuary and learn about these fascinating animals. Alternatively, enjoy a market tour and Thai cooking class. Also explore Chiang Mai's historic temples and wonderful markets. Other optional activities can be arranged, upon request, such as golfing, hiking, biking, shopping excursions, family activities, in-depth Buddhist experiences, rice planting and more.

Return to Bangkok for some last-minute shopping or touring before departing Thailand.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok, Thailand VIP airport assistance through immigration. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Bangkok Full-day private city tour, including private longtail boat ride Day 3 Bangkok – Luang Prabang, Laos Private transfer to airport for flight to Luang Prabang. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Private dinner and traditional welcome ceremony Day 4 Luang Prabang Option for sunrise alms-giving. Half-day private city tour Day 5 Luang Prabang & Mekong River Private Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou Caves and riverside crafts villages Day 6 Luang Prabang – Chiang Mai, Thailand Private transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok. VIP airport assistance through immigration and connecting flight to Chiang Mai. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 7 Chiang Mai Private touring including alms procession, Doi Suthep, temples, markets and hill tribe village. Afternoon at leisure. Private evening visit to night market Day 8 Chiang Mai Private excursion to elephant sanctuary or morning market tour and cooking lesson Day 9 Chiang Mai – Bangkok Private transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon flexible private touring or shopping Day 10 Depart Bangkok Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Bangkok: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River Luang Prabang: Amantaka or Rosewood Luang Prabang Chiang Mai: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Cost

$15,590 Per person (double occupancy)