Golden Triangle Traverse 18 days

Departure for Bangkok, overnight on an international flight.

1. Flight

Arrival at Bangkok international airport, where we will be welcomed by a local tour guide and we will transfer to the hotel.

1. Bangkok Marriott Marquis (5 stars) or similar
2. bus

After breakfast, we will visit the Grand Palace, home to the royal residences, the throne room, and many government establishments. The Grand Palace is a must-see for all visitors to Thailand (Visitors are advised to be dressed appropriately.  Ladies shall not expose their shoulders or knees and gentlemen shall not expose knees). Then we will visit Wat Pho, the temple that houses the “Phra Buddhasaiyat”, a giant reclining Buddha with a very unique pattern on the feet.

1. Bangkok Marriott Marquis (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast, we will take an excursion to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. In the past, daily commerce in Thailand was conducted mostly along rivers and canals. Approximately two hours away from Bangkok, this floating market has become one of the most famous attractions in Thailand.

1. Bangkok Marriott Marquis (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast, we will fly to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

1. Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai(5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Dinner
3. Flight

After breakfast, we will visit the orchid farm. Thailand is famous for its beautiful orchids. It is the best moment to discover the astounding world of Thai orchids of various types and colors. After lunch, we will visit the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most important and famous temple in Chiang Mai. Then get an exciting experience riding on aTukTuk (tricycle motor) and admire the views of the city canals, the old town, and the beautiful temples.

1. Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai(5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast, we will transfer to the Chiang Rai  by bus, making a stop at Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. It is considered one of the most beautiful temples built in the last century. This is a remarkable masterpiece by Thai artist Chaloemchai Kositpipat, who rose to fame through his extravagant and distinctive Buddhism-related paintings reflecting the artist's grand visions of heaven, hell, and spiritual enlightenment.

1. Hotel: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast, visit the House of Opium. This opium museum displays the history of opium in the Golden Triangle, starting from the origin, the opium war, the effects, the quitting and the eventual rehabilitation. Continue with a wonderful cruise along the Khong River, a natural border of three countries (Thailand, Burma, and China).On the way back to the hotel, we will stop and visit the renowned village of Long-necked Karen Tribe. We will get to witness their way of life and appreciate souvenirs from community kiosks full of carved wood and silver work. Neck rings made of brass weighing 4 kg are available for trial and photo shooting.

1. Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast, we will transfer to Huay Xai, where the Heritage Line cruise welcomes you. The first stop is Huay Palang village, home of the Khmu minority. The locals’ lifestyle here depends fully on the Mekong as a means of transportation and a primary food source. The village consists of approximately 85 families. We will learn about the local art of weaving Bamboo mats, which you can try your hand at. Local households also produce their own alcohol by distilling rice to make the famous Lao whisky. As the sun sets over the Mekong River, we will hold a Baci Ceremony, held by the village elders in your honour for a traditional Laotian welcome.

1. Cruise: Heritage Line- Anouvong
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

After lunch, we will arrive in the small town of Pakbeng. This riverside settlement is halfway between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Many locals also stop here when they travel or transport goods between these two “hubs” on the upper Mekong. We will pass by the local market scene and visit a beautiful hill-top temple with amazing views of the gently flowing Mekong below.At a secluded sandbank, the local ethnic Lao, Khmu and Hmong residents welcome us to the tiny village of Kop Aek. Dive into centuries-old traditions and practices as you immerse yourself in a unique Laotian experience.

1. Heritage Line- Anouvong
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

After breakfast, you are welcome to join an authentic Laotian cooking class to learn how to prepare some of the delightful and easy-to-make local foods. In the afternoon, we will arrive at another little village named Muang Keo. In this village, you can observe local weavers honouring their timeworn traditional crafts. From Muang Keo, we will take a short and easy trek to the famous Pak Ou Caves, located directly on the Mekong’s rocky shore and opposite the mouth of the Ou River.

1. Cruise: Heritage Line- Anouvong
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

The last sunrise aboard paired with a morning activity is the perfect way to commence your final cruise day. After enjoying the sumptuous breakfast buffet, we will arrive in central Luang Prabang  and meet the local guide at the Luang Prabang pier and transfer to the hotel. With bicycles at your disposal, you will be able to visit landmarks of this royal and religious city. At sunset, we will journey to the top of Mount Phousi. We will have dinner and spend the night in Luang Prabang.

1. Sofitel Luang Prabang or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Luang Prabang, appreciating the sites at a nonchalant pace. We might come across groups of monks in their morning quest, while we visit temples and monasteries. Between the banks of the Mekong and the Royal Palace, the vats of Xieng Thong, Pak Khane and Sène Soukharam exude a mystical charm that has remained intact for thousands of years.

1. Sofitel Luang Prabang or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast, we will visit Vat Long Khoun, the oldest vat dating back to the 18th century. The portico, a beautiful pediment that is more recent, is dated from 1937. We will fly to Hanoi, and transfer to a hotel for some free time.

1. Hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. Flight

After breakfast, we will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda. Then we will visit the Temple of LiteratureIn the afternoon, we will visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
We will then have the chance to discover the Hoan Kiem Lake. At the end of the day, we will visit the Ngoc Son Temple and take a ride on a rickshaw in the old districts. Early in the evening, we will attend a water puppetry show, then have dinner at a local restaurant.

1. Hanoi Sofitel Metropole or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast, we will transfer to Halong Bay. Arriving at the pier around noon, we will board a junk boat for a memorable cruise ride in the mythical Halong Bay and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view. 

1. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Halong or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast, we will transfer to Hanoi, where we will have some free time in the afternoon and get settled at the hotel.

1. Hanoi Sofitel Metropole hotel or similar(5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport, where you will take a flight back to your home city, end of the trip.

1. Breakfast
2. Flight