Thailand and Laos Experience - 15 Days

Trip Code

TALE15D

Departure Date

Daily

Duration

16 days

Views

959

Maximum Seats

8

What's Included?

Accommodation
All Transport
All Meals
All Entrance fees
Tour guide
Airline tickets on tour

Summary

BangkokAyuthayaMekhala River BargeChiang MaiGolden Triangle – Luang Say Mekong Cruise – Luang PrabangVientiane

Experience the highlights of these two stunning and culturally rich countries, staying in the finest hotels available and using two boutique boat services. Leave the tourist trails behind as we travel to remote rural and mountainous regions, cruise along the mighty Mekong river and explore the delightful Lao towns of luang Prabang and Vientiane. experience the friendliness and warmth of the Thai and Lao people, two of the most welcoming and hospitable cultures in the world.

Tour Overview

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok

Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your tour leader (or welcome guide) for welcome drinks and a tour briefing. Accommodation: 2 Nights THE SUKHOTHAI
Day 2

Day 2 – Bangkok ‘City of Angels’

This morning we visit the Grand Palace and the sacred Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaeo). We continue to a magnificent 46 metre long reclining Buddha, situated in Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple, Wat Pho. We get to know something of Bangkok’s once famous river life, on a boat trip on the Thonburi canals, and in the afternoon explore industrious Chinatown and infamous Sampeng Lane. In the evening, explore Bangkok’s fabulous night markets and restaurants.
Day 3

Day 3 – Ayuthaya & the Mekhala River Barge

Travel north and explore the ruins of Ayuthaya, once the centre of a powerful and far-reaching empire. We stop at Bang Pa In, the summer palace of the Royal family, then board the delightful Mekhala barge for an overnight cruise to Bangkok. On board, enjoy a star-lit feast of scrumptious Thai food before retiring to your air-conditioned cabin. Accommodation: 1 Night MEKHALA RIVER BARGE
Day 4

Day 4 – The Chao Phraya River & Jim Thompson’s House

Rise early at your riverside mooring to see monks at Wat Kai Tia perform morning prayer rituals. Late morning we glide into Bangkok, and set out for Jim Thompson’s House. This famous dwelling is a showcase of fine Thai arts, architecture, and refined interior design. Use your free time tonight to farewell the ‘City of Angels’. Accommodation: 1 Night THE SUKHOTHAI
Day 5

Day 5 – Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the present cultural capital of the north and home to more than 100 monasteries, great shopping, and wonderful restaurants. We fly here and get our bearings with a samlor (cyclo) tour to some of the city’s most beautiful temples. We visit a fascinating village which specialises in the production of wax paper parasols, and stop at the intriguing hill tribe museum. This evening, get to know the Chang Khlan Road night bazaar, locale for some of the finest shopping in Asia. Accommodation: 2 Nights RACHAMANKHA
Day 6

Day 6 – Chiang Mai & Doi Suthep Monastery

Doi Suthep monastery is one of Thailand’s most serene and beautiful places. Nestled in hills west of Chiang Mai, this atmospheric monastery is a highlight of visits to Thailand’s north and is one of the country’s most sacred places. We visit here in the morning, when crowds are thinnest, and savour views of Chiang Mai to the east. This evening farewell Chiang Mai with a splurge of shopping and fine dining.
Day 7

Day 7 – Elephant Adventure

Today we set out for an elephant camp and do a short trek through forest and a tribal village. We take a fun bullock cart ride, and glide downstream on a stable bamboo raft, then drive through mountains in the Golden Triangle to our stunning resort accommodation. Accommodation: 2 Nights ANANTARA
Day 8

Day 8 – The Golden Triangle

The borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet in an area known as the Golden Triangle. We get to know this northernmost part of Thailand by exploring the fascinating Hall of Opium, visiting Sop Ruak town, and stopping at Mai Sai, a frontier border town.
Day 9

Day 9 – The Golden Triangle to Pakbeng

We drive east to the Thai border and cross the Mekong to serene Laos. We board our luxury vessel for a slow boat cruise down the Mekong, stopping at a Thai Lu village. Take in river scenery before arriving late afternoon in Pakbeng, and checking in to our exquisite lodge. Accommodation: 1 Night LUANG SAY LODGE
Day 10

Day 10 – Pakbeng to Luang Prabang

After a leisurely breakfast we re-board our boat for the full day journey to Luang Prabang. En route we pass jungle-clad cliff faces, and stop at the ‘Cave of a Thousand Buddhas’. Relax on deck, eat and drink well, then glide into Luang Prabang in the evening. Accommodation: 3 Nights LA RESIDENCE PHOU VAO (PANSEA)
Day 11

Day 11 – Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is Laos’s most beautiful and engaging town. Today enjoy a guided walk through cobbled streets for a visit to the Dala Market and some of the town’s most beautiful temples. We also visit a textile weaving and paper making village, and before sunset, climb the short distance to the top of Mount Phou Si for superb views over the town and river.
Day 12

Day 12 – Luang Prabang & Kuang Si Falls

Rise early today for one of Asia’s great sights; hundreds of robed Buddhist monks collecting morning alms. Later, we set out for beautiful Kuang Si Falls, and on the way stop at a Hmong village to learn something of one of Laos’s most significant ethnic minorities. This evening take part in a fun cooking class and dine on your own creations.
Day 13

Day 13 – Luang Prabang to Vientiane

This afternoon we fly to the Laotian capital, sleepy Vientiane. Get to know this small capital with some free time and a short walking tour of Sethathilat Road’s monasteries. Get your bearings for tomorrow’s touring, and check into to your colonial-era hotel, the finest in town. Accommodation: 2 Nights SETTHA PALACE
Day 14

Day 14 – Vientiane

Today see the city’s main sights, including Wat Sisaket, Vientiane’s oldest and most beautiful temple. We explore Haw Pha Kaew, a former royal temple, and now a museum. Visit Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos - symbolic of both the Monarchy and the Buddhist religion - and the Patuxai Monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This evening enjoy sunset over the banks of the Mekong River.
Day 15

Day 15 – End of Your Thailand & Laos Experience

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey

Trip Map

PRICES & INCLUDES

Option Private Tour Small Group Hotel
 Standard 4300 USD 4101 USD 3 & 4star
Deluxe/Superior 4506 USD 4311 USD 4 & 5star

* From prices subject to availability and subject to change. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Amounts payable to third parties not included. We include all flights as detailed within the trip summary for each tour. From the moment you land in the starting city to the moment you are transferred to the airport in the end city, all transport arrangements are taken care of by us. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for credit card payments which vary. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. If you book with Tourism Union Indochina an additional 3% fee applies to credit card or charge card payments .

INCLUDES:

· 14 nights accommodation
· Breakfast and lunches daily
· All transfers and transport in
modern air-conditioned vehicles
· 2 domestic flights
· Sightseeing as specified (entrance
fees is included)
· Expert local guides throughout

EXCLUDES:
  • Hotel EARLY check in & LATE check out
  • Peak season surcharge & compulsory dinner at the hotel (if any)
  • International flights with taxes
  • Visa or Passport Fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips, laundry and gratuities
  • Meals not marked on itinerary, and water during meals

Children Policy

  • The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults
  • For infant (<04 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost
  • 04 – 11 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
  • 04 – 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
  • 04 – 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate

Responsible Travel

Tourism Union Indochina practices a thorough, realistic Responsible Travel Policy, full details of which can be found in our website – Click here.

Travel Facts

Q & A : Before You Go

Book Tour

Tour Name Price Per Adult Price Per Child Available Seats Departure Date Tripcode Duration
Thailand and Laos Experience - 15 Days $ 4,300 $ 0 8 Anytime 16 days TALE15D

Booking Information

Name Price ( Adults/Children ) Persons ( Adults/Children ) Quantity Total

SUMMARY

Subtotal $ 0
Total $ 0

Customer Information

*
First Name is required.
*
Last Name is required.
*
Number Phone is required.
*
Address is required.
Thank You. Your booking have received and booking number is

Talk to our Tourism Union Indochina expert

Thank you for your interest in Tourism Union Indochina. My name is Marissa Brown and I'm your online consultant. I've travelled extensively through all our destinations, including three years as a Tourism Union Indochina tour leader, and still visit whenever I can. Indochina has so much to offer travellers - diverse cultures, complex histories, spectacular landscapes - and of course the food! If you have any queries, would like to order a brochure or book a tour, I'm more than happy to assist. Just contact me via Email, Skype and send it through - I'll be in touch shortly.
MarissaBrown

Marissa Brown

Sales Director

Contact Skype

marissa.tourismunionindochina

Phone

+84 962 301 448

Email

Tui.Sales.Manager@gmail.com

36 Reviews
  • {}
    Tony

    Just wanted you to know that Troy and I had the best trip ever to Cambodia and Vietnam! Everything was perfect. Sadly, we had to cut our Halong Bay Cruise short one day because a typhoon was coming but they immediately took us back to Hanoi and upgraded us to a fabulous suite. At least we got one night on board, it was sad to leave but we managed to do most of our activities that first day on the boat…bike riding, kayaking in and out of caves, tai chi on deck, cooking class and several fabulous meals. Once again, thank you. Would highly recommend Tourism Union Indochina to anybody!!!!

  • {}
    Dr. Leong Ying, US

    “…definitely the most professional tour vacation I’d experienced. From the booking onwards, you folks have top ratings all-round. Your Tour Leader (Phil Jordan) deserves high praises for his expert handling….and both local guides (Sarem in Phnom Penh and Phath in Siem Reap) were also top-notch. I’ll be spreading your company’s virtue around, and from now on you folks will be the first tour company I’ll look to for organizing any future outings out east.

    On behalf of Martin and myself, our eternal thanks for making the Cambodian vacation so relaxing and enjoyable by looking after us so well.”

  • {}
    Angela Marinucci, Australia

    “I would like to compliment Tourism Union Indochina on their superior customer service. It seems to me that many travel companies think their work ends at drawing up itineraries and arranging hotels. However, I found that your company really values the customer experience and this was shown by the phone calls we received in each city, checking whether we had found the experience to our expectation. I think this alone is ingenious, as any problems can be addressed immediately and not potentially left to mar the whole holiday. In all, a wonderful experience in a superb country.”

  • {}
    Michel, US

    “Just a quick note to let you know that our trip to Vietnam was a “flawless adventure” one that we will never forget. I know we hit the jackpot with Tourism Union Indochina for many reasons, but one of the biggest was the size of the group. If I ever go on another tour, it will be with a 15 person maximum! Emmie and all local guides were outstanding and the other travellers on our tour were all nice people and easy to get along with. We loved every minute, all the sites, food, history, people, etc. Truly a successful trip! “

  • {}
    Charles & Anne Gilson, UK

    “We just got back a couple of days ago form our Vietnam trip and I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful time we had! We were thrilled to have had Josh as our guide and we couldn’t have asked for a more professional, thoughtful, enthusiastic and just plain fun guide. Vietnam is a tremendous destination and it offered everything we hoped for, but Josh’s guidance really enhanced our experience of the culture. We would not hesitate to book another tour with Tourism Union Indochina (although, sadly, it may be some time before we have the opportunity to do so) and have been thoroughly satisfied with our experience. I particularly appreciate your flexibility in dealing with the Visa problem that caused us to cancel our original booking. I cannot say enough about our trip – suffice to say that you’ll be hearing from us again soon!”

  • {}
    Louise Kenna, Australia

    “I have just returned from my holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia and wanted you to know that the trip was fantastic. We visited all the big ticket items, many small unknown places and had a great experience. The trip was very well organised, accommodation was much better than expected, guides were very good (a couple were exceptional). Congratulations on a well put together trip. Our tour leader was Natalie (Nat) Bemrose. Nat started the trip as our guide but ended the trip as our friend. She was terrific as a guide, friend and travel companion. We never had to bother about anything…because Nat handled everything so well. She made sure all our accommodation was acceptable, helped with food and advice on what extra to see in our free time and above all she was just a pleasure to travel with.”

  • {}
    Sandra King, Australian

    “We had a great month of travel in Vietnam. Vietnam is a beautiful country, but a major contributor to the success of this trip was the excellent tour company, Tourism Union Indochina. The journey was obviously well planned by people who know and love the country and are sensitive to the needs of the traveller. A company can have a grand vision, but it is the front line people who make it happen and Tourism Union Indochina has obviously chosen its tour leaders and guides well. Fi Reeves, our tour leader, won 12 devoted followers through her unfailing organizational skills, knowledge of the country, and good humour. Fi knew how to help us have fun, and we shared many good meals, good times, and even a karaoke session. All our local guides were excellent, especially Mr Phiem. His English skills were excellent, his good humour and bad jokes endless, and his ability to answer our questions about Vietnam was exceptional. We are very glad we decided to travel with Tourism Union Indochina to Vietnam. “

  • {}
    Sonia, Australia

    “I adored Laos! The people are still so open and kind. It might just be my favourite country in Southeast Asia. We only had 5 people in our group and that was an ideal amount of companions. The logistics of the trip were fantastic; there were always vans waiting for us at each stop and airport, and the drivers were excellent! Our guide in Laos was a very nice guy who will get even better with more experience leading groups. I was impressed with your itinerary and the nice variety of accommodations. Based on my experience and on my travelmate’s recommendations, I would definitely travel with you again. Thanks for sharing Laos with me.”

  • {}
    Sandra Blake, Australia

    “I have just returned from the tour of a Tale of Three Cities and had an absolutely fantastic holiday. Belinda Shillcock was a superb organiser, she put 120% effort into the trip, and helped make it a journey of a lifetime. I would also like to add that the three local guides that assisted Belinda were also excellent and certainly able to answer any questions that were put to them. I have recommended the tour to many people back in England – the space on the coach, the choice of hotels, the excellent choice of restaurants and overall maximizing the use of time to gain as much knowledge of Vietnam and Cambodia. I can say we all came back with a thorough comprehensive understanding of both those countries – much of it thanks to Belinda. I enjoyed it so much that I am now thinking of joining one of your trips around China – especially if your guides are the calibre of Belinda. She really was exceptional.”

  • {}
    James Jordon, UK

    “We would like to thank you and everyone else involved from your company, Tourism Union Indochina, for our recent, absolutely amazing, fantastic trip. As this was our first trip with Tourism Union Indochina we were a little nervous about what was to come however, what did eventuate far exceeded our expectations. Thanks to the expertise, professionalism and passion of the tour guide Belinda Schillcock, and her three local helpers, every day unfolded as a magical experience leaving us with a ‘real sense’ of the places we visited.
    As your brochure suggests, we ‘were captivated by the wonders of the countries in which we travelled in’ and our experiences increased our understanding of the history & culture of those places & their peoples.’
    We have nothing but the highest praise for Tourism Union Indochina and will strongly recommend the company to all of our friends. Our sincerest congratulations for one of, if not, the best tour we have ever experienced. “

  • {}
    Eileen Eastwood, UK

    “We travelled to Vietnam with you two years ago with Katrina Cameron as our guide. We have travelled all over the world and this was by far the best experience of our lives. The small group travel concept is fabulous beyond words. We made some wonderful friends and enjoyed ourselves immensely. This year we are back and would like to see China this way with you again.”

  • {}
    Roger Pacre, Canada

    “I had the best trip to Vietnam with you and will not think twice about coming back to you when it’s time to head back to Asia. Great news about your UK office, hope it gets you more British support for your trips so you can run even more! We always recommend you – my American friend loved her trip last year proving you really do have international appeal!”

  • {}
    Mrs Hawkshaw, Canada

    “I wanted to express to you my appreciation for making my travels an experience that I will never forget. Zoe Macfarlane really went out of her way to insure that myself and the group was not only well informed of each place that we would be visiting, but she wanted each of us to get everything that we individually wanted from every location and I am confident in saying that I saw a different side of Thailand that most travelers would have. I honestly never write these letters after I have finished a trip, but I felt compelled to do so because the service was that extraordinary. The next time I travel to South East Asia I will use your organization again, as I am confident in your company’s ability to put together unbelievable trips and hire extraordinary guides. Again, thank you for the memories, the professionalism, and please thank Ms Macfarlane for making this trip a true experience.”

  • {}
    Mollie Woolacott, UK

    “We are just sorting our Vietnam photos and recalling what an enjoyable trip it was! Everything went very well. The group of 8 got along very well which contributed a lot to the enjoyment of the tour – we all ate out most nights together, a good indication I think. Our tour leader Zoe, was excellent and organisation of everything went very smoothly. As an introduction to Vietnam it worked very well, and we’ll certainly consider another Tourism Union Indochina tour in the future. We have already recommended your website to friends and family.”

  • {}
    Phillip Rankin, New Zealand

    “We had a wonderful time – what a thoroughly professional and well organised company! Ned was our tour guide and we were so lucky to have her – she has a real passion for the country and the people. I loved Vietnam and will be heading back there. I loved Hoi An – the beach, food of the area, art galleries, tailors and the fact every bar had 5 hour happy hour 2 for 1 drinks each night! I have already got a couple of our clients that I am going to go through Tourism Union Indochina’s brochure and my pictures with.”

  • {}
    T Johnson, Australia

    “A huge thank you for the help with organising our recent trip to Vietnam. We had a wonderful time, thoroughly enjoyed every minute and have been singing the praises of the country and Tourism Union Indochina since we returned. It was the best holiday we have had in years. Everything went so smoothly, Claire was a joy, quietly organised and Tifo and Viet both great sources of knowledge and good fun. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them. They were all great ambassadors for Tourism Union Indochina.”

  • {}
    Ann Hitchings, New Zealand

    “Our trip to Vietnam was an incredible experience. Words cannot fully explain how much we enjoyed the trip. Felicity, our tour guide was marvellous. She was not only a great organiser and guide, but a great person who went well outside her responsibilities to ensure that our trip was a memorable one. Next year we are looking to visit Cambodia and I will contact you when we begin planning!”

  • {}
    Anne McCarthy, Australian

    “Just a quick note to say my 10 day highlights of Vietnam was AWESOME… the tour totally exceeded my expectations. The hotels were awesome and Stacey, our guide, was fantastic as were the local guides! Loved EVERY minute of it, I can’t even find a fault or complaint if I tried! I can’t talk highly enough about it …I really want to say thank you so much for organising it all for me. Definitely recommend to ALL ages and people! “

  • {}
    Arron Dann, New Zealand

    “Flicks vitality, enthusiasm and general caring and warm personality really made this experience for me so rewarding. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She is a real asset to your organisaton. I wish I had staff like her… I would love to do another tour in the future but don’t know how any tour leader can now measure up to Ms Flick.”

  • {}
    Geoff Burton, Australian

    “I knew nothing about Vietnam as a holiday destination but I had the holiday of a lifetime. Every day living history was witnessed, transport between events and venues was excellent, the food was wonderful and it was top value for money!”

  • {}
    Jill Martin, Australian

    “Awesome country. Awesome people. Awesome trip. Awesome!”

  • {}
    Natasha Dunn, Australian

    “The itinerary was well thought out and I feel I have a real sense of all aspects of life in Vietnam – the history, its political system, food and culture.”

  • {}
    Peter Laing, Australian

    “The Vietnam tour was FANTASTIC….our tour guide, Joshua, from Tourism Union Indochina was one out of the box !!! It was so good having someone organise internal flights, where to eat, what to expect to pay etc. etc. He was our eyes, ears and tastebuds. The pace of the tour was also great. Do put Vietnam on your agenda before it becomes too commercial. The food, people, countryside, history and shopping are all soooo amazing!”

  • {}
    Carolyn and Tony Herrick, Australian

    “I wanted to say a very big personal thank you from Janet and me for the absolutely amazing and outstanding holiday we had in China. It turned out to be a far better trip in all respects from that we were anticipating and I can only say again for the nth time how glad we both are that we chose Tourism Union Indochina for our trip. The organisation was in our view faultless, the accommodation far better than we expected and ideally located, and the things we did and saw, fantastic. When we got home we re-read the Company Brochure and the best complement we can give is to say that the Tour achieves exactly what it says in the Book.”

  • {}
    Kassandra Jackson, New Zealand

    “It was great to have a local guide who had amazing knowledge of his country. I really enjoyed hearing Mr Boulae’s experiences and his running of the tour was superb. I loved the boat ride down the Mekong, and it was amazing to see the giving of the alms by the monks.”

  • {}
    Joan & Allen Grant, USA

    “Our leader Rebecca is a natural treasure. The local restaurants, shopping and history are amazing. Hue’s Saigon Morin was pure bliss – I enjoy the colonial/planter atmosphere – that Tourism Union Indochina uses.”

  • {}
    Doug Jossem, USA

    “On an ‘adventure’ holiday I did not expect such good hotels in such great locations, so was pleasantly surprised!”

  • {}
    Tricia Watson, UK

    “The flow of this trip was so smooth & felt so effortless & natural. Our tour leader Rebecca was so efficient in making everything work out well, keeping calm under any circumstance!””

  • {}
    Tony Walker, Australian

    “Our local guide Mr Saren’s very genuine personal guided tour of Phnom Penh’s Toul Sleng Museum was unforgettable. It made it poignant and real in a way that only someone that lives there could do”

  • {}
    Maggie Wingett & Phil Wright, Australian

    “Our local guide “Matthew” was absolutely lovely, great company, friendly, polite, helpful, with good ideas for our itinerary, and met all our requirements. Please may I take him home?”

  • {}
    Susan Bramley , English

    “I loved cycling and walking in the countryside outside Yangshuo – being able to get close to the rural population in China. Of course, cruising the Yangtze and passing through the locks was also a highlight!”

  • {}
    Dawn Steiner, USA

    “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Thailand. The places were interesting and the people so friendly. It was made all the more enjoyable with our great guide! Staying in the Floating Hotel and Lisu Lodge were fantastic experiences”

  • {}
    Carol and Harvey Thibault, Canadian

    “Our local guide was exceptional, with a real passion toward his job, always wanting to impart his knowledge onto us. Staying in the jungle rafts on the River Kwai was a once in a lifetime experience!”

  • {}
    Wayne Baldwin, Australian

    “We really enjoyed everything – the sights and sounds, the people (both Vietnamese and fellow-travellers) and Monica Fairley, our tour leader was excellent. Our minds are still buzzing with images and recollections from Vietnam and Cambodia while we get back to ‘normality’, whatever that it!”

  • {}
    Anjali Gupta, USA

    “Had a fantastic holiday….Kristy was great, positive, professional and kept everyone happy. Not easy the age range was 30-80! Fantastic small group, no problems at all. Gorgeous hotels all the way! Going to China for holidays next year and will definitely use you guys, can I have Kristy again though?”

  • {}
    Sharon Veeh, USA

    “I do want to go on record to say that our trip last November/December to Cambodia and Vietnam was a huge, huge once-in-a-lifetime experience for us two. We have been praising your company every chance we’ve had since we returned home. Your planning, your timing, your sensitivity, your professionalism were extraordinary! “