Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – The Peninsula (40.6 km): 47 min

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, be met and greeted by our Exo Travel guide for transfer to the hotel for check in.

Overnight in Bangkok

The Peninsula Bangkok – The Royal Grand Palace (6.4 km): 19 min The Royal Grand Palace – The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (3.9 km): 12 min The Ananta Samakhom – Sala Rim Nam Restaurant (8.3 km): 17 min Sala Rim Nam Restaurant – Prasart Museum (21.4 km): 27 min

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, visit the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark. Follow the guide’s lead on an in-depth journey through Thailand’s history and royal heritage. Be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building, its throne halls and the mysterious Emerald Buddha -the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Then continue to witness the magnificence of the Royal Thai Family's private collection at Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. The impressive renaissance-style building is decorated with gold and fresco domes with awe-inspiring paintings originally used only by high government officials or the royal family on the special occasion until very recently. (Note: Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is closed on Mondays.)

Afterwards, depart for Thai buffet lunch at Sala Rim Nam, Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s famous riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon drive to the Prasart Museum, a private collection of antiques, art and archaeology located in the suburbs of east Bangkok. Visits are by appointment only and the museum is one of Bangkok’s great little secrets. Dr. Prasart is dedicated to preserving Thailand antiques that may otherwise be sold overseas, and his collections are unique and priceless. (Note: Prasat Museum only accepts a visit by appointment, and it is closed on Mondays.)

Overnight in Bangkok

The Peninsula Bangkok – Bang Pa-In Summer Palace Ayutthaya (69.3 km): 1.02 hr

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today, take a trip back in time to discover the former Siamese capital of Ayutthaya. In the morning, depart from the hotel in Bangkok and drive directly to Bang Pa-In, the Summer Palace built by Rama IV. There, see the contrasting palace buildings and surrounding temples inspired by European, Chinese and Thai designs. Also visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, the gothic-inspired temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After the visit, board the Thanatharee rice barge at Wat Kasatra Pier, and enjoy a private lunch cruise on the Chao Phraya River. While en route, take note of the beautiful views of Wat Phanan Choeng, Wat Chai Wattanaram and local lifestyles on the riverside.

Ayutthaya, surrounded by rivers and a canal, flourished as the capital of Siam from 1350 until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767.  The remains of the temples and ruins of this great city have now been declared a World Heritage Site. Cruise back to Wat Kasatra Pier, disembark and continue to visit the most important of the ruined temples in Ayutthaya historical park - Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit and Wat Chai Wattanaram. Return to Bangkok by car.

Overnight in Bangkok

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – The Peninsula (40.6 km): 47 min Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min

After breakfast, transfer to Bangkok Airport to take a morning flight to Luang Prabang.

Welcome to Luang Prabang World Heritage City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Later In the afternoon, meet with the guide and head out on a tour Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang was the capital of Lan Xang from 1353 until 1545, when it was moved to Vientiane. Despite the move, Luang Prabang remained the seat of monarchical power and, when the kingdom broke up in 1694, one of the deceased king's grandsons established a rival kingdom to those in Vientiane and Champassak. Though weakened, the Luang Prabang royalty endured until 1975 when, after the reign of 63 kings, it was formally dissolved. Today Luang Prabang is a small town on the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers surrounded by mountains – it is often described as one of the last true Shangri-Las in Asia.

Follow the guide’s lead on a walking tour to some of the most impressive sites including Wat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa and That Makmo which are stylistically more Sri Lankan than Lao. Continue to the nearby Wat Aham, one of the city’s major tutelary shrines dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) and Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors), then climb Phousi Hill for an outstanding overview of the city. Enjoy the sunset from Wat Prabaht Tai, located along the Mekong River.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

In the morning rise early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black alms bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and, later, begin exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, fittingly called one of the last Shangri-La’s of Southeast Asia, with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in the country. The main sanctuary represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. There are several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images within the complex, which were displayed in Paris in 1911.

Near the east gate there’s a royal funeral chapel. Inside, see the impressive 40-foot tall Royal funeral float and various funeral urns of several members of the former royal family.

The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from the Hindu Ramayana.

After lunch, visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. The Royal Palace was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family, and is now home to exhibits of art and jewels as well as the residence itself. From there, continue on foot to visit Wat Mai, with its unique 5 tiered roof and golden bas-reliefs.  During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the small Buddha statue called Pra Bang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min Vientiane Airport – Vientiane (4 km): 15 min

Late in the morning, meet with the guide and private car and be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Suggested flight:Depart Luang Prabang at 13:05 on QV102 (Lao Airlines), landing in Vientiane at 13:50.

Meet with the private car and guide on arrival. Luggage will be transferred separately while enjoying lunch at Makphet, a unique social enterprise supporting street children and helping them, their families and their community by allowing them to gain skills by working in vocational programs at the restaurant. Makphet serves traditional Lao food prepared from fresh ingredients. The restaurant meets the highest international standards of hygiene and is run by instructors and students themselves.

Afterwards, enjoy a half-day guided tour to discover the hidden charms of Vientiane, whose name means ‘the City of Sandalwood’. Vientiane is one of the quietest capital cities in the world, far away from the bustle and hustle of other Asian capitals.

After lunch the tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak-covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo.  Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby is the Presidential Palace.  Although visitors aren’t allowed inside, it’s a nice window into the town’s colonial, past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace.

Stop at Wat Simuang, the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane, as it is considered the guardian of the spirit of the city. Upon its grounds, one can find an Angkorian-era pillar. It is popular belief that if you circle it three times and make a wish, the wish will come true.

In the afternoon, continue to the Patuxay Monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe. Here one can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Next, the tour heads to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos.

Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple is famous for its stunning golden spire.

End the tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food stalls.

Overnight in Vientiane

Vientiane – Vientiane Airport (4 km): 15 min Pakse Airport – Pier (5 km): 20 min

After breakfast meet with the guide and private car at the hotel and transfer to the airport for a flight to Pakse.

Suggested flight:Departure from Vientiane at 7:10 (QV515, Lao Airlines), arrival in Pakse at 8:25

Note: only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Pakse is the provincial capital of Champasak, at the confluence of the Mekong and Sedon rivers, and is a centre for trading between Thailand and Vietnam. Meet with the guide and private car, then transfer to the pier to board the Wat Phou Cruise at 10:30.

The Wat Phou Cruise from Pakse for Champassak is a local longtail riverboat, zigzagging through mild rapids and sandbanks, arriving at Champassak in time for a riverside lunch, followed by a guided tour of the pre-Angkorian 10th century temple of Wat Phou, the boat’s namesake.

As dusk falls, enjoy a relaxing cruise down-river. Dinner is served on board while the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.

Overnight on board

Breakfast is served on board as while the boat sets sail for the village of Huei Thamo, a few minutes’ walk away from the spectacular hidden forest temple of Oum Moung. Afterwards, rejoin the boat for a cruise southwards. Enjoy lunch on the deck, while continuing further south to the wild paradise of the 4,000 Islands. Visit Khong Island and the village of Muang Kong, where a traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. Then return to the boat for a sunset cruise and dinner under the stars, serenaded by the songs of the buffalo toads.

Overnight on board

Pier – Pakse (2 km): 10 min

Enjoy breakfast on deck, while cruising to the small village of Ban Veuthong. Upon arrival, board a local car-ferry to reach the mainland and the amazingly scenic Khong Pha Peng Waterfall, situated close to the Cambodian border. On arrival at the small fishing village of Xieng Di, board a small longtail boat to Khone Island. Here it’s possible to see one of the rare river dolphins on the way! Have lunch amid the by-gone splendour of another age: colourful French colonial houses and an old customs post. Transfer to Pakse.

Overnight in Pakse

Pakse – Pakse Airport (3 km): 10 min

Morning at leisure until transfer to Pakse Airport for a flight to Bangkok.

Optional: Fly directly from Pakse to Bangkok (must be Tuesday or Friday only. Subject to change without prior notice from airline)