Discover a land that is inherently spiritual and deeply traditional. Visit Southeast Asia’s religious centres, from Chiang Mai to Yangon, Luang Prabang to Siem Reap. Participate in time-honoured traditions, wander through enigmatic temples weathered by time and delve into the beliefs that shape the region’s culture.
Discover a land that is inherently spiritual and deeply traditional. Visit Southeast Asia’s religious centres, from Chiang Mai to Yangon, Luang Prabang to Siem Reap. Participate in time-honoured traditions, wander through enigmatic temples weathered by time and delve into the beliefs that shape the region’s culture.
We pride our TOUR MAP selves in creating personalized travel experiences that suit all your preferences and needs.With this tour you can
We pride our TOUR MAP selves in creating personalized travel experiences that suit all your preferences and needs.With this tour you can
Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min
Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After checking in and resting at the hotel, head to the city centre where Mt. Phousi is located.
To make it in time for sunset, climb the 328 steps to the top of the mountain for some amazing panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Afterwards, head back down and pay a visit to the vibrant market at the base before heading back to the hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
After breakfast at the hotel, join the guide alongside the adapted bikes (08:30) for the day’s cycling tour.
Begin the tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, to explore the history of Laos. Continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. Continue onwards to Wat Visoun and its watermelon-shaped stupa before heading to Wat Aham and Wat That.
Continue the ride along the Nam Khan River to visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang before stopping for lunch at Tamarind Restaurant (Lao set menu included).
After lunch, leave the town behind and ride to the Phosy Market for a glimpse into a more local scene of Luang Prabang. Alongside the guide, witness and sample some of the unique produce on offer here.
Continue the ride to Ock Pop Tock, a non-profit organization working to preserve the traditional weaving trade of Laos. A short tour introduces the process of silk weaving from the initial stages of creating the dyes to the final process of loom weaving.
After the visit, ride along the Mekong back into town for the final stop of the day: the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. Dedicated to exhibiting the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities, this museum displays traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories.
(Note: closed on Mondays)
As the day comes to an end, experience one of Laos’ oldest traditions: The Baci. The purpose of the Baci is to call back escaped spirits to the body, something that is very important before major events such as weddings, births, travel, welcoming friends and farewells.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
LuangPrabang – LuangPrabang Airport (4 km): 15 min Chiang Mai Airport – Banthai Village (5.6 km): 13 min Chiang Mai Airport – Tamarind Village (4.5 km): 10 min Chiang Mai Airport – Ratilanna Riverside (5 km): 8 min
For early risers, transport will be provided downtown to watch the morning ritual of monks gathering their daily alms. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, private transport will be provided to the airport for the departing flight.
Suggested flight:
Depart Luang Prabang at 13:15 on QV635 (Lao Airlines), landing in Chiang Mai at 14:15.
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in.
In the evening, enjoy typical Thai cuisine at a charming restaurant nestled on the bank of the Ping River.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
After breakfast at the hotel, travel thirty minutes by car north of Chiang Mai to a long tail boat dock. After taking a leisurely stroll through the herbal garden grounds, board a longtail boat for the 30-minute cruise along the rural Mae Ping River. Arrive at the boat landing and walk to Warorot market to explore some of the unique items on sale here. Continue by trishaw along Thapae Road to Wat Phra Singh where there will be an optional merit-making fish or turtle release.
After the experience, pay a visit to Wat Suan Dok, where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred. Continue on to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Our experienced guide will explain the story of the temple whilst displaying its impressive chedi and beautiful murals. In the late afternoon, enjoy a private blessing ceremony and witness the magical evening chanting of the monks. The tour ends with the spectacularly romantic evening view over Chiang Mai with its millions of glittering lights.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai town – Mae Kampong (59.9 km): 1.15 hr
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day tour to Mae Kampong village, where villagers produce local tea and coffee. The day starts with a drive through the picturesque countryside, stopping along the way at a local market to buy some fresh ingredients for lunch.
Arriving at Mae Kampong, meet villagers and accompany them on a guided stroll through the community forest and tea and coffee plantations. Returning to the village, enjoy a simple lunch prepared by the local hosts. After lunch, enjoy a traditional Thai massage and take a walk around the village to see the process the fermenting tea leaves and other traditional local practices. Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Banthai Village – Chiang Mai Airport (5.6 km): 13 min Tamarind Village – Chiang Mai Airport (4.5 km): 10 min Ratilanna Riverside – Chiang Mai Airport (5 km): 8 min Yangon Airport to Yangon city centre (20 km): 30 – 60 mins
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for the flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport into the city for an orientation tour.
After lunch, pay a visit to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. Afterwards, continue to Kandawgyi Park, one of central Yangon’s greenest spots, where it’s possible to witness the glittering Karaweik barge, a replica of the royal barge, sitting amidst the vast lake with views of Shwedagon in the background.
After catching a sight of the national icon, head into town for a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 meters tall, gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas.
Continue to the hotel for check in.
Overnight in Yangon
Nyaung U Airport to Old Bagan (9 km): 20 mins Nyaung U Airport to New Bagan (12 km): 20 mins
After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the flight to Bagan.
The day's tour begins with a visit to the Shwezigon Pagoda, one of Bagan’s most famous sites. The centre piece of Shwezigon is its large, gold bell-shaped pagoda situated upon three terraces. The lower-most terrace once featured wood carvings of nat spirits but these are now housed in a small hall within the temple grounds.
Continue on to Tuyin Taung, a hilltop stupa in the eastern part of the main Archeological Park. Approaching the temple, take note of the 500 monk statues lining the road. The stupa’s elevated location offers fabulous views of the surrounding plains, a unique perspective of Bagan and its surroundings.
The next stop is Lawka Nandar which is in New Bagan next to the Irrawaddy River. Lawka Nandar is a bulbous stupa with a cylindrical bell and three octagonal terraces as a base. The temple still functions as a place of everyday worship as it is home to a Buddha relic. A stop will be made near here for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, drive to the jetty where a private boat will be waiting to provide a transfer across the river to Tant Kyi Taung. From the boat it will be possible to see views of the temples in the distance. We will then travel by jeep (approximately 15 minutes) through the countryside to Tant Kyi Taung. On the return drive to the jetty, it will be possible to stop in Tant Kyi village for a short walk around.
Return to Bagan, first crossing the river by boat and then continuing to an elevated temple to watch the sun set over the plans.
Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight in Bagan
This morning after breakfast continue the spiritual tour of Bagan with a visit to Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan.
Afterwards, head to Myinkaba Village and visit Gubyaukgyi Temple which is noted for its beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior. Nearby is Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with nice Buddha statues and stone work.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Transfer to the Taungbi Monastery to participate in a special traditional Buddhist ceremony. Around 10:30, partake in an alms procession where, alongside locals, it will be possible to donate offerings of food to the monks. Afterwards, receive a special blessing from the monks to ensure good luck and happiness. USD 350 donation fee.
Then visit three lesser-known temples that reflect the diversity of influence in Burmese architecture and religion. Visit Pebinyaung Pagoda, which contains relics in its bell-shaped structure, followed by the nearby Bupaya Pagoda, a bulbous structure on the banks of the Irrawaddy which is similar in style to the Tibetan chorten. Finally continue to Nathlaung Kyaung, Bagan’s greatest Hindu temple. The structure stands as testament to the religious tolerance that prevailed during Bagan’s heyday.
Stop midday for lunch at a local restaurant (not included).
Late this afternoon transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Yangon.
Overnight in Yangon
Phnom Penh Airport - Phnom Penh (11 km): 20 min
After breakfast at the hotel, transport will be provided to the airport for the morning flight to Phnom Penh.
Upon arrival to Phnom Penh, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in.
After a relaxing day at leisure, enjoy a welcome dinner this evening at Bopha Phnom Penh Titanic. The restaurant serves tasty Khmer (and Western) cuisine on a breezy terrace with sweeping river views. Apsara dancing is performed nightly between 19:00-21:00.
After dinner, get dropped back at the hotel or spend some time exploring the riverfront’s night market independently.
Note: Night market open Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday only
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (8 km): 15 min
After breakfast at the hotel, depart on a city tour in a typical cyclo. Begin with a visit to the Khmer-style National Museum, which houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer archaeological, religious, and artistic artefacts.
Continue on foot to the Royal Palace. Dating back to 1866, the Palace is also home to the iconic Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5,000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors.
After the morning’s visits, transport will be provided to the airport for the afternoon flight to Siem Reap (45 min). Our guide and driver will be waiting on arrival to assist with transport and check in.
Enjoy dinner this evening at the famed Madame Butterfly restaurant. Set in a beautiful Khmer wooden house and surrounded by tropical gardens, Madame Butterfly offers an incredible mix of authentic Khmer cuisine, mixed with Thai and Chinese influences. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Pub Street, this intimate restaurant provides a truly relaxing experience and a great chance to sample some of the nation’s favourite dishes.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Siem Reap – Tonle Sap (20 km): 10 mins
Early in the morning, depart on a very special sunrise tour of the famous Ta Prohm temple. Left largely as it was discovered, overgrown by jungle trees and vines, Ta Prohm is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.
Breakfast this morning will be served in front of Angkor Wat at Angkor Café before continuing to visit this incredible temple. Built to represent Mount Meru, the Hindu/Buddhist home of the gods, Angkor Wat is known for its spectacular stone carvings, bas-reliefs and thousands of carved Aspara dancers.
From here it is not far to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 meter high wall, drawing a perfect square around its perimeter. Enter the city through the ancient Eastern Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces.
Continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 face-carved towers, Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Return to Siem Reap for lunch (own expense) before departing on a wellness adventure. Get pampered during a 3-hour treatment at Bodia Spa. Begin with a body massage to relax the mind, followed by an aromatic salt scrub to revitalize the skin, topped off with a vitamin facial.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise in a gondola paddle boat at the moat of Angkor Thom compound while watching a spectacular sunset at Prasat Chroung temple. Cocktails, champagne, canapés and a soft drink will be available on the boat, as the boat paddles slowly along the ancient moat.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Start the day at Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chom, two Buddhist shrines in the center of Siem Reap. A popular destination amongst locals, watch along as Khmer people arrive with alms, lotus flowers, jasmine bracelets and incense sticks used for prayer offerings. Many also come to these temples to meet the resident fortune teller… for those interested, a meeting with the fortune teller can be arranged to see what the future holds!
Continue with a visit to the beautiful Neak Pean Temple, home to a unique central sanctuary surrounded by four ponds. After the visit, return to Siem Reap for lunch (at own expense).
In the afternoon, enjoy a two-hour walking tour around Kompheim village for some insight into village life in Cambodia and the challenges faced by rural Cambodians. Learn about rice farming, interact with locals and see how they live, cook and eat in the countryside. Half of the tour fee goes to a village enrichment fund managed by HUSK, a non-profit NGO that works with communities to improve the lives of Cambodians. Finish the tour at the Village House, sipping wine or beer and enjoying some canapés.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Pick up today starts early from the hotel for the drive to Ta Brak village, 25 minutes out of town. A western packed breakfast from the hotel will be taken and, on arrival, will be shared with a local family. Over breakfast, chat with the family and learn a bit about what life is like in the local village.
From here, take a 30 minute ox cart ride through the village to a local market where a short walk will provide an introduction to Cambodian vegetables, herbs, fruits and other local produce. Continue 1km by foot through the picturesque countryside village, stopping off to meet the local community along the way to observe whatever seasonal activity is happening at that time. Each tour will be different and the activities will depend on the time of the year.
End the morning at the local pagoda where a special water blessing by Buddhist monks await.
From here make a stop at the 9th Century Bakong Temple, part of the Roluos group, before continuing on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake. The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and an officially designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this peculiar body of water expands to over four times its size in the rainy season!
Travel out to Kampong Phluck, a nearby stilted village where it’s possible to see the authentic life of the local fisherman and their families who live amongst the flooded mangrove forest. Board a local boat for a ride on the lake, spotting the unique stilted houses along the way.
In one of the floating houses, a delicious lunch will be prepared accompanied by beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquility of the lake.
(Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. However an alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead).
Optional: Phare Ponleu Selpak in Siem Reap – (evening)
This evening attend a performance of Phare: the Cambodian Circus. Starting at 20:00, professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) perform an inspiring show mixing traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Siem Reap –Siem Reap Airport (8 km): 15 min
This morning, visit the Buddhist monastery Wat Damnak. For those interested, it is possible to join the monks in a daily meditation session.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before transport is provided to the airport for the departing flight.
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