Day 1: Bangkok

Touch down in Thailand's capital. After checking into our hotel there'll be time for DIY exploring, a massage or lying by the pool to catch the first of that sweet tropical sunshine. Later we'll rendezvous back at base so you can hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours to enjoy authentic Pad Thai & the Khao San road nightlife.

Day 2: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

Bangkok
We'll start the day early, with so much to see, there's no time to waste. Catching Bangkok's water taxi system with the city locals is the most convenient way to get to our first stop - The Royal Palace. With our incredible local guide leading the charge, we will learn all about its 61 acres of incredible architecture and some traditions of the Thailand Royal Family. Then we'll jump on our private boat for a tour of the klongs (canals) and some fish feeding. Just listing today's sites gives us the butterflies. Once we get back to the hotel, ask your Trip Manager where to find the best local lunch before we wave goodbye to Bangkok.
Kanchanaburi
Bangkok, you've been a dream, but the show must go on! Fast becoming a must-visit in this part of the world, we make tracks to our next destination, the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi to really get local. There's nothing like getting some local transport to keep things interesting, so we'll pop into a boat along the River Kwai where we'll reach our home for the night, the The Jungle Raft Hotel, Kanchanaburi. Rooms lit by candle light are what you'll be greeted with, followed by a delicious included dinner of local specialities at dusk. You can even jump in the river directly from your room. Amazing! Because of course here at Contiki we like to keep things a bit special. Tonight as we watch the sunset over the landscape we'll no doubt be toasting our first full day on the trip and contemplating just how good life is.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi
We'll wake up in jungle paradise, eat breakfast and take some time to enjoy our surroundings. Next up on today's activities is Elephant Haven in Kanchanaburi, where we'll spend half a day learning about how the sanctuary rescue and care for these beautiful creatures. It makes us all warm and fuzzy inside seeing these gentle giants living their peaceful lives. Finish up with some lunch before visiting the famed Bridge on the River Kwai, with our guide giving us all the info we need on this riverside spot steeped in history. Afterwards, you've got some free time to explore Kanchanaburi town or just do some relaxing. It's up to you!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai

We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We'll grab bikes & ride past ornate temples, towering spires and beautiful palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Chiang Mai

This laid-back city is ours to explore this morning. Buddhist rituals, traditional architecture & surrounding countryside will see us smitten. The city is yours to make the most of - maybe that means roaming the old quarter or getting to know the city's heart.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Chiang Mai

Another free day in this amazing city is a great opportunity to explore. Maybe hit the street food scene or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Tonight we'll be exploring like a local - jump on our Vespa tour to explore the city on two wheels.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Chiang Mai to Pakbeng

Chiang Mai
Taking a border hop we’ll cross out of Thailand and into Laos. After collecting our passport stamps we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat.
Pak Beng
Remote, traditional, and endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Pak Beng To Luang Prabang

Pak Beng
Leaving Pak Beng, we make our way to Luang Prabang - get ready for gorgeous waterfalls, biking explorations and a chance to experience the local community and sacred Buddhist rituals.
Luang Prabang
Ending our Mekong River magic we arrive in the much-loved city of Luang Prabang. Temples dusted in gold, historic French mansions, & locals wrapped in saffron robes make this one of the prettiest places in Asia. Our explorations will involve a sunset from a hill-top stupa & a bout of shopping at the local night markets.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang
A city cycle and a swim under the 60-metre cascades of Kuang Si Falls will provide our daily nature fix, but most of the day is yours to visit palaces & temples & watch local life by the river, or choose to explore any way that suits. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar, and contemplate just how good life is and how relaxed you already feel just one week in.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang
This morning early risers will be rewarded with Buddhist rituals kissed by the sun's morning rays. Take part in the daily ritual of offering alms to the Monks of Luang Prabang's 34 temples. This morning we take an overland journey to a lively tourist hub filled with opportunities for adventure. It makes leaving the charming town of Luang Prabang a little easier.
Vang Vieng
Known for its dramatic limestone karsts, Vang Vieng will keep you busy. Explore the local rivers and caves or chill out surrounded by like-minded travellers, watching the sun set over the mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng
Today is yours to conquer Vang Vieng. Stuck for ideas? Grab a pushbike and allow yourself to get a little lost, stopping at swimming holes and weaving through limestone caves, watching life unfold in the pretty countryside of Laos.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Vang Vieng To Vientiane

Vang Vieng
Today you should wake up feeling satisfied with your Vang Vieng explorations, and ready to peel back the layers of another Laos hotspot.
Vientiane
Welcome to the capital of Vientiane. If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised; the vibe in this quaint Mekong town is strictly chilled. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa & the artistic talent of Patuxai, we’ll use our time here to visit the COPE centre, a local charity that provide prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded bombs. Our visit here will also provide an insight into Laos’ troubled history, and is a great chance for us to lend a helping hand to the Laotian community.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Vientiane To Phnom Penh

Vientiane
This morning we cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as we make for the capital of Cambodia.
Phnom Penh
Although it's easy to find reminders of Cambodia's dark past in the city of Phnom Penh, it is also a place brightened by shy smiles and pretty tree-lined streets. We'll learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with our Local Guide. Later tonight, the night is yours to explore as you please.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Phnom Penh To Siem Reap

Phnom Penh
Another included flight takes us out of Cambodia's capital this morning, landing us in the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world.
Siem Reap
You could relax poolside this afternoon, before seeing what's going on by night! There are plenty of things you could spice up your night with, like local night markets though probably best to reserve your energy for our early morning visit to an Eighth Wonder of the World and something we know you've all been waiting for.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Siem Reap

Prepare to be moved to the core this morning as we journey to Angkor Wat through dawn's hours in preparation for sunrise. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of watching the day's first rays touch this ancient spiritual site, it's pretty much magic. After a siesta and pool hangs to break up the day back at our hotel, we journey back to the temples to explore Angkor Thom and the Tomb Raider temple of Ta Prohm, which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle. With knowledge in hand, we'll pay a visit to the Tree Alliance Restaurant, where disadvantaged and former street children are trained up in hospitality skills. And wow, do they do it well; their frozen shakes and mouth-watering menu never fail to impress. With no early rise on tomorrow's agenda, we can let loose on the city's famous Pub Street and the buzzing local night markets.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Siem Reap

We came, we saw, we did it all! After one final delicious Asian breakfast together it's finally time to say goodbye (sob). Team, it's been epic.

Meals: Breakfast

Prices

Dates

*Advertised price is based on twin share and is based on 16 November 2024 departure. Other travel dates available at seasonal surcharge. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for current availability and pricing.  

*Advertised price is based on 16 November 2024 departure. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for current availability and pricing. Other departure dates available at seasonal surcharge. Further terms and conditions apply, please speak with your RAC travel consultant for details.

^Save up to 17%: The discount applies to new bookings only, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn any time without notice. The discount applies to the land portions of the trip price only (this excludes any applicable taxes, included flight costs, National Park fees, festival tickets, extra accommodation, optional experiences). The offer is not valid on pre and post accommodation. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.