Wat Phra Kaew

After breakfast, we transfer to the city centre for an unforgettable day visiting Bangkok’s most important attractions.

We begin at Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, a Buddhist complex built in the 17th century and one of the nation’s most important historical landmarks, celebrated for its impressive central Prang encrusted with coloured porcelain.

We then cross the Chao Phraya River by boat and make our way to Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, a religious complex housing Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images, including the 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha statue. It is considered the oldest public centre of learning in the country and includes the Thai Medicine School and the Traditional Massage School.

We continue to the Grand Palace, the complex of buildings at the heart of the capital that has served as the official residence of the Kingdom of Siam’s rulers since 1782, and to Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Built in 1783 within the Grand Palace grounds, it is considered the most sacred Buddhist temple in the nation. Nearby, we visit the Tha Phrachan’s Amulet Market, one of the largest and most important amulet markets in Thailand.

We then head to Chinatown, one of the most vibrant and colourful areas of the capital, for a visit to Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing 5.5 tonnes and standing 3 metres tall.

The day concludes with a return to the hotel, or a private transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets and private transfers

Maeklong Railway Market

After breakfast, we transfer to the Maeklong Railway Market, also known as the Umbrella Pull-down Market — the most picturesque and authentic market in Thailand, established in 1905 literally on the railway tracksbuilt by local authorities at the time for the rapid transport of goods. Today, eight times a day, as vendors hear the approaching train, they swiftly remove their goods and umbrellas from the tracks to let it pass, then immediately reposition everything and calmly resume selling until the next train.

We then transfer to Damnoen Saduak, 90 km from Bangkok in Ratchaburi province. On arrival, we board a boat to explore the artificial canal built over 150 years ago, now famous for its celebrated floating market, where vendors aboard small wooden boats sell a variety of local produce, vegetables, fruit, desserts and handicrafts every day. Over the years the floating market has become a popular tourist attraction, yet it remains such a distinctive glimpse into everyday life that it is absolutely worth a visit.

We conclude with a stop at a coconut sugar farm, a working agricultural business specialising in the processing of coconut and its derivatives, where we observe the production process and sample some delicious products. We then return to our hotel in Bangkok.

Included: Hotel, breakfast, tour guide and private transfers

Wat Mahathat

Today we look forward to an unforgettable visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the most populated and remarkable city in the world from the 14th century until the Burmese invasion of 1767, considered the forerunner of modern Thailand: the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya.

We visit the most important monuments of Ayutthaya, including Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, or the Summer Palace, the complex once inhabited by Thai rulers; the Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Monastery, built in 1357; Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the Temple of the Holy; and Wat Mahathat, renowned for the iconic stone Buddha head entwined within the roots of a tree.

At lunchtime, we board a river cruise back to Bangkok, enjoying a delicious buffet lunch as we glide slowly along the enchanting Chao Phraya River.

At the end of the day, transfer to the airport in good time for the domestic flight to Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand.

Included: Hotel, breakfast, buffet lunch on cruise, tourist guide, tickets, private transfers, domestic flight

Golden Triangle

After breakfast, we visit a tea plantation, a large-scale cultivation widespread in northern Thailand, set in an enchanting landscape.

We then transfer to Doi Tung, a steep mountain approximately 50 km from Chiang Rai. We visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa and the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Garden , home to various species of plants and colourful flowers. The area once housed the Akha tribe, who were later relocated to a new adjacent village. We continue to the summit of Doi Tung for a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Tung, a millenary temple situated in an extraordinary position.

At the end, we proceed northeast to the famous Golden Triangle , located at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, which we visit with a panoramic boat excursion. 

We conclude the day with a visit to the  Opium Museum, built to educate people on the dangers arising from the use of narcotics. 

At the end of the day, return to the hotel in Chiang Rai.

Included : Private transportations, guide, tickets and hotel 

White temple

After breakfast, we visit Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, for the colour of its exterior. Created by the visionary painter Chalermchai Kositpipat, this contemporary temple is a very interesting visit for its impressive artistic contrast.

We continue to the surreal and artistic Baan Dam, widely known as “The Black House,“an undoubtedly unique construction created by the artist Thawan Duchanee. Contrary to its name, The Black House is not a single structure but a collection of approximately 40 buildings of various shapes and sizes scattered across a tranquil garden. An eclectic mix with references to traditional Thai artistic style and elegant exterior teak woodwork.

We then visit a village of Ethnic Minorities, known as “Hill Tribes” as they traditionally inhabit mountainous areas. Nowadays, in many villages in the area, one can still encounter inhabitants wearing traditional clothing.

At the end, transfer to Chiang Mai, the centre of Lanna culture since the late 13th century, today a perfect blend of ancient charm and contemporary society, and we visit Wat Chedi Luang, known for having housed the Emerald Buddha image for approximately 70 years, and Wat Phra Singh, known for the Phra Buddha Sihing, an important Buddha statue, among the finest examples of classical Lanna architecture.
Included: Tourist guide, private transfers, tickets, hotel

Included: Tour guide, private transfers, entrance tickets, hotel.

Monte Suthep, Chiang Mai

After breakfast, we head to Mount Suthep, a steep mountain not far from the city. We drive up to near the summit and then continue by elevator to the sacred temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most renowned monastery in Chiang Mai, visible from any point in the city.

We then transfer to the ethical elephant sanctuary. Although elephant-back excursions are prohibited (a practice now suppressed for some time out of respect for this incredible animal species), the excursion represents an unmissable experience to come into close contact with these pachyderms, caress them, feed them, play and interact with them in their natural habitat, and without doubt take many souvenir photographs.

At the end of the day, return to the hotel in Chiang Mai.

Included : Private transportation, guide, tickets, and hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in good time for the regional flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, transfer and hotel check-in.

Included : Private transfers, regional flight, and hotel

Old Hanoi

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of the capital at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a symbolic building that preserves the remains of the Vietnamese President of the same name, located at the heart of Ba Dinh Square where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1945.

We continue to the Presidential Palace, built in colonial style, and to the One Pillar Pagoda, whose name derives from its singular structure resting on a single pillar — a symbol of the purity of the lotus flower. It was erected by Emperor Ly Thai Tong as a good omen for the birth of a son to inherit the throne.

We then make our way to West Lake, Hanoi’s largest natural basin covering four square kilometres, to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital built in the 6th century, and to the Temple of Literature, the country’s first national university, founded in 1070 in honour of Confucius and serving as the Imperial Academy.

In the afternoon, we explore the Old Quarter aboard a traditional cyclo, weaving through the historic lanes that intersect in the old town and take their names from the goods once sold there.

We stop at Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, and cross the iconic red wooden The Huc Bridge leading to the Ngoc Son Temple, or Jade Mountain.

The day concludes with the world-famous Water Puppet Show.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel

Ninh Binh

In the morning, we head to Ninh Binh, approximately 100 km south of Hanoi, in the southern area of the Red River Delta. Celebrated for the hundreds of limestone cliffs rising from the earth amid vast rice paddies, this region is rightfully nicknamed “the inland Ha Long Bay“. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the visit offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the typical rural way of life in Vietnam.

We visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital until 1010 AD — a place of remarkable historical significance, witness to numerous events that changed the course of the nation’s history. We then continue to the Bai Dinh and Le temples. Bai Dinh and Le.

In the afternoon, we explore the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its network of caves, valleys and historical remains. We board a boat on the river to relax and take in the spectacular scenery of the natural park. At the end of the day, we check into our hotel in Ninh Binh.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, boat, private transfers and hotel

Halong Bay

In the early morning, we transfer to Ha Long port (approximately 4 hours). On arrival, we board our junk boat for an unforgettable cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World since 2008.

Covering an area of over 1,500 square kilometres, it is home to thousands of monolithic limestone islands, extraordinary caves, and a rich biodiversity with countless marine flora and fauna species.

While sailing through the bay’s magnificent natural scenery, a range of activities are available according to the cruise company’s programme, including swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, visiting a limestone cave and a fishing village — or simply relaxing and soaking in the unforgettable panorama.

Meals and overnight stay on board.

Included: Ha Long Bay junk boat (private cabin with AC), lunch, dinner

Halong Bay

The cruise offers the rare privilege of witnessing a spectacular sunrise over Ha Long Bay. For those who wish, a Tai Chi class on the deck of the junk is available at 6:00 in the morning.

After breakfast on board, further activities are available depending on the cruise company’s itinerary.

We then make our way back to Ha Long port, where a farewell brunch on board brings this unforgettable experience to a close.

Upon arrival at the port, we transfer to Hanoi airport in good time for the domestic flight to Hue.

Included: Tour guide, brunch on board, regional flight, hotel

Hue Citadel

After breakfast, we visit the Imperial City, the fortified palace within the Citadel. It was begun in 1623, though the completion of the project required a further 203 years.

We then visit the Thien Mu pagoda, or the “Pagoda of the Celestial Lady” according to an ancient legend, built in the 17th century during the Le dynasty and today the symbol of Hue.

In the afternoon, we visit the mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh.

We then transfer to Hoi An, passing through Danang, the third-largest city in Vietnam.

Historically, Danang assumed a decisive strategic military and political importance as it divided the Dai Viet Kingdom to the north from the Champa Kingdom to the south. Today it represents above all a geographical, climatic, and cultural boundary between North and South Vietnam.

The transfer crosses the Hai Van Pass, known as the Pass of the Clouds.

Upon arrival, hotel accommodation and check-in in Hoi An.

Included: Tourist guide, boat, tickets, private transfers, and hotel

Hoi An

After breakfast, transfer to Hoi An, the ancient trading centre immersed in a variety of spectacular landscapes, rich in numerous buildings constructed with Chinese and Japanese artistic influences, witnesses to a vibrant commercial past in the 2nd century AD.

During the transfer we cross Danang, the third city of Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass, better known as the “Ocean of Clouds” for the incredible view over the South China Sea, Lang Co, a place of beautiful rice paddy landscapes and splendid beaches. Further south we encounter the “Marble Mountains,” the five hills rich in Buddhist and Hindu caves, mythologically originating from tales of dragons and turtles, each corresponding to one of the 5 natural elements.

In the afternoon, we visit the ancient city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, where the buildings still visible today preserve the classic style and characteristics of the trading cities of the 15th–19th centuries with Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural influences.

We visit the Japanese Bridge and the adjoining Cau Chua Pagoda, built at the end of the 16th century by the Japanese community.

We proceed to the ancient Phung Hung house, built in 1780, among the finest examples of architecture in Hoi An. We conclude with a visit to the Fukien Temple, built at the end of the 17th century by the Chinese Fujian congregation.

We then transfer to Danang airport in good time for the regional flight Danang — Siem Reap.
Upon arrival, hotel accommodation and check-in in Saigon.

Included: Tourist guide, tickets, private transfers, regional flight, and hotel

Banteay Srei temple

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of the Angkor archaeological site at the Vishnuite sanctuary temple of Prasad Kravan (921 AD), renowned for its brick sculptures found nowhere else within the complex.

We stop at the Pre Rup temple, built in the 10th century during the reign of Rajendravarman, an unmistakable example of the “Temple Mountain” architectural style.

We then proceed to Banteay Samré, erected in the late 12th century as the last Hindu temple built at Angkor, and to Banteay Srei (10th century), the “Citadel of Women”, celebrated for its exquisite and delicately carved bas-reliefs — widely regarded as one of the unmissable highlights of the entire site.

In the afternoon, we visit the Buddhist temples, the last to be built during the Khmer Kingdom.

We explore the small yet captivating Ta Som, modest in size but utterly enchanting for its atmosphere of serene quietude; the Medicine Temple of Neak Pean, a wholly atypical structure from an architectural standpoint, designed to replicate the mythical lake of Anavatapta, the sacred Himalayan lake; and the temple of Preah Khan, “The Great Sword”, built on the site of Jayavarman II’s final battle to reclaim his kingdom from the invading Champa Empire.

Included: Tour guide, private transfers, entrance tickets, hotel.

Bayon temple

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the archaeological site at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, spreading across a surface area of approximately two million square metres. We then make our way to the picturesque temple of Ta Prohm, one of the most fascinating and photographed in the entire complex, still engulfed in vegetation and wrapped in the enormous roots of centuries-old banyan trees.

In the afternoon, we visit “The Great City” of Angkor Thom, a vast complex of buildings dominated by the Bayon temple, renowned for its 216 gigantic stone faces carved atop its 54 sanctuaries.

The day draws to a close with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the temple of Phimeanakas.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel.

Kompong Kleang floating village

In the morning, we transfer to the village of Dom Dek. Weather permitting, we make a stop at the colourful and authentic local market. Taking a detour, we immerse ourselves in the surreal atmosphere of Kompong Kleang : a long dirt road lined with wooden stilt houses rising over ten metres high, built to shelter their inhabitants from flooding during the rainy season.

We observe the daily life of the local community engaged in a variety of traditional fishing activities that, as if frozen in time, have remained unchanged for centuries. We then board a traditional wooden boat and navigate along the canal that flows into Tonle Sap lake. Continuing further, we reach the floating village — an entire community that has lived and worked on the water for centuries. Alongside private homes, we find floating schools, shops, workshops and restaurants.

In the afternoon, we head north to visit Beng Mealea, one of the last Hindu temples predating the Buddhist religious reform. The visit is among the most captivating in the area, as the temple has undergone little restoration and remains almost entirely swallowed by the surrounding forest.

We then return to the hotel in Siem Reap.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private boat, private transfers and hotel.

Banteay Chhmar temple

In the early morning, we leave Siem Reap heading towards Battambang, the second-largest city in Cambodia.

During the transfer, we visit another unmissable masterpiece of Khmer architecture, the Banteay Chhmar temple, built in the late 12th century and still immersed in vegetation, off the beaten tourist track.

Upon arrival in Battambang, we visit the town and the colonial buildings along the river.

We continue to the traditional Wat Kor village, where we visit some authentic wooden Khmer houses built approximately 100 years ago. Among these, the residence of Noun Chea, one of the most prominent figures of the Pol Pot regime.

Included: Tourist guide, tickets, private transfers, and hotel

Bamboo Train

We spend the day to the most important sights in and around Battambang.

We begin with a visit to the Ek Phnom temple, built in the 11th century, passing through an enchanting rural landscape along the way. We stop at a local home to observe the production process of the rice paper discs used in the preparation of delicious spring rolls.

We then continue to Prasad Banan, the Angkorian hilltop temple reached by climbing the original stone staircase of 358 steps.

In the afternoon, we experience the thrill of the “bamboo train” — an exhilarating ride through the Cambodian countryside aboard a motorised bamboo platform on the old railway line.

We conclude the day with an extraordinary visit to the cave on Phnom Sampeu hill to witness the incredible spectacle of a dense cloud of bats that takes flight every day at 5:30 pm, heading towards Tonle Sap lake to feed.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel.

Oudong Monastery

We continue our journey towards the capital. The long transfer from Battambang offers a wonderful opportunity to observe the daily life of the Khmer people going about their everyday activities.

We stop in the town of Pursat to visit a soapstone (or “soap rock”) craft workshop, where religious statues and various objects are produced. We then visit the terracotta craft workshops in Kompong Chhnang village.

In the afternoon, we reach Oudong, the former capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia from 1818 to 1866. We visit the Oudong Monastery, the largest in Cambodia, and the adjacent hill where sacred stupas preserving relics of the Buddha stand alongside breathtaking panoramic views.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel

Throne Hall – Royal Palace

We explore the fascinating capital Phnom Penh, once known by the epithet “the Pearl of Asia,” one of the most beautiful cities built in Indochina in the 1920s, which preserves its colonial and traditional Khmer charm.

We visit the Royal Palace, still the residence of the King today, where the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda stand out. A visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (or “S-21 School”) is also well worth it, a testimony to the dramatic period during the Khmer Rouge regime.

We conclude the day with a visit to the colourful local market.

We then transfer to the airport in good time for the international flight.

Included: Tourist guide, tickets, and private transfers