Colorful Cambodia & Thailand

សួស្ដី Sua s'dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Your private guide will meet with you at airport and take you to the hotel for check in.

Today a full-day city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. It remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. You will be transferred to Royal Palace, and visit the Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Wat Phnom. Have lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to Tuol Sleng Prison Museum， a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture center, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured there. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tells the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. The Choeung Ek Memorial, home to a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls, marking the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting it's almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9,000 corpses have been exhumed from the area.

Morning departure from Phnom Penh to Battambang by private transfer (about 5-6 hrs), en route, you will stop at Phnom Oudong, the ancient Cambodian capital during the latter stages of the Khmer Empire and crowning site of many past kings. Consisting of a series of stupas atop a large hill, there are outstanding views across the surrounding plains below. Phnom Oudong was bombed and desecrated by the Americans and then the Khmer Rouge, but still possesses a beauty that no war has been able to steal from it. 
Then stop at Kompong Loung to visit the village of goldsmiths along the Tonle Sap, a manufacturing souvenir center stopping. Continue to Pursat Province, famous for its marble stone carvings. You will also take the time to stop at a pottery village in Kompang Chhnang before arriving at Battambang. Upon Arrival in Battambang, check into the hotel, and free time for you.

Today you will discover the city of Battambang, a charming big city where you can watch the elegant houses in the French colonial style along the river. You then visit the Provincial Museum and the pagoda before heading to the 11th century temple of Wat Ek Phnom. 

You will pass through traditional villages along the route where you can attend the manufacture of family rice cakes and contacting people about their daily lives. Afternoon, we drive an hour's ride to the hill of Phnom Bannon (337 steps) and its temple, Prasat Bannon, 7th century, which stands atop mountain that reach by a long staircase. From there, you can also admire the beautiful scenic landscape of villages, plains, pagodas. We drive to the Bamboo Railway Station. The Bamboo Train has been set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of goods and people. The train in itself is very basic – one platform on 4 wheels activated by a small motor. Sitting on the platform we travel the 8km to the next station through beautiful landscape and rice paddies. On arrival, you will visit a village and discover the daily life of the Cambodian countryside. You will also visit a workshop which is specialized in wooden sculpture.

After breakfast in hotel of Battambang, make a classic journey by boat across the Tonle Sap Lake (approximately 7 hours), taking in the magnificent views, scattering of fishermen and local people living atop their floating villages. After arrive at Siem Reap, check in at hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Note: Between April and August, when water levels are typically at their lowest, we are unable to travel by boat and instead make this journey by private car. So that our Intrepid travelers at this time don't miss out on the Tonle Sap experience, we instead include a boat tour of Tonle Sap from Siem Reap.

This morning you will be picked up at your accommodation in Siem Reap to begin your unforgettable Angkor Wat Tour. You will be transferred by private car to the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist.Your tour will include visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Angkor Period (AD 802-1432). Visit the breathtaking Bayon Temple, one of the most popular sites in Angkor complex with over 200 giant faces carved into its 54 towers. The temple was designed to represent the 54 provinces of the Khmer Empire and it still carries a completely majestic atmosphere. You will also visit Baphuon Temple,Phimeanakas Temple,the Terrace of the Elephant,the Terrace of the Leper King,and Royal Palace Temple. 

In the afternoon, you will visit Angkor Wat Temple, one of the seven wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. View sunset at Phnom Bakheng before heading back to your accommodation.

If you want, you can take the early morning trip witness sunrise over Angkor Wat temple and listening singing birds over the ancient land of Angkor area, you also have the chance for a friendly talk with the monks and nuns at a nearby pagoda. After the sunrise tour, breakfast either at the hotel or takeaway is available. 

Start the day by visiting Banteay Srei Temples, nearly everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carving. Continue to visit Banteay Samre, Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer. Have lunch at a local restaurant for exotic cuisine. Ta Prohm temple and Banteay Kdei are your next stops before some leisure time in the late afternoon. 

Your private guide will escort you to Siem Reap international airport for your flight to Bangkok. On arrival, your private guide will welcome you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Pick up from your hotel in Bangkok and head out from Bangkok to Bang Wha train station to get on the local train at 10:10 am. This train will take you to Maeklong Railway Market where there is a variety of food stalls, raw ingrediency, seafood, and all shops selling on the railway. Arrive at Maeklong Market and enjoy walking around this famous market you will have a chance to try seasonal fresh fruit and local snacks.

Continue to the most famous floating market in Thailand - Damnern Saduak Market. Get on the long tail boat and enjoy the scenic views of Thai houses of Thai people living along the river and canals. And enjoy tasting famous coconut pancakes, coconut ice cream, noodles etc.,

Afternoon return to Bangkok to visit the Grand Palace which is the most important and impressive Royal Palace in Thailand. We will show you the palaces used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, and of course the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. 

After a long day, our guide takes you from Grand Palace to the hidden rooftop café to enjoy your drink with sunset moments behind the Temple of Dawn (WAT ARUN). Finish the tour and return to your hotel.

Depart for a 1.5-hour drive through Bangkok's rural outskirts to Ayutthaya History Park. Begin by visiting the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace, located 60 kilometers north of Bangkok, an impressive architectural blend of East and West dating back to the 17th century. Continue to Ayutthaya, which was the capital of the Thai Kingdom for 417 years. The city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and in 1767 it was destroyed by the Burmese army. Nowadays the ruins of the former city are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. 

Stroll around the ruins of several ancient temples including Wat Yai Chaimongkol, a temple famous for its huge reclining Buddha lying comfortably in the sun (28-meter-long reclining Buddha); Wat Mahathat, where the roots of a tree surround the head of Buddha. During the visit, your guide will take you to sample a notable local snack – Roti Sai Mai which is also referred to as 'Sweet Angel Hair'.

This afternoon at around 1:00 pm, Welcome on board the Chao Phraya River cruise and enjoy a Superb buffet lunch whilst cruising back to Bangkok. Coffee breaks will be served while you enjoy the enchanting sight along the river banks such as the Royal barges, Thammasat University, The Royal Grand Palace, and the graceful Temple of Dawn. Witness the daily life of the river’s inhabitants and watch the scenery change from rural to cosmopolitan transfer back to Bangkok (at around 4:00 pm).

You will take your internal flight to the historical and colorful city of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand, with its lovely Lanna temples, charming traditions, unique food, family-friendly attractions and stunning setting is a gem in Thailand’s northern hills. There’s so much for tourists to do here, from cultural exploration to adventurous treks and food tours. Your private guide is waiting for you at the airport to take you by private car to your hotel.

Your morning half-day Chiang Mai old-city, temple tour takes you on an unforgettable drive through many different parts of the city. Your tour includes Wat Pra Singh which is one of over 200 ancient Buddhist temples located around the city and one of the most well-regarded examples of Lanna architecture. The temple of Wat Chedi Luang is the site of an enormous pagoda, originally 280 feet high, which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. Continue to Warorot Market to see and feel the real northern people’s way of life. 

Enjoy your meal at a local restaurant, then a relaxing drive of about 1hr takes you to the Doi Suthep Mountain. Climb 309 steps to the top (For the less active traveler, a tram is available for a small surcharge.), enjoying the truly breathtaking scenery all along the way.  You will find Wat Phra That at the very top, one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. At the top, rest and relax while marveling at the panoramic views of Chiang Mai. 

A half-day package to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (join activity) offers you an enjoyable opportunity to spend quality time with elephants in their natural home, as well as gain an insight into their history and behavior, and create cherished lifelong memories of their time spent with these amazing animals.

Today you will be picked up (private transfer) from your place of accommodation and will drive through scenic agricultural areas before arriving at the Sanctuary. There, you will meet your English-speaking guide and learn a little about the elephants, before changing into traditional Karen clothing.

After being allocated bananas and sugar cane to feed to the elephants, you will walk with your guide through the Sanctuary, where you will find free-roaming elephants and hear their individual stories. You can touch, feed, photograph, and interact with the elephants at your leisure while you learn about their lifestyle and behaviors. 

After the close encounter with the elephant, you will return to your hotel, the rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Check out and transfer to the airport for your flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket. On arrival, your private guide will accompany you for your hotel check-in. After settling in, relax poolside or head to the beach.

You'll take in Phuket Island's natural beauty as you are driven along beach roads through Patong, Karon, Kata, and Rawai. 

Your first stop will be the hilltop 'Three Beaches' viewpoint where you can take in a great vista of the beautiful bays of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon, as well as Kho Pu Island, at one of the island's best scenic spots. 

You will continue to visit Phuket's Big Buddha, which is one of the most important and revered landmarks on the island. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and, at 45 meters tall, can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach. Then go to Wat Chalong is the largest and most revered. The temple complex was built in its current location in 1837. Some remains of older structures have been found, however, it is unknown exactly how old they are.

The last stop is Phuket Town. Soak up an atmosphere at a local market with many local food and people. Try to eat like locals by starting to drink Thai coffee and enjoy eating 6 local food and drink stops. For example, “Ba-Jang”, an authentic Chinese food made of sticky rice and various other ingredients all wrapped up in bamboo leaves and steamed. Enjoy the experience of the famous traditional Phuket dish “Mee Hokkein”  and taste it in a local environment. And also a fresh coconut, local dessert, and ice cream. All of the food you have known all food stories relate to people. Get many true Phuket cultures by walking through the fresh market, a Chinese Shrine, a Buddhist temple, and Phuket Old Town. Learn about its Sino-Portuguese Heritage, architecture, and Peranakan community’s culture by walking and looking at buildings along the road. 

**All the food mentioned above are samples for your reference, our guide will arrange the food for you depending on your preferences.

Enjoy a private transfer to the pier, our private guide will also escort you on the boat, they will provide you a one-on-one service by helping you take care of your belongings, taking photos when you are snorkeling, etc.

After picking up at your Phuket hotel in the morning, you will arrive at the cruise departure point at Ao Por Pier. You can enjoy the complimentary coffee, tea, and dessert service before boarding your boat and entering Ao Phang Nga National Park (join boat). There you will have an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the area by snorkeling and swimming in the peaceful blue water. Later, you can admire the craggy stalactite formations of Panak Island’s caves while canoeing in Bat Cave or Mangrove cave. Then, when you leave Panak Island and move on to Hong Island, our guides will be with you as you explore hidden caves and lagoons on the island. If you are lucky, you will find locals selling coconuts in the mangroves, and you may even get close enough to observe a variety of wild monkeys!

After having a wonderful buffet lunch on board the boat, you will continue to a photo stop at Khao Phing Kan, also known as James Bond Island. The famous movie named ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ was filmed on this island. Then, you can enjoy swimming and relax on the beach before returning to Ao Por Pier and our private guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Day of leisure. Relax at your hotel or explore the surrounding area.

Day of leisure. Relax at your hotel or explore the surrounding area.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes to escort you to the airport for your onward flight.