12 Days Discover the best of Thailand, Laos & Cambodia

12 days11 nights
Tour Type
Private
This tour can be taken as a private tour following our set tour itinerary. Select your own travel dates to suit your personal group of family or friends.
Custom
You can customize any of our small group or private tour itineraries. You can do that by completing a booking for a specific tour and letting us know what else you want included in your China tour to custom design it.
Destinations
Bangkok
Ayutthaya
Chiang Mai
Luang Prabang
Siem Reap
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12 Days Discover the best of Thailand, Laos & Cambodia

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  • Tour Name
    12 Days Discover the best of Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
  • Tour Type
    Small Group
  • Travel Date
    2025-08-08
  • Accommodation
    Luxury
  • Adults
    5
  • Children aged 2 to 11 years
    5
  • Infants aged 0 to 23 months
    5
  • Rooms
    5
  • Extra beds
    5

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  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Accommodation
  • Inclusions/Exclusions
  • Important Info

Highlights

Bangkok
Ayutthaya
Chiang Mai
Luang Prabang
Siem Reap

Open up to the heart of Indochina with a tour that focuses on the essential highlights of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

Cultivate a deeper understanding of Indochina’s heart on this tour, which takes you through the highlights of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. With your time balanced between each country, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the diversity of each, including the people, food, culture, and history. Including excellent accommodation choices, a relaxed and manageable tour itinerary, knowledgeable local guides, and the freedom to choose where you eat, this essentials tour will no doubt be the start of your love affair with Indochina.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Bangkok

On arrival at Bangkok Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide who will transfer you to the hotel. Feel free to relax or wander locally in preparation for the next day’s tour activities.

Meals included: None

Day 2 - Bangkok

Today’s tour begins at 8:00am, when you will be collected from the hotel to take a closer look at Thai Buddhist culture. First stop is Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok’s most enchanting temple, arriving as the resident monks gather for their morning chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand’s Buddhist heritage. On a walk around Wat Pho there is a vast collection of religious treasures to see. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-metres in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha’s intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image. The tour continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered royal family for more than two centuries. You are free to choose lunch at a local restaurant before travelling by long-tail boat through Bangkok’s canals to discover the true heart of the city. The journey begins with a ride along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the ‘River of Kings’. Admire the passing skyline where glittering pagodas stand in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. Make a stop at the Royal Barges National Museum. See the eight spectacular boats used by Thailand’s Royal Family to mark special occasions. Carved from teak and intricately decorated with gold leaf and mosaics, the barges are a truly impressive. Go ashore at Wat Arun, a 79-metre-high pagoda built in a style similar to Angkor Wat. Meaning ‘Temple of Dawn’, Wat Arun is one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples and the perfect last stop on the day’s tour.    

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Bangkok - Ayutthaya – Bangkok

This full day tour begins at 8:00am, travelling by van and boat to explore Thailand's ancient capital and cultural heartlands. A 90 minute drive will bring you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Ayutthaya. The city was established as the royal capital in the 14th century and rapidly became the largest city in all of Asia, with grandiose temples and an impressive network of canals. Although much of the city was destroyed in 1767 when the Burmese army invaded, there is still plenty of evidence of its former grandeur. Visit the main sites, admiring their unique architectural styles and learn about the history of the former city.Tour Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a classic example of Ayutthaya architecture and former home to a 16-metre high, gold-covered Buddha which was melted down by the Burmese.

Continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, with an impressive collection of seated Buddha Images, and Wat Mahathat where a tree has, over the course of several decades, grown around a stone carving of the Buddha’s face. Stroll through Ayutthaya’s local market and take a walk through the town's Muslim Quarter which offers the opportunity to sample an unusual local delicacy, candy floss roti.

At midday begin the return boat trip from Ayutthaya to Bangkok with a one-hour drive to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Board an air-conditioned riverboat and cruise down the river, commonly referred to as ‘The River of Kings’. The journey takes three hours, allowing for plenty of time to observe the passing scenery of riverside life. Arrive in Bangkok in the late afternoon and transfer back to the hotel to stay overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Bangkok - Chiang Mai

This morning, after checking out of the hotel you will be transferred to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, take a journey of spiritual discovery in Chiang Mai. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. Upon reaching the top, explore the 14th-century pagoda and hear about its origins. Wander around the towering gilded stupa and take a moment to enjoy the views of Chiang Mai in the distance. Return down the mountain to continue along the trail to Wat Suan Dok, a 48-metre golden chedi built in Sri Lankan style, holding a unique Buddha relic. Ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred in the mausoleum.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Chiang Mai

After an early morning pick up from the hotel, you will be driven approximately 50 minutes north through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas to arrive at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Ethical sustainable eco-tourism is promoted at this retirement home for elephants that have previously worked hard for tourism, entertainment or in the logging industry. Throughout the day you will gain an insight into elephants’ life and their story while spending time with them in a safe area.

On arrival, change into traditional clothing before preparing fruit to feed the elephants. You have a chance to feed, interact and play with the elephants in a natural environment. Photo opportunities abound. Enjoy refreshments or a Pad Thai lunch yourself before preparing sticky rice mixed with herbs for the elephants. Learn more about their background, health care, and common behaviors and have fun with them in the pool bathing, mud scrubbing and taking photos. Refreshments will be served before departing the sanctuary for your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang

Today’s trip begins with a short tour to Sankampeang handicraft villages, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Our guide will meet you on arrival and take you to check in at the hotel. Take advantage of a special chance to get acquainted with the local culture by attending the Baci Ceremony at a local house in the evening. A visit to the night market is a perfect way to explore the authentic local life and to find excellent travel mementos.

Meals included: Breakfast

Notes: The Baci Ceremony is approximately 90 minutes in length and attendance is optional.

Day 7 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang

An optional early start offers a special opportunity to participate in the daily Morning Alms Giving Ceremony of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you’ll visit the morning Phosi Market, where diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings can be seen.

A tour of the Old Town takes in the city’s oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground in classical Laotian architectural style. Learn more about the ethnic culture from the perspective of an American by taking a private tour at the TAEC center.

After lunch, on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, enjoy breathtaking views through the tranquil countryside, before exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Here two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. You will be returned to your hotel and free to enjoy your evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Luang Prabang – Khuang Si Falls - Luang Prabang

You will be picked up by your guide and then begin a short trip, travelling through the valley and passing local villages along the way. After reaching the Hmong ethnic community of Ban Long Lao Kao, you will have the opportunity to visit and take in the sights of the village. Then, start your hike to the famous Khuang Si waterfalls, walking through vegetable gardens, rice fields and forests under the shade of hardwood trees, such as rosewood and ebony. After arriving at the Khuang Si waterfalls, enjoy a delicious picnic in the natural surroundings of the area. Enjoy a rest, or the chance to go swimming, before heading back to Luang Prabang. Take advantage of the optional visit to Ock Opo Tok, a sustainably operated Living Crafts Center established to provide opportunities for local women through the preservation of traditional weaving and handcrafts. Purchase unique Laos textiles here and take home a beautiful travel memento.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Luang Prabang – Siem Reap

First tour stop after breakfast is the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. On display is a wonderful collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings, right through to the last sovereign. Mix with locals at the Central Market experiencing the bustling atmosphere and explore a range of food and products for what might take your fancy. You are free to enjoy leisure time until transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Siem Reap

Today you will be driven to the south gate of Angkor Thom, the entrance to the once-glorious capital of the Khmer Empire. This massive historical site encompasses a series of eminent structures, such as the Bayon Temple, famed for the multitude of serene and vivid carvings, Elephant Terrace, a giant reviewing stand for Angkor’s King to greet his victorious army, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm Temple, a famous location in the film Tomb Raider. After the lunch break, the trip continues to the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here you will be transferred to the Pre Rup Temple, acknowledged as one of the best spots in Angkor to catch an impressive sunset, weather permitting.

Meals included: Breakfast

Notes:

Dress Code: Revealing clothes, such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly recommended in Angkor.

Smoking: Smoking inside the temple is prohibited at all times.

Public holiday closures: The Bakan Tower (Central Tower) of Angkor Wat Temple is closed on Buddhist Sabbath Days (Buddhist religious days which occur four days each month. On these days, the tower cannot be climbed.

Day 11 – Siem Reap

Commence the day with exploration of Kompong Khleang Floating Village, perhaps the most authentic of Cambodia’s floating villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6 meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. Villagers then move out onto the lake and build temporary stilted houses, returning in the wet season when water level rises again. Traveling on, arrive at the Wat Thmei, Killing Field, featuring a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. Proceeding to Les Chantiers Ecoles Artisans D' Angkor, you will be able to observe a workshop that teaches the unique craft of wood and stone carving in the tradition and style of classic Cambodian artistry, before stopping at Wat Preah Prum Rath, the second oldest pagoda in Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 – Siem Reap departure

You will be at leisure till our guide and driver escort you to airport for your return flight. Tours conclude today.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Luang Prabang
Siem Reap

Inclusions / Exclusions

Inclusions:

  • Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified
  • Accommodation: hotels based on double/twin occupancy as specified
  • Meals: as specified in the itinerary
  • Tour guide: excellent private English-speaking guide
  • Transportation: Economy class flights between Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Luang Prabang/Siem Reap
  • Boat trip on Chao Phraya River
  • Transfers: land transfer with drivers as specified
  • Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
  • Government taxes and fees.

Exclusions:

  • International flights to Bangkok and from Siem Reap
  • Visa fees
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of a personal nature
  • Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.

Important Information

Important information – PRIVATE TOUR

  • This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It's always available for your schedule!
  • Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Prices Based on Twin Occupancy
  • The prices shown above are not valid during Official Holidays (such as Christmas Holiday, New Year's Holiday, National Holiday or other festival occasions in each country etc.)
  • The tour guide may adjust the itinerarydue to closure of the museums each Monday.
  • Any city not included in the existing tour package can be blended into as Private tour.
  • Entering and exitingThailand from Vietnam and Cambodia are also available.
  • Stays at entering and exiting cities (Bangkok and Siem Reap) can be extended.

Important information – FOR SMALL GROUP TOUR

  • This is a small group tour with fixed itinerary and guaranteed departures. You'll travel with other like-minded people.
  • Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums on each Monday
  • Stays at entering and exiting cities (Bangkok and Siem Reap) can be extended.
  • The prices shown above are not valid during Official Holidays (such as Christmas Holiday, New Year's Holiday, National Holiday or other festival occasions in each country etc.)
  • Prices based on Twin Occupancy
  • The maximum number of passengers in a small group tour is 12 people.

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Testimonials


Debbie W
Debbie W
Reviewed on July 4, 2025
Tripadvisor score Beautiful China!

June 2025 • Family

We absolutely had a wonderful time and would highly recommend Chinatours.com to assist travelers to build their itinerary. Our itinerary was well outlined to include many wonderful historical sites, fun outdoor markets and beautiful gardens. We were guided by very knowledgeable and friendly tour guides. We especially liked Lee. She was accommodating, knowledgeable about the history of China, introduced us to the many wonderful things about the culture, recommended very good local restaurants, and assured confirmation and safety of our transportation. Chinatours booked us very nice hotels and the transport between cities was seamless. We really enjoyed our time in China and wished we could have stayed longer.
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Daniel R
Daniel R
Reviewed on July 3, 2025
Tripadvisor score Great Time In Beijing!

July 2025 • Solo

Really enjoyed by first trip to Beijing! Our tour guide, Nancy, was terrific. She was very informative and kept things very well organized and on schedule. I would definitely recommend China Tours to anyone who wants to visit China.
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Sherin E
Sherin E
Reviewed on July 3, 2025
Tripadvisor score Fantastic tour guide in Beijing!

July 2025 • Family

Our trip in Beijing was absolutely amazing. We had an excellent tour guide, Nancy. She was very knowledgeable, supportive and always ready to help us to make our stay enjoyable. We highly recommend her.
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Ivan J
Ivan J
Reviewed on July 3, 2025
Tripadvisor score Beijing tour group

July 2025 • Couples

Great Beijing tour, the small group works great. Excellent tour guide Nancy - good English, fun and loads of knowledge. Accommodation was great!
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Genoveva G
Genoveva G
Reviewed on June 24, 2025
Tripadvisor score Great tour with Linda in Beijing

June 2025 • Friends

This is our second tour with China tours, and it was fantastic. Linda was our guide in Beijing. She was great! She was very knowledgeable about history and culture and a very kind person. Our group was a mix of young and old, and she made our days in Beijing interesting for everyone. We highly recommend Linda and China tours!
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Tofta2010
Tofta2010
Reviewed on June 23, 2025
Tripadvisor score Very interesting and inspiring days!

June 2025 • Friends

Linda did an excellent job to explain and teaching us all about Chinese history and give us a good insight to all the places she showed us. We were a diverse group and even got our three children interred along the way. Thanks Linda!
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Gavin M
Gavin M
Reviewed on June 19, 2025
Tripadvisor score 100% fabulous experience

June 2025 • Family

The trip with China Tours was 100% fabulous. Everything about it was exactly as described. The tour guides were all wonderful, the hotels, and transfers (two bullet trains, two domestic flights) were amazing, everything went exactly as planned, and we had a great first trip to China. We did the 13 Days China Wonders & Pandas tour in June 2025. The balance was perfect between sightseeing with the guides and having free time to explore this amazing country at each destination. The high quality of the five guides along the way really made the trip. They were wonderful people without exception: professional, courteous, very knowledgeable, and friendly. The team at China Tours did truly great work in arranging everything, down to the last detail. Thank you very much for making this trip a really great experience!
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Susan B
Susan B
Reviewed on June 19, 2025
Tripadvisor score The only way to visit China!

June 2025 • Couples

This is a fantastic tour. The tour guides are amazing- so knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The experience of visiting the historic sites has been made far richer than it would’ve been on our own. We have left China with a greater understanding of Chinese history, culture and its people.
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