Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

In the morning, start a private, full day tour of Bangkok city. First, visit three of the most important temples. Wat Trimitr, the temple of Golden Buddha, houses an impressive 5½ tons, solid gold Buddha sculpted in the graceful Sukhothai style. Next, visit Wat Po, the temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. The next stop will be at AWat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most sacred and revered temple. Adjoining it is the Grand Palace, a building that gracefully combines European and Thai architecture.


After a sumptuous lunch in a local restaurant, board a long-tailed speedboat for a thrilling ride through the klongs (canals) of outer Bangkok to get a closer look at the rural lifestyle. Then board a converted Rice Barge for a cruise on the bigger canals. These boats offer a very different perspective of Bangkok and provide a spectacular opportunity to observe the scenery and the simple life of the friendly canal residents. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
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Early morning pick up in Bangkok for ground transfer to Kanchanburi Province. Upon arrival, visit the cemetery of the allied prisoners of World War II. Then journey to visit the JEATH War Museum that commemorates the prisoners of war that were held captive here by Japanese. Late morning transfer to the Bridge on the River Kwai, which is regarded as the heart of Kanchanburi, in regards to the history of WWII. Experience a ride on the infamous Death Railway across the bridge, through local farmland, limestone mountains and finally to Tam Krasae station, to get off for lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue further north to the uniquely scenic borderland of Sangklaburi, the western most district adjacent to Myanmar. Enjoy a coffee break at the Groeng Grawia Waterfall, before continuing to the Three Pagodas Pass – the mainland route into Thailand since ancient times, that holds Buddhist significance as well as a deal of history from the Burmese-Siamese War of 1548. The pass is named for three small, crumbling pagodas which were built as a symbol of peace. Transfer to the guesthouse four the evening and enjoy a traditional Thai dinner.
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Morning visit to Mon Temple or Wat Wang Wiwekaram, which was built by the Mon Hill Tribe people and is highly revered by both Mon, Burmese and Thai people on both sides of the border. Then enjoy a nice walk along the Wooden Bridge on Khao Laem Lake that provides a terrific view of Sangklaburi town and its landscape. The bridge is over 850 meters (2788 feet) long and considered as Thailand’s longest wooden bridge, stretching over the Song Galia River. Afterwards, enjoy a boat trip on the magnificent Khao Laem Lake to a floating village. On the way, make a brief stop at a sunken temple.

Return to Kanchanaburi town with lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Then continue to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, the renowned site at which WWII prisoners of war were forced into labor to create a pass for the Death Railway. Visit the informative museum and walk along the trail to the site of the Pass. In the early evening, depart for a night jungle safari. Upon arrival at the camp, be introduced to the resident elephants by playing with them and bathing them on the river. Then embark on a night safari by elephant back through the camp and into the woodlands along the River Kwai. Conclude the night by relaxing during a barbeque dinner on the riverbank before transferring to the hotel for the night.
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Morning transfer to Elephant’s World, an organization that is designed for those with genuine interest in elephant welfare and want to have the experience of taking care of domesticated elephants. Elephant’s World is also a sanctuary for sick, old, disabled, abused, illegal and street elephants who receive the rest and joy that they deserve. Situated just 32 kilometers (20 miles) outside of town, the camp is surrounded by mountains and along the river, creating an oasis of tranquility and peace. Upon arrival, meet the staff and feed the elephants by making sticky rice, cutting bana-grass, sugarcane or banana plants.


Late afternoon, continue to Nong Kao Village for a village tour (either by bicycle or local truck), visiting the village shrine, a palm orchard, and the rice paddies to observe the local livelihoods. Take some time to try some of the delicious local fruits, before receiving a demonstration of a ritual to the Rice Goddess. This performance that is meant to strengthen and comfort the spirit of the Goddess enhances one’s understanding of the role of rice plantations in the Thai farming society.
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Depart Kanchanaburi for the return to Bangkok airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. After lunch take a tour around Luang Prabang with the private guide. First visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. The next stop is Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays). Displayed inside is an impressive collection of personal artifacts of the royal family.

Continue on to visit Wat Mai - built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden sim epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Phou Sii Hill stands right in the center of this small city; climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction. Sunset can be enjoyed at Vat Siphouthabath or with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River. Enjoy the evening at leisure before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Start the day early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang – ‘Tak Bat’. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). The guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still very much a part of everyday life in Laos and travelers will have the chance to make ‘merit’. It’s early but well worth the wake up call!

After breakfast head off with the guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful. Then head to the river to begin a relaxing riverboat trip with the guide on the mighty Mekong to visit Pak Ou Buddha Caves. En route it is possible to stopover at Ban Xanghai where local people produce Lao rice wine. Pak Ou caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this tradition.

After exploring the caves and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant return to the boat and journey back to Luang Prabang. Once returned, transfer to a private vehicle and take a drive out of town to the nearby village of Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by Lu minority people that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. Lao textiles are still woven here in the traditional manner on ancient wooden looms. This village was once famed for producing silks for the Royal Palace. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
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Transfer to Phonesavanh with a local guide by a mountainous and windy road with breathtaking views. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. After lunch continue the drive through the mountains, passing many small H’mong villages. Along the way it is possible to stop to visit a local market and a couple of these villages. The mountains give way to small hills and peaceful countryside. Arrive late in the afternoon in Phonesavanh town and transfer to the hotel. Diner and accommodation is included at the hotel.

Note: As an alternative to driving to Phonesavanh, one may choose to fly directly from Vientiane at an added cost.
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Breakfast is included at the hotel. This morning visit the local market then take a walking tour (approx. 2 hours) to the Plain of Jars Site One which is the largest site, with stops on the hills surrounding the city (travel can be made by vehicle instead of walking if preferred). After exploring Jars site 1 return to the city for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch drive to Muang Khun, the former Xieng Khouang city destroyed by the war (approximately 30 kilometers/18 miles from the city center). Continue for approximately 3 kilometers/2 miles after the city to Ban Phai to visit a small and mainly unknown site of Jars. Return to Muang Khun and visit the ruins of the old city including the Wat, then take a short walk to a Tai Dam village. Tai Dam are well accustomed to Lao life but still keep their distinctive cultural customs such as weaved headdress. Return to Phonesavanh late in the afternoon and enjoy dinner out before returning to the hotel for the night. Overnight in Phonesavanh.
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This morning drive for about 45 minutes to visit Site Three, which is surrounded by rice fields, then continue to nearby Site Two which has the biggest jar (2.7 m long). Along the way stop at a Pou An minority village with traditional houses. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. After lunch if time permits it may be possible to visit a silk center (usually closed on Sundays) located outside the city, where one can view the silk making process - from mulberry tree plantation to wonderful silk products.

Mid-afternoon transfer to Vientiane for the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
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Morning city tour with the private guide. In this essential highlight tour, visit the former Presidential Palace, which is now preserved as a museum, including the underground communications bunkers, headquarters for the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the History Museum, which houses an excellent display tracing the origins of the indigenous Vietnamese. Take the opportunity to see a delightful performance of Water Puppetry in the grounds. Visit Notre Dame, an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral in the center of city, the “wedding cake” styled Hotel d'Ville and Dong Khoi street, formerly the center of haute couture in Saigon when it was known as Rue Catinat.


Lunch at local restaurant followed by a privately guided half day tour to Cu Chi tunnels. Journey out of the city center to the Cu Chi region, to visit the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defense against the French, and later expanded during the American War. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare. Marvel at their ingenuity and resilience. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms.


The more adventurous may explore the deeper second, and even third level tunnels. For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. The guide will advise travelers of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering - some are easily accessed by stairs. Yampu recommends good walking shoes and sun protection for this tour and advises guests that they may get a little dirty! Return to Saigon in late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.
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Private transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival, airport reception and private transfer to the city for a visit to the Chasm Museum, then continue to visit Hoi An. Close by Danang is China Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Also nearby are the Marble Mountains; a climb inside through the hundreds of the natural caves and grottoes is a must.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Hoi An before taking a walking tour with the private guide of this small town. Wander the completely traffic free streets and discover the historic old town center before transferring to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
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Morning transfer to Hue in a private vehicle. The overland journey travels through the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam while traversing the Hai Van, or “Cloudy Pass”. There will be plenty of photo opportunities and stops at beaches en route. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Private afternoon guided tour of the Imperial Citadel. In the early 19th century, when the Nguyen Dynasty administered Vietnam from Hue, the Emperor constructed a mighty citadel from where he could both live and rule. The resulting Imperial Citadel was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, but suffered much damage during years of war. Many of the pavilions, bridges, libraries and great halls are now being carefully restored with help from UNESCO. Marvel at the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who built the fortress and lived with in its moated walls for nearly 150 years.
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Morning visit to the Thein Mu Pagoda with a private boat and guide. Built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest, the “Heavenly Lady Pagoda” is one of the oldest and prettiest religious buildings in the country. Among the many interesting artifacts housed at the complex is the car that took the monk Thich Quag Duc to the site of his self-immolation in 1963 Saigon. Then, continue by boat to the less visited, yet most majestic, of all of Hue’s tombs – the tomb of Minh Mang. Built around 1840, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural landscape. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the remainder of the day at leisure. ...read less

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Saigon and connection home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on choice.