Thailand, Cambodia & Laos with Luxury & Style (13 Days): A Sample Itinerary
ID #: DT-TCL-13-7-5-10-RAIJ
DavidTravel Itinerary Highlights include:
Thailand, Cambodia and Laos
showcase a stunning array of art, culture and history. You will
appreciate the gentle charm of these people who cherish
traditions and spirituality. Observe the dramatic contrasts
between the modern world and the timeless splendor of the
temples of Thailand. Discover the spectacular ancient ruins of
Angkor Wat in Cambodia. And Laos, off limits to travelers for
many years, presents a fantastic adventure for anyone who loves
exotic and far-flung destinations. The sights and sounds on this
journey of discovery will catch you by surprise and take your
breath away.
• Visit
Wat
Po, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the largest and oldest
temple in Bangkok
• Take an elephant ride through the jungle to the Lisu Village
while in
Chiang Mai
• Witness sunrise over
Angkor Wat, an incredible temple
dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu
• Give alms and food offerings to the resident monks in
Luang
Prabang
• Cruise up the Mekong River to
Tham Pak Ou Caves, extraordinary
caves filled with a vast and fascinating variety of Buddha
images
Each year
Thailand is discovered by millions of visitors, drawn to its
pristine beaches and aquamarine seas, as well as its rich
culture, glitzy shopping malls, chic boutiques and colorful
markets crammed with bargains.
With its enticing mixture of established destinations such as
Phuket and Hua Hin, and out-of-the-way palm-fringed islands,
Thailand appeals to the most varied of travelers, whether they
are craving barefoot luxury or hippy chic. From staying on a
converted rice barge, clambering into a jungle tree house or
bedding down in a hill tribe village, Thailand offers a wealth
of choice for every taste and budget.
Pampering is an art form in Thailand, and throughout the country
spas offer authentic treatments whether it's in a 5-star luxury
resort or a beach-side hut. If it's pulse-raising excitement you
are after, head to the hectic sprawl of Bangkok's futuristic
high-rise buildings.
Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the
sanctuary of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the
people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets.
Buddhism is a way of life here and the Thai's are also strong
supporters of their monarchy. In fact, His Majesty King Bhumibol
is the longest reigning monarch in the world, since coming to
power in 1946.
Beloved by backpackers and boasting some of the most
awe-inspiring historical remains on the planet, Cambodia is a
kingdom of wild jungle, steamy cities and a past that’s equal
parts inspiring and saddening.
The striking magnificence of the Angkor Temples has long been
the main draw for budget and luxury travellers alike, but
there’s far more to the country than its ancient Khmer heritage.
In capital city Phnom Penh, it claims one of the region’s most
absorbing cities – a laconic waterside feel offset by rampant
nightlife and a proud local culture – while elsewhere, national
parks, beaches and lashings of tropical adventure all help keep
visitor numbers healthy.
This land-locked mountainous country is gaining a reputation as
an ecotourist destination. Its many rivers criss-crossing the
country and unspoiled national parks are ideal for activities
such as trekking, kayaking and caving. The capital, Vientiane,
and the other major towns have been spared major modern
developments with traditional and colonial architecture still
dominant.
Laos is one of the few Communist countries left in the world.
Until 1988, tourists were not allowed access to Laos, but now it
is perfectly feasible to travel all over the country, preferably
with a recognized tour company, although plenty of backpackers
do it independently. The number of tourists is expected to
continue increasing over the next few years as more and more
people discover the delights of this laid-back country of
mountains and rivers.
For now, Laos remains relatively isolated and undeveloped. Its
capital, Vientiane, is more like a big village than a crowded
Asian hub and life throughout the country is slow paced. Most
people come to Laos and make a brief tour of Vientiane and
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang with perhaps a brief
detour to the mysterious Plain of Jars. But those who make the
effort to explore further will be well rewarded with
luscious landscapes, friendly people and unique glimpses of a
country hardly changed for over a century
