Ultimate Riverlife Wanderlust from Thailand to Laos (River Kwai, Golden Triangle, Mekong River Luxury Cruise & Luang Prabang)

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Bangkok, where your guide will welcome you at Suvarnabhumi Airport with a fast track into immigration. Enjoy a 1-hour transfer to your city accommodation where along the way, your guide will introduce you to the City of Angels, share helpful information, its history and culture about the Land of Smiles that is Bangkok.

You’ll stay at the coveted riverside and urban sanctuary of Four Seasons at Chao Phraya River. Discover tranquility by the river yet be nestled in the city’s creative district. Absorb the sweeping river views from the outdoor lap and infinity pools, savour incentive cuisine in its collection of exquisite restaurants or find solace in one of its immaculate courtyards. Spend the afternoon exploring the thriving city at your own leisure. Right from your doorstep, the hotel is surrounded by galleries, boutiques and endless street food sampling. A great start to immerse into Thailand’s energy and style.

This morning an early start see’s you on a scenic 3-hour drive to Kanchanaburi for a great journey to the infamous River Kwai Bridge. Built by allied prisoners of war during World War II, be captivated by the story of the bridge and the horrific ‘Death Railway’. Delve deeper into its history with a visit to War Cemetery, Railway Museum and the Thailand Burma Railway Center Museum, where you’ll learn more about this dark period of history and pay respect to those who laid down their lives.

Take on a different perspective as you embark on an hour train journey passing over the River Kwai Bridge and traversing the tranquil Kwai Noi Gorge giving sweeping views of the River Kwai. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant boasting flavours of the region before a serene longtail boat cruise to your floating home the next few nights.

You’ll stay at the authentic Float House River Kwai. Only reachable by boat, immerse into a remote corner of the jungle, miles away from civilization. Unwind in your spacious floating villa made of rich teakwood and bamboo. Soak in the tropical ambience and nature on your private terrace complete with chairs and swings overlooking the river. Tonight, experience a floating heaven with a dining affair at its floating restaurant and bar. Indulge in specialized Thai and international cuisine paired with a selection of wines and cocktails.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast amongst the river before spending the day curating your own river and jungle adventures. Do as little or as much as you please.

Delve deep into the mystique energy of the River Kwai where The Float House offers the perfect comforts to soak it in. Enjoy onsite adventures from bamboo rafting, traditional long tail boat cruises and canoeing to savour the breathtaking fertile nature along the Kwai River. For the active enthusiasts, take on a mountain bike adventure, meandering on the scenic trails embraced by mountainous lush forest. Venture out to a local village or discover the Lawa Cave, exploring Kanchanaburi’s largest cave located in Saiyok National Park. Marvel at its array of chambers showcasing its unique stalactites and stalagmites where you may even chance upon the world’s smallest bat.

Alternatively, savour a slower paced of living and simply unwind in the privacy of your floating villa. Pamper yourself to a floating massage amongst the river for ultimate relaxation.

Enjoy a final floating breakfast by the river before a breathtaking long tail boat ride to Phutakien Pier. Be met by your guide and transferred back to the riverside and urban sanctuary of Four Seasons at Chao Phraya River.

Tap into the electric pulse of Bangkok spending the rest of the day at leisure. Awaken your senses meandering amongst the bustling markets and alleyways discovering exotic and unique fresh fruits, vegetables and other unusual local delights. Marvel at Bangkok’s majestic temples where the jewel is the iconic and strikingly beautiful Grand Palace and the official residence of the past Kings of Thailand. Step back into history exploring Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins, a historically spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a historical river cruise along the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya River and into the fascinating discoveries of its resplendent landmarks from temple hopping to the Royal Barges Museum. Your choices are endless!

Enjoy breakfast before a transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport for a scenic flight to Chiang Rai (flight at own expense). Today, farewell the bustling city and fly north to the beautiful mountain province of Chiang Rai.

Upon arrival, be greeted with a transfer to Four Season's Camp pier where you’ll embark on a serene long tail boat to your luxury camp. A location that will truly take your breath away. Perched on a ridge in a tranquil jungle setting peering the three-country views of Bangkok, Myanmar and Laos.

Unwind in your luxury tent savouring the tranquil natural surroundings on your private deck with outdoor showers or wooden hot tubs overlooking the Ruak River. Soak into the jungle life with a refreshing dip at the riverside pool, indulge in a pre-dinner tipple at its onsite Wine Cellar or rejuvenate your body, mind and soul with ancient wellness rituals in the tree top jungle spa. Tonight, tantalize your taste buds at the camp’s open air thatched roof pavilion at Nong Yao Restaurant boasting flavours from Thai, Laotian, Burmese and Western cuisine. Cap off the evening by the double-sided fireplace, perfect for post dinner drinks.

With a choice of inclusive activities, spend the rest of the day crafting your own wild luxury and jungle adventures with once-in-a-life-time experiences at the Four Seasons Tented Camp. Interact with rescued elephants, explore spectacular mountain trails or bamboo jungles and unwind in luxury tents. Let the 19th-century explorer’s spirit in you come to life.

Inclusive activities: For the wildlife lovers, immerse into an elephant experience and learnt be an elephant mahout. Set off on a walk through the wilderness with these gentle giants, observe their bath time and daily rituals. For a cultural immersion, embark on the Golden Triangle Discovery for a guided adventure of three countries. Immerse into the local way of life from a cruise down the majestic Mekong River on a traditional long tail boat, a tuk tuk ride meandering its bustling local markets to exploring its ancient temples all while taking in sweeping views of where three countries meet. For those who would like to take a slower pace and indulge in a little self-care, rejuvenate with a 90 minutes’ spa treatment or relax poolside. Cap off your evening with inclusive nightly sundowners at the Burma Bar, which echoes the ambiance of 19th century explorers’ bar. Alternatively, indulge in a nightly wine and cheese tasting at its Wine Cellar.

At 10am this morning meets with your guide in Chiang Khong to embark on a lifetime cruise onboard the most exclusive and luxurious cruiser of the country, the Gypsy. Enjoy the 234 foot, two cabin vessel complete with indoor and outdoor living spaces. Unwind at the mid-ship lounge, bar or dining area or take in serene river views by the al fresco panorama sun decks complete with daybeds. Spend time to relax in your air conditioned ensuite cabins complete with shower and vanity as you set sail towards Houay-Khon village.

You’ll partake in border formalities and complete visa and immigration processes with your guide before transferring into town for an orientation adventure. Delight your taste buds in a Laos noodle and soup making shop in Houay Xay before admiring a highly spiritual temple at the Jom Khao Manirath Temple. Lunch is served onboard where en route you’ll visit Houay-Phalam Village which is famous for its weaving and scarf production.

Along the way, enjoy a range of wellness and cultural diversions on board including yoga, folk dancing, learning to speak the Laos language, weaving workshop and cooking classes. For those in pursue of adventure can delve into daily shore excursions from fishing, jungle trekking, mountain biking to Lao whisky tasting.

You’ll overnight at Houay-Khon village. As the sun sets celebrate with a Welcome cocktail and canapes affair onboard the open decks before a dinner affair on the beach to end a magical day.

Wake up this morning to the serene river vistas before enjoying breakfast as you continue your cruise along the Mekong River.

Arrive in Ban Baw and discover the small Khmu village for a true local cultural immersion of this ethnic group. Meander its local markets and learn about their lives through their food where they are involved in swidden agriculture. Be captivated by their tribal life living in the mountain region. Enjoy an exquisite freshly prepared lunch onboard before relaxing on the deck. Bask in the mountain scenery or engage on one of many onboard activities.

This evening, anchor in the village of Ban-Lad-Hand where you’ll engage in the villagers’ traditional way of a Baci Ceremony. Savour a candlelit dinner onboard underneath a canopy of stars with a tasting of local spirits and Lao rice wine.

This morning, the cruise sets sail to the famous Pak Ou Caves. Here, you’ll embark on a small boat cruise to the caves before a short walk up the stairs to the cavernous entrance and stare in wonder at the centuries-old Buddha images. More than 4,000 images have been tucked into every nook and cranny over the years, providing a truly magical atmosphere. It is no surprise that the Lao people consider Pak Ou to be one of their most important spiritual sites.

Back onboard the Gypsy, continue to Ban Xang Hai where you’ll visit a local Lao whisky maker. Marvel up close how the popular rice whiskey Lao-Lao is made. Lao-Lao is an essential part of Laotian culture and is drunk, for example, during blessing ceremonies and celebrations.

Continue your sailing journey to Wat Dhon Kuhn and explore its temple before arriving at Luang Prabang around noon. Your guide will meet you upon arrival at the royal pier where you’ll enjoy a transfer to the heavenly hideaway of Rosewood Hotel. Hidden in a hillside on the outskirt of the city, spend the rest of the day delving into its delights. Unwind in its pool overlooking a natural waterfall, sip on cocktails by the tented cabanas or rejuvenate in the spa upstream nestled amongst the trees.

For those in pursue of adventure, a complimentary shuttle service at the hotel can take you to visits to ethically run elephant sanctuaries, mediate with saffron-robed monks in ancient temples or discover secret waterfalls nearby.

Today, tap into the wonders of the UNESCO Heritage city of Luang Prabang for a half day guided adventure. Uncover the rich traditions that still guide the daily lives of the Lao people. Explore the former Royal Palace that now serves as the National Museum and contains a wealth of intriguing historical relics and informative exhibits.

Enjoy a lovely short walk to neighboring Wat Mai, a Buddhist temple whose gold-covered bas relief is an incredible piece of craftsmanship. Delve deeper into the city’s delights as you meander through the lanes and streets of the city. Rub shoulders with the friendly locals as they go about their day-to-day routine and discover more incredible pagodas. Admire Wat Visoun for its unusual watermelon-shape but also its historical value and impressive collection of religious artefacts. End today’s adventure at Wat Xieng Thong, one of the oldest and most revered temples in the country. Situated on the tip of the city’s peninsula, marvel at its ornate carvings and mosaics that have withstood the test of time.

Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding at your hotel. Relish your inner chef with a Laotian cooking class, indulge in a private dining affair amongst the waterfall or immerse yourself in a yoga practice.

Today you will leave the city behind and head to the countryside. Savour a scenic drive of the most beautiful mountain and forest landscapes to a small village, home to an ethnic group. Immerse into their tribal culture as you engage first hand their custom and way of life.

Continue your picturesque drive to the paradise of the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls. Be captivated by its series of cascading turquoise pools, surrounded by lush forest. Spend time exploring the falls, take a refreshing dip and enjoying the pristine nature. Embark on a challenging, but rewarding, hike to the top of the highest drop or simply relax on the rocks of the lower pools.

For further insight into the natural wonders of Laos, take an optional visit to the Asiatic Black Bear sanctuary. Located near the Kuang Si falls, this centre houses endangered bears rescued from poachers. Learn the efforts of the passionate animal lovers who are working to stop the poachers and preserve the bear’s natural habitat.

Journey on another additional visit at the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. Here, you’ll enjoy a homemade ice cream at the café before a picturesque drive traversing Laos’s countryside back to the hotel.

Soak in your last moments in countryside paradise over a relaxed breakfast. A perfect time to reflect on an incredible immersive South East Asia journey. Enjoy a last glimpse of mountain and lush forest serenity before a transfer to the airport for your onward travels.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.