At a Glance
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Be spell bounded as you drift through the verdant heart of South East Asia, romancing the river, on a journey from the River Kwai to the Mekong River. From the countryside of Golden Triangle to the mystery of Luang Prabang, traverse Bangkok to Laos on these intimate 12 days’ voyage. Embark on an adventure from bustling cities to spectacular river life and slow it down with a serene 3-day cruise onboard the Gypsy. Savour fragrant cuisines, rich cultures and relish good times with your loved ones.
Ignite your senses, starting your adventure in Bangkok where you’ll delve into the serene Chao Phraya River life. A change of pace takes you into a remote corner of the jungle, miles away from civilization to Kanchanaburi. Embark on a serene long tail boat cruise ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 11 nights’ accommodation on a twin share basis
- Meals as specified
- English speaking guide
- Tours, activities and transfers in a private air conditioned vehicle
- Fast track service at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport on Day 1 arrival
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits
Itinerary
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for group bookings. Peak/festival season surcharge applies.
More Info
- The departure point is Bangkok, Thailand
- The finish point is Luang Prabang, Laos
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Bangkok
Bangkok
November to February is warm, dry and when the heat and humidity are at their lowest. This makes it an ideal and pleasant time to visit but also a peak travel time. Temperatures rise March to May, with rainy season from May to November. Still, Thailand’s tropical climate could easily bring temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit on any given day regardless of the time of year.
Laos
Has a tropical climate, which is influenced by the southeast monsoon which causes significant rainfall and high humidity. The climate is divided into two distinct seasons: rainy season, or monsoon, from May to mid-October, followed by a dry season from mid-October to April.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.