From Angkor's Heritage to Andaman Beach Escape in 18 Days

Day dedicated to discovering the mystical temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom – the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire (9th - 15th century):

• The temples of Angkor Wat – dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism, are considered the masterpieces of Khmer art and architecture.
• The temples of Angkor Thom – a fortified city spanning 10 km² and once inhabited by a million people.
• Explore the immense statues at the south gate, the Elephant Terrace, the King Leper Terrace, and the famous Bayon Temple, comprised of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 faces of Avalokitésvara – the most important goddess of Buddhism.
• Return to Siem Reap towards the end of the afternoon.
• In the evening, enjoy a dinner show of Apsara music and dance in a charming local restaurant.
• Spend the night in Siem Reap

Morning dedicated to discovering the small and big temples:

Banteay Srei temple (Citadel of Women); the highly sacred temples of Takeo, Banteay Kdei, and the impressive temple of Ta Prohm – an abandoned Buddhist monastery overgrown with trees and its gigantic snake-like roots.

Enjoy a free afternoon for relaxation and your final purchases. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Morning excursion on Lake Tonle Sap – the largest lake in Southeast Asia:

Stop at the lakeside village of Kompong Khleang – an authentic and not very touristy destination. Visit the village with houses on stilts or floating rafts, the market, the pagoda, and a primary school with smiling children. Discover the daily life of local fishermen.

Then fly to Bangkok.

• Visit the Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark, where you will be impressed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne rooms.
• Admire the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in the country.
• Visit Wat Pho along the way, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, famous for its 45-meter reclining Buddha statue.
• We will then visit Wat Traimit, which is well-known for the Golden Buddha.
• Board a long-tail boat to sail along the Chao Phraya River before entering a klong, staying away from the heavily touristy areas. Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel to rest for the night in Bangkok.

Depart early to visit the Maeklong market, located on the railway tracks very close to the train terminus. Walk along the rails to explore the vibrant market and witness how quickly the merchants fold up their stalls in preparation for the train, which is scheduled to pass around 8:30 a.m.

Afterwards, head to the small market of Samut Songkhran, where you'll embark on a beautiful canoe ride along the Grand Canal and then through smaller canals, providing an authentic glimpse of rural Asia just outside of Bangkok. The approximately one-hour ride will culminate in the heart of the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Explore this traditional market, bustling with sellers offering a variety of products, including food, flowers, plants, and even animals.

Then continue the journey to Kanchanaburi.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, and then embark on a journey to Bang Pa-In, which will take approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, we'll explore the Summer Palace, an architectural gem with roots tracing back to the Ayutthaya period. This stunning palace served as a royal summer retreat during the 17th century, offering a glimpse into the opulent history of Thailand.

Following our visit to the Summer Palace, we'll make our way to Ayutthaya, often referred to as the 'Invincible City' of Thailand. To explore this ancient city, we'll hop aboard a Kermit tuk-tuk, and our first stops will be at significant temples, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol and Wat Mahathat, renowned for its sacred Buddha relics.

As we continue our journey, we'll stroll through a local market, providing an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant local life.

We'll return to your hotel to complete the check-in process, and you'll spend the night in Ayutthaya.

After breakfast, embark on an exploration of the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Take a 'Kermit' tuk-tuk ride to discover the city's charm. These adorable tuk-tuks are unique to just two of Thailand's provinces: Ayutthaya and Trang. Along the way, you'll visit the highlights of Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (home to a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and wander through a local market.

Next, proceed to Bang Pa-In Palace, a historical gem dating back to the Ayutthaya era. The palace boasts an eclectic collection of buildings, blending European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles, and it's a favorite summer retreat of the king.

Return to Bangkok for your flight to Chiang Rai, where you'll be warmly welcomed by the driver and checked into your hotel.

Enjoy your night in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, head towards Doi Mae Salong. You'll navigate through lush green hills adorned with tea plantations and have the opportunity to sample delicious tea from one of the many local plantations. From Doi Mae Salong, your journey will take you to two ethnic minority villages: the Akha village of Loyo and the Lisu village of Ban Haygo.

Next, visit Mae Sai, situated on the Thai-Myanmar border, marking the northernmost point of Thailand.

Continue your journey to the Golden Triangle, a strategic location offering a unique panorama that spans across Thailand, Burma, and Laos – where these three borders converge.

Upon arrival, explore the Opium Museum, which tells the stories of opium and the history of the Golden Triangle.

Then, visit the city of Chiang Saen, founded around 1328. You'll have the opportunity to explore various historical sites, including ancient temple ruins, stupas, ancient city walls, and moats.

Return to Chiang Rai and spend the night at your hotel.

After breakfast, depart towards Chiang Mai, winding through hills, valleys, and picturesque villages.

Along the way, take a short break at the Mae Khachan hot spring. Here, you can enjoy a brief respite with coffee, restroom facilities, and the option to soak your feet in the spring.

You'll arrive in Chiang Mai around noon. In the afternoon, ascend to Doi Suthep hill, which offers a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can reach the summit by climbing 290 steps or taking a cable car. At the top, you'll find a golden chedi that houses the Buddha's relics.

Enjoy your night in Chiang Mai.

A day dedicated to exploring the rich heritage of Chiang Mai, a city founded in the 13th century, which reflects a blend of Lanna, Siamese, and Burmese cultures.

Begin with a walking tour of the old town, including stops at the ancient wall, the moat, and an old town gate. You'll have the opportunity to admire some of Chiang Mai's most exquisite temples, such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang.

Following this, wander along quaint streets lined with traditional houses and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Your exploration will lead you to the bustling Warorot Central Market.

In the afternoon, ascend to Doi Suthep Hill, offering splendid panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can reach the summit by climbing 290 steps or taking a cable car. At the peak, a golden chedi houses the revered relics of the Buddha.

Night in Chiang Mai.

• Pick up from your hotel in central Chiang Mai.
• Explore the breathtaking scenery of Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest mountain peak.
• Visit Wachirathan Waterfall and Sirithan Waterfall.
• Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch in a Karen hill tribe village.
• Explore the fascinating Karen hill tribe village.
• Visit the iconic twin pagodas of Doi Inthanon. Return to your hotel

Spend an unforgettable day with Thailand's elephants in the picturesque mountains of Chiang Mai.

You'll be welcomed by an English-speaking guide at your hotel, and then depart by car, heading approximately 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai, passing through hills, forests, and local agricultural areas.

Upon arrival at the sanctuary, take a walk through the jungle to reach the elephant jungle sanctuary. Your guide will provide you with information about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

Next, don traditional Karen clothing, listen to your guide for more insights about the Sanctuary, grab some bananas and sugar canes, and you'll be ready to meet the elephants!

Transfer to Chiang Mai airport for a flight to Krabi. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the driver and check in at the hotel. You will have free time to rest, enjoy the beach, or even explore the thrilling world of rock climbing.

Krabi is a genuine island paradise, boasting magnificent, fine sandy beaches that stretch for over forty kilometers and warm, crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by wild vegetation, reefs, secluded coves, and lush jungles, this seaside resort conceals natural wonders and extraordinary sites, including fantastic opportunities for rock climbing.

Overnight stay in Krabi.

Note: It is possible to replace Krabi with Koh Samui according to your preferences!

During your 3 days of free time in Krabi, it's up to you to organize them according to your preferences. Here are some suggestions for your activities: Railay and Ao Nang beaches stand out for their exceptional beauty, waiting to be discovered.

Krabi also offers Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, home to the Huay Toh waterfall, one of the most impressive in the country, as well as the awe-inspiring Railay limestone cliffs. In addition to traditional water activities, Krabi offers exciting adventures. The imposing limestone cliffs of Krabi are particularly renowned among climbing enthusiasts.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will fly back to Bangkok for the return journey.

This marks the end of your 18-day Cambodia tour! Safe travels, and we hope you had a wonderful experience.