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The combination of Thailand and Laos offers the gentlest introduction to the region

Southeast Asia is truly enchanting and all encompassing. Bustling cities and quaint countryside home to ancient cultures entrenched in divinity, tropical forests teeming with wildlife, food packed with punchy flavours, and mighty rivers and sublime beaches; it’s a sort of a place where travel is full of serendipity.

The combination of Thailand and Laos offers the gentlest introduction to the region, showcasing all the elements Southeast Asia is renowned for. Whether you want to zig-zag through the busy streets of Bangkok in a tuk-tuk or cruise on the gentle waters of the Mekong on a long tail boat; bathe with the elephants in the lush countryside or stroll amidst exquisite Buddhist temples and charming French colonial buildings; try out trendy rooftop bars and fine-dining restaurants or share a cup of tea or a pint of beer with the locals playing a game of Pétanque; this exclusive private jet adventure is a real feast for the senses.

Highlights:

  • Experience Bangkok’s vibrant night life on a unique gastronomic adventure.
  • A thrilling hot-air balloon ride over Chiang Mai’s pristine countryside.
  • Bathe and feed elephants in Chiang Rai and learn about these endearing creatures from an expert mahout.
  • Discover unspoilt villages and towering karst mountains in remote Northern Laos as you cruise down the Mekong in a luxurious private boat.
  • Explore Luang Prabang’s colonial heritage with a renowned historian and visit completely untouched mountain villages by helicopter to discover indigenous tribal communities.

The Explorations Company, where no two journeys have ever been the same

Day 1:            Arrive in Bangkok

Upon arrival, you will be fast-tracked out of the airport and transferred to your luxurious riverside hotel – The Mandarin Oriental. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2:            Bangkok

With an expert guide, spend the day discovering the fascinating sights and sounds of Bangkok. Besides the must-see places such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, you will be taken through some of the less-visited parts of the city travelling on foot, by tuk-tuks, metro, bikes and long tail boats, so that you get to experience authentic local life.

In the evening, embark on a unique gastronomic adventure to sample some of the freshest Thai and Chinese street foods and discover lively night markets and bustling cafes and bars.

Day 3:            Fly by private jet to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, you will be flown by private jet to the historic city of Chiang Mai. You will spend the next three nights at the charming 137 Pillars House, one of the finest boutique hotels in the country, housed in the former headquarters of the Borneo Trading Company.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Days 4 & 5:   Chiang Mai

Over the next two days, with your private guide, you will explore the beautiful city and its lush surrounds. Enjoy unique experiences including a private hot-air balloon ride at sunrise, visit to the 8th century city of Wiang Kum Kam and the legendary Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, a walk through the jungles of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and visiting ethnic Hmong villages to see their intricate handicrafts.

Day 6:            Fly by private helicopter to Chiang Rai

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Chiang Rai by private helicopter. The journey will take a little over an hour. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your stunning camp.

Stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Tented Camp for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 7:            Chiang Rai

This morning, enjoy breakfast with the elephants and then partake in a unique mahout training and elephant experience where you will get to bathe and feed the elephants. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You could visit the Hall of Opium Museum or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the camp’s excellent spa.

Days 8 & 9:   Enter Laos and begin your leisurely cruise down the Mekong

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Chiang Saen near the Thailand-Laos border. After completing the border formalities, board your private two-cabin boat.

Over the next three days, you will cruise downstream on the serene Mekong, travelling from the sleepy shores of the Golden Triangle to the magical Luang Prabang. Days will be spent taking in shore excursions to visit remote hill-tribe villages to witness their centuries-old traditions, exploring mysterious caves hidden amid lush jungle, visiting Lao whiskey makers and cruising amidst towering karst mountains; and each evening, you will enjoy cocktails and canapes served on board your chic boat followed by traditional dinner.

 Day 10:          Arrive in Luang Prabang

Arrive in Luang Prabang around 17:30. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Stay at Amantaka for three nights.

Day 11:          Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you will meet a renowned writer and independent consultant who works closely with the UNESCO in one of the oldest aristocratic mansions of Luang Prabang. Through the conversation, you will gain an insight into the city’s traditional architecture and its transformation during the colonial times and also learn about the country’s Buddhist heritage and how it has shaped the society over the centuries.

Later, with your guide, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the old quarter to visit the famous Wat Xieng Thong and explore some of the interesting side streets, back alleys and hidden trails through the temples.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 12:          Luang Prabang

A thrilling adventure awaits you today, as you will be transported by private helicopter to a remote village settlement located deep within the densely forested mountains. On arrival, you will be greeted by the village head with a special welcome ceremony and then be taken on a jungle walk accompanied by the locals to learn about their traditional way of life, completely in sync with nature. Hop onto the mountain bikes and head back to the village where a sumptuous home cooked meal will be served in the village square. You can dress up in a traditional Hmong attire and be part of the fun community event, which will be nothing short of a village party arranged exclusively for you!

Fly back to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 13:          Departure from Luang Prabang

This morning, you will be flown back to Bangkok by private jet to connect with your flight home.

This is merely a sample itinerary and it is entirely possible to customise it according to your specific requirements and interests.

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Epic helicopter journeys exploring corners of Africa that few have been to or even ever heard of. We specialise in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo and Namibia. Our tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts, with a focus on ‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’.

Client testimonials

Take the first step on your extraordinary journey into Africa

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The Explorations Company

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.


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100% Tailor Made

- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements

- Totally unique every time you travel with us

- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a  good and an outstanding holiday

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Priceless Knowledge

- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most

- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover

- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience

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Making a difference

- Philanthropy is our philosophy

- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’

- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities


Would you like to know more?

Our team can help prepare a unique itinerary that best suits your personal interests  – no pressure, just
support and advice. Please complete your information and we will be in touch in no time.

As a guide, the cost of our extraordinary and utterly bespoke journeys tends to start from $1200 per person per day excluding international flights.

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Explore with The Explorations Company

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