Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 15 days

This signature adventure is a mosaic of the very best of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Themes include the multiple layers of Bangkok, including Chinatown and it the capital's canals. Chiang Mai's celebrated Lanna culture and architecture are a prime focus before moving on to a nostalgic two-day journey down the Mekong River on a converted luxury barge to Luang Prabang, Laos. Here you'll sleep in a royal 'maison' and indulge in the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The capstone is a visit to Cambodia's stunning Angkor Wat, one of the world's great wonders.

This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is designed with making the most of every moment a top priority. You'll enjoy elegant accommodations, regional haute cuisine, a collection of creative transport options and the region's most knowledgeable and personable hosts. Each day holds an intellectual component as well as ample opportunity for solo exploration and down-time as you wish. Our small group approach enables an intimate, methodical discovery of this fascinating region.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Bangkok

Welcome to the fabled Land of Smiles. After touching down you'll enjoy express immigration service and a private car will whisk you to your room at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, one of Asia's most renowned properties. A full welcome kit will be presented upon arrival, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy this celebrated property.

Day 2 - Grand Palace, Rocketboats - Welcome Dinner

Enjoy today seeing the kingdom's premier temple Wat Phra Kaew at the stunning Grand Palace, break for lunch along the famed Chao Phraya River, then explore small, labrynthine canals in a private longtail boat. This half-day outing allows for further exploration or shopping this afternoon.

This evening, Smiling Albino co-founder Daniel Fraser or Scott Coates will host you for royal Thai cuisine at one of the city's finest restaurants. We'll orient you to the Land of Smiles and your epic expedition.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3 - Chinatown Walking Trip, Jim Thompson's House

An expert city host will lead you on an insightful walking tour of Chinatown's narrow streets, incense-filled Taoist shrines, historic civil architecture and market culture. After lunch we'll explore the home of legendary silk tycoon Jim Thompson. This venerable property houses one of the greatest collections of regional art in the country and is considered one of the finest examples of classical Thai house design.

Meals: B,L

Day 4 - To Chiang Mai

A morning flight takes you to Chiang Mai, home of the kingdom's famed Lanna (northern Thai) architecture and traditions. No hotel better exemplifies Lanna style than the stunning Rachamankha, inspired by Sino-Thai temple architecture. Tonight we'll make a sunset visit to one of the city's most important temples, then enjoy a catered Thai dinner while boating along the Ping River.

Meals: B,D

Day 5 - Chiang Mai from the Inside

Today is a special one as one of the city's most famous foreign residents hosts you on an exploration of Lanna temples, lesser-known neighbourhoods, antique shops, art galleries and other cultural gems. Today's exploration gives credence to the idea that Lanna culture is experiencing a modern renaissance.

Meals: B,L

Day 6 - Chiang Mai & the Mekong

Enjoy the morning and early afternoon exploring the northern capital's better galleries, antique emporiums, and design studios. We'll then board our private van and drive to the charming Mekong riverbank town of Chiang Khong, a border crossing point into Laos, in preparation for the following day's river voyage. Tonight you'll enjoy quaint accommodations at the Namkhong Riverside, right on the Mekong River.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 - Luxury Cruising on the Mighty Mekong

In the morning we'll board the era-built Luang Say luxury boat for an enchanting two-day journey down the storied Mekong River. Sit back in style as you pass hilltribe villages and enjoy the reflective tranquility of river life. We'll overnight at Pak Beng, Laos, enjoying a spectacular dinner and charismatic lodgings at the beautiful Luang Say Lodge.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8 - To Luang Prabang

The Mekong bends eastward towards the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. Upon arrival you'll take up residence at the former home of Prince Souvannaphoum, the gorgeous Maison Souvannaphoum.

Meals: B,L

Day 9 - Charming Ins and Outs

Luang Prabang proper is a small peninsula at the confluence of the Mekhong and Khan rivers. Explorable on foot or by simple bicycles, we'll lead a casual visit to some of the town's famous temples, including of course the stunning Tree of Life mosaic at the city's most famous landmark, Wat Xieng Thong. A local expert will explain the themes of traditional Laoation temple architecture and then host us on a visit to the former home of the Lao Royal Family, now the National Museum. Tonight it's sunset drinks overlooking the Mekong River followed by a Royale Lao dinner hosted by one of the area's best-known characters.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10 - Greater Highlights

Wake up early and take in morning alms with the monks as they wander the town's streets, giving out blessings and receiving their food for the day. Next board a longtail boat to Pak Ou, famous for its Buddha-filled caves. This afternoon is an opportunity to stroll the charming, French-inspired lanes, or perhaps an afternoon learning to make one of Asia's freshest cuisines.

Tonight enjoy another Mekong sundown and the night at your leisure.

Meals: B,L

Day 11 - To Cambodia

Two flights take us to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the exploration point for exploring the magnificent ruins of Angkor. The artistic significance of Angkor, considered one of the great wonders of the world, will be our theme for a 3-day exploration of the area. While in Siem Riep, we'll stay at a hotel which represents an almost spiritual transformation of traditional Angkor and modern design, the Hotel de la Paix.

Tonight relax in the arts lounge at the hotel or stroll the pub street for al fresco dining.

Meals: B,L

Day 12 - Amazing Angkor

You'll spend the day exploring Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm with an expert host. The scale and scope of these structures deserves a methodical, intimate exploration at your own pace. Tonight a longtime resident will host a traditional Khmer meal at a popular local eatery.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 13 - Angkor Encore

Some of the most endearing temples around Angkor are a short drive out of town in the outer Rolous group, which date to the 9th Century and represent the beginning of the Classic Period of Angkor art. We'll of course explore the lovely red sandstone temple of the female divinities at Bantay Srei, which many consider the most charming of all sites around Angkor.

Tonight is yours to relax and indulge in Khmer or fusion cuisine at any of Siem Reap's good selection of restaurants.

Meals: B,L

Day 14 - Siem Reap at leisure

A day with an open schedule is worthwhile in Siem Reap to fulfill your personal wish list. From sunrise at the causeway at Angkor to a visit to the floating villages along SE Asia's largest lake, Tonle Sap, to a day cycling, we'll have a team on standby to make the most of your time. Tonight it's a final dinner together at a local hotspot.

Meals: B,L

Day 15 - Bangkok and beyond

An early afternoon flight takes us back to Bangkok and our storied journey will be complete. Onwards...

Meals: B

 

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FAQs

What kind of clothing should I bring?

Travel in clothing you feel comfortable wearing in hot weather for an entire day. Quick-dry, wick-away fabric is ideal for active days. For a more on this subject, check out What to Pack.

What if I don't ride a motorscooter?

No problem. Roughly half our guests ride motorscooters on our adventures. Motorcycling or motorscootering is best-suited to those with some prior experience. If you have no experience but are very keen, we run a comprehensive training course prior to riding that you can try. If motorcycles aren't for you, enjoy the trip from the comfort of our van, with relaxing music, big windows and chilled beverages. You're also welcome to ride on the back of your guide's motorscooter to experience the wind in your face.

*Safety note*: while our Team is willing to train you on the motorscootering portion, it must be understood that in the interests of overall safety we can not guarantee that everyone interested will ride. The final decision must ultimately rest with your ground team. A safe, injury free vacation is a fun vacation!

What if it rains?

Our adventures run year-round, rain or shine. During the rainy season (July-Oct) it's a good idea to bring an umbrella and be prepared to get a bit wet. When it really pours we take shelter, enjoy a beverage and let it pass, which is usually quickly - then we'll continue exploring. It's a great experience to see a SE Asian rain shower up close!

Are mosquito nets provided during the trip?

Generally they are not necessary for our trips in South East Asia. Lodgings we use have sealed doors and windows. Should you wish to enjoy the extra peace-of-mind of a mosquito net, feel free to bring one along and we're always happy to help you put it up.

Our group includes a variety of ages, interests and abilities - will we enjoy the same trip?

Yes, our adventures are flexible. If one member of your group doesn't want to ride a bike, we'll have a van waiting while you enjoy a good pedal. You may not want to ride a motorscooter, so you can enjoy the comfort of our van or even try riding on the back of your guide's bike for a while. We are experienced in ensuring everyone has their own perfect holiday while traveling together.

Read our Testimonials to learn more about how flexible our trips are.

How do I get a Visa?

It's easy to obtain a visa upon arrival in Asia for Cambodia and Laos. Prior to your trip we'll send you a comprehensive pre-trip kit with all the information you'll need to touch down fully prepared.The visa costs about $20US and you will need one passport-sized photograph. Wait about 10 minutes and your visa is in hand!

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

 

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Trip Gallery

Upgrade Options

Need extra nights in Siem Reap at the Hotel de la Paix?

We can book you at the Hotel de la Paix.

May - September: $190US/room/night

October - March: $275US/room/night

Need an extra night at the Oriental in Bangkok?

Let us know if you'd like additional nights at the Mandarin Oriental for approximatley $400US/night depending on the season.

Need time on the beach when you're done? Our Thailand beach escapes are second to none.

Smiling Albino has an extensive selection of amazing beach resorts and destinations. Check out our options and let us know if we can add a beach escape to your trip.

Flights to & from Bangkok can be arranged.

Like to customize this adventure as a private trip?

Any of our trips can be changed up and moved around to give you the perfect experience. Take a look at one of our custom trip examples and let us know what we can do for you.

 

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