Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia
Overview
This 13-day Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia journey is a richly layered cultural exploration through Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, weaving together sacred temples, river life, and timeless traditions. From the Lanna heritage of Chiang Mai and the artistic wonders of Chiang Rai, the journey follows the legendary Mekong River into Laos, revealing minority cultures, spiritual cave sanctuaries, and the UNESCO-listed elegance of Luang Prabang. The adventure continues in Cambodia with an in-depth exploration of the magnificent Angkor temple complex. Concludes in Bangkok, where historic canals, royal landmarks, and multicultural neighborhoods bring the journey full circle. Thoughtfully paced and complemented by carefully selected upscale accommodations, this itinerary offers a soulful and immersive introduction to the celestial heart of Southeast Asia.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the sacred Lanna temples of Chiang Mai, including Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, and the Silver Temple
- Discover Chiang Rai’s cultural icons, highlighted by the visionary White Temple and historic Wat Phra Kaew
- Cruise the legendary Mekong River, crossing from Thailand into Laos with village encounters
- Experience the spiritual charm of Luang Prabang, from Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Falls to sunset atop Mount Phousi
- Witness the awe-inspiring UNESCO wonders of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
- Enjoy an immersive Bangkok canal adventure, visiting Wat Arun, historic temples, and Santa Cruz Church
- Stay in handpicked upscale hotels with a seamless, culturally rich, and well-paced itinerary across three countries
What’s Included
- 2 nights in a Melia Room at Melia Hotel Chiang Mai
- 2 nights in a Deluxe River View Room at Riva Vista Riverfront Chiang Rai
- 1 night in a Mekong Villa at Le Grand Hotel Pakbeng
- 2 nights in a Deluxe room at Satri House Luang Prabang
- 3 nights in a Bayon room at Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collections Pool Villa
- 2 nights in a Deluxe Suite at Valia Hotel Bangkok
- Mekong River Cruise from Houay Xay to Luang Prabang
- 14 Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
- Transfers and sightseeing tours as specified in the itinerary
- English-speaking local guides
- Hotel taxes and service charges
What’s Excluded
- International and Internal flights
- Gratuities, travel insurance, and visa fees
- Meals, beverages, and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone/fax calls, beverages, camera/video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses
Itinerary
Welcome to Chiang Mai, the enchanting cultural hub of Thailand. With its rich tapestry of over 100 monasteries, vibrant shopping enclaves, and exquisite dining venues, Chiang Mai offers a captivating introduction to the region. Upon your arrival, be transported to your accommodation, where you'll find yourself immersed in the ambiance of this historic city, setting the tone for the adventures that await in the days ahead.
Accommodation: Melia Chiang Mai (Melia room)
This morning, discover the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Chiang Mai, a city renowned for its beautifully preserved Lanna temples. Begin at Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in the city, founded in 1296 by King Mengrai when Chiang Mai became the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Admire its distinctive Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses. Continue to Wat Chedi Luang, the "Temple of the Great Stupa," whose impressive ruins dominate the historic center, followed by Wat Phra Singh, one of northern Thailand's finest examples of classic Lanna architecture. The tour also includes a visit to Wat Sri Suphan, the renowned Silver Temple, where intricate silver, nickel, and aluminum panels crafted by local silversmiths adorn the ordination hall. Conclude the morning at the bustling Warorot Market, a lively local market offering everything from fresh produce and street food to textiles and souvenirs, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Chiang Mai.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Melia Chiang Mai (Melia room)
Embark on a picturesque voyage along meandering mountain routes as you make your way to Chiang Rai, the northernmost gem of Thailand. Traverse these winding paths that offer glimpses of nature's grandeur en route to the city that holds its own unique allure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Riva Vista Riverfront Chiang Rai (Deluxe River View Room)
Today, discover the artistic and spiritual highlights of Chiang Rai, beginning with a visit to Wat Rong Khun, the iconic White Temple created by visionary artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Blending traditional Thai architecture with contemporary artistic expression, this striking landmark shimmers with mirrored glass details and symbolic imagery. Continue to Wat Phra Sing, home to a revered replica of the Phra Sing Buddha, honoring its origins in Chiang Mai, before visiting Wat Phra Kaew, historically significant as the former residence of the Emerald Buddha in the 13th century. The morning concludes with a leisurely trishaw ride back to the hotel, offering a charming glimpse of local life.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Riva Vista Riverfront Chiang Rai (Deluxe River View Room)
Depart early this morning for the transfer to the Thai–Lao border, where you cross the Friendship Bridge and complete immigration formalities. After meeting your cruise representative at Lao immigration, continue to the pier to board your riverboat for a memorable journey downstream along the Mekong River. Lunch is served on board as you glide past dramatic landscapes and riverside villages. In the afternoon, stop to visit a Kamu minority village, offering insight into local traditions and daily life. Arrive in Pakbeng in the early evening and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay along the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Grand Pakbeng (Mekong Villa)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, board the boat as it departs Pakbeng for another scenic day upstream on the Mekong River. Savor lunch on board while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images, and explore this spiritual and cultural site. Arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Satri House Luang Prabang (Deluxe room)
Begin the day with an optional early-morning experience to observe Tak Bat, the centuries-old almsgiving ritual that reflects Luang Prabang's spiritual traditions, followed by breakfast at your hotel. Later, travel to the scenic Kuang Si Falls, where cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools offer time to relax, explore forest trails, or enjoy a refreshing swim. Nearby, visit a bear rescue sanctuary dedicated to protecting the endangered Asiatic black bear. Return to Luang Prabang around midday, with an optional stop at Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre to learn about traditional Lao silk weaving. In the afternoon, explore the city's cultural highlights, including the former Royal Palace Museum and the exquisite Wat Xiengthong, the finest example of classical Luang Prabang temple architecture. As evening approaches, ascend Mount Phousi for panoramic sunset views over the city and the Mekong River, then stroll through the vibrant Night Market before returning to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Satri House Luang Prabang (Deluxe room)
We meet our guide for a short airport transfer for your Siem Reap flight. Upon your afternoon arrival in Siem Reap, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collections Pool Villas (Bayon room)
Embark on a captivating journey through the world-renowned Angkor complex, where ancient temples narrate stories from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Begin your exploration at the grand South Gate, which opens the way to the treasures of this ancient city. Wander through the evocative ruins of Bayon, with its iconic smiling faces, the towering Baphuon, the mystic Phimeanakas, the resplendent Royal Palace, the historic Elephant Terrace, and the enigmatic Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, visit the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to Khmer ingenuity. Explore its intricate design and carvings, culminating in a breathtaking sunset experience that bathes the temple in a golden glow—a fitting tribute to this exceptional heritage.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collections Pool Villas (Bayon room)
Today's adventure takes you to the captivating temples beyond the walls of Angkor Thom. Begin with a visit to the exquisite 11th-century Temple of Shiva, Banteay Srei, celebrated for its intricate carvings and elegant design. This temple, often called the "Jewel of Khmer Art," is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Next, continue to Banteay Samre, where you'll explore its rich historical and architectural significance. As you journey back, stop at the enchanting Ta Prohm, a temple intertwined with the jungle, creating a mystical atmosphere. Once home to 2,740 monks, this site has remained much as it was when French explorer Henri Mouhot rediscovered it in the early 1850s, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collections Pool Villas (Bayon room)
Today, bid farewell to Siem Reap as you fly to Bangkok, the bustling city known as Krung Thep or the City of Angels. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel, where you can unwind in the heart of this vibrant metropolis.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Valia Hotel Bangkok (Deluxe Suite)
This morning, embark on a scenic long-tail boat journey along the Chao Phraya River, cruising through Bangkok's historic canals and witnessing daily life along the waterways. Stop at the iconic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, admired for its soaring spires and riverside setting. Continue by tuk-tuk to Wat Hong Rattanaram, a late-Ayutthaya–period temple once patronized by King Taksin, notable for its Lan Xang–style principal Buddha image, Phra Saen, and sacred holy water pond. Visit Wat Pichaiyatikaram, distinguished by its Chinese-influenced ubosot roof design, before concluding at Santa Cruz Church, where Portuguese and Chinese heritage reflect Bangkok's multicultural past.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Valia Hotel Bangkok (Deluxe Suite)
As the journey draws to a close, we bid adieu to the vibrant tapestry of Bangkok. Today, we take a transfer to the airport, setting the course for our homeward-bound flights to the U.S., carrying with us cherished memories and the echoes of the remarkable Indochina adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Departure Dates | Tour Cost | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Feb 26 - 28 Feb 26 | USD $3699 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 09 Mar 26 - 21 Mar 26 | USD $3599 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 13 Apr 26 - 25 Apr 26 | USD $3499 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 11 May 26 - 23 May 26 | USD $3099 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 15 Jun 26 - 27 Jun 26 | USD $3099 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 13 Jul 26 - 25 Jul 26 | USD $3099 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 10 Aug 26 - 22 Aug 26 | USD $3099 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 14 Sep 26 - 26 Sep 26 | USD $3099 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 12 Oct 26 - 24 Oct 26 | USD $3499 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 16 Nov 26 - 28 Nov 26 | USD $3899 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
| 07 Dec 26 - 19 Dec 26 | USD $3899 | Celestial Grounds of Southeast Asia | BOOK NOW |
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