Welcome to Siem Reap

Siem Reap - Greetings from Cambodia! Upon your arrival at Siem Reap Airport, secure your Cambodia visa, and proceed through Immigration and Customs. After retrieving your luggage, exit the airport to meet your local guide, who will be holding a sign with your names.

You will enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, courtesy of a professional driver and an English-speaking guide, for a three-night stay at the Jaya House River Park. This hotel is the closest to the renowned archaeological site of Angkor. Siem Reap serves as the gateway to exploring the legendary temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire.

Settle in and enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening.

The Wonders of Angkor

Angkor Thom South Gate - Begin your morning with a visit to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This vast walled complex was the center of the world’s largest city in 1200. After the Chams occupied Angkor from 1177 to 1181, King Jayavarman VII constructed an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is astonishing, and visitors are immediately impressed by Jayavarman’s audacity upon arriving at the city’s gates. The causeway features an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology, where the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) engage in a tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its massive walls, approximately 6m wide, 8m high, and 13km long, contain numerous monuments.

Bayon Temple - Next, visit the Bayon temple, surrounded by faces on all sides. Visitors are captivated by the enigmatic and enchanting Bayon temple. Located at the exact center of Angkor Thom, it is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), resembling the king himself. These colossal heads gaze down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix needed to maintain such a vast empire.

Unlike his predecessors who worshipped the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII embraced Mahayana Buddhism as the source of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.

Baphuon Temple - Continue your visit to Baphuon, located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain constructed as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Terrace of the Elephants - Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants, part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor’s king Jayavarman VII as a platform to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

Terrace of the Leper King - Visit the Terrace of the Leper King, located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. Built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, its modern name comes from a 15th-century sculpture found at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.

Phimeanakas - Next, visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century during the reign of Rajendravarman, and completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three-tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.

Ta Prohm - Continue to Ta Prohm, perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate nature’s awesome power.

It has been largely consumed by the jungle, and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures, you see many giant trees growing out of the temple itself. At every turn, you might expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most frequently visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to enjoy the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm appears as many of the monuments did when European explorers first saw them. This was one of the settings for Lara Croft’s adventures in “Tomb Raider.”

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a delightful local restaurant.

Angkor Wat - Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, and afterwards, be dazzled by the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple. The bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that adorn its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages.

Khmer Temples & A Tonle Sap Lake Cruise

Banteay Srei - This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure features exquisite sculptures, lintels, and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families producing palm sugar.

Preah Khan - Continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is in a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-story structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a delightful local restaurant in town.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village - After lunch, continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and rice fields. At the end of your ride, enjoy a fresh coconut drink with the family and feel free to chat with the local people to learn more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for a drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the lake’s inhabitants.

Siem Reap– Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North,” Thailand

Siem Reap - You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Siem Reap Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

This morning, board a flight from Siem Reap via Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Approximate flight time is three hours and 35 minutes.

Chiang Mai - Fly from Siem Reap to Chiang Mai, departing at 09:55 and arriving at 13:45.

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, obtain your Thailand visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet your local guide, who will be holding a sign with your names.

You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Chiang Mai, Thailand, the “Rose of the North,” established in the 13th century, is known for its artistic and cultural heritage.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and in the afternoon, visit several teak, Lanna-style houses and some of Chiang Mai’s most revered Buddhist temples and shrines.

Wat Phra Singh - Visit Wat Phra Singh, built in 1345. The temple is located on Sam Lan Road and houses the North’s most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing, enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, a chapel featuring exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals.

Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara - Next, continue to visit Wat Chedi Luang’s massive chedi (pagoda), built sometime between 1385 and 1402 during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, the 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty. It is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its peak, the chedi measured 60 meters across at the square base and 80 meters tall and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred religious relic.

Wat Suan Dok - You will also visit Wat Suan Dok, located just west of the old walled part of Chiang Mai. It is a very old temple known for its large number of white chedis or pagodas. Wat Suan Dok literally means flower garden temple. The temple derives its name from the location where it was built. The temple area was once used as royal flower gardens by the ruler of Chiang Mai. The most noticeable features of Wat Suan Dok are the large number of chedis. The tallest golden chedi in Sri Lankan style is 48 meters high and contains the relic of the Buddha. Enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurants back at the hotel.

Sights & Insights

Lampang - Today, head out to the countryside around Chiang Mai with your private English-speaking guide to discover the temples of Lampang and Lamphun, stopping to browse for the famous Lampang ceramics and enjoy a snack at the Kaad Thung Kwain Market.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang - Discover the magnificent Lanna architecture of Temple Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient temple that has existed with Lampang since the Phra Nang Cham tewi era. Aside from its ancient architecture, it’s also Phra That of the year of the ox due to its construction commencing and completing in the year of the ox. The sacred Phra That is the Lotus Marble, with a Lanna-style circular base adorned with Chanko gold, decorated in various styles.

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai - Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, and continue to Lamphun to visit the dazzling temple complex of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a temple considered an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, especially for those born in the Year of the Rooster. If time permits on the way back to the city, a stop can be made at Baan Tawai, a village on the outskirts of Chiang Mai known as the best place to shop for handicrafts, particularly wood carvings.

Life in the Hill Tribe Villages & Scenic Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai - In the morning, continue an unforgettable excursion to the hill tribe villages of Chiang Mai to meet the people of the Palong, Padong, and Karen tribes, who live peacefully as small farmers, observing and honoring their traditional ways of life. They’ll share their crafts and folkways with you, and you’ll even get to try on the traditional neck rings worn by members of the “long-necked” Karen tribe!

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Then take a scenic drive to Doi Suthep National Park, home to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a temple perched at the top of a peak more than 3,500 feet above sea level. Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening to explore Chiang Mai’s restaurants on your own.

On to Bangkok, Thailand’s Stunning Capital

Chiang Mai - A morning flight takes you to bustling Bangkok in time for lunch at a local restaurant and afternoon sightseeing in Bangkok, an intriguing mix of ancient and modern.

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Chiang Mai Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

Board a flight from Chiang Mai with direct service to Bangkok. Approximate flight time is one hour and 25 minutes.

Bangkok - Fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, departing at 10:10 and arriving at 11:35.

You will be privately transferred from the airport to your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School - After lunch, visit Wat Pho, famous for its 141-foot-long reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is not only one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Bangkok, but it is also where history, medical science, and educational institutes combine. Officially named Wat Prachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam, Wat Pho was believed to be founded during the 16th century and later served as The Royal Temple of King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty.

The Grand Palace - Next, continue to the Grand Palace, a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the palace grounds until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) resided at the Chitralada Royal Villa, and his successor King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, both in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the palace walls every year.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) - You will also visit Wat Phra Kaew, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The complex consists of several buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical center of Bangkok. It houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha, venerated as the country’s palladium. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own in Bangkok.

Bangkok’s Klongs & The Jim Thompson House

Klongs - Cruise up the Chao Phraya River and through a network of canals, called klongs, which lace the city. These often-bustling “city streets,” lined with homes and small businesses, are where much of “real life” in Bangkok is found, as you’ll witness firsthand.

Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun) - Stop for a visit at Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) along the way. The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Makok after the name of the local village Tambol Bangmakok, meaning “Village of Olives.” Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name, The Temple of Dawn. The temple’s location is in the area that used to be occupied by the Palace of King Taksin, who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after the fall of Ayutthaya more than two hundred years ago. The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II.

Jim Thompson House - Then journey from the riverside to the Jim Thompson House & Museum, where you’ll join a local guide to tour the art- and artifact-filled Bangkok home of the expatriate American architect, OSS officer, and postwar Thai silk entrepreneur who mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s. After lunch, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel, where you can enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

Depart Bangkok

Bangkok - Tour ends: Bangkok. A transfer from Sukhothai Hotel to Bangkok International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

• On-Tour Air included (2 flights) Siem Reap to Chiang Mai & Chiang Mai to Bangkok
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• Stay 2 nights at the Sukhothai Hotel (Deluxe Room)
• Stay 3 nights at the Le Meridien Chiang Mai (Deluxe Room)
• Private transportation by modern air-conditioned vehicle
• Stay 3 nights at the Borei Angkor Resort & Spa (Landmark Room)
• Sightseeing as specified including entrance fees
• Licensed English-Speaking guide
• Lunch
• Breakfast
• Included admission fee to visit the temples in Angkor Archaeological Park three-day ticket $62.00

• Personal, travel and health insurance

Experiences of a Lifetime

This exclusive private tour offers the finest experiences in Thailand and Cambodia, featuring city tours in Bangkok, exploration of the Angkor ruins, and cultural tours amidst the stunning landscapes of northern Thailand.

Start your journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to discover the remarkable Angkor, the awe-inspiring remnants of the ancient Khmer empire. With a personal guide, explore the most fascinating sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Angkor Wat, a vast temple city designed as a stone representation of the Hindu universe.

Proceed to the rural area of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. During private tours, visit a sacred temple atop a mountain and observe monks gathering their morning alms. Additionally, explore Chiang Mai’s historic temples and vibrant markets.

Then, fly to Bangkok for an extensive tour of this amazing city. Delight in a private long-tail boat ride through Bangkok’s canals. Visit Bangkok’s key attractions, including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.