Compare Hidden Treasures of the Mekong by Titan Travel vs Siam Treasures by Encounters Travel

Day 1: London - In flight
VIP Outbound5 Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow Airport for a direct, scheduled Singapore Airlines flight to Chiang Mai via Singapore.

Day 2: Singapore - Chiang Mai
On arrival we transfer to the Empress Chiang Mai Hotel (4T) or Suriwongse Hotel (3T+), our base for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Thailand’s attractive and laid-back northern capital.

Day 3: Chiang Mai
A morning sightseeing tour takes in the Thai Elephant Care Centre, a fascinating and poignant sanctuary for elderly elephants, and two of Chiang Mai’s finest temples - the atmospheric 15th century Wat Chedi Luang, and gleaming Wat Suan Dok Temple, with its gold and white stupas. After lunch at a local restaurant, there is time to relax or make your own explorations this afternoon.

Day 4: Chiang Mai - Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai
Neighbouring Chiang Rai, more peaceful still, is set in a region of exceptional natural beauty. We take some time to get to know the small city, with visits to the White Temple (truly breathtaking on a clear sunny day, its pinnacle roofs and embellishments reflected in still waters), the splendid Baan Dam (‘black house’) and Wat Phra Kaew, the temple of the emerald Buddha, set in lush surroundings. After an included lunch in a local restaurant, we make an excursion to two enthralling hill-tribe villages - those of the Yao and the Akha, the latter renowned for their exotic and beautiful costumes. Our hotel in the Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai is the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort (3T).

Day 5: Chiang Rai
The ‘Golden Triangle’ region actually owes its romantic-sounding moniker to the CIA, which historically monitored its opium production. Today we visit Chiang Rai’s Hall of Opium Museum to find out more about this mysterious substance and its 5,000-year history, which included wars for trading supremacy fought between Britain and China. Then, after lunch, we enjoy a pleasure boat trip on the Mekong and discover the temples of Chiang Saen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6: Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong - Mekong cruise - Pakbeng
This morning, we transfer to the frontier town of Chiang Khong, where a bridge spanning the Mekong links Thailand and Laos. Here we embark on a scenic Mekong cruise, making leisurely stops at various hill-tribe settlements. We take an overnight bag (leaving heavy luggage on the boat) to the Luang Say Lodge (3T) tonight, set in idyllic and tranquil riverside surroundings.

Day 7: Pakbeng - Mekong cruise - Luang Prabang
Early risers can join an optional trip to a characterful local market, then our cruise continues to Luang Prabang by way of Ban Baw, a hill-tribe village renowned for its silks, cottons and Lao whisky, and the spectacular Pak Ou Caves, carved out by the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers and now home to over 4,000 Buddha icons. Our hotel in Luang Prabang is Villa Santi Resort (4T) or Sanctuary Luang Prabang (4T).

Day 8: Luang Prabang
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most entrancing places in Asia, Luang Prabang features on many a traveller’s ‘must see’ list. Here, where the Mekong and Khan rivers meet, may be found 33 gilded wats (temples) adorned with colourful mosaics and frescoes, attended by Buddhist monks in traditional saffron robes. And there are echoes too of French colonialism, in the faded grandeur of the city’s villas and boulevards. Our city tour takes in the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, and three magnificent ways - Wat Mai, renowned for its golden bas-reliefs; Wat Sensoukarahm, boasting a dazzlingly beautiful golden façade; and 16th century Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most revered temple, decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics. In the afternoon, admire scenic views en route to pretty Kuang Si Falls and a neighboring bear sanctuary, where 23 Asiatic black bears are protected from poaching. In the evening, there is the opportunity to participate in the unique Baci ceremony, traditionally performed in celebration of weddings, births or the arrival of important guests. The Lao believe that the essence of each person consists of 32 spirits, and the Baci ritual, involving special flower trays and food, calls back any that may have escaped.

Day 9: Luang Prabang
Early risers can join an optional dawn walk to watch those saffron-clad, barefoot monks collect alms in a serene ceremony so evocative of the spirituality of this nation and its people. After breakfast, we head back out to a morning produce market, packed with exotic foodstuffs used in Lao cuisine, and the riverside Ock Pop Tock Living Crafts Centre, which specialises in colorful local textiles from Buddhist scarves to prayer flags and dowry gifts. Take the time to relax this afternoon, or enjoy an optional Storytelling Theatre excursion, where the history and legends of Luang Prabang are recounted in the most engaging style.

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Siem Reap
We transfer mid-morning to the airport for a Lao Airlines flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, we transfer to Le Meridien Angkor (4T+). Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 11: Siem Reap (Angkor)
Though breathtaking Angkor Wat justifiably takes the plaudits, Angkor is not just one temple, but the architecture of an entire civilization, the Khmer Empire, now lost to history. Monumental buildings are scattered across an area of some 400 square miles of jungle, yet this was once a single megacity - the biggest settlement in the pre-industrial world. The entire expanse is now protected and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit sprawling Angkor Thom, with the temple of Bayon at its heart, noted for its Gothic towers adorned with 216 gargantuan faces; haunting Ta Phrom, where trees and vines are intertwined with the ancient stones so seamlessly as to appear part of the design; and, of course, Angkor Wat, the height of Khmer genius, a temple complex of extraordinary artistic skill and perfect harmony. The sun sets over its lotus towers as we conclude our explorations.

Day 12: Siem Reap
Discover life in a traditional Cambodian village this morning, as we join a local family in their house, for breakfast. We then visit the serene Bakong Temple, the core of the first Angkorian capital, and a traditional water blessing by Buddhist monks at a local pagoda. The afternoon is at leisure to reflect on a wonderful tour, then we gather once more for a delicious farewell dinner.

Day 13: Siem Reap - In flight
After a final visit to a local market and the Artisans d’Angkor organization, dedicated to the preservation of Khmer arts, we transfer to the airport for a scheduled Singapore Airlines flight to London Heathrow via Singapore.

Day 1: Arrive into Bangkok, transfer to hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Bangkok for the start of your trip.
| OVERNIGHT:
Bangkok hotel
| EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (THSGST), Extra day in Bangkok - pre-tour
Day 2: Bangkok, city tour
Our tour begins with a a fun way to discover Bangkok's unmistakable 'Kwam-Pen-Thai' (Thai-ness) as we use various modes of public transport such as tuk tuks, BTS Skytrain, public long-tailed boats etc. The tour takes in the Grand Palace and old Rattanakosin Island, and our guides make every tour a little bit different so a true Bangkok is uncovered. Late in the afternoon we have time for tasty snack before boarding the train to Chiang Mai.
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 3: Arrive in Chiang Mai, free day
We arrive into Chiang Mai this morning where the rest of the day is free to explore the city. Nestled amongst some of the highest mountains in Thailand, Chiang Mai retains a relaxed feel to it. Head to the impressive local zoo or visit one of the nearby Buddhist temples before dining out in one of the city's many restaurants.
| OVERNIGHT:
Chiang Mai hotel
Day 4: Start jungle trek adventure
Leaving Chiang Mai this morning we travel to the colourful market at Mae Malai before carrying on to the lush Pang Lan Waterfalls. After lunch we begin our trek into the Huay Nam Dang National Park and walk on to the traditional Karen village of Baan Mae Jok where we stop for the night in order to learn more about the culture of the local hill-tribes.
| OVERNIGHT:
Village huts
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Jungle trekking
Awakening to cool mountain breezes we enjoy breakfast this morning before we trek on through the tropical jungle to the village of Baan Pa Khao Lam. We continue through the forest before arriving later today at the rafting camp.
| OVERNIGHT:
Village huts
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Bamboo rafting, return to Chiang Mai
On our final day in the jungle we experience bamboo rafting along the Mae Tang river. Cruising along the tropical riverbanks in our bamboo rafts we make stops at small tribal settlements before finally arriving into Shan village where we transfer back to Chiang Mai.
| OVERNIGHT:
Chiang Mai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Chiang Mai, free day, overnight train to Bangkok
Today is kept free to relax after the trek. You could take in a local Thai cooking course, explore the markets and alleyways of Chiang Mai on foot or relieve any tired muscles with a relaxing local massage. Transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Bangkok.
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 8: Arrive in Bangkok. free day
We arrive back into the Thai capital this morning and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Bangkok at your leisure. Visit the lively area around Patpong, drop in on a snake farm or browse round Bangkok's many modern shopping centres.
| OVERNIGHT:
Bangkok hotel
Day 9: Bangkok, canal tour, overnight train to Surat Thani
Today we discover historical Bangkok as we enjoy a boat tour of the city's old canals, stopping off at lively river markets to observe the rituals of daily life that have hardly changed in hundreds of years. We then visit the former royal palace at Vimanmek - home to the world's largest golden teakwood mansion. This evening we transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Surat Thani.
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 10: Arrive in Surat Thani, transfer to Khao Sok National Park
Arriving into Surat Thani this morning we then make the short journey into Khao Sok National Park. This verdant and tropical rainforest will be our home for the next 3 nights as we discover the flora and fauna unique to this part of the world. In the afternoon we take to the river for 2 hours of canoeing (or tubing!) and also visit a local temple famous for the monkeys that are kept here. Later you'll experience the night-time jungle up close by sleeping in tree houses.
| OVERNIGHT:
Khao Sok tree-house
| MEALS:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Khao Sok activities
We start today with a 4-hour guided trek through the beautiful Khao Sok national park whose rich flora and fauna is famous throughout Thailand. After lunch head to a local elephant camp where you can get up close to these amazing animals. Head back to your tree house via Mai Yai waterfall and spend the evening relaxing after a long day and enjoying eating some local specialities.
| OVERNIGHT:
Khao Sok tree-house
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Khao Sok activities
Leaving our tree house accommodation this morning we travel to Cheow Lan Lake and our raft houses, surrounded by the spectacular limestone cliffs and forested scenery. After lunch we trek through the nearby jungle to a beautiful local lagoon where you have the chance to explore a stunning cave, famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. Then, return to the Raft house for dinner and to relax under the stars.
| OVERNIGHT:
Khao Sok raft-house
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Drive and ferry from Khao Sok to Ko Samui
Today we swap the rainforest for the beautiful tropical island of Ko Samui on the South China Sea. Departing Khao Sok we travel back to Surat Thani from where we catch the ferry to the island and transfer to te hotel.
| OVERNIGHT:
Ko Samui hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast Day 14-16: Ko Samui, free time
The next 3 days are yours to explore the sun-drenched island of Ko Samui at your own leisure. With many incredible dive sites dotted around the island this is a great place to arrange any diving or snorkelling options or just relax on one of the islands many golden and idyllic beaches.
| OVERNIGHT:
Ko Samui hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 17: Ko Samui, fly to Bangkok
Saying farewell to our tropical island paradise we transfer to the airport for the short flight back to Bangkok. Upon arrival we transfer to the hotel.
| OVERNIGHT:
Bangkok hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
Day 18: Bangkok, free time, transfer to airport
Your day is free for some last chance shopping and exploring around Bangkok before we transfer you to the airport for departure
flight.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Bangkok - post-tour