12 Days Best of Thailand and Cambodia Culture Tour

After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and transfer back to Bangkok city for a private motorboat tour along the Chao Phraya River and its canals extending into Thonburi, Bangkok’s sister city across the river. This scenic ride offers a glimpse into the traditional riverside lifestyle and includes a visit to the iconic Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). The charming waterways and historic temples have earned Bangkok the nickname “Venice of the East.”
After lunch, take a ferry across the canal to visit the magnificent Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace served as the royal residence, the seat of government, and the heart of Thai power for 150 years. Its stunning architecture and intricate details showcase the brilliance of Thai craftsmanship and remain a source of national pride. Within the palace complex were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and the royal mint.
Next, continue to the nearby Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon), home to the famous Reclining Buddha and considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho is also a center for Thai medicine and cultural preservation. After the tour, return to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight in Bangkok

This morning, visit the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with your private guide and driver, where you’ll experience a traditional Thai market bustling with vendors selling local foods, fruits, and handmade products directly from their boats. After exploring the lively market, continue on to Kanchanaburi, a region rich in history and culture. Known worldwide from the book and film The Bridge on the River Kwai, the iconic bridge and railway serve as powerful reminders of the area’s wartime past. Take some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere before heading back to Bangkok Airport for your onward flight to Chiang Rai.
Overnight in Chiang Rai

The Golden Triangle is one of Indochina’s most intriguing regions, and today you’ll enjoy a full-day excursion to explore its heart. Your fascinating journey begins in the morning with a visit to the Long Neck Karen Village, where you’ll meet the unique hill tribe people who migrated from the Thai-Myanmar border. The adventure continues with a scenic drive to Mt. Doi Mae Salong, where you’ll visit a traditional Chinese village perched atop the mountain. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant while taking in the mountain views.

In the afternoon, the trip continues toward the highest peak along the Thai-Myanmar border—Doi Tung. Along the way, you’ll pass various Lahu and Akha villages, as well as terraced farming landscapes. From a distance, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the Princess Mother's Frigid Flower Garden. At the peak of the mountain, you’ll visit the historic Doi Tung Temple, built in A.D. 1493, offering breathtaking views reminiscent of Switzerland, along with distinct temple architecture and sacred images overlooking the vast northern plains. After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, visit the White Temple, is an unusual Thai temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references. Then we will drive toward Chiang Mai to continue your Indochina tour in northern Thailand.

After lunch, you will enjoy some free time to discover the beautiful countryside around the School for Life Campus. Keep driving around 30 minutes to Chiang Mai, visit the Meow Hill Tribe Village where locates on the Mountain Doi Pui and it was once famous for opium cultivation. Continue to visit the Temple Wat Doi Suthep where you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Chiang Mai City. If you like, here is also one of the best places to enjoy sunset. 
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals.

Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary. Your visit helps support their regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation.
Overnight in Chiang Mai

In the morning, start your cultural tour of Chiang Mai. First stop at Kad Ton Payom Market, renowned for its fresh fruits and flowers, aromatic spices and northern Thai cuisine. You can participate in the local tradition of almsgiving — offering food to Buddhist monks. Continue to the Buddhist temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. Learn about the Buddhist proverbs posted throughout the grounds in English and Thai before you head inside to see the impressive Buddha statue. You’ll also visit the 14th-century Wat Suan Dok, a white bell-shaped temple housing a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. See the large prayer hall and the unique open-sided chapel, then enjoy an opportunity to chat with a monk about Buddhism and temple life.

In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap, upon arrive, guide meet at the airport and escort to your hotel for check in.
Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, begin your journey into the heart of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia with a visit to Angkor Thom, the historic capital city of the Khmer Empire. Your first stop is the atmospheric Ta Prohm, a temple dramatically enveloped by jungle roots and foliage, creating a scene straight out of an adventure film.

Next, explore Banteay Kdei ("Citadel of Chambers") before continuing on to see the Victory Gate, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, and the striking Baphuon temple. You'll then arrive at the awe-inspiring Bayon, famous for its nearly 200 massive stone smiling faces. With its labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and steep climbs, Bayon promises plenty of unforgettable photo opportunities on your second day in the Kingdom of Wonders.

In the afternoon, prepare to be amazed by one of the Seven Wonders of the World—Angkor Wat. As the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat is four times the size of the Vatican City and is renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intricate stone carvings. Wander through its many corridors, levels, and chambers, once filled with the treasures of an ancient empire.

In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner with a traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show, a perfect cultural finale to your day of exploration.
Overnight in Siem Reap

In the morning, you'll journey to the remote and enchanting Banteay Srei temple, also known as the Citadel of Women. Nestled deep in the jungle, Banteay Srei is renowned for its stunning red sandstone carvings, which remain remarkably well-preserved. Unlike the grand scale of other Angkorian temples, the structures here are smaller and more delicate, showcasing some of the finest and most intricate examples of Khmer art, earning it the title of the jewel of Khmer architecture.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day excursion to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. You'll take a scenic boat trip through its tranquil waters, passing through mangrove forests and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. A highlight of the trip is a visit to Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lake, where you’ll witness the unique daily life of the local people who live in stilted homes directly over the water. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, enjoying your free morning until transfer to airport for flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrive, guide will meet at airport and escort you to hotel for check in and have a rest. Overnight in Phnom Penh

In the morning, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up to begin the day with a visit to the Silver Pagoda, renowned for its floor covered with 5,000 silver tiles. Next, you’ll explore the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Khmer royal family, followed by a visit to the National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Khmer history, art, and architecture.

In the afternoon, you’ll delve into Cambodia’s dark past with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where your knowledgeable guide will walk you through the harrowing exhibitions. Afterwards, you’ll continue to the outskirts of the city to visit the Choeung Ek Memorial, also known as the Killing Fields, where a pagoda made from over 8,000 human skulls stands as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Today transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of service