Ancient Capitals
Step back in time amidst the enigmatic temple ruins of Ayutthaya, the former royal capital.
Captivating Bangkok, the peaceful hill tribes of Northern Thailand, gentle river journeys plus temples and elephants. This 12 day holiday combining Thailand and Luang Prabang in Laos gives a varied insight into this charming region of South East Asia.
Step back in time amidst the enigmatic temple ruins of Ayutthaya, the former royal capital.
Spend a magical day in the company of elephants.
Spend a day with the Akha people cooking traditional dishes and learning how they live off the land.
Cruise the Mekong, from Thailand to UNESCO Luang Prabang.
We love the variety of this holiday to Thailand and Laos. It combines the temples, cuisine and markets of Bangkok with the mountains and hill tribes of northern Thailand before a two-day cruise to Luang Prabang – a real highlight. Relax as you gently cruise the Mekong stopping to visit small villages and witnessing a traditional way of life. Explore Luang Prabang by bike before spending a full day in the company of rescued Asian elephants – a humbling and privileged experience.
Day 1
Bangkok
Day 2 - 3
Bangkok
Day 4
Bangkok - Chiang Rai
Day 5 - 6
Chiang Rai
Day 7
Chiang Rai (Thailand) - Huay Xai - Pakbeng (Laos)
Day 8
Pakbeng - Luang Prabang
Day 9 - 11
Luang Prabang
Day 12
Luang Prabang
Day 1
Bangkok
Day 2 - 3
Bangkok
Step back in time amidst the enigmatic temple ruins of Ayutthaya, the former royal capital.
Day 4
Bangkok - Chiang Rai
Day 5 - 6
Chiang Rai
Spend a day with the Akha people cooking traditional dishes and learning how they live off the land.
Day 7
Chiang Rai (Thailand) - Huay Xai - Pakbeng (Laos)
Cruise the Mekong, from Thailand to UNESCO Luang Prabang.
Day 8
Pakbeng - Luang Prabang
Day 9 - 11
Luang Prabang
Spend a magical day in the company of elephants at MandaLao elephant sanctuary.
Day 12
Luang Prabang
Chinatown Bangkok is a real foodie paradise offering the chance to explore Thailand street food culture at its best. Home to Bangkok 1, the cities Michelin Star street food restaurant, owned by charismatic 70 year old Jay Fai. Her open kitchen restaurant comes alive with new generation gourmands after the sun has set.
On the fringes of Chinatown take a stroll around Soi Nana, an edgy, arty street of bars, galleries and cafés and home to Bangkok’s first gin bar as well as coffee shops, low-key art galleries, and old Chinese shop houses with roof top bars.
The Mekong River forms a natural border with Laos and it is possible to journey from the Thai border all the way to Luang Prabang on a relaxing two day cruise. Journey overland to the border with Laos before boarding a comfortable 40 passenger boat to gently cruise through varied and spectacular scenery, stopping to overnight at a local riverside lodge. Towering mountains hide small hill tribe villages and the Ban Pak Ou cliffside caves, crammed with miniature Buddha sculptures.
Set on the banks of the Nam Khan river, MandaLao Elephant Sanctuary is a pioneering camp, steering away from elephant rides and offering a more natural, responsible and interactive experience. The mission of the sanctuary is to show the highest level of care to rescued elephants and influence the growth of ethical elephant tourism while safeguarding the species.
Spend time with passionate and knowledgeable guides, learning about the elephants, their behaviour, diet and plight – and how you can help. Join them as they freely roam the sanctuary, trekking through the forest and bathing in the river.
A slower pace of travel lends itself perfectly to exploring the charming city of Luang Prabang. Explore peaceful streets and back alleys as well as some of the less known, exquisite Buddhist temples and monasteries. Stop at a ‘fresh market’ where our guides will introduce you to the weird and wonderful produce on sale before pausing for a traditional Lao coffee and snacks. Finally, follow the Mekong river to a more rural Laos, home to farmland and traditional textile arts.
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Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
Throughout January, Thailand will experience average temperatures of 27°C with very little rainfall, ideal for a winter sun destination to Thailand’s beaches on the west coast. January can be less humid than February and March, yet still experiences daily sunshine.
February will bring guaranteed sunshine to most of Thailand with January through to March being the best time to visit the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan with temperatures averaging 25°C.
Temperatures in March begin to rise so the entire country will experience sunshine and warm weather. When visiting Thailand’s cities, such as Bangkok, sightseeing may be less comfortable with the higher humidity levels during the day yet pleasant temperatures in the evenings.
Thailand will experience very hot temperatures throughout the country. Cooler temperatures will be experienced in northern regions with an average of 29°C and occasional rainfall in western regions.
May will bring marginally cooler temperatures throughout Thailand than previous months with more chances of rainfall, particularly in western regions yet higher chances of daily sunshine in the east.
Prior to the monsoon season, June can be a great time to travel to Thailand with fewer crowds yet will still experience daily sunshine. Average temperatures can range from 25°C to 32°C.
From July to October, Thailand will experience the monsoon, bringing most of the country’s annual rainfall during this period.
As the peak on the monsoon season, September will bring heavy rainfall throughout Thailand yet eastern regions experience monsoon rains later than the rest of Thailand.
September will experience similar temperatures and humidity levels to August but depending on the region of Thailand, some areas will see less frequent rain showers even though it is likely to rain daily. Flooding may occur in some regions if the monsoon rains were particularly heavy in previous months.
As the monsoon season begins to end, October will experience less frequent rainfall and lower levels of humidity making it an excellent month for sightseeing and visiting the countryside to view the lush, green vegetation.
Thailand benefits from great weather year-round, with the best time to visit is from November to March. During these months, day temperatures are more bearable and there is less chance of rain.
December is one of Thailand’s peak months with lower humidity levels and comfortable temperatures throughout the country, allowing for opportunities to explore the entire country.
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