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Thailand and Laos by Land and Sea – Phuket to Vientiane

Thailand and Laos by Land and Sea – Phuket to Vientiane

From $ 9,495 AUD

Description

The spoils of Southern Thailand are no secret, but like in so many other paradise-like pockets of South East Asia, there’s always more to discover. Escape the tourists on a new Peregrine adventure cruise that takes in some of the most spectacular little islands off Thailand’s west coast. The Similan Islands, Ko Miang Ko Surin Tai and Khao Lak offer all the hallmarks of Thailand’s idyllic south – the warm blue-green Andaman Sea, blinding white sands and marvellous limestone oddities – without the glitz and bustle of mainland Phuket. Dine and share stories with locals in small villages, explore jungle and boulder-studded shorelines, and swim and snorkel the afternoons away.
Thailand and Laos are two of South East Asia’s most exciting destinations, and this adventure delivers a heady combination mix of rural adventure and urban pulse. Begin in bustling Bangkok and venture north, where the landscape, history and local food brings one surprise after the next. Bring the pace down a notch as you cross into Laos and discover the ethnic cultures, glittering temples and incredible scenery that make this destination such a Peregrine favourite.

Trip Name
Thailand and Laos by Land and Sea - Phuket to Vientiane
Last Updated
2018-08-08
Days
24
Capacity
48
Highlights
  • The ocean is your swimming pool on this adventure cruise – and what an ocean it is. The clear warm waters of the Andaman Sea are a dream to wake up to each day
  • Get unrivalled access to snorkelling spots around the Andaman islands from your comfortable small ship
  • Enjoy the laidback nightlife of Khao Lak. This area has not adopted the seedier side of Thai tourism, so it’s great chance to spend a night out without hassle
  • See how the seafaring Moken people live, and hear first-hand hear stories of survival in Baan Talay Nok Village which was devastated by the 2004 tsunami
  • Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at the Elephant Nature Park
  • Visit the home of the infamous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’, learn about its dark history and the construction of the railway during the war
  • Your 1 night feature stay at the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge will allow you to immerse yourself in tribal culture without compromising on creature comforts.
  • Enjoy a boat trip on the Mekong River, observing stunning scenery and riverside French villas along the way. Stop by the Pak Ou Caves, known for the hundreds of shrines and miniature Buddhist statues that line their walls.
  • Unwind in the laid-back jungle town of Luang Prabang. Watch as orange-clad monks gather offerings of rice, fruit and sweets from locals before sunrise in a daily alms giving ceremony.
  • Visit Ock Pop Tok, an inspiring fair trade social enterprise that provides a sustainable source of income to local weavers and artisans. Browse their beautifully-made traditional textiles and handicrafts while learning about the organisation.
  • A full day of sightseeing in Vientiane includes visits to the capital’s most dazzling attractions, including the golden Pha That Luang (or the Great Stupa), the most sacred monument in the country.
  • Included flights on this trip makes travelling easy and allows for maximum time in each destination.

Itinerary

Travelling by sea is a fantastic way to explore, but it brings some challenges when weather conditions are not ideal. The itinerary may be subject to change, based on winds and sea conditions which may render anchorage and landing at some stops difficult. We reserve the right to change the itinerary for the safety of passengers and the ship. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and are based on a minimum participation. Each days' schedule will be posted by the cruise co-ordinator listing necessary information such as arrival/departure times, meal times, days activities and other information. This is given as a guideline and is subject to change.

Day 1 - Phuket
Arrive in Phuket, greeting your shipmates as you board in the late afternoon. Attend a welcome meeting and safety briefing to go over the finer details of your upcoming journey. After dinner onboard with your fellow travellers, set sail at around 9 pm, heading for Ko Miang overnight.
Day 2 - Ko Miang
Arrive nice and early in Ko Miang, one of the gorgeous Similan Islands. Renowned among divers for good reason, these islands combine rainforest, white sands and clear blue water to dazzling effect. Enjoy a morning of swimming and snorkelling, or make use of the stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Then depart mid-afternoon for the short sail to the main group of the Similan Islands, where the boat will remain at anchor overnight.
Day 3 - Similan Islands
Enjoy a full day of exploring the Similan Islands. You're free to hike the rainforest interior, scramble over huge boulders on pristine beaches or go snorkelling in search of tropical fish and coral. These islands, constituting a national park, were made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, and it's not hard to see why. Later, it's off for a late-night sail to Ko Surin Tai, and the night is spent at sea.
Day 4 - Ko Surin Tai
After an early-morning arrival, visit Moken Village for a tour with a local guide. This is the home of the Moken people, a Sea Gypsy ethnic group of Austronesian origin who still mostly live a seminomadic hunter-gatherer life (despite Thai and Burmese attempts to assimilate them into the wider culture). Notice their colourful poles, known as labong, which represent their ancestors. Later, in the afternoon, enjoy some snorkelling and relaxing on the beach.
Day 5 - Ko Surin Tai
Enjoy another day basking in the beauty of Surin Tai. Explore its incredible ecosystem, perhaps watching for a nesting turtle if it's the season. Otherwise, enjoy the sun and sand of this beautifully offtrack location while you can. In the evening, settle into a leisurely barbecue on deck with fellow travellers. The night is spent at anchor here.
Day 6 - Khao Lak
Make the journey to Khao Lak, a village among a collection of gorgeous beaches along Phang Nga's coastline. If the conditions are right, you might enjoy some old fashioned sailing, with the sails up and the engine off for a little while. After arriving in the afternoon, you're free to explore Khao Lak Town as you please. In the evening, perhaps seek out some fresh seafood in one of the restaurants and explore the local nightlife. This laidback haven is a nice escape from the glitzier side of Phuket.
Day 7 - Khao Lak
Travel by coach to Baan Talay Nok village. Enjoy a local-guided tour around the village, which was actually destroyed by 2004 tsunami. You'll hear some eye-opening stories of survival and how the village has recovered. For lunch, sit down with local families and dine on some tasty local dishes. Try your hand not only at soap-making but also at some cooking, preparing a local dish of grilled coconut wrapped in leaf. After returning by bus to Ko Pra Thong, join the Panorama II once again. Enjoy a farewell dinner onboard as the boat sails for Phuket.
Day 8 - Phuket
Arriving in Phuket early in the morning, disembark after breakfast and enjoy free time to relax, swim and eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day 9 - Phuket
Free time in Phuket
Day 10 - Bangkok
Fly from Phuket to Bangkok. One of our transfer representatives will collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel. After settling into your room, your journey begins with an important meeting at 6 pm. Please check for the Peregrine noticeboard in the reception area of the hotel. Please advise your flight details at the time of booking so we can arrange your airport transfer. With free time, acquaint yourself with this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River. Tonight you'll enjoy a welcome dinner at a great local restaurant.
Day 11 - Bangkok
Enjoy a day of sightseeing and activities in lively Bangkok. Visit Wat Po, a larger-than-life temple complex in the city. This is the home of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is among the six officially recognised highest calibre temples in Thailand, and it's certainly one of the most impressive. Also visit the majestic Grand Palace, which has been the official residence of the kings since the 1700s, and enjoy a boat tour of the city's khlongs (canals) to see another, more tranquil, side of Bangkok. The afternoon is free to do as you wish, perhaps visiting Jim Thompson house or enjoying a Thai massage. You’ll have a BTS day pass so you can use the Sky Train to help you get around.
Day 12 - Kanchanaburi
Travel by private transport to Kanchanaburi (approximately 3.5 hours). While the town may appear modern, it holds a dark past. Many Allied prisoners of war and conscripted Asian labourers were engaged here to help build a rail route to Myanmar (Burma), including the passage infamously known as Hellfire Pass. Visit the memorial museum of the pass to learn more about this chapter in history, and take a historical train journey along a portion of this 'death railway'.
Day 13 - Kanchanaburi
Make the short drive to the Erawan National Park and waterfall. Its radiant emerald green ponds, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, make for a lovely photo opportunity. On the way back to Kanchanaburi, stop in at the World War II cemetery and museum and spend some time there. This cemetery is the main resting place for the prisoners of war who laboured under Japanese rule in building the Thai-Burma Railway.
Day 14 - Uthai Thani
Depart Kanchanaburi in the morning and drive to Hup Pa Tat (approximately 3 hours). Spend an hour or so exploring this beautiful green area surrounded by limestone mountains. Legend has it that centuries ago this valley was a gigantic cave, until the ceiling caved in; massive chunks of limestone lying on the valley floor support the theory. Next you continue to Uthai Thani (approximately 1 hour) and enjoy some lunch there. Afterwards, visit nearby Wat Tha Sung (Crystal Hall). In the evening, sit down to dinner while cruising on a traditional rice barge, watching village life along the riverfront stream by, as the sun sets over the beautiful countryside.
Day 15 - Sukhothai
Travel by private transport from Uthai Thani to Sukhothai (approximately 3.5 hours). In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Organic Culture Project and spend a couple of hours joining in on traditional Thai farm activities. Check out the organic vegetable garden and attend a demonstration out in the rice fields. 
Day 16 - Sukhothai
Sukhothai, established in the 13th century, was one of the first ancient capitals of Siam. Famed for its World Heritage listed historical park, which captures the Golden Age of Thai civilisation, the capital's name literally means 'Dawn of Happiness'. Today we visit the historical park, which spans the ruins of the town. You will rent a bicycle and take part in a cycle tour. As you ride around, you'll learn more about the history of this former metropolis and its fascinating structures. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch in the beautiful grounds of Sukhothai Park. The rest of the afternoon is free, you might want to simply read a book by the pool back at your resort.
Day 17 - Hmong Hilltribe Lodge (feature stay)
Travel from Sukhothai to Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, which will take approximately six hours in a private minivan. The Hmong are an ethnic minority in Thailand who originated in the south of China. Today they comprise the second largest hilltribe group in Thailand. After a barbecue dinner in the lodge's open-air dining area, the day concludes with a Hmong cultural performance. You'll gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the tribe, with a wedding ceremony enactment, shamanic ritual and makong (cotton ball) throwing.
Day 18 - Chiang Mai
Travel from Hmong Hilltribe Lodge to the Elephant Nature Park, approximately 1.5 hours by minivan. Spend time at this important institution, learning about the various projects dedicated to rehabilitating and protecting elephants and other animals. There are many viewing platforms around the park that will get you up close with these wonderful creatures and you can even help out with feeding them. Speaking of food, a banquet-style lunch will also be included with the visit. Spend most of the day at the park then travel to Chiang Mai, freshen up at the hotel then head out for a street food tour in the evening. Hidden down the back alleys of the city’s old town district you will sample dishes like khao man gai and khao kha moo from many local shops unknown to the tourist eye. Chat with street food vendors who have been serving the same dishes for more than 20 years and understand the influences that Isan and Shan cultures have had on the Northern Thailand’s culinary scene. Your local guide will also suggest many other places you can eat during your time in Chiang Mai.
Day 19 - Chiang Mai
This morning you’ll have a very unique opportunity to chat with some monks from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a university specifically for Buddhist monks. Learn the basics of Buddhism and find out more about their schooling, lifestyle and world view. Enjoy a free afternoon afterwards to explore Chiang Mai further, perhaps getting out into the lush countryside or checking out more Buddhist temples. In the evening, a final night’s dinner at a nice restaurant in town is included for you to say farewell to your group.
Day 20 - Luang Prabang
Arrive in beautiful Luang Prabang, the jewel in Laos’ crown. Take your included transfer to the hotel. After settling into your room, your journey begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. Following this important meeting, you will be welcomed to the country with a tradition Baci ceremony. The ceremony, which aims to bring the 32 souls (khouan) that look after you back to your body and attract beneficial influence, is traditionally performed at all important events in a person's life. Afterwards, enjoy a free evening to explore this charming, French-influenced riverside town.
Day 21 - Luang Prabang
Wake early to participate in the alms giving ceremony, one of the most sacred Buddhist traditions in Laos, where locals offer food to monks in order to seek spiritual blessing. Alms giving takes place daily as the sun rises, beginning on the main street of Luang Prabang before spreading out to side streets. Follow the locals as they kneel down, ready to give offerings of rice, fruit and sweet snacks to the monks. Later that morning, spend time learning about Laos’ diverse ethnic groups at the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. Afterwards, enjoy an essential activity in Luang Prabang – a boat ride on the Mekong River. It's a great chance to see the riverside from a different angle, with all its stately French villas, trees, and slow-paced two-wheeled traffic. Further along the stream, outside of town, you visit the Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the rivers Mekong and Ou. Enjoy lunch on the boat along the way.
Day 22 - Luang Prabang
In the morning, visit Ock Pop Tok, an inspiring fair trade social enterprise that provides a sustainable source of income for female artisans in Luang Prabang. Their dedicated team shows women how to make a better living from their skills. The organisation then employs women to design, make and sell beautiful textiles and handicrafts at three shops across the city. Later take a short ride out of town to visit Kuang Si Waterfall. Its glorious blue-green cascades make for one of Laos' most photogenic attractions, and the pool at its base is great for swimming in. There is time to visit the nearby Bear Rescue Centre as well. In the evening, sit down to dinner at Khaiphaen, a Friends-International enterprise dedicated to improving the welfare of disadvantaged youth through skills-training.
Day 23 - Vientiane
Fly to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, in the early morning. Though not as visually impressive as Luang Prabang, this city is renowned for its food and has some must see sights. Its main streets are awash with a variety of high-calibre restaurants that serve a remarkably diverse span of cuisines from across the globe. Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the city, stopping in at Wat Si Saket, Hor Prakeo, Patuxai (Victory Gate) and That Luang along the way. You’ll also visit the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), a remarkable not-for-profit organisation that makes rehabilitative devices and medical equipment accessible to people with physical disabilities in Laos.
Day 24 - Vientiane
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. There are no planned activities for today and you are free to depart at any time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-12-201821-01-2019AUD $ 8,071LowerDeckStandardDouble
29-12-201821-01-2019AUD $ 8,394LowerDeckTwin
29-12-201821-01-2019AUD $ 8,708MainDeckPremiumDouble
29-12-201821-01-2019AUD $ 8,708MainDeckPremiumTwin
29-12-201821-01-2019AUD $ 8,921UpperDeckPremiumTwin/Double

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights),Resort (2 nights),Feature stay Hmong Hilltribe Lodge (1 night),Feature stay Sada Hotel (3 nts),Small cruise ship (7 nights)

Transport

Plane,Train,Tuk-Tuk,Private vehicle,Boat,Small cruise ship,zodiac,bus

Map