Day 1: Welcome at Siem Reap Airport, Transfer to the Hotel
Welcome to book this Cambodia and Thailand tour! Upon your arrival at Siem Reap airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and the driver. Then a comfortable ride will transfer you to the well-selected hotel downtown. For the rest of the day, you can either take a break in the hotel or explore the city by yourself.
If you want to obtain an overview of the Angkor complex beforehand, the Angkor National Museum caters to you. It boasts 8 well-organized galleries, displaying religious beliefs, Khmer monarchs, Angkor architecture, and ancient costumes from the Khmer Dynasty (802-1431). Moreover, the Buddha statues of different sizes and poses in the 1,000 Buddha Gallery will leave you awestruck. The museum closes at 18:00 from April to September, and 18:30 from October to March, and a ticket costs about USD 12.
► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Although traditional Cambodian cuisine makes extensive use of spices like citronella, ginger, basil, and curry, it isn’t as spicy as you have imagined, but pretty mild compared to Thailand’s dishes. Consider savoring the culinary delights of Cambodia at the Khmer Kitchen. Try Amok, a traditional Cambodian dish steamed with spices, vegetables, coconut milk and fish or chicken. Moreover, Lok Lak pepper beef and Khmer curry are not to be missed, either.
Average Cost per Person: USD 6
Address: Corner of 2 Thnou Street & Street 9, Old Market, Siem Reap
► Insider Information
1. Currency: Riels are the official currency of Cambodia, and US dollars are also widely used. It’s advisable to exchange some small-denomination riels in case you need to pay with change, as US dollars will result in an exchange loss. USD 1 costs about KHR 4,000, and you can exchange it in the downtown money changers or banks. In Thailand, the Thai baht is the only option. Exchange money at Superrich, as it provides a more competitive rate without handling fee. USD 1 costs about THB 34.
2. SIM Cards: Although global SIM cards are available, they may cause higher roaming charges than using local cards. In Cambodia, the Smart SIM card offers extensive data coverage, and the 7-day plan with 15GB of data, which costs about USD 3.5, is highly recommended. In Thailand, AIS’s 8-day unlimited data plan, which costs about THB 299 (USD 9), suits you well. You can purchase them online in advance or at stalls in the airports.
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar
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Day 2: Siem Reap: Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng Temple, and Apsara Dinner Show
After breakfast, your Angkor complex exploration just begins! First, dive into the large-scale ancient capital, Angkor Thom, which was built in the 9th century. In the ancient city center stands the famous Bayon Temple, built by Jayavarman VII (1181-1219), where your guide will help you uncover the secrets of the “Khmer Smile”. The temple boasts 54 pagodas, each adorned with serene smiling faces on four sides, showcasing the power, control and benevolence of the monarch. Then stroll through the temple’s two square galleries, which were sculptured with vivid bas-reliefs depicting Angkorian-era mythologies, daily life scenes, and religious practices. ★ Our Strength:To make full use of the Bayon Temple’s east-facing location, we specially schedule it in the early morning to ensure that you catch the morning sunlight casting a glow inch by inch on the smiling faces. Then, proceed to the Terrace of Elephants, a viewing platform once for the kings to hold military parades and ceremonies, and the Terrace of the Leper King, the only point in the Angkor complex where you can see a nine-headed naga, a semi-divine serpent in Hinduism and Buddhism. Then follows a visit to Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of the Angkor complex and the largest remaining religious site in the world, which is even depicted on the Cambodian flag. Unlike other east-facing temples, Angkor Wat adopted the layout of facing the west, and it is believed to have originally served as a king's tomb before it was converted into a Buddhist temple in the late 13th century. Admire the five symmetrically arranged pagodas, which are surrounded by a moat, oases and walls. Then let the Khmer culture described on the exquisite relief cloisters take you back in time. After that, climb up a hill to the Phnom Bakheng Temple and enjoy a stunning sunset. ► Insider Tips: 1. Refrain from short and tight clothing, and make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. If you wear a tank top, it would be wise to bring a silk scarf or a thin shirt. 2. As the Angkor complex covers a large area, and you’ll climb up and down frequently, a pair of comfortable walking shoes is wise. 3. To cope with the scorching sun, sunglasses, sunblock and a wide-brimmed sun hat are highly recommended. ★ Feast Your Eyes on Apsara Dance Show Inscribed on UNESCO’s ListIn the evening, we specially arrange a splendid Apsara Dinner Show for you, a must-see performance on some royal occasions, to further take in the traditional Khmer art. Apsara is originally a goddess from Indian mythology, and the dance was created by a queen of Cambodia, combining Khmer traditions with Apsara images of the temple carvings and conveying a distinct Khmer identity. Be smitten by the dancer’s graceful dancing, especially the softness and flexibility of their finger movements, showing their unique and inherent Oriental beauty. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar
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Day 3: Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Sunrise, Banteay Srei Temple, Preah Khan Temple & Ta Prohm Temple
The sunrise over Angkor Wat, highly praised as one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, cannot be missed. When the first rays of dawn break through the night, Angkor Wat stands out in a clear black silhouette against the pale morning sky, with its five towers reflected in the spacious lotus pond in front, forming an extremely shocking scene. In addition, numerous people would prefer to come around March 23 or September 23, when the annual spring or autumn equinox occurs, and the sun rises perfectly over the spire of the main tower, offering a spectacular wonder. This was the wisdom of the Khmer ancients, who made full use of astronomical knowledge in the temple construction. ► Tip: Depending on the weather, the exact day to watch the sunrise can be flexibly arranged on any of your three days in Siem Reap. Then we’ll drive for around 1 hour to the suburban area to admire the Banteay Srei Temple, famed as the "Jewel of Khmer Art", which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Interestingly, the temple was regarded as a female residence when it was rediscovered for its exquisite carvings, red colors, and relatively small scale. Your private guide will explain in detail the Hindu mythology reliefs. One depicts the demon Ravana interfering with Lord Shiva when he is in deep meditation, and then Shiva holds his wife and suppresses the demon with just a light kick. Afterward, we’ll stop at some local villages to sightsee the characteristic buildings and delve into the local lifestyle. After that, return to the downtown area to visit the Preah Khan Temple, whose name literally means the ‘sacred sword’. Then, proceed to the mind-blowing Ta Prohm Temple, whose pagodas are amazingly tangled with giant tree roots. If Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple are testimonies to the artistic talents of the ancient Khmer people, Ta Prohm showcases the awe-inspiring natural force. Afterward, let’s finish today’s visit with a wander around the uncompleted Ta Keo Temple, which was entirely built of sandstone with almost no carvings. Climb it up to enjoy the stunning sunset and hear the inside scoop on the reason why the temple was left unfinished. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar Banteay Srei Temple Ta Prohm Temple
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Day 4: Boat Trip on Tonle Sap Lake, Fly to Bangkok of Thailand
★ Drop by People Who Float on Tonle Sap Lake and Never Go AshoreAfter breakfast, we’ll take a boat to the Tonle Sap Lake, the "lake of life" for Cambodians, where you can witness different life scenes. People here live in houseboats and colorful wooden stilt houses, which remain atop the water’s surface with the rising lake in the rainy season. Don’t let the yellow murky water and barren land hold you back, and it’s interesting to find local children sitting in a basin, playing and sailing on the lake. Some floating villages are inhabited by people without identity and nationality. Why and how do they live here? Their elder generations were refugees who fled the war in Vietnam but were no longer accepted by their country after that. Although the Cambodian government had issued them citizenship certificates, with the regime change, the certificates became void. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airport and catch your 1h10min flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, your Bangkok guide and the driver are waiting to escort you to the well-selected hotel. ► Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense) In the evening, savoring an authentic Thai meal at Madam Saranair Thai Food Restaurant is a good idea. Tom Yum fried rice, pad Thai, and Thai red curry are all signature dishes that are highly acclaimed. And they offer different levels of spiciness to cater to your taste. Besides, a sweet and chilly mango ice cream would be a nice dessert. Average Cost per Person: THB 400-500 (USD 12-15) Address: 139/1 Soi Sukhumvit 21, Bangkok Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar
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Day 5: Bangkok: Wat Traimit, Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew & Wat Arun
Buddhism is the major religion in Thailand and today your private guide will accompany you to visit some of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Kick off your tour with the Wat Traimit to admire the world's largest pure gold Buddha statue, which was once disguised as a plaster statue to escape the Burmese-Siamese War and was later abandoned in an old temple. Nearly 200 years later, three Chinese accidentally rediscovered it after a heavy rain. Then follows Wat Pho, which houses the largest reclining Buddha statue in Thailand, 46 meters (151 feet) long and 15 meters (49 feet) high, engraved with 108 auspicious images on the feet. Behind the Buddha statue, 108 bronze monk bowls are placed, and people usually put coins into each bowl for good luck. As one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and Thailand's first university, featuring inscriptions on Buddhist history, medicine, literature and many other fields. After that, explore the Grand Palace. This large-scale ancient building complex, where the Thai Kings Rama I to Rama VIII once lived, is the pinnacle of Thai architecture, combining traditional Thai style and European art elements. In the northeast corner sits Wat Phra Kaew, the most famous temple in Thailand. It enshrines Thailand’s most sacred icon, the Emerald Buddha, for which the Thai King personally changes its attire every season. You can also marvel at the golden Ceylonese stupa which enshrines the precious relic of the Buddha, and peruse the 178 murals along the corridor to probe into the Hindu mythology. Tips: 1. The Grand Palace has a strict dress code that prohibits sleeveless tops, short skirts, and shorts. However, there is a site outside the entrance for shawl rentals. 2. The palace is sparsely shaded, and you can wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and sunblock to shield you from the burning sun. Then we’ll take a boat along the Chao Phraya River to sightsee the city and finally reach Wat Arun, also known as the "Eiffel Tower of Thailand", whose main tower features a height of 79 meters (260 feet). Equipped with complex carvings and inlaid with colored ceramic pieces and shells, the tower complex exudes serenity and spirituality. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar
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Day 6: Bangkok Side Trip to Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Fly to Chiang Rai
After breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel with your guide's help and then have a morning excursion to Ayutthaya, once served as the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351-1767). In Sanskrit, "Ayutthaya" means "unbreakable", but the city was attacked and burned by the Burmese Army, leaving only breathtaking temple ruins, such as Wat Mahathat, which boasts one of the seven wonders of Thailand, "Buddha head wrapped in tree roots"; Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, the oldest temple in the city; and Wat Chaiwatthanaram in the style of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Your private guide will show you around these highlights. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely wander around the well-preserved Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, the largest and most magnificent summer residence of Thai Kings, combining Chinese, Burmese and Gothic architectural styles. Accompanied by the guide, you can admire Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a unique Gothic-style Buddhist temple practicing Thai religious rituals. Interestingly, the temple is located on a separate island, which you’ll reach by cable car. After that, a comfortable private ride will take you to the airport for your 1h15min flight to Chiang Rai. Upon landing, your local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai (4 stars) or similar Ayutthaya Ruins Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
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Day 7: Chiang Rai: Visit Golden Triangle by Mekong River Cruise, Hall of Opium, Tribal Villages
After breakfast, today’s journey will begin with an exploration of the Golden Triangle of the Mekong River, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. The vast area was long-time infamous for its production of opium poppies, but now it has emerged from the shadow of drugs and lives on tea cultivation and tourism. We’ll first take a long-tail boat along the Mekong River for about 30 minutes to admire its amazing natural scenery, including verdant groves and riverside villages, and encounter spectacular icons like a golden Buddha statue. Then you’ll be accompanied to the Hall of Opium, where you can get deep insights into the region’s drug trade history through exhibits on poppy botany, harvesting, processing, the Opium War, medicinal uses of opium, etc.
After lunch, let’s drop by the Akha and Yao Tribal Villages to get a glimpse of their indigenous lifestyles. The Akha villagers are living in traditional thatched cottages, some of which feature 2 stories, with the ground floor breeding poultry. And the Yao people prefer living at high altitude, and it is said that they once led a nomadic life. You are sure to be attracted by their elaborate and brightly colored traditional woven garments and headdresses. After the visit, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel in Chiang Rai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai (4 stars) or similar
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Day 8: Drive to Chiang Mai: Wat Rong Khun, Mae Kachan Hot Spring Resort & Wat Phra Singh
After breakfast, we’ll drive 3 hours to Chiang Mai. En route, drop by the Wat Rong Khun, aka White Temple, which charms you with its pure white architecture. Standing on the Bridge of "the Cycle of Rebirth" in the temple, exclaim over the thousands of hands reaching out and struggling from water, symbolizing the fallen souls suffering in hell. Then we’ll make a brief stop in Mae Kachan Hot Spring Resort to let the minerals and heat help you relieve the fatigue. Try some hot spring-boiled eggs if interested. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, your guide will accompany you to wander around the main market area and pay a visit to Wat Phra Singh to admire the solemn Phra Buddha Sihing statue. Built during the period of the Lanna Kingdom (1292-1892), it’s one of the most representative temple buildings in the Lanna style. Spend some time enjoying the exquisite wooden decorations carved on the layered roofs, and perusing the murals, which vividly depict Buddhist stories and the daily life of Chiang Mai citizens in the 19th century. You’ll also be smitten by the well-maintained gardens. After that, your private driver will escort you to the hotel. You can go out and explore on your own if you still have energy. ► Free Time Suggestion Night markets come to mind when people talk about Chiang Mai, and why not let the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar located on Changklan Rd show you the city’s vibrancy? Prepare to soak up its laid-back, lively atmosphere, an abundance of street food and knick-knacks, as well as unique cultural experiences. Sample some fresh seafood, the typical Khao Soi noodles and coconut rice cakes, which cost only around THB 20 (USD 0.5) per serving. Take a look at the exquisite local crafts like silk scarves and wood carvings, and use your bargaining skills wisely. Besides, watch an iconic Muay Thai show, and enjoy a massage or a fish spa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar Wat Rong Khun Wat Phra Singh Temple
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Day 9: Chiang Mai Old Town, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Jed Yod, Wat Suan Dok
Chiang Mai, once the capital of the prosperous Lanna Kingdom, and today Thailand's second largest city and the Buddhist center, is a true gateway taking you through the history and culture of northern Thailand. After breakfast, we’ll devote the whole morning to exploring the Old Town, which boasts famous temples, distinctive bars, craft markets, art galleries and cozy cafes. The morning market at Chiang Mai south gate offers delicious food at reasonable prices, such as pork skewers, iconic Thai tea, and fresh fruits like grapefruit, dragon fruit, pineapple, etc.
Tip: Every Saturday morning at 7:00, an alms-giving is held at the Wat Chedi Luang in the center of the Old Town, and you can get a glimpse into it by yourself if you wish.
After that, head to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the Doi Suthep Mountain, where you can have a bird's-eye view of the city on its observation deck. You can either take a cable car or climb 306 stairs, along which sit two Nagas, semi-divine serpents, to reach the hill top. Legend has it that the temple site was chosen by a white elephant carrying the Buddha’s relic, and the royal family built a golden pagoda to enshrine the holy relic.
Then, continue to the nearby Wat Jed Yod, which was built in the 14th century. The main stupa boasts seven small towers on its base, representing the Buddha’s finally overcoming all kinds of troubles and demons after seven days of hard meditation under a Bodhi tree. We’ll also visit the Wat Suan Dok, which was built in the 15th century and served as the royal cemetery. Peek at the golden pagoda surrounded by numerous small white graves. Today’s tour concludes at San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village to explore incredible pieces of traditional art.
► Romance in the Air: Experience Chiang Mai's Yi Peng Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival, falling on the 15th December of the Thai calendar (around mid-November), is Thailand's most romantic festival, and Chiang Mai has its own version, Yi Peng Lantern Festival. When the night falls, millions of sky lanterns floating in the sky make a spectacular scene, leaving people awestruck. There is a beautiful legend: a long time ago, there was a sickly princess in Siam who was lucky enough to encounter Buddha Sakamuni under a Bodhi tree. The Buddha kindly showed her the way to get rid of her disease. She then put her nail fragments and hair into a lotus lamp on a night full moon, lit a candle, released the lantern away, and finally was fully fit. Since then, people have followed the princess and placed their good wishes on sky lanterns. If you happen to visit the city on this day, don't miss it.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar
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Day 10: Fly to Phuket Island from Chiang Mai
You are free this morning to wander around the city by yourself. Drop by the Chiang Mai University, which is not only the top university in northern Thailand but also a natural oxygen bar at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. It requires no entrance fee, so lots of locals would come for a walk or a run. Enjoying a walk along the serene lake, or sitting by the giant tree where students are playing musical instruments softly, makes you feel relieved.
In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted to the airport for the 2-hour flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, your local driver will pick you up and escort you to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free for you.
► Recommended Activity in Phuket (at your own expense)
Let an authentic Thai massage at Kim's Massage & Spa help you unwind after the flight. Different packages are available for you to choose from. For example, a 90-minute massage package, including a 60-minute Thai massage and a 30-minute back and neck balm massage, costs about THB 750 (USD 22).
Address: 131 Phangnga Rd, Taladyai, Mueang Phuket District
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Charm Resort, Phuket (4 stars) or similar
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Day 11: Free Day on Phuket Island
For the coming 2 days, you are free to enjoy sunbathing, experience exciting water activities, or explore the nearby gorgeous islands by yourself in Phuket. An island-hopping tour to Racha Island, Coral Island, or Fairy Peninsula can be a good choice. With the crescent-shaped white sand beach and the amazing cerulean blue seawaters, Racha Island was once the exclusive resort of the Thai royal family. If you are a scuba diving enthusiast, Racha is a paradise to dive to enjoy the coral reefs and various fishes, as well as seek mysterious ship relics under the sea. Then head to Coral Island, where all water activities are available, including motorboat, banana boat ride and parasailing. You can also challenge surfing, even if you are a non-swimmer, as they offer surfing lessons for beginners. Besides, a tree swing on the beach, which is backed by coconut trees 20 meters high, adds some romantic ambiance. Before 17:00, disembark at Fairy Peninsula, Phuket’s most stunning sunset point, to appreciate a sunset. Please wear beach shoes as there is reef debris on the beaches. You can ask for more detailed information in advance with the hotel front desk. Then, let a good dinner help you recover from the daytime hopping tour. Consider sampling some moreish Turkish dishes in Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant, Patong Phuket. This is a highly rated restaurant that boasts an exceptional atmosphere. The juicy and tender lamb chops are a delight that you can’t miss. And adana kebabs and garlic prawns will also be treats for your taste buds. Average Cost per Person: THB 300-400 (USD 9-12) Address: 69/2 Soi Koknam, Rat-u-thid 200 Pee Road, Pa Tong Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: The Charm Resort, Phuket (4 stars) or similar
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Day 12: Another Free Day in Phuket
Today, you are still free to relax in Phuket. After breakfast, drop by the famous cliff café, Laem Sai Cup Café, to enjoy the incredible sea view of the entire Patong Beach. Then head to Yanui Beach, located in the southernmost part of Phuket, where you can rent a kayak to explore a nearby island. After that, continue to explore Phuket's most popular temple, Wat Chalong, to worship the 108 golden Buddha statues. In the remaining time of the day, wander around the vivid Phuket old town to take in a perfect blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Be smitten by the colorful houses and streets, which are brimming with numerous cafes, restaurants and stalls selling straw hats, handicrafts, etc. If you come on Sundays, witness how the night market enhances the town’s vibrancy. Phuket's famous Frog Night Market, which is transformed from containers, also promises you an incredible night. Try some fried tofu and banana pancake rolls there.
► How to Go:
You can book a taxi through a ride-hailing app like Grab and Bolt, but it may be expensive with a starting fee of about THB 200 (USD 6). Renting a motorbike or a scooter is another choice, and it costs around THB 200 (USD 6) a day. But please wear a helmet and be cautious about the complex and varied terrain.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Charm Resort, Phuket (4 stars) or similar
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Day 13: Departure from Phuket
Today, your Cambodia to Thailand trip comes to an end. We suggest that you depart late and make the most of your remaining hours in Phuket to take in the charm of Patong Beach. Immerse yourself in the laid-back vibe, lying on a lounge chair and soaking up the sun or doing water sports like surfing and water skiing. At the appointed time, your driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you to the airport. Wish you a pleasant journey!
There are many other mysterious civilizations and natural wonders waiting to be explored in Southeast Asia, such as the Buddhist morning alms-giving in Luang Prabang of Laos, and Ha Long Bay's karst seascapes and the Mekong Delta’s water coconut forests in Vietnam... Please feel free to contact us and we’ll tailor a customized itinerary with no hidden charges!
Meal: Breakfast
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