- Thailand Escorted Tours
- Sacred Thailand and Mystical Laos with Elephant Hills Jungle Safari Extension
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Sacred Thailand and Mystical Laos with Elephant Hills Jungle Safari Extension
14 Day Escorted Tour with 4 Day Extension
Thailand, South East Asia
39 Meals Included
17 Excursions
Intermediate Pace
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Thailand and Laos. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene temples of Luang Prabang, this tour offers an enriching blend of history, nature, and local traditions. Experience the charm of hill tribe villages, cruise the legendary Mekong River, and marvel at breathtaking waterfalls.
Venture deep into the heart of Khao Sok National Park for an unforgettable tented camp experience - where you'll wake to the sounds of the jungle, walk alongside gentle elephants, kayak across emerald-green lakes, and explore ancient rainforest trails teeming with wildlife and wonder.
Highlights
- Explore Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Arun
- Visit an Elephant Care Centre near Chiang Mai
- Discover the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet
- Cruise down the Mekong River to Pakbeng
- Witness the sacred alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang
- Marvel at the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfall
- Experience Vang Vieng’s limestone caves and stunning landscapes
- Discover Vientiane’s historic temples and Buddha Park
- Discover the biodiversity of one of the world’s oldest rainforests on a guided walk through ancient jungle terrain
- Stay in a beautifully appointed tent at Elephant Hills
Map Key
Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Bangkok
Depart from London on your scheduled overnight flight to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand.
Day 2
Bangkok
Dinner
Upon arrival in Bangkok, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend some time unwinding after your long journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a renowned Thai restaurant, where you will be introduced to the country's delicious cuisine.
Day 3
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start the day with a visit to Wat Traimit, home to the spectacular Golden Buddha, a remarkable statue made of solid gold. Take in the temple’s serene atmosphere and learn about its history before continuing to the Grand Palace. This stunning complex showcases traditional Thai architecture and is home to the revered Emerald Buddha Temple. Stroll through its courtyards, admire the intricate details of the buildings, and appreciate the cultural significance of this royal site.
After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, meet your guide and proceed to your hotel for check-in.
Day 4
Chiang Mai
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Journey to an Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, where you will learn about ethical elephant conservation. Participate in feeding and bathing these gentle giants. In the afternoon, ascend to Doi Suthep Temple, perched atop a mountain with breathtaking views of Chiang Mai. Choose to climb the 290-step Naga staircase or take the cable car to reach the summit. In the evening, experience a Khantoke dinner accompanied by a cultural performance showcasing traditional music and dance.
Day 5
Chiang Mai
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your day exploring Chiang Mai’s artisan villages, where skilled craftsmen create lacquerware, silk textiles, and hand-painted umbrellas. After lunch, journey to the Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge, an eco-friendly retreat set amidst lush mountains. Travel by local tuk-tuk, passing scenic landscapes along the way. In the evening, engage with the Mae Khi village community, learning about their unique customs and traditions while enjoying a warm and authentic cultural exchange.
Day 6
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Breakfast & Dinner
Embark on a morning trek through verdant rainforest trails to visit the remote Hmong Village of Ban Mae Khi. Observe daily life in this traditional community, gaining insight into their customs and way of living. Afterward, set out for Chiang Rai, passing through scenic landscapes along the way.
En route, take a break at the Mae Khajan Hot Springs, where you can stretch your legs and see locals boiling eggs in the naturally steaming water. Continue to the remarkable White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), an architectural masterpiece that blends contemporary art with classic Thai design. Admire its intricate carvings, shimmering white façades, and symbolic artwork that make this temple one of Thailand’s most unique cultural landmarks.
Day 7
Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong
Breakfast
Explore the Golden Triangle, the historic meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, where the Mekong and Ruak rivers converge. Take in the panoramic views of this culturally significant region before delving into its history at the Hall of Opium Museum. Gain insight into the opium trade’s impact on the area and its transformation over the years.
Next, visit the bustling Mae Sai border market, the northernmost point of Thailand. Stroll through the lively stalls filled with local handicrafts, jewellery, textiles, and imported goods. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you browse for unique souvenirs and experience the daily commerce that connects Thailand with its neighbouring countries.
Day 8
Chiang Khong to Pakbeng
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cross the border into Laos via the Friendship Bridge and complete immigration formalities before boarding a traditional longboat. Set off on a leisurely cruise along the Mekong River, gliding past lush hills, remote villages, and serene waters. Along the way, observe daily life along the riverbanks, where fishermen and farmers go about their routines.
Savour a freshly prepared lunch onboard as you take in the ever-changing scenery. In the afternoon, arrive in Pakbeng, a charming riverside town nestled between forested hills. Check in to your lodge and unwind, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Day 9
Pakbeng to Luang Prabang
Breakfast & Lunch
Resume your journey down the Mekong River, making a stop at a local fishing village to observe traditional Lao life. Visit Ban Xang Hai, famous for its production of Lao rice whiskey. Continue to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues, left by devoted pilgrims over centuries, create a fascinating sight.
Day 10
Luang Prabang
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early to participate in the daily alms-giving ceremony, an ancient Buddhist tradition. After breakfast, explore the Royal Palace Museum and the stunning Wat Xiengthong, one of the most exquisite temples in Luang Prabang. Enjoy lunch before traveling to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim in the turquoise pools or visit the Bear Rescue Centre. Return to Luang Prabang in time for sunset views from Phousi Hill, then explore the lively Night Market.
Day 11
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Breakfast & Lunch
Board a high-speed train to Vang Vieng, a picturesque town surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains. Visit Tham Jang Cave, once used as a natural fortress during historical conflicts, and the Angel Cave, renowned for its remarkable stalactite formations. Enjoy free time to explore the scenic riverside town.
Day 12
Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Breakfast & Lunch
Embark on a scenic cruise along Nam Ngum Lake, observing floating villages and traditional fishing communities. Enjoy a lakeside lunch before continuing to Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos. Check in to your hotel and take the evening to relax.
Day 13
Vientiane
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Explore Vientiane’s cultural landmarks, including Wat Si Muang, the Patuxay Monument, and That Luang Stupa, the most sacred site in Laos. In the afternoon, visit Buddha Park, an open-air sculpture park home to a fascinating collection of Hindu and Buddhist statues. Conclude the day with a dinner celebrating the end of your Lao adventure.
Day 14
Vientiane to Bangkok
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, fly back to Bangkok and embark on a half-day tour. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River, visit the iconic Wat Arun, and savour an authentic Pad Thai lunch at a renowned eatery.
Day 15
Bangkok to Elephant Hills
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer to Bangkok airport for your flight to Phuket. You will be met at the airport and transferred to Elephant Hills for your unforgettable Tented Jungle Camp experience in the heart of Khao Sok. After lunch, your adventure begins with a tranquil jungle river canoe trip down the Sok River. Drift gently along the water, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and cliffs blanketed in lush, tropical vegetation. Keep your eyes peeled for hornbill birds soaring overhead and reptiles basking in the sun along the riverbanks. From your canoe, you’ll glimpse some of the last remaining areas of primary rainforest—a timeless world, virtually untouched for thousands of years.
After your canoe safari, you’ll continue to the elephant park for the awe-inspiring elephant experience. Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see, touch, and learn about Thai elephants up close while gaining insight into the conservation efforts of Elephant Hills. Your guide will introduce you to the life of the mahout, the devoted caretaker of the elephants. You’ll help prepare feed for the elephants including special supplements essential for their digestion and health which will be placed at feed stations for the elephants around their free roaming area. This immersive encounter offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with Asia’s largest land animal in a respectful and meaningful way.
As the day draws to a close, return to your safari tent to unwind and enjoy the panoramic views of jungle-covered mountains. Relax at the club bar with a wide selection of drinks available before enjoying the optional evening entertainment. Dinner is served in the open-air restaurant nestled beside the rainforest—an atmospheric and memorable dining experience surrounded by the sounds of nature. Retire for the night in your comfortable tent.
Day 16
Elephant Hills
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up to the soothing sounds of nature, with birds calling from the bushes just outside your tent. As the sun rises and the morning mist lifts from the rainforest-covered mountains south of Elephant Hills, the echoing calls of gibbons fill the valley—an enchanting start to your day.
Today, you'll embark on an unforgettable journey to explore Cheow Lan Lake by traditional long-tail boat. This stunning man-made lake is surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and rainforest-clad cliffs that rise majestically from the water and stretch far into the horizon. The breathtaking scenery has drawn comparisons to Guilin in China and Halong Bay in Vietnam, yet it remains a hidden gem, known to few and visited by even fewer. Spanning over 60 kilometres from north to south and dotted with more than one hundred islands, the lake is a vast and tranquil wonder.
In the 1970s, the area served as a remote refuge for communists and students resisting the military dictatorship, which helped preserve its untouched natural beauty. As you cruise across the emerald waters, take in the spectacular surroundings and enjoy a refreshing swim—don’t forget your swimwear. Towels will be provided at the local floating raft house, where you'll stop for lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.
In the late afternoon, return for dinner and a restful night in your tent. With a day full of discovery and experiences behind you, let the gentle chorus of jungle insects and frogs lull you into a peaceful sleep under the rainforest canopy.
Day 17
Elephant Hills to UK
Breakfast & Lunch
Begin your final day at Elephant Hills with a wholesome breakfast, fuelling up for an immersive adventure into the heart of the jungle. Today, you’ll explore the rainforest on foot giving you an incredible opportunity to witness the wonders of nature up close.
As you walk slowly through the lush undergrowth, you’ll encounter an astonishing variety of exotic plant life: towering tropical hardwood trees with massive roots, delicate orchids, palms, ferns, bamboos, mosses, and much more. High above, hornbills may soar between the treetops, gibbons call to one another across the canopy, and if you're lucky, you might spot a macaque or leaf monkey swinging through the branches. Brilliant butterflies flit through the air, adding vibrant colour to the green world around you. Every walk through the rainforest is different, and each moment reveals something new. Take your time—look, listen, and learn—and you’ll begin to uncover the hidden secrets of this ancient jungle.
After your morning exploration, return to the camp to enjoy a Thai buffet, offering a final taste of the local cuisine. Following lunch, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 18
Arrive in the UK
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
39 Meals
20 Excursions
Expert Local Guides
All entrance fees
International Return Flights
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
Hold Luggage for all flights
ABTA & ATOL Protection
Your tour of Thailand is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 1800 804 006
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Sunday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Century Park Hotel Bangkok
1 nights
Bangkok, Thailand
The Empress Hotel Chiang Mai
2 nights
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Important Information
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to the local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €342.20pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Thailand requirements
A visa is not required before you travel to Thailand; you will be issued with a tourist visa valid for 60 days on arrival into the country. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity. You will be required to fill in a digital arrival card 3 days before arrival in Thailand. You can do this online here - https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home
Laos visa requirements
A visa is required for entry into Laos and this can be purchased on arrival at the border gate at Huay Xai. The cost of this is approximately USD $40 per person plus a $5 service fee. You will need to bring the money in cash in order to apply for your visa on arrival into Laos. Please bring 2 passport sized photos of yourself for the visa. Alternatively you can apply for your visa online at https://laoevisa.gov.la/index . If you are applying online you need to apply at least 3 days in advance.
Additionally, you will need to complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) online. The form can be accessed via the following link: https://www.immigration.gov.la/en/registration/arrival/arrival-info. You should submit your LDIF 3 days before arriving in Laos.
Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and a minimum of 2 blank pages. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed e-ticket or boarding pass, along with your passport, is required for entry into Indian airports. Ensure you print your tickets before travelling, as digital copies on mobile devices are not accepted. It's also recommended to carry your invoice with flight details for reference.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches, boats and canters. The tour pace of Sacred Thailand and Mystical Laos is rated Active. Expect a more dynamic itinerary with longer days of exploration. Walking may extend beyond four hours per day, including some uphill or uneven terrain and changes of altitude. Travel times between destinations may be longer and involve overnight trains, requiring better stamina and mobility. Ideal for those who enjoy a higher level of activity and want to experience as much as possible. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Early morning trains and flights depending upon the schedule and some early morning sightseeing’s are also in this tour.
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
The currency in Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). No coins are currently in use in Laos as they use notes only. US Dollars are widely accepted in Laos should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned in your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400-£500 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. However, Should you wish to tip we recommend you tip your guide approx. USD $4 per person per day and your driver approx. USD $2 per person per day. Please note tips on the cruise ships are not included either and would recommend USD $2 per person per day. Additionally, if you wish to tip your bell boy, porter, boat crew etc this is at your discretion.
Elephant Hills extension:
Please note that only cash payments are accepted at Elephant Hills Camp due to its remote location.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. However, if you wish to show appreciation, we recommend a tip of 100 THB per day, which can be given directly to your guide at the end of your stay.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 28. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
Your Elephant Hills extension is a fully guided with a fully trained, TAT-licensed English speaking Thai tour leader.
Please be advised that trains in Laos have restrictions on carry-on items, including aerosol cans, electronic cigarettes, sharp objects such as knives, as well as camping tools and multi-tools.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. If you have booked a triple share please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.
At the Elephant Hills Camp, you will find complimentary fill up stations for drinking water.
The three most important Buddhist holidays are Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day and Asahna Bucha Day. All three are public holidays in Thailand. During this time many shops and business close for the celebrations. Because they are such important religious occasions, there are temporary restrictions in place on alcohol sales with entertainment venues in some areas also closing.
During visits to Churches/Temples please note both men and women need to wear long trousers or skirts to cover knees, tops with sleeves should be worn to cover shoulders.
On your arrival in Bangkok you will be met by a representative from our local agent, LV Travel, at gates 9-10 holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/LV Travel Representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
Please find below the emergency contact details for LV Travel head office, Hanoi.
Contact Telephone number: Anna Hanh Office: 0084 865 016 939, Mr Len Office: 0084 989 200 116, Emergency cases: 0084 888713289
24 hour e-mail: operation@lvtravel.vn or len@lvtravel.vn
Elephant Hills:
Operation Team (Opening Hour 08.00-22.00) - Tel +66 61-414-1992 – in resort or next day arrival
Residence Executive - Tel +6693-5757344 - In resort only outside of office hours
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen and hat in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera and charger
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Binoculars
- Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
- Small day pack for excursions
- Waterproof, lightweight jacket
- Lightweight clothing
- Sweater and jacket for the cooler months
