Laos and northern Thailand are endowed with some of the most beautiful temples and sacred sites in all of Asia. This unique, eight day expedition offers keen insights into three distinct civilizations: the ancient Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Saen, the legendary Lao Kingdom of Luang Prabang, and the first Thai Kingdom at Sukhothai.

Our journey takes us by air from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, then by mini van to Chiang Khong on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. We will have two full days to travel through northern Laos by charter boat along this historic waterway. En route there will be ample time to disembark and explore isolated hill tribe villages, sacred caves filled with Buddha images of great antiquity, and to overnight at a scenic lodge.

Arriving in Luang Prabang on the evening of our third day, we suddenly find ourselves in a living museum - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best preserved city in all of Asia. We will have several days to explore the many wonders of this 1,200 year old city with its 32 monasteries and archeological treasures. We will also have ample time to enjoy trips to some of the spectacular nearby waterfalls, village markets, and different hill tribe settlements.

On day five we set off for a full days adventure rafting the beautiful Nam Ou River. The Nam Ou flows down from a spring near the Lao/China border through a fantastic landscape of rugged mountains and sculpted rocks. The river run offers quiet stretches of placid water as well as some exciting Grade 2-3+ rapids.

Day six sees us boarding a scenic flight from Luang Prabang to another UNESCO World Heritage Site - the ruins of the first Thai Kingdom - Sukhothai. As we tour this world-famous site in the magical light of late evening and early dawn we will come to see why this was the Camelot of Southeast Asia, a site befitting it's name: Sukhothai - The Dawn of Happiness.

A special ceremony and a farewell feast of Royal Thai cuisine and classical Thai dancing will mark our last night together before boarding our flight --on day 8-- for the final leg of our journey back to Bangkok.