Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok – Temples and Markets
- Morning: Land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Take a Grab taxi ($10–$15) to a Khao San Road hostel or Sukhumvit hotel. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew ($15).
- Afternoon: Lunch at Thip Samai for pad thai ($3). Explore Wat Arun ($1.50) and take a Chao Phraya River ferry ($1).
- Evening: Stroll Chatuchak Weekend Market or Khao San Road. Dine at Jay Fai for Michelin-starred crab omelet ($10–$20, book ahead).
- Tip: Wear modest clothing for temples; carry small THB bills for ferries.
Day 2: Bangkok – Culture and Nightlife
- Morning: Visit Jim Thompson House ($6) to learn about Thai silk. Explore Lumpini Park (free).
- Afternoon: Lunch at a street food stall (som tam, $2). Shop at MBK Center for souvenirs.
- Evening: Enjoy rooftop drinks at Vertigo (Moon Bar, $10–$15). Dine at Err for Thai small plates ($5–$10).
- Tip: Book rooftop bars in advance; avoid tuk-tuk scams.
Day 3: Chiang Mai – Temples and Nature
- Morning: Fly to Chiang Mai (1.5 hours, $50–$100). Check into a Nimman guesthouse. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep ($1.50, taxi $10).
- Afternoon: Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai (noodle soup, $2). Explore Wat Chedi Luang ($1).
- Evening: Stroll the Night Bazaar. Dine at The Riverside for Thai food with live music ($5–$10).
- Tip: Rent a scooter ($5/day) for flexibility; drive cautiously.
Day 4: Chiang Mai – Elephant Sanctuary
- Morning: Join a half-day tour to Elephant Nature Park ($80, ethical sanctuary). Interact with rescued elephants (no riding).
- Afternoon: Return to Chiang Mai. Lunch at Chang Phueak Night Market (pork skewers, $2).
- Evening: Relax with a Thai massage ($5–$10). Dine at Ginger & Kafe for modern Thai ($5–$10).
- Tip: Book sanctuary tours via official websites to ensure ethical practices.
Day 5: Luang Prabang, Laos – Temples and Waterfalls
- Morning: Fly to Luang Prabang (1.5 hours, $80–$150). Check into a Mekong guesthouse. Watch the alms-giving ceremony (free, be respectful).
- Afternoon: Lunch at Tamarind (laap, $3). Visit Wat Xieng Thong ($1) and the Royal Palace Museum ($3).
- Evening: Explore the Night Market. Dine at Dyen Sabai for riverside Lao cuisine ($5–$10).
- Tip: Dress modestly for alms-giving; avoid flash photography.
Day 6: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Falls
- Morning: Take a tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Falls ($5–$10 round-trip). Swim in turquoise pools ($2 entry).
- Afternoon: Lunch at a local stall (sticky rice, $1). Visit the Bear Rescue Centre (free with falls ticket).
- Evening: Climb Mount Phousi for sunset views ($1). Dine at Manda de Laos for upscale Lao dishes ($10–$15).
- Tip: Bring a swimsuit and towel for the falls; arrive early to avoid crowds.
Day 7: Vang Vieng – Adventure and Caves
- Morning: Take a minivan to Vang Vieng (4 hours, $10–$15). Check into a riverside hostel. Rent a kayak or tube ($10–$15) on the Nam Song River.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Viman Vang Vieng (noodle soup, $2). Visit Tham Chang Cave ($2).
- Evening: Relax at a riverside bar (Lao beer, $1). Dine at Amigo’s for Western-Lao fusion ($3–$7).
- Tip: Wear water shoes for tubing; book transport via 12go.asia.
Day 8: Siem Reap, Cambodia – Angkor Wat
- Morning: Fly to Siem Reap via Bangkok (4 hours total, $100–$200). Check into a Pub Street hostel or hotel. Hire a tuk-tuk for Angkor Wat ($15/day).
- Afternoon: Explore Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom ($37/1-day pass). Lunch at a temple-side stall (amok, $3).
- Evening: Stroll Pub Street. Dine at Haven for Khmer cuisine ($5–$10).
- Tip: Buy Angkor passes at the official ticket center; sunrise tours require early booking.
Day 9: Siem Reap – Temples and Culture
- Morning: Visit Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei temples (included in Angkor pass). Join a Khmer cooking class ($20–$30).
- Afternoon: Lunch at The Sugar Palm (lok lak, $3–$5). Explore Artisans Angkor for local crafts (free).
- Evening: Watch a Phare Circus performance ($18). Dine at Cuisine Wat Damnak for upscale Khmer ($15–$25).
- Tip: Book circus tickets online; bring sunscreen for temples.
Day 10: Siem Reap – Departure
- Morning: Visit Tonlé Sap Lake for a floating village tour ($15–$20). Shop at Old Market for souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Marum (tree ant salad, $5). Relax at a café like The Little Red Fox ($2–$5).
- Evening: Depart from Siem Reap Airport (REP) or take a bus to Phnom Penh (6 hours, $10–$15) for onward travel.
- Tip: Book lake tours with reputable operators to avoid scams.
Notes
- Total Cost: ~$600–$1,200/person (excluding international flights), depending on lodging and activities.
- Transport: Flights for inter-country travel; buses, boats, and tuk-tuks within countries.
- Reservations: Book flights and accommodations 3–6 months ahead for peak season.
- Packing: Modest clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, and USD for visas.