Experience a bygone era at Kukrit Pramoj House, five interconnected teak homes filled with lovingly preserved Thai and Khmer art, furniture and stonework. Visit the Jim Thompson House & Textile Museum, and view his superb collection of art and textiles. Continue to the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, then board your riverboat on the Chao Phya River to cruise Bangkok’s old klongs (canals) with a brief stop at the Royal Barge Museum. This evening at Sala Rim Nam enjoy an authentic Thai style dinner, accompanied by classical Thai music and dances. Marvel at the graceful movements of the beautiful dancers in their glittering costumes. PENINSULA HOTEL.

Travel by coach to Bang Pa-In, the Royal Summer Palace dating to the reign of King Rama V. See the idiosyncratic gothic-style Buddhist temple of Wat Nivet. Continue to Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the Thais, board an authentic Rice Barge and enjoy lunch as you cruise the ancient canals. Learn about Thai Buddhism, temple etiquette and life along the river from noted author Steve Van Beek, author of Thailand Reflected in a River. You will be treated to a Thai foot massage before returning to Bangkok late this afternoon. Tonight, explore Asiatique’s The Riverfront, Bangkok’s first large-scale riverside project that combines shopping, dining, sightseeing, activities, and events under one roof. PENINSULA HOTEL.

Fly to Chiang Mai renowned for its historic temples and scenic beauty. Upon arrival visit one of the oldest Lanna Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, the City Pillar, whose animist origins predate the structure. A visit to the Cultural Center will give you a dynamic overview of this area’s long and colorful history and culture. Early this evening you will be the honored guest of author and ceramics expert, John Shaw. After dinner, browse the nearby Night Bazaar. Start early the next day with a winding drive to the summit of Doi Suthep. Climb the dragon flanked Napa staircase to the site and then spend the rest of the morning at Studio Naenna, learning about traditional textile weaving. Chiang Mai is famous for its shopping, so after lunch, visit various handicraft factories on Sankhampaeng Road. Your hotel is ideally located inside the ancient walled part of Chiang Mai just a block from the largest Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Singh. RACHAMANKHA HOTEL/SIRIPPANA CHIANG MAI.

Begin this exciting day at an elephant camp where you will have the opportunity to ride one of these gentle giants through the jungle. Afterwards, the adventure continues as you raft down a small river on a traditional raft made of bamboo. In Chiang Rai and the Mekong, visit Ban Lorcha, a small mountain Akha village and community based development project. Next stop is the infamous Golden Triangle, known for centuries as the center of the opium trade. Here, the illicit crops have long since been replaced by the small tourist village of Sob Ruak and the only opium found is in the Golden Triangle Museums. Strategically located at the point where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, your luxury hotel is set among majestic mountains and the Mekong and Ruak Rivers. IMPERIAL GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT.

Board your riverboat on the Mekong River. Cruise to the border and cross into Laos, where you continue on to Pak Beng Town. En route observe rural life, with stops at Yao and Lue tribal villages. Arrive at your comfortable lodge, built on the shores of the Mekong River in the traditional Lao style of solid wood, with unparalleled 180-degree views of the lush riverside gardens and Mekong valley. LUANG SAY LODGE/SANCTUARY PAKBENG LODGE.

Embark on the last portion of your cruise. Stop in Ban Baw village to observe the process of making traditional rice alcohol, then visit the Tam Ting Caves which harbor 1,000 Buddha images. At sunset arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage City and location of your elegant resort set amidst lush gardens. This evening you may wish to explore the colorful and bustling local market. Early the next morning experience “Tak Bat” when at dawn, hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms. Today’s tour will include the royal temple, Wat Xieng Thong, the impressive “tree of life” mosaic, and the Museum, which was once a king’s palace. At the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, learn about ethnic Lao cultures and explore the shops and cafes of this languid city on your own. On the last day in Luang Prabang, choose amongst spa activities, volunteering at an orphanage, and cooking or weaving classes. MAISON SOUVANNAPHOUM HOTEL.

Fly to Siem Reap, where upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your intimate hotel. Begin your three days in Siem Reap at the magnificent monument, Angkor Thom. Tour the largest temple in the world, Angkor Wat, a designated World Heritage Site. Cruise the expansive Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Learn about Les Artisans d’Angkor project where young adults learn how to create traditional crafts and experience Cambodian culture at a dinner and dance performance on your last evening. SOFITEL ANGKOR PHOKEETHRA GOLF & SPA RESORT.

Shop at a local market and have some leisure time before transferring to the airport for your flight back home, bidding farewell to exotic Southeast Asia.