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Dental Study Tour and Cruise in Thailand and Laos

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Tour leader
Phillip Dowell
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Dates
10 Mar
22 Mar
2025

250 years after the first European settlers explored this waterway, a cruise up the Mekong River remains almost as exciting today – if much more luxurious.

Journey from Bangkok into the mountainous north of Thailand before embarking on a cruise through the languid lands of the Mekong. Parts of the river are as tranquil and wild as they were two centuries ago and much of the onshore culture remains intact. Cruise on the lovely boutique riverboat, Mekong Pearl, through Laos. The elegant decor of this vessel reflects the lands it travels through, making this a comfortable and stylish way to experience the Mekong.

Perhaps the greatest treasure of the region, however, is its people with their warmth, culture and welcoming smiles. Learn about the culture, history and contemporary society of this area through meetings and specialist visits.

There will be a range of professional visits and talks from Dr Shane Fryer, Professor Philip Dowell, Dr Anthony Pistolese and Dr Michael Prochazka throughout, making this tour and cruise eligible for CPD.

Price (sharing a room)
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per person
Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
THA0325-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional cruise
Profession
Dentistry
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Nights
12
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Countries
2
Tour grade
Gentle
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Remaining places
20
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Bangkok (Thailand)
Monday
,
10
March
Briefing at the Riva Surya Hotel. Welcome dinner.
2
Bangkok
Tuesday
,
11
March
Visit Bangkok Dental Hospital. Explore two of Bangkok’s most famous temples, Wat Traimit and Wat Pho. Continue to Wat Pho, home to the famous 45m (148ft) Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. Walk in between the two temples via a flower market and China Town. Local dinner followed by rooftop cocktails.
3
Bangkok / Chiang Rai
Wednesday
,
12
March
Fly to Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand and transfer to the Legend Hotel. Take a rickshaw tour, passing by the King Mengrai Monument commemorating the founding of Chiang Rai in 1262. See the golden clock tower before continuing to the White Pagoda and the Blue Pagoda and the famous local market of Chiang Rai. Dinner in the Night Market with free time to explore.
4
Bangkok / Chiang Rai
Thursday
,
13
March
Visit Doi Tung (The Flag Mountain). Visit the Mae Fah Luang Park, the beautiful botanical gardens which feature year-round flowers, and enjoy the cool climate and surrounding areas. Meet with an NGO working in health care or at leisure, or take an optional cookery class.
5
Chiang Rai / The Golden Triangle / Cruise
Friday
,
14
March
Drive from Chiang Rai into the Golden Triangle region. Visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the Hall of Opium, which provides an in-depth look at the history and politics of the opium trade and the health impact of opium use. Board the Mekong Pearl and settle into your comfortable cabin for a six-day cruise. Welcome cruise reception for dinner.
6
Cruise
Saturday
,
15
March
Depart the Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand meet. Visit the nearby Laotian town of Huay Xay on the border and enter Laos. Continue on to the small village of Pak Tha. Take a long-tail boat excursion on the Namtha River to a local village of the Khmu minority and visit a small village school. Continue cruising downstream and anchor on the riverbank.
7
Cruise
Sunday
,
16
March
Dental CPD talks on board after breakfast. Continue sailing through the Mekong river’s most beautiful landscapes - hills covered with tropical vegetation and dramatic rock formations. Relax on deck, in your cabin, or in the lounge and enjoy the beauty of these spectacular surroundings. On the way you will visit a remote village.
8
Cruise
Monday
,
17
March
Dental CPD talks after breakfast followed by a morning cruise. Stop at a small riverside village for a visit to the famous Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. There is the option to take a short jungle trek through the forest to a local village to see their local distillery. Alternatively, visit the village by boat.
9
Cruise
Tuesday
,
18
March
Full day excursion of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos. In the evening, walk up Phou Si hill, for spectacular views over the Mekong and Khan river, and surrounding mountains. Stroll along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market. For dinner tonight, you are free to choose from the numerous offerings in town or along the Mekong River.
10
Cruise / Luang Prabang (Laos)
Wednesday
,
19
March
Option to witness the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang and explore the traditional morning market. Disembark the Mekong Pearl after breakfast. Visit the UXO Lao Visitors Centre. Transfer to the Maison Souvannaphoum with the rest of the day at leisure.
11
Luang Prabang
Thursday
,
20
March
Take a half-day walking tour exploring one of Luang Prabang’s most picturesque sights, the cascading Kuang Si Waterfall with its electric turquoise waters. Drive south of Luang Prabang, with a stop at the vibrant Phousi Market. Continue on to the waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible. Return to the hotel and afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner in a garden.
12
Luang Prabang / Vientiane
Friday
,
21
March
Take the new high speed train to Vientiane. Orientation tour of Vientiane and check in to the Vientiane Crowne Plaza Hotel. Farewell dinner in the evening.
13
Vientiane
Saturday
,
22
March
Morning at leisure and depart hotel after breakfast or take a Thailand beach extension.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Travel around Thailand and Laos and visit places with ancient and complex histories, exquisite art, culture and natural beauty, and some of the world’s finest cuisine.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Famous temples
Bangkok

Explore two of Bangkok’s most famous temples, Wat Traimit and Wat Pho.

Five night cruise
Mekong River

Spend five nights cruising the less visited upper Mekong River in Laos.

Rickshaw tour
Chiang Rai

Explore Chiang Rai by rickshaw tour.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

Get more out of it

Extend your tour

Post-tour

22 - 24 March 2025

Relaxing beach extension with two nights’ accommodation at the Centara Grand Beach Resort in Hua Hin with breakfast daily.

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Gentle
Level 2

Easy walking at a mostly leisurely pace. Slightly more sightseeing and travel.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Accommodation

Hotels

We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellence in service.

Bangkok

Riva Surya Hotel Bangkok

Chiang Rai

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa

Luang Prabang

Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum

Vientiane

Settha Palace Hotel

Accommodation

Ship

The Mekong Pearl offers 17 cabins on two decks, all of which are outside cabins, equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms with WC and shower.

Upper Mekong River

The Mekong Pearl

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Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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