DAY 1: Depart for Thailand
|
DAY 2: Arrive in Bangkok
- Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailands capital city transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
- Overnight: Bangkok
|
DAY 3: Bangkok City Tour
- Begin your day with a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Drive through Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the Kings Palace. Later in the afternoon, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 4:30PM, followed by a light dinner with your fellow travelers
- Overnight: Bangkok
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 4: Full Day in Bangkok
- Today we will spend Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha, Morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace. Together they form the most impressive sights for visitors to Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, dating back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. From Wat Phra Kaew continue to the Grand Palace. Despite the proximity of the two, theres a distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European designs of the Grand Palace. It is important to note that this palace is used now only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence. Countinued with Bangkok Canal Tour with Dinner, This afternoon, embark on a long tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. Pass by Wat Arun, "Temple of Dawn" and other iconic landmarks. Take in scenic views of both banks of the river as you glide through the water and observe the simple life of the locals living along the river. Afterwards, travel to dinner on a tuk-tuk, Thailands popular three-wheeled motorized taxi, to a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
- Overnight: Bangkok
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 5: Flight to Chiang Mai, Dinner at Private Home
- Morning is at leisure before flying to Chiang Mai, ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The afternoon is free for individual interests, before a unique experience tonight. Join a local Chiang Mai family for an authentic Thai dinner in their home. Enjoy a tour of the home, conversation about life in Chiang Mai and savor the great flavors of home-cooked food
- Overnight: Chiang Mai
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 6: Full Day in Chiang Mai, Half Day Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden with lunch
- Morning we will spend Half Day Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden with lunch, This morning, visit the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (QSBG), located in the foothills of the Doi Suthep-Pui mountains north of Chiang Mai. QSBG was established in 1993, as the first botanical garden in Thailand. It covers an area of 6,500 acres and is named after Queen Sirikit. Follow the paths and take your time as you stroll through the lush grounds covered with exotic types of trees, plants and flowers. After your visit, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Sankampang Street, center of handicrafts, for on-site demonstrations on how the silk, lacquer, silver, wood and bronze wares are made. Later, visit the worlds largest gem factory, to watch while the gem stones are cut and set.
- Overnight: Chiang Mai
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
|
DAY 7: Doi Suthep Temple, Traditional Thai Massage
- Start todays morning tour with Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Northern Thailands most sacred temple, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with 290 steps leading up to the temple grounds. Visit a local jade factory, countinued with Traditional Thai Massage, A trip to Thailand is not complete without experiencing a traditional Thai Massage Unlike other types of massages, in Thailand your masseuse will stretch, bend, and contort your body into various positions, known to quickly ease the stress of muscle tension and aids in curing minor illnesses. A set of personal cotton clothing will be given to you to wear during the massage.
- Optional: Thai Traditional Massage (PM)
- Overnight: Chiang Mai
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 8: Travel to Chiang Rai, Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe
- This morning, depart Chiang Mai and drive to scenic Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. Countinued with Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe, The tour departs Chiang Rai City in the morning for the drive to visit Hill Tribe at the foothill of Mae Salong. Upon arrival, change vehicles to the local Thai Combi which takes you up to the hill tribes, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Mien(Yao). See this unique way of life and culture of the tribes that is still maintained today.
This tour requires walking up several steps as well as uneven pavement and trails to get to the small village.
- Overnight: Chiang Rai
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 9: Mae Sai Border Town & Golden Triangle
- Travel to the border town of Mae Sai, at the tip of Thailand. At this border crossing, arrangements may be made to enter Myanmar. Ascend to the hilltop viewpoint to see the famous "Golden Triangle" of Southeast Asia - the meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The locals call it "Sop Ruak", as this is also where the Mekong meets the Ruak River. Continue to the dramatic House of Opium at Golden Triangle Park, offering an informative exhibition on the history of opium which dates back almost 5000 years. This afternoon, enjoy a locally prepared lunch before embarking on a cruise along the banks of the Mekong River between Myanmar, Laos and Thailand where you will see local farmers and fishermen at their craft and learn more about how this river played a role in the opium trade. End the day with a stop at an old teak forest and view centuries old giant Teak trees before returning to Chiang Rai for the evening
- Entering Myanmar (Burma) requires a border crossing fee of approx US$45, payable locally. The opportunity to cross the border will depend on local conditions and cannot be guaranteed. If the border crossing is not possible, alternate arrangements will be made
- Overnight: Chiang Rai
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
|
DAY 10: Travel to Sukhothai
- Travel southward to Sukhothai, birthplace of the Thai nation, founded in the 13th century by King Ramkhamhaeng. The countrys first capital was established here in 1238 and lasted over two centuries. Sukhothai is world-famous for its over 100 historical sites and treasures, including some of the most beautiful Thai art and architecture in the country, created during the citys "golden era", between the 13th and 14th centuries. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore historical Sukhothai independently
- Overnight: Sukhothai
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
|
DAY 11: Sukhothai Historical Park, Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
- After breakfast visit the Old Town of Sukhothai with its impressive Historical Park, immaculately restored and set among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this astonishing site, most of the remains of the original city can be seen. Marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palaces, temples, and historical monuments and feel yourself drift back in time to a bygone era. Depart Sukhothai to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the center of the city. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, conceived as a replica of the Angkor Temple - this is a serene place where one can reflect and enjoy the tranquility. Tonight, gather together for dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Ayutthaya
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
DAY 12: Travel to Bangkok
- Depart Ayutthaya this morning and drive to Bangkok. En route, visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, Bang Pa-In served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai Kings. Arrive at your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy all of the delights of Bangkok on your own. Shop to your hearts content, visit the many amazing markets and try some of the fabulous restaurants in this energetic city
- Overnight: Bangkok
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 13: Depart Thailand
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
- Meal: Breakfast
|
