DEPART NORTH AMERICA

Enroute

ARRIVE BANGKOK -

Arrive Bangkok late this evening. Bangkok has dominated Thailand’s urban hierarchy, as well as its political, commercial and cultural life, since the late 18th century. HOTEL

BANGKOK -

Breakfast at Hotel. This morning travel by long-tailed speedboat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and Klongs (canals) of Thonburi, visit the Temple of Dawn and the Royal Barges Museum. This afternoon visit the Grand Palace. Bangkok's most famous landmark is a former residence of the Kings of Thailand. Several buildings are located within the complex. You will see the Reception Palace, the Funeral Palace, The Throne Hall and the beautiful revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Overnight at Hotel. BL

BANGKOK -

This morning visit the Jim Thompson House & museum. He devoted lots of efforts to reviving the craft of silk-weaving in Thailand.  Thai silk is famous for its beauty and quality is largely a result of Jim Thompson`s work. His house features vast collection of antiques and artworks from entire Southeast Asia. Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening witness the Thai Classical dances, music followed by dinner. BD

BANGKOK / KANCHANABURI / AYUTTHAYA -

Travel today to Kanchanaburi and visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge inspired the movie about its construction by Allied prisoners of war during WWII who were coerced into building it by Japanese troops. Continue to Ayutthaya, the Siamese capital from 1350 until 1767. Visit Bang-Pa-In, the former summer residence of the early Chakki Kings and Mongkok Bopit and Wat Yaki Chaimongkol.  BL

AYUTTHAYA / PITSANULOKE / SUKHOTHAI –

Witness the rural Thai life styles, farming etc. enroute to Phitsanuloke. Visit Wat Maha That and its highly revered Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Jinaraj. After Lunch, drive to Sukhothai, where you will visit the ancient ruins at Sukhothai Historical Park and Wat Sri Chum with it's gigantic Buddha statue. Continue to Sri Satchanalai. BL

SUKHOTHAI/ LAMPANG -

Tour of Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum and Wat Sra Sri.  Continue with drive to Lampang, visit Wt Phra That Lampang Luang and Wat Phra Don Tao. Upon arrival in Lampang tour the old city on horse carriages. You will also visit Baan Sao Nak, a 100-year old teak-wood mansion, and Wat Chedi Sao, which derives its name from 20 stupas erected on the temple grounds. Monks at this temple prepare medicines from herbs and plants, which promise to cure a large number of remedies.

CHIANG RAI -

Travel to Chiang Rai, isolated from most of Thailand.  Such isolation afforded the province its unique culture.  Stop enroute to visit Hill Tribe villages. This afternoon visit the beautiful Wat Phra Keo where one of Thailand's most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally begin enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Keo during the reign of King Rama I. Then visit the Rai Mae Fha Luang is a museum exhibiting ancient artifacts and written records on history, literature and indigenous intelligence as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. Continue to visit Wat Ruang Khun (White Temple) and local market. BL

CHIANG RAI

Visit Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Kingdom & its most important temple and the Opium museum. Enjoy a thrilling longtail speedboat on the mighty Mekong River. Visit the viewpoint of the infamous Golden Triangle where Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. Continue to Mae Sai, the border town to Myanmar. Lunch at a local restaurant followed by a stroll through the huge market. Return to Chiang Rai in the evening. Overnight at Hotel. BL

CHIANG RAI/ THATORN/ CHIANG MAI -

Drive to Thatorn visiting enroute a Yao & Akha hilltribe village as well as Mae Salong. Lunch in Thatorn overlooking Kok River. Continue to Chiang Mai with brief stops at a picturesque local market and at Chiang Dao caves. Short drive up the hillside to Chiang Mai‘s most impressive temple, Doi Suthep. Arrive in Chiang Mai and check in at Hotel. BL

CHIANG MAI -

Elephant Camp, Elephant ride & Handicrafts village.
A pleasant scenic trip to the north of Chiang Mai. Amidst lush tropical jungle beside a meandering river, watch elephants take their daily bath. A show of how these magnificent animals are used in the timber industry.…pushing, dragging and rolling logs in unison at the command of their mahouts. Later enjoy an exciting 1 hour elephant ride over the hills and into the lush jungle followed by 15 minutes ox-cart ride back to the camp. A picnic lunch is provided under the cool jungle shade. After lunch, visit various handicrafts villages. Return to Chiang Mai for overnight at the Hotel. BL
This evening you may want to visit the huge Night Bazaar on your own and see how local trading takes place.

CHIANG MAI / PHUKET -

Breakfast at Hotel and time free to explore the city on own. Afternoon transfers and fly to Phuket, on Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, Thailand's largest island wears its past of welcoming foreigners on its sleeve. A look at the town's charming Sino-Portuguese architecture conjures visions of the island's former heyday as a major tin producer. HOTEL. B

Days at leisure.

Phuket’s biggest attractions are the beaches and restaurants. You may want to take optional tours such as day trips to Koh Phi Phi, the Similan Islands or endless underwater excursions to enjoy the region's breathtaking marine scenery. B

PHUKET/ DEPART -

Breakfast at Hotel. Your tour of the land of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms comes to an end as you board your homeward flight. B