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From the Grand Palace in Bangkok to the elephant camps in Chiang Mai and beautiful beaches in Phuket, Thailand is a land of many treasures. Discover ancient Buddhist Temples. Learn about local traditions at hill tribe villages. And experience the stunning scenery throughout the country.
Services included:
- 12 Nights hotel accommodation at the selected hotel.
- English speaking guide
- Return airport transfers and city sightseeing tours based on seat in coach with services of English speaking guide
- Meals as per tour description, all local taxes and entrance fees
Excludes:
- International and domestic airfares Chiang Mai > Phuket > Bangkok
- Visa Fee, departure airport taxes, domestic airfare taxes
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tipping, etc.
- Surcharges for certain travelling period of the year.
Day 1 (Sat) Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok be met and transferred to your hotel.
Three nights’ stay: Century Park 4* or similar Bangkok
Day 2 (Sun) Grand Palace Tour
A must-see for all visitors to Bangkok, the Grand Palace complex, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow), is one of the wonders of the world. The Buddha image carved from one piece of Jade at the heart of the temple is the holiest and most revered religious object in Thailand. The Grand Palace, once the official home of the Kings of Siam, is built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs. The tour also includes the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall.
Meal: B
Day 3 (Mon) Bangkok
Enjoy a unique experience at one of Thailand’s few remaining authentic floating markets. Vendors at the Damnern Saduak Floating Market pole up and down the narrow canals selling fruit, flowers, vegetables, fish and meat to shoppers along the banks. After lunch at a restaurant overlooking the river, visit the Rose Garden where many cultural activities include performances by traditional Thai or hill tribe dancers, Thai boxing, a traditional Thai wedding or a Buddhist monk’s ordination.
Meal: B, L
Day 4 (Tue) Bangkok > Bang Pa In > Ayutthaya > Lopburi > Phitsanuloke
This morning the tour begins from Bangkok as we drive north out of the city to Bang Pa In. Located north of Bangkok, Bang Pa In is a lavish royal Summer Palace set in beautiful gardens, combining Thai and European architecture. Continue to the ancient capital city of Siam-Ayutthaya to explore ruined temples and palaces, and admire the extensive canal and river network which helped Ayutthaya flourish. Drive through scenic countryside to Lopburi, the former summer capital of Siam and a major town from the 6th to 11th centuries. Many Neolithic and Bronze Age artifacts have also been found here. See magnificent stone carvings of Phra Prang Sam Yod, a 13th century laterite block shrine with three spires. Also included is a stop at the Kala shrine of Sarn Prakarn, a Buddhist sanctuary in the mid 13th century. Hundreds of monkeys have made this temple complex their home! In the afternoon, drive further north to the town of Phitsanuloke, spread along the banks of the Nan River. The shrine of Wat Mahathat in Phitsanuloke is venerated throughout Thailand and depicts the ancient style of Thai religious architecture.
Overnight stay: Amarin Lagoon 3* or similar, Phitsanuloke
Meal: B, L, D
Day 5 (Wed) Phitsanuloke > Sukhothai > Sri Satchanalai > Chiang Rai
The ancient capital of Thailand in the 13th century, Sukhothai was protected by no less than three rows of earthen ramparts and two moats. Admire beautiful standing Buddha statues as you explore the many ruined temples and monasteries. Continue north to Sri Satchanalai, Sukhothai’s twin city. Afternoon drive through rural Thailand and further north through jungle-clad hills, stopping at the small 11th century town of Phayao to enjoy refreshments beside a lake. Late afternoon arrival in Chiang Rai.
Two nights stay: The Teak Garden 3* Spa & Resort or similar Chiang Rai
Meal: B, L, D
Day 6 (Thu) Mae Salong > Mae Sai > Golden Triangle > Chiang Saen
Northern Thailand is famous for its colourful hill tribes and magnificent scenery. Enjoy mountain views from Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese settlement founded by Kuomintang soldiers who fled China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory in 1949. Stops are included at Akha and Yao Hill Tribe Villages, where the people continue to wear traditional costumes and follow a very simple way of life. Return to the valley for lunch before driving to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town near the Burma border. Watch Thai and Burmese locals walking across the bridge separating the two countries. There are also excellent opportunities to buy Burmese handicrafts at reasonable prices. Depending on the border situation, there may be the opportunity for a one hour walk inside Burma or take a rickshaw ride around the market place. (Note: Two photocopies of your passport are required along with border pass fee if we can cross into Burma).
From Mae Sai, visit the heart of the renowned Golden Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. Stand on a hilltop and enjoy views over Burma, Laos, Thailand and the mighty Mekong River. An optional boat trip will be available for those who want to get closer to Laos and Burma. Visit Chiang Saen, where evidence of the original 13th century city can still be seen. We will enjoy this lovely setting on the banks of the Mekong River; a tranquil spot with charming old temples and finely carved figures. Drive back to Chiang Rai for overnight.
Meal: B, L, D
Day 7 (Fri) Chiang Rai > Chiang Mai
On the way to Chiang Mai, stop at Mae Ka Chan, famous for its hot spring, a favourite bathing place for locals. In the afternoon, drive through splendid mountain scenery and tropical jungle to the Rose of the North – Chiang Mai. Before arriving in the town, climb 290 steps to visit the hilltop temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which offers spectacular views of the Chiang Mai area (less energetic travellers can take a cable car up the hill). Enjoy a ceremonial northern Thai dinner, known as Kantoke followed by a traditional performance by colourfully dressed Hill tribe people.
Two nights stay: Hotel Empress 3* Chiang Mai or Chiangmai Orchid Hotel
Meal: B, L, D
Day 8 (Sat) Chiang Mai
Visit one of the elephant camps where skilled mahouts show how elephants have worked in the jungles for centuries. Continue on to the district of Sankampaeng, home to Chiang Mai’s famous cottage industries. Watch how artisans continue to make their products by hand and maybe take home a unique souvenir. See silkworms and the process of spinning silk as well as the art of using handlooms to make intricate patterned silk fabrics. Marvel at the transformation of bamboo, silk and paper into hand-painted multi-coloured umbrellas and at skilled potters creating distinctive Thai celadon. Wood carvers chip away busily at teakwood to produce elegant ornaments and furniture. The process of making lacquerware is fascinating to watch too. And of course there are plenty of silver items to tempt even the cautious shopper.
Meal: B, L, D
Day 9 (Sun) Chiang Mai > Phuket
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Phuket (not included). Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel for evening at leisure.
Three nights’ stay: Merlin Beach Resort 4* or similar Phuket
Meal: B
Day 10 (Mon) Phuket
Spend the day at leisure to enjoy the long beaches and famous soft white sand at one of the world’s most popular beach resorts.
Meal: B
Day 11 (Tue) Phuket
Another day at leisure.
Meal: B
Day 12 (Wed) Phuket > Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok (not included). Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel for evening at leisure.
Overnight stay: Century Park 4* or similar Bangkok
Meal: B
Day 13 (Thu) Depart Bangkok
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meal: B
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