DAY 1: Depart for Thailand
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DAY 2: Arrive in Bangkok
- Welcome to Thailand Arrive in exotic Bangkok and transfer to your hotel remainder of the day is at leisure. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
- Overnight: Bangkok
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DAY 3: Bangkok City Tour
- This morning take a tour that introduces you to Bangkok, the "City of Angels". Drive through Chinatown packed with hundreds of market stalls, street-side restaurants, and gold shops. On to colorful "Little India" with its bright hanging walls of glistening fabrics and the fragrant wholesale Flower Market. Visit serene Wat Po, (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) the oldest and largest temple in the city, with its astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive via Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the Kings Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure before tonights orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5:00 PM, followed by dinner at the hotel
- Overnight: Bangkok
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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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
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DAY 5: Travel to Kanchanaburi, Visit Bridge over River Kwai & War Museum
- Travel southwest this morning to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market observe how the ancient trading of wares is conducted between hundreds of local farmers and villagers aboard small sampan boats. The boats are fully loaded with all kinds of products including fruits, vegetables, dry goods, and freshly cooked food. From the Floating market, continue to the quiet provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, with its stunning natural beauty and beautiful rivers. Walk over the stone bridge at the River Kwai, one of the most famous rivers in the world, which gained international fame in the book and film, "Bridge on the River Kwai". The bridge, several museums, and cemeteries have respectfully preserved the history and memorialized the dead. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a hotel restaurant
- Overnight: Kanchanaburi
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 6: Full Day in Kanchanaburi
- Today we will spend Full Day Hellfire Pass & Death Railway with lunch, Depart early in the morning from Kanchanaburi to visit Hellfire Pass and the Death Railway. En route, stop at nearby Sai Yok National Park, known for its waterfalls, caves and rare wildlife. Here, visit the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, the most popular attraction in the park. After lunch, continue to Hellfire Pass that derives its name from Allied Prisoners of War ordered by the Japanese authorities to complete the bridge and rail line earlier than scheduled. All POWs were forced to work day and night in the jungle, digging through the mountain with simple tools. More than 12,000 soldiers and 80,000 Thais perished during construction. Conclude the tour with a train ride that crosses the Bridge over River Kwai.
- Overnight: Kanchanaburi
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 7: Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
- Depart Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as the largest city in Southeast Asia. In the center of the city lies Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. After lunch, continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong, a commoner who overthrew the previous king and took his throne. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of Siam before dinner
- Overnight: Ayutthaya
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 8: Travel to Sukhothai, Sukhothai Historical Park
- This morning 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, this served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai kings. Then travel north to Sukhothai, the 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. Visit the Old Town of Sukhothai, 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
- Overnight: Sukhothai
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 9: Travel to Chiang Rai
- After breakfast, depart Sukhothai and drive to scenic Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand, center of the Lanna Thai Kingdom during the 13th century. The region, rich in natural resources and textiles was occupied by the Burmese until 1786. Time to relax before dinner at the hotel
- Overnight: Chiang Rai
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 10: Mae Sai Border Town & Golden Triangle
- Travel to the market town of Mae Sai, at the northern-most point of Thailand. At this border crossing, arrangements may be made to enter Myanmar. Ascend the hilltop lookout to view the famed Golden Triangle" of Southeast Asia - see the joining of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers and the meeting point for the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. 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
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DAY 11: Travel to Chiang Mai, Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe
- Morning we will spend 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 Mai
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 12: Full Day in Chiang Mai, Half Day Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden with lunch & Dinner at Private Home
- 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. Tonight, a unique experience. Youre invited to join a local Chiang Mai family in their home for an authentic home-cooked Thai dinner. Tour the home, get secret recipes and discuss family life in Chiang Mai.
- Overnight: Chiang Mai
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 13: Chiang Mai City & Temples Tour, Traditional Thai Massage
- This morning, visit to some of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai. Begin at Wat Suan Dok, where the remains of the Chiang Mai Royal family are enshrined and continue to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Situated 3500 feet above sea level, this temple is the most sacred in Northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha and a copper-plated chedi topped by a tiered gold parasol in its interior cloister. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (Dragon-headed serpent) staircase, consisting of 290 steps leading up to the temple grounds. As you descend the stairs, opportunity to 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.
- Overnight: Chiang Mai
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 14: Flight to Bangkok
- Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok. Time on your own in Bangkok to revisit some of the citys fabulous sites, or, indulge in a last-minute shopping spree. Enjoy a night out on the town as you bid farewell to Thailand
- Overnight: Bangkok
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 15: Depart Thailand
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
- Meal: Breakfast
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