Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok
Transfer (no guide) from Bangkok airport to the Siam @ Siam
Day 2 Bangkok
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) – Together, these two sites form what many consider the greatest spectacle for visitors to Bangkok. Dating back to 1782 (when Bangkok was founded), the entire compound consists of over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. Because of its popularity, this destination is often extremely crowded, but still an essential part of any trip to Bangkok. Presently, the Grand Palace is used for the occasional ceremony and is no longer the royal home (the present King Bhumibol lives in Chitralada Palace, located in Bangkok's nearby Dusit district). The interiors of most of the buildings in the Grand Palace are closed to the public Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace in a common compound and is the home of the country's most famous Buddha statue (also known as the Emerald Buddha). This important figure has a long and interesting history that is tied to the royal family and once resided in nearby Wat Arun. It is relatively small (about 66 centimetres) and is situated in a high position in the Wat to signify its important status in the Thai kingdom Wat Po (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Bangkok’s largest temple is most famous as the home of a giant reclining Buddha statue (45 meters long), but there is also much more to see here. Four large Chedis (and 73 small ones) 394 Buddha statues, and a Bodhi tree are situated throughout the compound and about 300 monks live in the monastery. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 03 Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Tiger Temple
As a tourist destination, Thailand offers a bit of something for everyone, including the bustling excitement of Bangkok, the rich culture of life in rural villages, fascinating ancient ruins and other historic sites. This tour gives visitors a sampling of everything, resulting in a well-rounded trip that will provide many beloved memories. The adventure begins with an early morning pickup from a Bangkok hotel where guests are whisked away to Kanchanaburi, a place with a unique and important history relating to World War II. Sites guests will see include the Allied War Cemetery and JEATH War Museum, which is a replica of prisoner of war camp and contains many photographs, artifacts and other memorabilia. From there, they will take a ride on the historic Death Railway Train, which passes through a lush forest along the original wooden viaducts. After lunch at a local restaurant, visitors will make a stop at Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua (also known as the Tiger Temple). Built in 1994 and situated in a lush forest, Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua is home to more than 20 grown tigers and tiger cubs living amongst the monks on the temple grounds. Native to places like Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Southeast China, many of these tigers were orphans rescued from poachers in the wild, while others were born and raised at the temple. Later in the day, guest will return to hotel for leisure. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at the Hintok River Camp
Day 04 Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya
The day starts with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, a tribute to the more than 90,000 men and women who lost their lives cutting through a stone mountain to build the Death Railway during the Second World War. Here they can reflect on this time at a museum dedicated to the Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers who suffered and died for this cause. From here, they will continue Ayutthaya (the old capital of Siam) by way of Suphan Buri, which offers breathtaking views of scenery near the Burmese border that is dominated by fertile farmland and jungle-clad mountains. After a brief stop at a local restaurant en route, guests will arrive at Ayutthaya where they can explore at their own leisure before retiring for the evening at the Krungsri River Hotel
Day 05 Ayutthaya – Lopburi – Phitsanuloke
A journey to Northern Thailand is one populated by a fascinating indigenous cultural identity including diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and other rich traditions. Although Chiang Mai is by far the most popular destination in this region, there is still much more to see beyond this most beautiful of cities. This extended tour introduces guests to Northern Thailand while creating a lifetime of memories. In the morning stopping first at Bang Pa In, the former home of the kings of Ayutthaya, dating back to the eighteenth-century and the Royal Palace which is situated amongst beautiful, extensive park grounds in an exotic combination of Thai and European architecture. Particularly pleasing is the Thai pavilion built in the middle of a lake and the Chinese-style palace Vihat Chamrun and their bushes trimmed in elephant shapes. This step back in time continues to Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 and home to historic temples such as Wat Srisanpetch, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and other beautiful temples at Wat Chai Watthanaram. The next stop is Lopburi and a visit to Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple with three towers and impressive ornaments as well as a shrine of the Hindu Goddess Kali at the Sarn Prakarn Temple, followed by lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Phitsanuloke. Upon arrival visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Phra Buddha Chinnarat). Overnight at the Topland Hotel
Day 06 Phitsanuloke – Sukhohai
The day begins with breakfast at the hotel and the trip continues on to Sukhothai, the first capital of the Thai Kingdom, dating back to the 13th Century. Considered one of Asia’s most important historical destinations, Old Sukhothai is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, thus making it a must-see stop for all travelers. After visiting the temples Wat Sra Sri and Wat Sri Chim, the excursion continues to Sri Satchanalai, the former sister town of Sukhothai. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. Overnight at the Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel
Day 07 Sukhothai – Lampang – Lamphun – Chiang Mai
Drive north to Lampang, the only city in Thailand where horse drawn carriages provide public transportation, stops at some of Lampang’s most famous temples including Wat Phra Dat Lampang Luang and Wat Phra Keo Don Tao before going on to Lamphun. This enchanting city is filled with rich traditions and home to the beautiful Burmese style temple, Wat Haripoonchai. From there, it’s off to one of Thailand’s most popular and beautiful cities, Chiang Mai. After a quick lunch, guests drive to the holy mountain temple Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep. Overnight at the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel
Day 08 Chiang Mai – Pai – Mae Hong Son
Depart from Chiang Mai by overland via Pai to Mae Hong Son and visit Fish Cave. After that continue drive to Mae Hong Son. Local lunch will be provided. Check-in to your hotel and relax at the leisure. Overnight at Fern Resort Mae Hong Son
Day 09 Mae Hong Son
After breakfast take a long-tailed boat trip along the Pai River to see the exotic ‘Long Neck Karen Tribe.’ As their name indicates, the women of this local village have necks that have been elongated by brass rings. Then, you will experience in riding elephants. Local lunch will be provided.
Day 10 Mae Hong Son – Chiang Mai
Travel to the symbolic temple of Mae Hong Son ; Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, this is a Shan temple, built high up on the mountainside, on the west side of the town. There are some interesting examples of religious architecture, such as the two Mon style cement chedis that stand out dramatically. All around the temple are magnificent views that offer a panoramic perspective of the town and surrounding countryside. There is a 1.6 kms long asphalt road from the town up to the temple. Then, visit Wat Jong Kham and Jong Klang, there are interesting examples of ancient art inside, such as the collection of Burmese style wooden carved dolls, the Burmese style glass paintings and the Mon style cement chedis. Many visitors take photographs of the temple and the lake. Transfer to Mae Hong Son Airport for flight to Chiang Mai. Arrive Chiang Mai Airport, transfer to your hotel. In the evening, all guests will enjoy the superb Khantoke Northern Thai Dinner with charming Fon Lep (Fingers dance), Sword Dance, Fon Thien (Candle dance), Ramwong which all guests will be invited to participate. Also, there is special hill tribe show performed by Akha, Yao, Lahu, Meo, Lishaw and Karen Tribes. Overnight at the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel
Day 11 Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle
Leave Chiang Mai for Chiang Rai by road, crossing mountains and valleys. Enjoy picturesque landscapes, a rich source of forestry where you can enjoy its beauty scenery and atmosphere. First stop is Wiang Pa Pao, one of famous areas for a Hot Spring. On the way, will make another stop to visit Mae Chan where Yao and Akha hill tribe villages are situated. After that, continuing to Mae Sai the furthest northern trading border town between Thailand and Myanma. It is a busy trading town where you spend times to shop for your souvenirs from Chiang Rai Trip. Local lunch will be provided. After fill-up with a delicious Thai style Lunch, tour will take you to the Golden Triangle area, where the border of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Then, visit Chiang Saen (A.D. 1260), the ancient city of Chiang Rai, on the steep banks of Mae Khong River, opposite Laos. Witness some magnificent, ancient ruins and temples. After tours, transfer to check-in at hotel. Overnight at the Wiang Inn Hotel
Day 12 Chiang Rai
In the morning Take a boat trip up the famous Mae Kok River to visit the Karen of Ruammit, an elephant town where the Karen locals raise elephants and use them in their daily work in the jungle. The elephants may be bathing in the Mae Kok. Take an Elephant riding for visit around the village. Lunch at local restaurant, and return to hotel. Afternoon at leisure
Day 13 Chiang Rai – Bangkok – Departure
Transfer from hotel to Chiang Rai Airport for your departure flight
