15 DAYS Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi

Day 1 Sat: North America / Hong Kong
Depart today and begin your exploration of several of Asia’s most fabulous areas.

Day 2 Sun: Arrive Hong Kong
Arrive in Hong Kong this morning. You will be welcomed and escorted to PENINSULA HOTEL. Hong Kong, the “City of Life” is compact, diverse, historic and modern. Not much has changed in Hong Kong since it reverted to China in 1997. The rest of the day is free to relax and pursue independent activities.

Day 3 Mon: Hong Kong Sightseeing
Your morning is dedicated to the sights of legendary Hong Kong Island. Drive through Victoria and along the notorious Wanchai waterfront district, home of Suzy Wong. Ride the famous funicular tram to the top of Victoria Peak for an amazing view of the world’s most magnificent harbor. Continue to Repulse Bay to enjoy lunch at Spices Restaurant. (BL)

Day 4 Tue: Hong Kong / Beijing
This morning, fly to Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, which is over 3,000 years old. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to RAFFLES BEIJING HOTEL. This afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, possibly the country’s most popular symbol. It was believed to be the closest place to heaven and was where the emperors would communicate with the gods. Later, tour some of Beijing’s thousands of hutongs, or ancient city alleys. The hutongs were built as part of a city building plan that followed the etiquette systems of the Zhou dynasty, which had specific protocols regarding how residential areas should be set up. (BD)

Day 5 Wed: Forbidden City with Tiananmen Square & Summer Palace
Visit the Forbidden City, the 250-acre palace containing more than 9,000 rooms. Closed to the common people for centuries, it was only opened to the public in 1949. Also visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Later, explore the Summer Palace, the retreat of China’s royal families for over 2,000 years. Tonight you are welcomed to the Middle Kingdom with a Peking Opera show, including a backstage visit. (BLD)

Day 6 Thu: Great Wall Excursion
The highlight of your stay in this ancient capital is a visit to the Great Wall. It is easy to see why the Great Wall, built 2,300 years ago and extending 3,750 miles, can be seen by astronauts from space! You will also visit the Ming Tombs, including a nice walk on the Sacred Way, which was regarded as the formal entrance to the Tombs. Also visit the Tomb of Emperor Zhudi, founder of the Forbidden City. Tonight you will enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner. (BLD)

Day 7 Fri: Beijing / Singapore
Fly this morning to Singapore. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to SHANGRI-LA HOTEL. (B)

Day 8 Sat: Singapore Sightseeing
Your tour of Singapore starts with a visit to the Botanical Gardens and colorful Chinatown, followed by a visit to the visually imposing façade of Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple. Then, ascend Mt. Faber and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and busy harbor. Enjoy a Dim Sum lunch in Chinatown before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening you will visit the world’s first and only night zoo, which houses more than 1,200 animals and 110 exotic species. You will have the opportunity to strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax on a tram ride. The Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed. (BLD)

Day 9 Sun: Singapore / Chiang Mai
Late this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, a delightful ancient city with a distinctive charm and which is the country’s center of handicraft production. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to FOUR SEASONS RESORT. This evening, enjoy a superb Kantoke Northern Thai dinner accompanied by dancing and a special tribal show performed by the Karen tribe. (BLD)

Day 10 Mon: Morning Market / Elephant Camp / Handicraft Village
Early this morning leave your hotel for Tapae Gate to witness the traditional Thai culture of offering food to Buddhist monks. Take a rickshaw ride to Chiang Mai Gate to visit the morning market. Continue to Wat Srisoda at the foot of Doi Suthep where you can see the Buddhist monks have their morning prayers. Following breakfast, Visit a jungle area and see how elephants work in the lumber industry. In the afternoon, visit a handicraft village to see the manufacturing of lacquerware, the weaving of Thai silk, paper umbrella making, woodcarving, silverware-making and more delightful arts. (BLD)

Day 11 Tue: Chiang Mai /Chiang Rai
This morning drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep (built in A.D. 1384). Wat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Drive down to Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s Royal Families are interred. Proceed to Wat Jet Yod with its seven spires and incredible architecture commemorating the year 2000 of the Buddha era. drive to Chiang Rai with stop at hot springs en route. Upon arrival, check into ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE RESORT. (BLD)

Day 12 Wed: Golden Triangle Excursion / Bangkok
Visit the Golden Triangle, the sights and scenes of which present images of a traditional way of life unknown in the western world, followed by a boat ride on the Mekong River to see activities along the border of Laos. Stop at Donsao Island to visit the local market where local handicrafts are sold. Later, fly to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand and check in to SHANGRI-LA HOTEL. (BLD)

Day 13 Thu: Klongs, Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha / City & Temples Tour
Travel by motor launch on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and canals, or klongs, to observe the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, which gave this city the name “Venice of the East.” Pass the famous Royal Barges, which display excellent samples of Thai craftsmanship. Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Then visit Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Thai court and the former residence of the Thai kings. Visit the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Funeral Hall and the beautiful Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keo. Following lunch, visit Wat Po, home of the enormous Reclining Buddha and one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Drive through Chinatown, one of the oldest areas of Bangkok to visit Wat Traimitr, Golden Buddha Temple. This evening, enjoy a delicious Thai dinner accompanied by a classical Thai dance and music performance featuring the exquisite costumes and elegant movements unique to this style of dance. (BLD)

Day 14 Fri: Kanchanaburi & River Kwai
Travel west of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi to visit the Allied Soldier’s cemetery. A scenic train ride along the “Death Railway” and a crossing of the bridge on the River Kwai are highlights of this day. Visit the War Museum prior to returning to Bangkok this evening. (BLD)

Day 15 Sat: Bangkok / Home
Depart for home today, taking with you precious memories of wonderful Asia. (B)