8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok
Arrive this morning in Bangkok, the vibrant and throbbing capital city of Thailand. You are welcomed and escorted to your hotel. Built on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, this “City of Angels” has a fascinating appeal that is difficult to resist. The day is at leisure to relax and recover from the long flight. REMBRANDT HOTEL (FC) / ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON (DLX).
Day 2: Klongs and China Town Tour / Grand Palace & Wat Po
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. You will pass the famous Royal Barges, excellent samples of Thai craftsmanship and stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Then visit Grand Palace, the former residence for the Thai kings. Visit the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Funeral Hall and the beautiful Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keo. Visit Wat Po, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Ride on a tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled taxi, to Chinatown for a short walk. (BL)
Day 3: Bangkok
Day free to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)
Day 4: Bangkok /Chiang Rai
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Upon arrival, met and transferred to your hotel. WIANG INN (FC) / THE RIVER HOUSE (DLX). (B)
Day 5: Golden Triangle Excursion
Visit the Golden Triangle (its sights and scenes present images of a traditional way of life unknown in the western world) followed by boat ride on the Mekong River to see activities along the border of Laos. Stop at Donsao Island on to visit the local market selling local handicrafts. (BL)
Day 6: Chaing Rai / Chiang Mai
Morning drive to Chiang Mai with stop at hot springs en route. Arrival in Chiang Mai and visit 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. Then 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. IMPERIAL MAE PING (FC) / HOLIDAY INN CHIANG MAI HOTEL (DLX). (B)
Day 7: 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, silverwaremaking and more delightful arts. This evening, feast at a Khantoke dinner with authentic traditional performances featuring regional tribes. (BD)
Day 8: Chaing Mai / Home
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)
Optional beach Extension
Day 1: Arrive Phuket
Arrive this morning in Phuket. Blessed with a wide variety of magnificent beaches, hidden coves and secluded bays, Phuket is a spectacular kaleidoscope of brilliant colors. You are met and transferred to ANDAMAN SEAVIEW (FC) / DUSIT LAGUNA RESORT (DLX). (BD)
Day 2: Phuket
Day at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)
Day 3: Phuket/Home
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)
