8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok
Arrive this morning in Bangkok, the vibrant capital
city of Thailand. You are welcomed and escorted to
your hotel. The day is at leisure to relax and
recover from the long flight. REMBRANDT HOTEL AND
TOWERS / ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON HOTEL AND TOWERS
Day 2: Klongs and Chinatown Tour / Grand Palace &
Wat Po
Travel by motor launch on the picturesque Chao
Phraya River and canals, or klongs, to tour the
“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, the Reception Hall, the
Coronation Hall, the Funeral Hall and the beautiful
Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keo. Visit
Wat Po, home of the enormous Reclining Buddha and
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
The day is free for you to relax and pursue
independent activities. (B)
Day 4: Bangkok /Chiang Rai
This morning, transfer to the airport for your
flight to Chiang Rai, where the borders of Thailand,
Burma and Laos meet. Upon arrival, you are met and
transferred to your hotel. WIANG INN HOTEL / THE
RIVER HOUSE (B)
Day 5: Golden Triangle Excursion
Visit the Golden Triangle, which presents 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. (BL)
Day 6: Chaing Rai / Chiang Mai
This morning, drive to Chiang Mai, stopping at a hot
springs en route. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, 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. Then
drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi
Suthep, the most sacred temple in northern Thailand.
IMPERIAL MAE PING/HOLIDAY INN CHIANG MAI HOTEL. (B)
Day 7: Morning Market / Elephant Camp /
Handicraft Village
Early this morning, leave your hotel for Tapae Gate
to witness the Thai tradition 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 at 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. This
evening, feast at a Khantoke dinner with authentic
traditional performances featuring regional tribes.
(BD)
Day 8: Chaing Mai / Home
This morning, transfer to the airport for your
flight back home. (B)
Optional 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 HOTEL / DUSIT LAGUNA RESORT (BD)
Day 2: Phuket
The day is at leisure to relax and pursue
independent activities. (B)
Day 3: Phuket / Home
The morning is at leisure. This afternoon, transfer
to the airport for your flight home. (B)
