12 Days Bangkok, Phitsanulok, Sukothai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son

Day 1 Fri: North America / Bangkok
Depart late this evening for Bangkok.

Day 2 Sat: Cross International Date Line.

Day 3 Sun: Arrive Singapore/Bangkok
Arrive this morning in Bangkok, the vibrant 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. ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS

Day 4 Mon: 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 5 Tue: 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. (BL)

Day 6 Wed: Bangkok / Ayuthaya / Phitsanulok
Depart this morning for Ayuthaya, the former capital of Siam. The city was almost completely destroyed after an invasion by the Burmese in 1787 and today only the remains of the once so impressive temples and palaces remind us of the glorious past of this city. We will visit Wat Mongkol Borpitr, Wat Chai Wattanaram, Narai Raja Nives Museum as well as the shrine of the Hindu Goddess Kali at the Sarn Prakarn Temple. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to travel further north towards Phitsanulok, an important traffic meeting point at the River Nan. Many houseboats can be found along the river. AMARIN LAGOON HOTEL (BL)

Day 7 Thu: Phitsanulok / Sukhothai
Visit Wat Maha Dhat (or Wat Yai) with its famous shrine followed by drive to Sukhothai, one of Asia’s most important historic sites. We enter the historic grounds through the Kampheng-Hak-Gate, which was built with three rows of earthen walls and two moats to protect the inner part of the city against enemy attacks. After visiting Wat Sra Sri and Wat Sri Chum, check into your hotel. PAILYN HOTEL SUKHOTHAI (BL)

Day 8 Fri: Sukhothai / Chiang Mai / Mae Hong Son
Drive to Chiang Mai today, stopping en route to visit Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, located on the banks of the Yom River at Tambon Muang Kao. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the park. Upon arrival, connect to your flight for Mae Hong Son. You are welcomed and escorted to the IMPERIAL TARA MAE HONG SON RESORT. (BL)

Day 9 Sat: Hilltribe Village / Elephant Ride / Pai River Boat Trip
Travel to an elephant camp for an hour-long elephant ride through the jungle. Next, board a long-tailed boat for a ride along the Pai River until you reach the suspension bridge. In the afternoon, you will visit Baan Nai Soi to meet the unusual and exotic Long-Neck Karen Hill tribe (Giraffe Women) where the women wear many brass rings around their elongated necks. (BL)

Day 10 Sun: Mae Hong Son /Chiang Mai
Your morning tour of Mae Hong Son includes a visit to the local provincial market. Continue on to Wat Phra Thad Doi Kong Moo, a hilltop temple offering a panoramic view of the beautiful surrounding mountains and valleys. Next, visit Wat Chong Klang, a temple which features historic glass paintings and woodcarvings that were brought from Burma (Myanmar) over 100 years ago. Visit the prehistoric Fish Cave, situated at Ban Huai Pha, where hundreds of multi-colored fish can be seen. Later you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to HOLIDAY INN CHIANG MAI HOTEL. This evening, enjoy a superb Kantoke Northern Thai dinner accompanied by dancing and a special tribal show performed by the Karen tribe. (BLD)

Day 11 Mon: Morning Market, Wat Doi Suthep & Temples / Handicraft Village
Early this morning, witness the traditional Thai culture of offering food to Buddhist monks. Take a rickshaw ride to Chiang Mai Gate to visit the morning market. Following breakfast, drive to Wat Doi Suthep. Built in AD 1384, Wat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand. In the afternoon, visit a handicraft village. (BL)

Day 12 Tue: Chiang Mai / Singapore / Home
The morning is at leisure. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your departure home, filled with memories of Exotic Thailand. (B)