14 Days Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi

HONG KONG

Day 1 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 2 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 famed Victoria peak for an amazing view of the world’s most magnificent harbor. Continue to Repulse Bay to enjoy your lunch at Spices Restaurant. (BL)

CHINA

Day 3 Tue: Hong Kong / Beijing
Morning fly to Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, which is over 3000 years old. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to RAFFLES BEIJING HOTEL. 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 enjoy Hutong tour. Hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical in Beijing. In the prime of these dynasties, the emperors (in order to establish supreme power) planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. (BD)

Day 4 Wed: Forbidden City with Tian
An Men Square & Summer Palace Visit the Forbidden City, the 250-acre palace containing more than 9000 rooms. Closed to the common people for centuries, it was only opened to the public in 1949. Also visit Tian An Men Square (the largest public square in the world). Later explore the Summer Palace, retreat of China’s royal families for over 2000 years. Tonight you are welcomed to the Middle Kingdom with Peking Opera. (BLD)

Day 5 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 2300 years ago and extending 3750 miles) can be seen by the astronauts from space! Your visit to the Ming Tombs includes a nice walk on the Sacred way, which was regarded as the formal entrance of Tomb. Also visit to the Tomb of Emperor Zhudi, founder of Forbidden City Tonight you are going to enjoy the traditional Peking Duck dinner. (BLD)

Day 6 Fri: Beijing / Singapore
Fly this morning to Singapore. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to SHANGRI LA HOTEL. (B)

SINGAPORE

Day 7 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 facade 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. This evening visit the world’s first and only night Zoo. There are over 1,200 animals and more than 110 exotic species to watch out for. Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride, whichever you choose. The Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed. (BLD)

THAILAND

Day 8 Sun: Singapore / Chiang Mai
Late morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a delightful ancient city with a distinctive charm and is the country’s center of handicraft production. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to RATILANNA RIVERSIDE SPA 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 9 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 oflacquerware, the weaving of Thai silk, paper umbrella making, woodcarving, silverwaremaking and more delightful arts. (BLD)

Day 10 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 11 Wed: Golden Triangle Excursion / Bangkok
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. Later, fly to the vibrant and throbbing capital, Bangkok and check into SHANGRI LA HOTEL. (BLD)

Day 12 Thu: Klongs, Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha / City & Temples Tour
Travel by motor launch on the picturesque Chao Phya River and klongs (canals) 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 displays excellent samples of Thai craftsmanship and 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 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). 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 13 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 14 Sat: Bangkok / Home
Depart for home today, taking with you precious memories of wonderful Asia. (B)