About your tour
Whether you're exploring
the beautiful countryside in Chiang Mai, or colorful cityscapes in
Bangkok, you're sure to find the ancient beauty of Thailand
eye-opening. It is a land of enchantment, with a temple at every
corner, colorful spirit houses, and long-tail boats traveling the
canals and rivers. Throughout the country, shopping is pure
pleasure with great bargains among the many local crafts and woven
goods. This exciting tour includes six nights in the captivating
city of Bangkok and six nights in rural Chiang Mai.
In Bangkok, visit to the
Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha introduces you to Thai
religious beliefs while at the Grand Palace see the world of
18th-century Thai royalty. Travel to the floating market
of Damnoen Saduak and cruise through the legendary canals, known as
Klongs, in a traditional long-tailed boat. After a trip through the
countryside and stop at the Bridge on the River Kwai, enjoy Thai
music, dance and food in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of
Thailand. In Chiang Mai, dubbed the "rose of the north" and near
the heart of the Teak Forest, see elephants at work and play,
inhale the scent of orchids - Thailand's national flower - watch
local artisans at their crafts and learn about the culture and
traditions of the Hill Tribes. After obtaining native ingredients
at a local market under the guidance of a chef, delve into the
history and flavors of Thai cuisine and create an authentic lunch.
Also on tap are visits to a jade cutting factory and several local
temples including Wat Dio Suthep located 3,520 feet above sea
level. Ample leisure time allows you to
explore this exotic countryside and its fascinating culture on your
own and during a number of optional excursions.
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Your itinerary
Day 1 & 2: Overnight Flight - Arrive
Bangkok, Thailand
Your tour begins with an overnight flight
to Thailand. Majestic palaces, ornate
temples, quaint cities and beautiful landscapes are sure to make
your holiday a memorable one. You arrive
in one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Bangkok.
Day 3: Bangkok
On your captivating city tour of Bangkok
you will gain insight into the religion of Thailand by visiting two
of Bangkok's famous temples: the Golden Buddha and the Reclining
Buddha. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate
royal residence built in 1782. (B, D)
Day 4: Bangkok
Travel to the floating market
of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting cruise through the legendary
canals, known as Klongs, in a traditional long-tailed
boat. Later, you travel to
Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai.
(B, L)
Day 5: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok
A trip through the countryside brings you
to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.
At the peak of its glory it was home to more than 1 million
people. Today you can see ruins dating
from the 14th century.
This evening, enjoy dinner at an authentic Thai
restaurant featuring classic Thai dancing and
music. (B,
D)
Day 6: Bangkok
Your day is at leisure to explore the
streets and markets of Bangkok or relax by the pool. Optional tours are also available.
Tonight you will be treated to a dinner cruise on a rice
barge along the Chao Phraya River. (B, D)
Day 7: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
A short flight brings you to the "Rose of
the North," the old-world city of Chiang Mai.
Tour the cottage industries of this area and see local
artisans at work. You may shop for silk,
teakwood and lacquer at bargain prices.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
(B, D)
Day 8: Chiang Mai
A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai
brings you to the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness
elephants at work & play at Maesa Elephant Camp. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many
varieties of the national flower of Thailand. You will then have
the opportunity to shop for umbrellas, silver and
celadon. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe
cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill
Tribe people. (B, D)
Day 9: Chiang Mai
Your morning is at leisure. Before lunch, enjoy a chef-led walk through the local
Chiang Mai market to select native ingredients unique to Thai
cuisine. Enjoy a cooking demonstration where you learn more about
the history and flavours of Thai foods before enjoying the expertly
created lunch! Your afternoon is at
leisure. Tonight, enjoy strolling,
shopping and bargaining at the Chiang Mai night market. (B, L)
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Your entire day is at leisure. A variety of
optional tours are available for you to select from, including hot
air ballooning. (B, D)
Day 11: Chiang Mai
This morning you will visit some of the
most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, including Wat Dio Suthep,
located 3,520 feet above sea level. Your
next stop will be a jade cutting factory.
The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy Chiang
Mai. (B,
D)
Day 12: Chiang Mai
You may wish to rise early this morning and
participate in an optional experience of bringing a food offering
to the local Buddhist monks, an important tradition in the life of
the Thai people. This
morning you will visit the Hill Tribe Museum and then visit 5 of
the minority Hill Tribe Villages and see how they maintain the
traditional life that they cherish so much.
(B, D)
Day 13: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight brings you back to
Bangkok. Today you may wish to take an
optional tour of Jim Thompson's house, a magnificent Thai-styled
home containing an extensive collection of art objects and
antiques. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell
dinner. (B,
D)
Day 14: Bangkok - Depart for Home
Bid farewell to Thailand as you board your
flight home.
(B)
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