AMAZING THAILAND

Arrive in Bangkok, meeting assistance and transfer to Hotel. Bangkok has dominated Thailand’s urban hierarchy, as well as its political, commercial and cultural life, since the late 18th century.

OPTIONAL WELCOME DINNER CRUISE- Meandering along the Chao Phraya River on board the Antique Rice barge travel past some of Bangkok’s most historic riverside landmarks. Enjoy dinner accompanied by soft Thai music in the background and traditional dance presentations during the dinner.

Breakfast at hotel. This morning travel by long-tailed speedboat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and Klongs (canals) of Thonburi, and visit the Temple of Dawn and the Royal Barges Museum. This afternoon, visit the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most famous landmark and the kings’ former residence. Several buildings are located within the complex. You will see the Reception Palace, Funeral Palace, Throne Hall and the beautiful, revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. (BL)

This morning, visit Jim Thompson’s House and Museum. Thompson devoted his efforts to reviving the craft of silk-weaving in Thailand, and Thai silk’s reputation for beauty and quality is largely a result of Jim Thompson’s work. His house features a vast collection of antiques and artworks from throughout Southeast Asia. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Travel to Kanchanaburi to see the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge inspired the movie of the same name, which dramatized how Allied prisoners of war during WWII were coerced into building the bridge by Japanese troops. Continue to Ayutthaya, the Siamese capital from 1350 until 1767. Visit Bang Pa-In, the former summer palace of Thai kings. (BL)

Witness rural Thai lifestyles en route to Pitsanuloke. Visit Wat Mahathat and its highly revered Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Jinaraj. After lunch, drive to Sukhothai to visit the ancient ruins at Sukhothai Historical Park and Wat Sri Chum with its gigantic Buddha statue. Continue to Sri Satchanalai. (BL)

Tour of Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum and Wat Sra Sri. Continue with drive to Lampang, visiting Wat Phra That Lampang Luang and Wat Phra Don Tao. Upon arrival in Lampang, tour the old city on horse carriages.
You will also visit Baan Sao Nak, a 100-year-old teakwood mansion, and Wat Chedi Sao, which derives its name from 20 stupas erected on the temple grounds. Monks at this temple prepare medicines from herbs and plants, curing numerous illnesses.

Travel to Chiang Rai, which is isolated from most of Thailand. Such isolation afforded the province its unique culture. Stop en route to visit hill tribe villages. This afternoon visit the beautiful Wat Phra Keo, where one of Thailand’s most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane, before finally being enshrined in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo during the reign of King Rama I. Then visit the Rai Mae Fha Luang, a museum exhibiting ancient artifacts as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. Afterward visit Wat Ruang Khun (White Temple) and the local market. (BL)

Visit Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai kingdom, and its most important temple and Opium Museum. Enjoy a thrilling longtail speedboat ride on the mighty Mekong River. View the infamous Golden Triangle, where Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. Continue to Mae Sai, the border town to Myanmar. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, followed by a stroll through the market. In the evening, return to Chiang Rai. (BL)

Drive to Thatorn, visiting Yao and Akha hilltribe villages and the village of Mae Salong en route. Lunch in Thatorn overlooking the Kok River. Continue to Chiang Mai, with brief stops at a picturesque local market and Chiang Dao caves. Take a short drive up the hillside to Chiang Mai‘s most impressive temple, Doi Suthep. (BL)

Take a pleasant scenic trip to the north of Chiang Mai. Amidst lush tropical jungle beside a meandering river, watch elephants take their daily bath and see how these magnificent animals are used in the timber industry, pushing, dragging and rolling logs in unison at the command of their mahouts. Later, enjoy an exciting one-hour elephant ride over the hills and into the lush jungle, followed by a 15-minute ox-cart ride back to the camp.
Enjoy a picnic lunch under the cool jungle shade. Visit various handicraft villages. This evening you may want to tour the Night Bazaar on your own and see how local trading takes place. (BL)

After breakfast, explore the city on your own. In the afternoon, fly to Phuket. A look at the town’s charming Sino-Portuguese architecture conjures visions of its former heyday as a major tin producer.(B)

Phuket is known for its beaches and restaurants. Be sure to explore them, and perhaps take day trips to Koh Phi Phi and the Similan Islands, or embark on an underwater excursion to enjoy the region’s marine scenery. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Your tour of Thailand’s breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ancient ruins comes to an end as you board your homeward flight. (B)