ULTIMATE THAI EXPERIENCE

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.
Rest of the day is at leisure to rest and adjust with time difference.

This morning, 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. Afternoon indulge in a traditional Thai Massage (2 hours). Return back and overnight at hotel. HOTEL; B

After breakfast, Begin your experience of Thai Culture and life by travelling on local train. Enjoy the stunning countryside, fishing villages, farms and more from the comfort of your seat. Get your camera ready for jaw dropping sights, move to the back of the last carriage to get a great view, some photos or video, of the stall owners lowering their awnings and returning their produce onto the tracks, within seconds of the train passing. While from the front of the train you can watch vendors removing produce and folding awnings barely minutes before the train approaches. Next part of your unique Thai experience is on a boat ride to view the houses on stilts, fruit orchards, vegetable farms and more. Arrive at the floating market to see how the locals shop and browse around for daily supplies and souvenirs. Visit a Thai home to see how they harvest coconuts and make coconut sugar. You may also buy local vegetables, meats at floating market and learn Thai cooking at local villager’s home. A rare opportunity to witness and experience Thai ways in a natural setting. Rest of your day is at leisure. HOTEL; BL

During the day at leisure, explore Bangkok on your own or participate in the optional tour.

Optional – Half day in the morning to the Thai Village of Rose Garden Riverside to experience traditional Thai way of life. Participate in art and craft workshops with guidance from the Thai Village staff. All activities are spread around the village so visitors are free to roam around and try out the activities such as bamboo dancing, weaving, rice farming, garland making and vegetable carving, pottery making, orchid growing, umbrella painting, and traditional country cooking. Also visit the Thai martial arts and Thai wellness pavilions. After a buffet lunch, option to visit the canal side market where fresh local produces can be purchased, before returning to hotel in early afternoon. Participants can take home all the handicrafts they have made.

Transfer in the evening and board sleeper train for overnight journey to Chiang Mai in 1st class sleeper seats. OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN; B

Arrive in Chiang Mai this morning. Meeting assistance and transfer to Hotel. King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning “new city”) in 1296 succeeding Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. To protect it from Burma, the city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall. Chiang Mai rose in cultural, trading and economic importance to its current status as the unofficial capital of northern Thailand, second only in national importance to Bangkok.

Today, visit Doi Suthep. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple, often referred to as “Doi Suthep”. This is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The original founding of the temple remains a legend and there are a few varied versions. The temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first chedi was built. Over time the temple has expanded and been made to look more extravagant with many more holy shrines added to it. HOTEL; B

Spend your day photographing and learning about elephants. Full day program features – Hiking to find the elephant in the bush, several stops are made to photograph the scenery, mountains, villages etc. Learn about how to approach and work near an elephant. Learn to observe elephant temperament. Feeding and walking elephant to the river (photographic opportunities – Elephant taking bath). Instructed training to ride the elephant neck and different techniques – sitting on the elephant, basic riding skill and spoken commands for elephant. Bare-back riding session – Practice and easy riding trip to a local temple. Learn about elephant and relation to Buddhism and importance of elephant in Thai culture. Elephant riding trip back and evening feed. Farewell and photo taking with your elephant/s. BL

During the day at leisure, explore Chiang Mai on your own or participate in the optional tours.

Option 1 – Thai Cooking Class

includes introduction to Thai Spices, making Thai Curry Paste, tour of the local market, shopping at the market and vegetable carving. Begin with a shopping at the local market, an introduction to Thai ingredients followed by cooking 4 dishes. Each dish will be demonstrated by Chef Sompon or qualified instructors in English. Participants will then cook each dish themselves with the assistance from expert staff including written instructions. Enjoy the dishes for lunch before returning back to hotel.

Option 2 – Biking tour through the southern part of Chiang Mai known as “Colors of Chiang Mai” biking tour. The route is through country roads, passing by the former capital of Lanna; visit temples and ruins dating back hundreds of years. Next visit a Chinese temple; the McKean rehabilitation center; a former leper colony; a special school for monks or an elementary school mostly attended by hill-tribe children; a local pottery place to see handmade artifacts made in front of you. Ride along the Ping River, enjoying beautiful scenery that makes Chiang Mai so special. Sample some of the delicious candy that Chiang Mai is famous for; a local bakery to watch them make a variety of products by hand. At the village market explore the small traditional shops and opportunity to sample some of the most delicious and exotic fruits and other snacks. Water or a soft drink is provided during 4 hr ride with ample stops and sampling Thai meal (Kao Soy Kai) in a local restaurant.
Bicycles used are all imported US design- 24 speeds, front suspension, and all terrain comfort bikes.
Note: The visit to the school is subject to school schedule. B

Fly to Phuket. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. A look at the town’s charming Sino-Portuguese architecture conjures visions of its former heyday as a major tin producer. Day at leisure to relax by the beach or walk around town on own. B

Travel on comfortable escort boat led by experienced crew, captain, boat boys, cooks and guides. From the escort boat, guides will paddle you in our “Sea Explorer” canoes. Accompanied by the guides, you will venture into the caves and paddle around some of the stunning islands of Phang Nga Bay. HOTEL; BL

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. HOTEL. 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