DAY 1:ARRIVAL - BANGKOK

On arrival at Don Muang Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand. In the midst of dynamic modern growth, this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to advise some available options. O/N in Bangkok.

 

DAY 2: BANGKOK

Today we commence our tour of Bangkok with a longtail boat trip on the Chao Phraya River and the many lively inner canals which offer some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stopover at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace, dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex we drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent Marble Temple. O/N in Bangkok. (B,L)

 

DAY 3: BANGKOK  - DAMNERN SADUAK - RIVER OF KWAI

Heading out of the town we make our way to Kanchanaburi with stopover at the picturesque floating market of Damnern Saduak. The enchanting town of Kanchanaburi has plenty to see, some of which are the famous bridge over the River Kwai , the sobering War Cemetery and the Jeath War Museum. We also explore the beautiful countryside by driving out to the Hellfire Pass, where we visit the fascinating museum chronicling the events of World War II and board the train for a trip across the infamous "Death Railway". The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town. There are numerous options to choose from; however our guide are on hand to advise you invaluable information. O/N in Kanchanaburi. (B)

 

DAY 4: RIVER OF KWAI  - AYUTHAYA - BANGKOK

This morning we travel by roads to Ayuthaya, stopping en route to see the country’s largest pagoda at Nakorn Pathom. At 90 km north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD. This former capital was all but ultimately suffered destruction at the hands of the Burmeses. On arrival we visit the largest temple of Wat Phra Sisanphet, which was used as the Royal Temple Palace by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai Wattanaram whose the constructing patterns are very interesting. We continue to Bang Pa In which was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs from the 17th century. This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles. O/N in Bangkok. (B)

 

DAY 5: BANGKOK  - CHIANG MAI

The northbound journey begins as we board a flight to Chiang Mai. After checking into hotel we drive west towards the famous Doi Suthep Mountain and embark on a walk leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 m , the temple grounds affords a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. The “Rose of the North”, Chiang Mai has been always noted for exquisite handicrafts whose the combination with the traditional wares of the hill tribe people offers fantastic shopping opportunities. Heading out of town we drive to the neighbouring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making.  O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

 

DAY 6: CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO

Upon leaving the town we set off on an hour and half drive to the northern hill region around Chiang Dao, which is home to a wide array of hill tribe groups. The roads conditions are very poor; however the breathtaking mountain scenery make for an interesting journey. Along the way we stop at an elephant camp to see these huge animals handling timber before we enjoy an exciting elephant ride past the forest to the hill tribe villages. We get well off the beaten track as we walk around the area, visiting the Red Lahu, Lisu, Karen and Akha people. These ethnic minorities still retain their age old cultural traditions, and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N in Chiang Dao. (B,L,D)

 

DAY 7: CHIANG DAO - THATON  - CHIANG RAI

An early morning departure to the sleepy riverside town of Thaton on the banks of Mae Kok River. At this small village we board a longtail cruising downstream to Chiang Rai. This river trip takes anything from three to five hour depending the season. No matter how long it will take us, it is still a memorable experience as we pass by the breathtaking mountain landscapes and see many hill villages. After checking hotel in Chiang Rai we enjoy a short visit to the impressive Ethnologic Museum which is dedicated to the region’s ethnic groups, some of which we have met on our excursion. O/N at Chiang Rai. (B)

 

DAY  8: CHIANG RAI  - GOLDEN TRIANGLE  - BANGKOK

The royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the Mekong riverbank which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. Today we travel by roads to Chiang Saen with a stopover at Ban Kiu Kaan , a white Hmong Hilltribe Village close to Chieng Khong. Arriving in Chiang Saen we visit some major sights, including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. Heading out of the town we drive through some verdant and rugged mountain scenery to the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. After exploring the border town of Mae Sai we return to Chiang Rai for flying back to the capital city. O/N in Bangkok. (B)

 

DAY 9: BANGKOK - DDEPARTURE

There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to airport for departure. (B)

 

TRIP NOTE:
 

- THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, OUR ITINERARIES CHANGE AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT THAT STEM FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

- THAILAND IS A DEVELOPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE, VALUES, CUSTOMS, STANDARD MAY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT IN YOUR HOMELAND. ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION MAY BE BASIC IN REMOTE AREA.

- DAILY BREAKFAST( B) IS INCLUDED ON THIS TRIP. OTHER MEALS ARE AT CLIENT'S EXPENSES HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD. THE TRIP WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

- THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, JACKET FOR COLD WEATHER, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

 

TRIP PRICE IN US$ PER PERSON

Group Size	Standard Class	First Class	Superior Class
2 pax	US$ 864	US$ 914	US$ 991
3 - 5 pax	US$ 721	US$ 771	US$ 848
6 - 9 pax	US$ 614	US$ 664	US$ 741
10 - 14 pax	US$ 590	US$ 640	US$ 716
15 - 19 pax	US$ 543	US$ 593	US$ 670
20 pax & up	US$ 513	US$ 563	US$ 638
Single room sup.	US$  125/pers.	US$ 171/pers.	US$ 242/pers.
Full board sup.	US$  /pers.	US$  /pers.	US$  /pers.