Thailand > Culture & History Tours

Thailand at Glance

This trip is carefully planned to allow visitors to discover the  bustling streets of Bangkok, the amazing canal waterways which feature flourishing daily life and the beautiful north. Chiang Mai is known for its temples and markets. The local people are hospitable and friendly and have a strong cultural identity, with their own dialects, cuisine and handicrafts

 

HIGHLIGHTS

. Bangkok

. Chao Phraya

. Ayuthaya Ancient Capital

. Chiang Mai

. Chiang Rai

. Elephant Camp

. Chiang Sean

. Golden Triangle

 

LENGHTH:7 days / 6 nights
 
GRADE:
 
TRANSPORTATION:

 

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

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 excursion along 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 - AYUTHAYA - BANGKOK

Heading out of the town we drive to Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD. This glamorous city was all but ultimately destroyed by the hands of Burmese, however it is still fascinating to explore the ruined temples. Among these is Wat Phra Sisanphet, an impressive monument that was used as the royal temple by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai whose the constructing patterns are very interesting. We continue to Bang Pa In, which was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs. This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles. We embark on a luxury boat at Wat Potangtai Pier and cruise down the river to Bangkok, a perfect way to observe the rural landscape. O/N at in Bangkok. (B,L)

 

DAY 4: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI

The journey northwards 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. We drive this afternoon 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 5: CHIANG MAI - CHIANG RAI

An early morning departure to Chiang Rai. The drive is long but views are fantastic. On arrival we embark on a longtail boat for a thrilling trip upstream on the Mae Kok River, passing through many breathtaking mountain landscape to a Karen hilltribe village. This ethnic group originated from Burma, but had settled there long time ago, forming the largest tribal population in northern Thailand. After seeing a traditional house we enjoy a two hour elephant ride back through the jungle to the Yao and Akha Hilltribes, who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N at Chiang Rai. (B)

 

DAY 6: 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 ethnic minority village close to Chieng Khong. Arriving in Chiang Saen we visit the town’s 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 7: BANGKOK - DEPARTURE

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$ 597

 US$ 648

 US$ 723

3 - 5 pax

 US$ 546

 US$ 598

 US$ 674

6 - 9 pax

 US$ 487

 US$ 538

 US$ 614

10 - 14 pax

 US$ 473

 US$ 524

 US$ 599

15 - 19 pax

 US$ 453

 US$ 503

 US$ 579

20 pax & up

 US$ 442

 US$ 491

 US$ 567

Single room sup.

 US$  91/pers.

 US$ 135/pers.

 US$ 207/pers.

Full board sup.

 US$  /pers.

 US$  /pers.

 US$  /pers.

INCLUDING

Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner + Accommodation: twin sharing room at the below mentioned hotel or similar one + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Water puppet show + Cyclo trip

NOT INCLUDING

Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/ out Vietnam, any optional additional tours or activities during free time...

HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP

CITY/ AREA

Standard Class

First Class

Superior  Class

Bangkok

Eastin Bangkok hotel or similar one

Novotel Lotus hotel or similar one

The Montien hotel or similar one

Chiang Mai

Porn Ping Tower hotel or similar one

Surwongse  hotel or similar one

Royal Princess hotel or similar one

Chiang Rai

Inn Come hotel or similar one

Wang Come hotel or similar one

Rim Kok hotel or similar one

HOTEL NOTES

The deluxe class tour based on higher hotel category will be arranged upon request.

 

 

 

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