Best of Thailand

• Day 1:

  Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International airport, you will meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check in. Accommodation in Bangkok: (5*) Anantara Riverside (Deluxe Room) (four nights) Note: Check in time at Anantara Riverside is 3:00 PM

• Day 2:

  After breakfast at the hotel, depart to visit two of the most important sights of Bangkok. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is a giant lying Buddha, covered in gold leaf. The Grand Palace is a “must see” for every visitor. Located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River the Grand Palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Within the compound is the Temple of Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), Lunch will be served in a Thai restaurant. Travel on the Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings) and on through the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi. You will have the chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, which give the city the name “Venice of the East”. You will also pay a visit to one of the most photographed sights in Bangkok, the Wat Arun. The majestic shrine has a pagoda of 250 feet high. It is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces that reflect the rising sun and give the temple its name. Note: Please note that you are required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, bare knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering all temple buildings

• Day 3:

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel approximately 60 miles outside of Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with its many colors, flavors and exotic fragrances. Start with a scenic ride on a narrow longtail speedboat, passing riverside villages and fruit plantations, before entering the vibrant market. There will be many photo opportunities along the way and on the colorful market on the water. Return to Bangkok and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

• Day 4:

  After breakfast at the hotel, leave Bangkok for Ayutthaya, the ancient Siamese capital. Today, Ayutthaya hosts some of Thailand's most important historical landmarks and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The magnitude and number of the ancient temple ruins speak of the former greatness of the city. You will visit some of the most interesting temples and nearby Bang-Pa-In. The Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace of King Rama V consists of buildings in Gothic, Renaissance, Chinese and Thai architecture. Cruise back to Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River aboard a river cruiser. End route you can observe the scenic river life as you enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

• Day 5:

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to airport for flight to Chiang Rai (additional charge applies). Upon your arrival, meet and greet with your guide. You will depart to visit Wat Rong Sua Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, the new landmark of the area. The temple presents its own unique architecture and fine scripture art worth visiting. Transfer to your hotel in town of Chiang Rai with the rest of the day at leisure. You can walk around Chiang Rai night market by your own arrangement. Accommodation in Chiang Rai: (5*) The Riverie (Deluxe Garden Room) (two nights)

• Day 6:

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then depart for a full-day tour to Mae Chan to visit the Yao, the Akha and Longneck women hill-tribe villages. Drive to the Golden Triangle area where the mighty Mae Khong River joins the Ruak River and forms the triangle with the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before a visit to the Opium Museum. Continue to the old city of Chiang Saen on the steep banks of Mae Khong River, opposite to Laos, to witness some magnificent ancient ruins and temples. You will be transferred back to the your hotel with the rest of your day at leisure.

• Day 7:

  Have breakfast at the hotel and then depart to Chiang Mai. En route visit Wat Rong Khun; “The White Temple.” Continue to visit Hot Spring Baan Pong Nam Ron. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Chiang Mai. Visit a handicraft village where you will see artisans weaving silk, carving wood and creating celadon, silver and lacquer ware items. Transfer to hotel in Chiang Mai with the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation in Chiang Mai: (4*+) Rati Lanna Riverside (Deluxe Room) (three nights)

• Day 8:

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving approximately 50 minutes north of Chiang Mai through a beautiful countryside, forest, and local farming areas. Arrive at Baan Chang Elephant Park and change into the park’s traditional clothing. Prepare fruits for the elephants and meet with them. You can feed, roam, touch and play with the elephants. At the park, you will be allowed to spend as much time as possible with the elephants. After lunch, prepare and cook sticky rice in order to be mixed with herbal stuff for the elephants. Learn about the background, health care and behavior of the elephants. Enjoy more time with roaming, feeding and taking an elephant walk to a clean water pond where they will cool off themselves and you will have chance to observe them as well. You can feed sticky rice balls and fruits to the elephants. This part is focused on taking your time and allowing the elephants to enjoy each moment of their freedom, scratching, rubbing, throwing dirt. You can enjoy the view and take lots of pictures. Visit the elephant baby nursery and play with them. Note: At the park, you will be allowed you to spend as much time as possible with the elephants. Therefore, there is no formal schedule and aside from pick-up times, the times shown here are approximations. This is joining tour. A private tour is available upon request with an additional charge .

• Day 9:

  Have breakfast at the hotel before you explore the daily lifestyle of a Lanna family (private transfer/join-in activities). A short transfer takes you into the outskirts of Chiang Mai to meet your host family in an authentic Thai neighborhood. After being welcomed with a refreshing drink, spend time with the Thai family learning about traditional Thai architecture and the graceful teakwood homes and structures. Stroll through the orchard and herb garden with your host family, who will also demonstrate how to make bamboo baskets and cigars from banana leaves. This rich cultural experience will wrap up with a delicious home-cooked northern Thai lunch that you will prepare with the family. This afternoon visit the landmark of Chiang Mai – the mountain temple Wat Doi Suthep, home to a holy relic of the Lord Buddha and considered by many to be the most sacred temple in northern Thailand. Built in A.D. 384, the temple contains a flight of over 300 steps to reach its top level. Once on top, enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

• Day 10:

  Breakfast at the hotel and free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for flight to Phuket (additional charge applies). Upon your arrival, your guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. You will have rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation in Phuket: (4*+) Katathani Phuket (Deluxe Room at Bhuri Wing) (three nights)

• Day 11:

  Your day is free to enjoy at your leisure.

• Day 12:

  Your day is free to enjoy at your leisure.

• Day 13:

  After breakfast, you will have some last-minute time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight.

April 01 – October 31, 2020 (Except for public holidays)

Per Person Sharing:      $2,499

Single Supplement:       $1,199

Inclusions:

• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast as mentioned or similar
• Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees and boat fees where applicable
• Meals listed in the itinerary (if any)
• Elephant camp in Chiang Mai
• English-speaking local guide in each city
• Bottled water on coach during transfer
• Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

• International and domestic flights, along with airport taxes (including airport departure tax), unless otherwise mentioned
• Meals not mentioned
• Drinks and surcharge for special request on foods and meals
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time and other personal expenses
• Insurance
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Surcharge for public holidays and/or peak periods (if applicable)
• Any compulsory meal by the hotels (during Christmas and New Year)
• Any type of visa and fee
• All other services not stated in the program

PLEASE NOTE

Standard hotel check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 12:00 (Early check-in time or late check-out time is subject to availability and with additional charge.)