Best of Thailand

• Day 1:

  Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport and after immigration process, you will be met with our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

• Day 2:

  The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, you will have a tour to Grand Palace Tour and Wat Po with a Tuk Tuk ride. The Grand Palace is the “must see” attraction in Bangkok. It is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colorful mosaics. Previously the residence of past kings of Thailand, you will see palaces once used for different occasions - the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Throne Hall, the Royal Guest House and Wat Phra Kaew. The architecture is predominantly Thai, though there are some European influences. The palace served as the official residence of kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew and this is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Continue to Wat Po, with its massive reclining Buddha.

• Day 3:

  After breakfast, you will go on your tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. There are countless floating markets throughout Thailand, but the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous. Situated 110 km from Bangkok in Ratchaburi province, this market is like a trip back in time to the Siam of old. You will see colorfully clad merchants paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruit, vegetables and other foodstuff to sell to shoppers on the canal banks. There is a lot of activity and bargaining is part of the fun of the sale. This buzzing market is at its best in the early morning before the crowds arrive and the heat of the day builds up. After visiting the market, we continue onto Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakorn Pathom, reportedly the largest pagoda in South East Asia. The golden-tiled dome of the Chedi towers almost 116-metres into the air.

• Day 4:

  After check out from your hotel, you will proceed to Ayutthaya and stop to visit Bang Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence of King Rama V. This site consists of a quaint mixture of European and Thai architecture. You will have a chance to visit the interior of the old Chinese Wehat Chamrun Palace. Continue by road to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former Thai capital for 417 years and one of Thailand’s major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in the city, which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. A total of 33 kings of five dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The UNESCO-listed city includes attractions such as Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch with a three spire pagoda; the large Buddha image of Phra Mongkol Bophit; and Wat Chaiya Mongkol. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel and have dinner.

• Day 5:

  This morning, you will continue to Uthai Thani, a small town on the Sakaekrang River, rarely visited by foreign tourists where we will visit Wat Chantaram, an impressive temple with Crystal Hall and the Golden Grand shrine. Lunch will be at riverside restaurant. Afternoon, drive further north to Phitsanuloke, a major regional commercial centre, spread along the banks of the Nan River. Visit the much-venerated shrine of Wat Mahathat, which is home to Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image.

• Day 6:

  After breakfast, take a short drive to Sukhothai Historical Park, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire beautiful standing Buddha statues as you explore the many ruined temples and monasteries. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Continue the trip to an interesting ecofarm “The Organic Agriculture Project." You have the opportunity to experience the method of rice planting and other agricultural.

• Day 7:

  This afternoon’s drive takes us further north to Chiang Mai “The Rose of the North”. Chiang Mai has a rich cultural and agricultural heritage and is famous for the production of high quality handicrafts. Proceed to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. This evening, you will have a chance to taste the Northern dish called “Khao Soy” at Just Khao Soy Restaurant. After dinner, explore the Night Bazaar.

• Day 8:

  After breakfast, we will drive up the mountain’s winding road of Doi Suthep, where we will change vehicles to travel the remainder of the journey by “Songthaew”, which is pick up utility truck with a covered area and two rows of seats in the back. We will travel by songthaew along a rough dirt track to visit the White Hmong people in their village. There maybe a chance to visit the village school here if in session. On the return journey, we pay a visit the temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which offers spectacular views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding valley, from it’s mountain side location. Return to city for lunch at local restaurant before heading to the district of Sankampaeng, home to many of Chiang Mai's handicraft industries.

• Day 9:

  In the morning we will visit Orchid Farm and one of the elephant camps where skilled "mahouts" show how elephants have worked in the jungles for centuries. You will have the possibility for an optional experience (elephant riding and river rafting on handmade bamboo rafts). Then we drive through beautiful mountain scenery to Chiang Rai via Wiang Pa Pao with stop for lunch en route.

• Day 10:

  After breakfast, we drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town on the Myanmar border. Walk around the bustling market where there are many handicrafts from Burma and imported goods from China. From Mae Sai, we drive to the renowned Golden Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. Enjoy views over Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and the mighty Mekong River. An optional boat trip will be available. After lunch at local restaurant, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy rest of the day at leisure.

• Day 11:

  The day is at leisure until your transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for your onward flight.

SERVICES INCLUDED

• Accommodation as per itinerary in twin share/double rooms with daily breakfast included
• Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees, on a private basis in air-conditioned vehicles. Otherwise, state as join basis.
• Service of English-speaking local guide for all included sightseeing and transfers
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (drinks are not included)
• VAT Government tax and services charge
• Bottled water and cool towel provided on transfers and sightseeing

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• International and domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified
• Early check-in or late check-out
• Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
• Meals other than specified as included
• Travel insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
• Tips or gratuities to guides/drivers/porters /hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
• Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities