Historical Thailand

• Day 1:

  Upon arrival at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check in. Accommodation in Bangkok: (5*) Anantara Riverside (Deluxe Room) (three nights) Note: The check in time at the Anantara Riverside is 15.00. Also, there will be an additional charge to stay at the hotel in peak season (April 01 - 15, 2020, and October 01 - 09, 2020).

• Day 2:

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will 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 gave 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 gave 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:

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then 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. Transfer back to Bangkok and enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon.

• Day 4:

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer from your hotel to the pier for a cruise along the Chao Phraya River aboard a river cruiser. En route you will observe the scenic river life as you enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch. Arrive in Nonthaburi, where you will be transferred by car for Ayutthaya, the ancient Siamese capital. Today, Ayutthaya hosts some of Thailand most important historical landmarks and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The magnitude and number of the ancient temple ruins speaks 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. Transfer to the hotel in Ayutthaya for check in. The rest day is at leisure. Accommodation in Ayutthaya: (4*) Kantary Ayutthaya (Studio Suite) (one night)

• Day 5:

  After breakfast at the hotel, depart to another historical city of Thailand. On the way visit Wat Muang, the temple of the largest sitting Buddha image in Thailand 300 feet tall. Arrive in Phitsanulok and visit Wat Mahathat Phitsanulok, colloquially referred to as Wat Yai, a Buddhist temple housing the most beautiful Buddha in Thailand (Phra Buddha Chinnarat). Have lunch in the local restaurant before your transfer until Sukhothai, one of former capitals of Thailand. Check in at the hotel and the rest of your day is free. Accommodation in Sukhothai: (5*) Legendha Sukhothai Resort (Deluxe Room) (two nights)

• Day 6:

  In the morning after breakfast, you will depart to visit the morning market in Sukhothai. Local market is a good place to keep in touch with people and observe their local life, along with food, products etc. Continue visiting the Sukhothai Historical Park, which contains the ruins of Sukhothai, the capital of the first independent Thai Kingdom that was founded in 1238 and one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage Sites. The park includes the remains of 21 historical sites and 4 large ponds within the old walls, with an additional 70 sites within a 3 mile radius. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Then visit Wat Sri Chum, the temple that is the location of the giant seated Buddha image, one of the iconic images of Thailand. Return back to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

• Day 7:

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you depart from Sukhothai to Lampang where you will visit to Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, the most important temple of Lampang. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Later travel north until Chiang Mai. When you 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 your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation in Chiang Mai: (4*+) Rati Lanna Riverside (Deluxe Room) (three nights)

• Day 8:

  Have breakfast at the hotel and then drive 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 the elephants. At the park, we will allow you 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 our elephants. Learn about background, health care and behavior of elephants. Enjoy more time with them roaming, feeding and taking the elephants on a walk to a clean water pond where they will cool off themselves and you will have chance to observe them as well. 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 and enjoying the view. This is a great opportunity for lots of photos. Visit the elephant baby nursery and play with them. Note: At the park, we will allow 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 join in tour and a private tour is available upon request with an additional charge.

• Day 9:

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Baan Hong Naul. There join your chef and visit the local market to pick out some ingredients for your class (non-private class). Return to the cooking school to learn how to cook Thai food and test your culinary skills. Lunch is eating the fruits of your efforts – enjoy! After lunch continue to Doi Suthep. In the 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 wat in northern Thailand. Built in A.D. 384, the Wat contains a flight of over 300 steps to reach its top level. Once on top, enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Later go back to the hotel with the rest of your day at leisure.

• Day 10:

  Breakfast is at the hotel. Then you will depart to Chiang Rai. En route visit Hot Spring Baan Pong Nam Ron and Wat Rong Khun, “The White Temple." Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you arrive in Chiang Rai and check in at your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure; perhaps walk around Chiang Rai night market (own arrangement). Accommodation in Chiang Rai: (5*) The Riverie (Deluxe Room) (two nights)

• Day 11:

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will 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. Drive on 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. After a visit to the Opium Museum, continue to the old city of Chiang Saen (A.D.1260) on the steep banks of Mae Khong River opposite to Laos to witness some magnificent ancient ruins and temples

• Day 12:

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some leisure time before you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

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

Per Person Sharing:      $2,699

Single Supplement:       $  959

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)
• 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.)