Kingdom of Thailand - Itinerary
Thailand tantalizes with its exotic offerings on this unique itinerary. Begin in Bangkok where you are greeted by majestic palaces, ornate temples, quaint cities and beautiful landscapes. Visit the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha Temples. Travel to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting cruise through the legendary canals (known as klongs) in a traditional long-tailed boat. Journey through the countryside to Ayutthaya, ancient capital of Thailand that was home to more than 1 million people at the peak of its glory.
Tour Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North,” and learn about its cottage industries as you observe local artisans at work. Travel through the Teak Forest to Maesa Elephant Camp, to witness elephants at work and play and have opportunity to ride on an elephant “taxi.” Visit an orchid farm to see many varieties of Thailand’s national flower. Experience a cultural show of the Hill Tribe people. Walk with a chef through the local market to select native ingredients unique to Thai cuisine, enjoy a cooking demonstration to learn about the history and flavors of Thai foods, and then enjoy your expertly created lunch.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1 & 2: Overnight Flight - Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand. Majestic palaces, ornate temples, quaint cities and beautiful landscapes are sure to make your vacation a memorable one. You arrive in one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Bangkok.
Day 3: Bangkok
On your captivating city tour of Bangkok you will gain insight into the religion of Thailand by visiting two of Bangkok's famous temples: the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782. (B,D)
Day 4: Bangkok
Travel to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting cruise through the legendary canals, known as klongs, in a traditional long-tailed boat. Later, you travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. (B, L)
Day 5: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. At the peak of its glory it was home to more than 1 million people. Today you can see ruins dating from the 14th century. This evening, enjoy dinner at an authentic Thai restaurant featuring classic Thai dancing and music. (B,D)
Day 6: Bangkok
Your day is at leisure to explore the streets and markets of Bangkok or relax by the pool. Optional tours are also available. Tonight you will be treated to a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River. (B, D)
Day 7: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
A short flight brings you to the "Rose of the North," the old-world city of Chiang Mai. Tour the cottage industries of this area and see local artisans at work. You may shop for silk, teakwood and lacquer at bargain prices. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B, D)
Day 8: Chiang Mai
A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai brings you to the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness elephants at work & play at Maesa Elephant Camp. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many varieties of the national flower of Thailand. You will then have the opportunity to shop for umbrellas, silver and celadon. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribe people. (B, D)
Day 9: Chiang Mai
Your morning is at leisure. Before lunch, enjoy a chef-led walk through the local Chiang Mai market to select native ingredients unique to Thai cuisine. Enjoy a cooking demonstration where you learn more about the history and flavors of Thai foods before enjoying your expertly created lunch! Your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the Chiang Mai night market. (B, L)
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Your entire day is at leisure. A variety of optional tours are available for you to select from, including hot air ballooning. (B,D)
Day 11: Chiang Mai
This morning you will visit some of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, including Wat Dio Suthep, located 3,520 feet above sea level, Your next stop will be a jade cutting factory. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy Chiang Mai. (B, D)
Day 12: Chiang Mai
You may wish to rise early this morning and participate in an optional experience of bringing a food offering to the local Buddhist monks, an important tradition in the life of the Thai people. This morning you will visit the Hill Tribe Museum and then visit 5 of the minority Hill Tribe Villages and see how they maintain the traditional life that they cherish so much. (B,D)
Day 13: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight brings you back to Bangkok. Today you may wish to take an optional tour of Jim Thompson's house, a magnificent Thai-styled home containing an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 14: Bangkok - Depart for Home
Bid farewell to Thailand as you board your flight home. (B)
