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DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailand's capital city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok
DAY 3, Wednesday - Bangkok City Tour
Begin your day with a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Drive through Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace. Later in the afternoon, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 4:30PM, followed by a light dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Thursday - Full Day in Bangkok
Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or, take the optional tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You'll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the afternoon, embark on the optional canal tour along the Chao Phraya River passing by Wat Arun and other iconic landmarks as well as a scenic view of local life along the river. Then travel on a tuk-tuk to dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Bangkok Canal Tour with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Friday - Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
Depart Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the center of the city. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, Bang Pa-In served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai Kings. Continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, conceived as a replica of the Angkor Temple - this is a serene place where one can reflect and enjoy the tranquility. Tonight, gather together for dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Saturday - Travel to Sukhothai, Sukhothai Historical Park
Travel to Sukhothai, birthplace of the Thai nation, founded in the 13th century by King Ramkhamhaeng. The country's first capital was established here in 1238 and lasted over two centuries. Sukhothai is world-famous its over 100 historical sites and treasures, including some of the most beautiful Thai art and architecture in the country, created during the city's "golden era", between the 13th and 14th centuries. Visit the Old Town of Sukhothai with its impressive Historical Park, immaculately restored and set among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this astonishing site, most of the remains of the original city can be seen. Marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palaces, temples and historical monuments and feel yourself drift back in time to a bygone era
Overnight: Sukhothai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Sunday - Travel to Chiang Rai
This morning, depart Sukhothai and drive to scenic Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand for overnight
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Monday - Mae Sai Border Town & Golden Triangle
Travel to the border town of Mae Sai, at the tip of Thailand. At this border crossing, arrangements may be made to enter Myanmar*. Ascend to the hilltop viewpoint to see the famous "Golden Triangle" of Southeast Asia - meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. The locals call it "Sop Ruak", as this is also where the Mekong meets the Ruak River. Continue to the dramatic House of Opium at Golden Triangle Park, offering an informative exhibition on the history of opium which dates back almost 5000 years. This afternoon, enjoy a locally prepared lunch before embarking on a cruise along the banks of the Mekong River between Myanmar, Laos and Thailand where you will see local farmers and fishermen at their craft and learn more about how this river played a role in the opium trade. End the day with a stop at an old teak forest and view centuries old giant Teak trees before returning to Chiang Rai for the evening
*Entering Myanmar (Burma) requires a border crossing fee of approx US$45, payable locally. The opportunity to cross the border will depend on local conditions and cannot be guaranteed. If the border crossing is not possible, alternate arrangements will be made.
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Tuesday - Travel to Chiang Mai
Morning is at leisure when you have an opportunity to join the optional excursion to Mae Salong, still inhabited by hill people, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Salong tribes. Visit one of the tribes to see their unique way of life and learn more about their culture before driving to Chiang Mai, ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. En route, stop at a local gem gallery before arriving in Chiang Mai, cultural heart of Northern Thailand, located in the rolling foothills of the Himalayas. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure
Optional: Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe (AM)
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Wednesday - Full Day in Chiang Mai
Morning is at leisure to explore Chiang Mai independently or, join the optional Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, established in 1993, as the first botanical garden in Thailand. Stroll through the lush grounds covered with exotic types of trees, plants and flowers. After your visit, stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Sankampang Street, center of handicrafts, for on-site demonstrations on how the silk, lacquer, silver, wood and bronze wares are made. At the end of the day, pamper yourself with an optional Thai massage
Optional: Half Day Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden with lunch (AM)
Optional: Traditional Thai Massage
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Thursday - Chiang Mai City & Temples Tour, Dinner at Private Home
Morning tour of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai. Begin at Wat Suan Dok, where the remains of the Chiang Mai Royal family are enshrined. Continue to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Northern Thailand's most sacred temple, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with 290 steps leading up to the temple grounds. Visit to a local jade factory, followed by an afternoon at leisure to wander independently in Chiang Mai. Tonight, a unique experience. Join a local Chiang Mai family for an authentic Thai dinner in their home. Enjoy a tour of the home, conversation about life in Chiang Mai and savor the great flavors of home-cooked food
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Friday - Flight to Luang Prabang & Baci Ceremony
Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the mountainous region of northern Laos. According to legend, Buddha smiled when he rested here during his travels and prophesized that it would one day be the site of a rich and powerful capital city. Upon arrival, participate in a special Baci Ceremony, practiced for hundreds of years, with prayers to bestow good fortunes upon you! Enjoy the beautiful sights in this city - an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the Europeans. After dinner, spend time independently
Overnight: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Saturday - Alms Giving Ceremony, Boat Trip to the Pak Ou Caves
Luang Prabang seems totally untouched by the modern world. In the morning, take part in one of the most sacred ancient Lao traditions of an Alms Giving Ceremony to orange-robed monks. This daily ceremony is both peaceful and spiritual and gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience an ancient Lao tradition. Then, embark on a lovely boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves, unveiling hundreds of Buddha sculptures that have spanned many centuries. Continue to a local village that makes its own rice wine before lunch at a local restaurant. Continue your discovery of this city on the revered hillside of Phou Si where Buddhist shrines on wooded slopes command your attention, along with sweeping views of the Mekong River. Later, visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn about the monarchy that once ruled the country, and Wat Xieng Thong, the former royal temple
Overnight: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14, Sunday - Flight to Siem Reap, Cambodian Dinner & Apsara Show
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap which may connect through Bangkok. Arrive in Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temples and transfer to your hotel. Later, walk through the city's center with its variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and local merchants offering handmade silk goods and the famous Cambodian puppets. This evening, enjoy a typical Cambodian dinner and a traditional Apsara show
Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15, Monday - Siem Reap
Today, you'll understand why the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, are designated as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World". This sprawling city, built by Khmer Kings was once home to more than one million people at the height of the empire. On the visit to the fortified city of Angkor Thom visit the Elephants Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, all adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Continue to the mysterious Bayon Temple, highlight of Angkor Thom, replete with beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and more than 172 giant smiling stone faces. On to the monuments of Ta Keo, Prasat Kravan and Srah Srang before arriving at Ta Prohm, where the jungle was left untouched, as it appeared to European explorers. The highpoint of the day is the visit to stunning Angkor Wat, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. World-famous for its beauty and splendor, Angkor Wat has the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the entire outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu mythology
Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 16, Tuesday - Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake Boat Excursion
Morning drive along the rolling verdant hills of the farm lands, stopping for a ride on an ox-cart, the vehicle still being used today by local farmers. Arrive at Tonle Sap Lake in the heart of Cambodia, with its rich and diverse ecosystem. Embark on a serene boat excursion - observe the local life unfolding and the floating fishing villages that dot the shoreline. Later, visit to the National Museum with its multi-media exhibits depicting the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom. Return to Siem Reap for overnight
Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 17, Wednesday - Flight to Bangkok
Depart Siem Reap this morning on your flight to Bangkok; arrive and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy all of the delights of Bangkok on your own. Shop to your heart's content, visit to the many amazing markets, and try some of the fabulous restaurants in this energetic city
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 18, Thursday - Depart Thailand
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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