Day 1: Arrive Thailand – Bangkok

Upon your arrival in Bangkok, transfer to your desired hotel.

Day 2: Bangkok

Enjoy a half day tour visiting two of Bangkok’s most notable landmarks, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, also referred to as the Temple of Dawn.  Start cruising to Wat Arun, continue by boat over the river until you reach Ta Chang Pier and walk 5 minutes to the Grand Palace.  One of the most spectacular palaces in Southeast Asia, it was begun in 1782 by King Rama I, after he moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok.  From the 18th century onwards it has served as the residence of the early Chakri Dynasty Kings.  The complex houses not only the Royal residence and throne halls, but also government offices and the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, containing the Emerald Buddha, the symbol of the country.  Enjoy an entertaining and informative guided visit. Return to hotel after tour.

Overnight in Bangkok

Day 3: Bangkok – Ayuttahaya

Begin by visiting the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace, located 60km north of Bangkok, an impressive architectural blend of East and West dating back to the 17th century.  Continue to Ayutthaya, which was the capital of the Thai Kingdom for 417 years. Stroll around the ruins of several ancient temples including Wat Prasrisanphet, a former royal temple during Ayutthaya’s days of glory; Wat Mahathat, where the roots of a tree surround the head of Buddha; and if time allows, Wat Chai Wattanaram, a perfect example of Khmer architectural influence. Board the Grand Pearl and enjoy a Thai lunch whilst cruising back to Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok

Day 4: Bangkok – Chiang Rai

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic morning flight of about one hour to Chiang Rai.  Begin your tour by visiting the ancient temple of Wat Phra Kae, original home of the Emerald Buddha which is now housed in Bangkok. Continue with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong with its large gold stupa. Visit Wat Rong Khun, which is different from any other temple in Thailand – in contrast to the ancient temples, this temple was built in 1997 and was designed using white glass. While travelling through the city, observe the influence of the city’s Chinese ethnic minorities.  Return to hotel after tour.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Day 5: Chiang Rai

Set high amid magnificent mountain scenery, the village of Mae Salong was founded by Kuomintan soldiers who fled China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory in 1949.  The combination of pack horses, hill tribes and southern Chinese-style houses conjures up images of a small town or village in Yunnan Province in China.  There are many fruit wines and liquors on sale at the market and the local illicit corn whisky is well worth sampling.  Wander around the village and take in the sights and sounds, and try some of the local brews if you think you can handle them!  Continue with a visit to Mae Sai, the northernmost point in Thailand situated on the border with Burma where the shops and street stalls are full of Chinese and Burmese handicrafts and antiques.  Observe the local lifestyle and engage in trade by hunting for the perfect souvenir.  After lunch, return to Chiang Rai late afternoon.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Day 6: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai

Start a 6-hour transfer to Chiang Mai over winding roads with incredible scenery.  On the way, make a stop to visit the Akha people, who have their origins in the Yunnan region in Southern China with their own religious beliefs and practices, based on animism and superstition. Next you will visit the Yao people, who distinguish themselves from the other tribes with their opulent attire and gold jewellery.  Last stop on the way are the Padong hill tribe people, also known as the Karen Long-neck people.  This tribe moved to Thailand from the Burmese border sometime in the 1950’s and are known for the brass rings worn around the women’s necks.

Arrive in Chiang Mai, have dinner at a traditional restaurant while you enjoy a colourful northern Thai Khan Toke dance show.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Enjoy a day with elephants, Thailand’s most loved animal, visit Chiang Dao Elephant Training Camp,  watch a herd of elephants taking their morning bath in a mountain stream.  See elephant demonstration and enjoy a one-hour elephant ride through the jungle that surrounding the camp. After lunch enjoy a one-hour bamboo raft trip downstream.  Float down the river and take in the tranquillity and beauty of the area.  Set foot again on the mainland and transfer back to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 8: Chiang Mai – Phuket

See the sunrise at Doi Suthep, the landmark of Chiang Mai.  Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits about 1,000m above the valley floor, offers a stunning view of the forested mountain slopes and the green valley below. Return to the hotel after sunrise for breakfast and then depart for the airport for your onward flight to Phuket.  Remain free of the day to enjoy the beach, or go around town to discover the sights and sounds on your own.

Overnight in Phuket

Day 9: Phuket

Take a half day to explore the main sights of Phuket.  Start with a great panorama from either the Phuket viewpoint (also known as Kata Viewpoint) or Promthep Cave Viewpoint, depending on the location of your hotel. From either viewpoint, you get a magnificent view of Phuket’s beaches. Continue with a visit to a cashew nut factory where you may sample the culinary delights on offer.  Cashew nuts are a vital ingredient of many Thai dishes. Visit the centuries-old monastery of Chalong, which is filled with miraculous stories that are told to thousands of visitors each year.  Continue with a drive into Phuket Town and observe its beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture.  A stop can also be made at a local handicraft factory to see and purchase beautiful seashells that are creatively converted into decorative items or costume jewellery and which make for nice souvenirs.

Overnight in Phuket

Day 10: Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before it is time to leave for the airport and fly back to Bangkok where you will connect for your onward flight home.

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