Charming Thailand

Welcome to Thailand! Freshen up and meet in the hotel lobby around 6:00pm for an informal meeting with your guide and other tour members. Afterwards you have free time to start exploring vibrant Bangkok or go out for an optional group dinner. Take a stroll down the iconic Khao San Road and explore the bustling night markets, live music bars and restaurants as you wish.

• Accommodation
  Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium – 4 Star
• Optional Activities
  Group Dinner

Fill up on an included breakfast at the hotel before a full day exploring Bangkok on an included City Tour. Follow your local guide through the chaotic streets and quaint back alleys of Bangkok and visit the city’s two unmissable highlights. Wander through China Town to the banks of the Chao Phraya River and visit Wat Pho to see the famous 46-metre-long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf! Continue to the Grand Palace just nearby, the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court, to witness the magical atmosphere. You may get a chance to visit the Temple of Emerald Buddha, Wat Pra Kaew, located within the palace compound. There is a strict dress code at the Grand Palace so be sure to cover your shoulders and knees with loose-fitting such as long pants and shirts. 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 as high as 76m and is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces that reflect the rising sun, giving the temple its name. After a big day exploring Bangkok, head back to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure.

• Accommodation
  Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Bangkok City Tour
• Entrance Fees
  Wat Pho – 200 THB
  Wat Pra Kaew & Grand Palace – 500 THB
  Wat Arun – 100 THB

Depart Bangkok on an air-conditioned coach by early in the morning as we make our way to Kanchanaburi. Famously known for the bridge over the Kwai River, it is a significant scene of World War II and Thailand’s somber war history. Start discovring the area with a visit to the War Cemetery and the War Museum, dedicated to the prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge. Hop on a boat trip on River Kwai towards the famous bridge, where you can cross it on foot and take walk around the site. Our next stop will be the unusual railway section, “Hellfire Pass”, a pass built in record time by allied prisoners of war between 1942 and 1943. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel and free time to continue your discovery on your own terms.

• Accommodation
  Felix River Kwai Resort – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  War Cemetery & Museum
  Boat tour on River Kwai
  River Kwai Bridge Visit
• Hellfire Pass Visit
• Entrance Fees
  Thailand-Burma Railway Museum – 150 THB

Farewell Kanchanaburi for the historic city of Ayutthaya! Known as Thailand’s hidden archaeological gem, this city is teeming with Buddhist temples, monasteries and ancient statutes that cannot be missed. Follow your guide on a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that dates back to 1350, which was once the capital of the ancient Siamese Kingdom and considered the biggest city in the world! Explore the magnificent royal monastery of Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat and three ancient pagodas, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. Next, we will ride to the city of Ang Thong to visit the incredible Wat Muang temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha figure in Thailand, and ninth largest in the world, at almost 100 meters high. After enjoying a local lunch, we make our way to the city of Phitsanulok, located at the heart of Thailand and considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the country. During the journey, witness the change in the landscape as it turns greener and lusher into a jungle-like flora. Finishing the day with a full camera roll and plenty of knowledge from your local guide, arrive at your 4-star hotel for some leisure time.

• Accommodation
  Pattara Resort & Spa – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Ayutthaya Walking Tour
• Entrance Fees
  Wat Mahathat – 50 THB
  Wat Phra Sri Sanphet – 50 THB
  Wat Yai Chai Mongkol – 20 THB

For the early risers, we wake up early today to visit the hotel’s surroundings to make an offering to the monks, and experience one of the most emblematic aspects of Thai culture up close. After breakfast, we ride to Sukhotai, the historical heartland of Thailand. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage City was the cradle of Thai civilisation and home to the Sukhothai Kingdom from 1238 to 1438. Follow your local guide on a walking tour through the Sukhothai Historical Park to explore the ancient temples, impressive ruins and the giant Wat Sri Chum Buddha statue in a scenic park setting. Then, grab a window seat as we continue the journey towards Chiang Rai in the Lampang province. En route, we will have lunch and rest along the shores of the spectacular Phayao Lake. Arriving in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon, enjoy your free time to rest, swim in the hotel pool or visit the city’s night market.

• Accommodation
  Laluna Hotel and Resort – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Sukhothai Archaelogical Park Visit
  Phayao Lake Visit
• Entrance Fees
  Sukhothai Historical Park – 100 THB

Kick off the day with a hefty breakfast, as our first stop will be the new and striking Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as Blue Temple. Discover the marvellous paintings with a style similar to that of the famous White Temple, as the architect of which trained here for years. To soak in the local culture, follow your guide to the village of Akha, an ethnic group known for its colorful costumes and the surrounding picturesque tea plantations. Continuing to the spectacular and contemporary White Temple (Wat Rong Kun in Thai) on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, witness white represent the purity and wisdom of Buddhism in sublime beauty and serenity. This bizarre-looking temple is the brainchild of Chiang Rai’s famous artist and painter Chalermchai Kositpipat. Unlike most Thai temples, the building is all white with glass and mirrors embedded into the outside to make it sparkle in the sunlight. Keep your cameras at the ready because this temple is truly insta-worthy! This hilly, forested area also holds serene landscape views, winding rivers and is home to the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand! Spend the evening in Chiang Rai, resting up at our luxurious 4-star hotel before a big day ahead.

• Accommodation
  Centara Riverside Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
  Visit Akha Village
  Visit Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
• Entrance Fees
  Akha Hilltribe Village – 500 THB
  Wat Rong Kun (White Temple) – 100 THB

Today, we depart for a half-day excursion to the Elephant EcoValley for many exciting and animal friendly activities. Besides getting the best insight about these fascinating creatures, you will get to: Harvest grass/vegetation for elephant snacks along the way; hike on foot to Upper EcoValley with the elephants; plant a banana tree or herbs; make herb ‘n’ fruit nutritional vitamin balls; feed the vitamin balls to the elephants (They love them!); share a mud bath with your new buddies (Watch or wash ’em yourself!); shower outdoors overlooking a mountain stream!

After returning to Chiang Mai in the afternoon, go up to the well-known mountain temple of Wat Doi Suthep, the best spot to appreciate the city in all its splendor. At night, enjoy your personal time or walk through the famous night market to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

• Accommodation
  Centara Riverside Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Half-day Excursion to Elephant EcoValley
  Visit to Wat Doi Suthep
• Entrance Fees
  Elephant EcoValley – 2,075 THB
  Wat Doi Suthep – 50 THB

After breakfast at the hotel, our trip will end in Chiang Mai as we bid farewell to our new travel mates and check-out of the hotel by 11am. Luckily it’s not a final goodbye, but only until next time!

• Meals Included
  Breakfast