Northern Thailand Adventure

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, we’ll meet our guide and transfer to our hotel. Once checked in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring. We’re here for three nights.

Morning transfer to Damnern Saduak Floating Market Nineteenth-century Bangkok was laced with canals, giving the capital the designation of the ‘Venice of the East’. Surviving canals as well as the Chao Phraya River itself (meaning the River of Kings) provide memorable vignettes of a traditional waterborne way-of-life that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries. The river and canals can conveniently be explored by public transport or via a traditional long tailed boat. The tour will finally take you to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), this famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark, which is best known for its porcelain encrusted 79-metre central sparkling pagoda. After a wonderful tour, we will bring you back across the river to the main starting point.

Afternoon you will visit one of the oldest districts in Bangkok, Banglamphu, which is set on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. Take a short walking tour past the shop houses and through a local market soaking up the lively atmosphere. This evening you will have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome Dinner at the Supattra River House which overlooks the river.(B, D)

Full-day Highlight tour of Bangkok.
Our day will begin with a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the most praised royal monument in Thailand, encloses the dazzling Wat Phra Kaew. Wat Phra Kaew, also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is well known for its Golden Chedi, its Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and its Eight Coloured Tower. In Thailand, it is considered by many to be a living example of a classical Siamese Court, the former residence of the kings of Thailand. Wat Pho, Thailand’s first “university”, is regarded as the first centre of learning, educating the public on subjects from literature to astronomy by way its myriad inscriptions, murals and statues. This temple is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minute Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning of sightseeing. In the afternoon we’ll take a trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klong (canals) in a long tail boat – a unique way to enjoy scenes of Bangkok life. We will bring you to a more traditional and serene way of living in the Thonburi residential areas, away from the skyscrapers and modernity of Bangkok City Centre and explore the Wat Arun, the “Temple of Dawn”. Finally, a visit to the Flower and Vegetable market will round off this day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, the market is home to a vast selection of flowers, especially orchids and we’ll witness the merchants creating exquisite garlands of blooms. This Bangkok day tour ends at the Golden Mountain. Please note that photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings. Also, note that the chapel is a national shrine and that you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect.(B,L)

Depart from Bangkok to Ayuthaya on the way visit Suphan Buri province arrival Suphanburi transfer to visit Wat Pa Lei Lai This ancient royal temple, believed to have been built some 800 years ago when Suphan Buri was a prosperous community, bears the emblem of King Rama IV on its gable. A huge seated Buddha image named “Luang Pho To”, 23 meters in height, is enshrined in the main chapel. Semi-annual festivals are held in April and November for locals to pay their respects to the image. Continue your drive to Ayutthaya, which was the capital of Thailand from the 14th to the 18th Century. On arrival in the city you will proceed straight to the Ayutthaya Historical Park to witness the ruins of the old city which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Governed by 35 kings of Siam during its time as the capital, the city was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767 but today it’s still an impressive sight to behold. Include “Kermit” TUK TUK around the Ancient Historical Park Proceed to the modern city’s Muslim Quarter and sample some unique street food – Thai cotton candy! Time allowing there will be the chance to visit local houses where traditional Thai handicrafts are produced before heading to a local market. After lunch at a local restaurant head south to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace dating back To the 17th Century and revived and restored in the 19th Century, we’ll stay the night in Ayutthaya (B,L)

The journey north continues today to the city of Uthai Thani, situated on the western bank of the Sakae Krang River. Begin your exploration of the city with a visit to Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri and the striking temple Wat Tha Sung. Later you will take a trip along the Sakae Krang River on a traditional rice barge, witnessing life on the water — seemingly unchanged throughout the centuries. You’ll enjoy lunch on board your make your way along the river observing the simple way of life and houses built on bamboo rafts complete with floating gardens and fish farms. The next stop of the day is the city of Phitsanulok where you will visit the Cha Tawee Folk Museum and the riverside temple of Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, home to one of the most sacred images of Buddha in all of Thailand. From here we’ll continue on to the city of Sukhothai, where we’ll spend the next two nights. (B,L)

Today’s visit to the Sukhothai Historical Park is one of the tour’s real highlights. You will have the opportunity to explore the ruins of what was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Built in the 13th century, the beautiful buildings here – which include stupas, temples, a monastery and the royal palace – mark the beginning of the Thai architecture style you’ve observed throughout the country. This afternoon we’ll share a delicious organic lunch at Baan Hom Glin Din Restaurant while looking out over vast fields of rice. (B,L)

Much of today will be spent on the journey north to the city of Chiang Rai, located just kilometers south of the border with Myanmar (Burma). En route, we’ll stop at a pineapple plantation near the town of Lampang and pass through the lakeside town of Phayao. We’ll take lunch at a local restaurant. Upon our arrival in Chiang Rai we’ll head off to see the famed Golden Triangle, the point on the Mekong River where the nations of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. While here you can visit the intimate Opium House and learn about the poppy and it cultivation in the region. We’ll stay the night here. (B,L)

Our morning begins with a visit to the two hill tribe villages of Akha and Yao where you will meet with some of the fascinating tribespeople of Northern Thailand. Our tour will then continue on to Chiang Mai, home for the next three nights. Upon arrival in this intriguing, laid-back city we’ll head to the San Kamphaeng district, visit a Handicraft Centre and take our lunch at a local restaurant. This evening’s traditional Thai Dinner is a memorable affair filled with the traditional dances and songs of ancient Thailand and the local hill tribes. (B,L,D)

Full-day Elephant Nature Park
Today you’ll enjoy a full-day visit to Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for elephants, buffalo, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals. Your day begins at 8am with a pickup at the hotel and starts with a picturesque drive through the countryside to the park. Here you will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants and witness how they became a proud herd, freed from abuse for the first time in their lives. You will have a chance to feed the elephants from a viewing platform before sitting down to your own lunch, a sumptuous and varied buffet of Asian and International dishes. After lunch, it’s bath time! You’ll walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park and bathe these gentle giants as they splash around. If going into the river is not for you, then watch the elephants bathe and play while you stay dry on the riverbank. By late afternoon it’s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park – it’s about an hour’s drive back to your hotel.
*Park visits are all about spending quality time observing and being with the herd. We do not adhere to a strict schedule; the best way to make the most of your visit is to relax, watch and learn from the elephants. Visitors find their visit to Elephant Nature Park both rewarding and relaxing. Your visit helps support regional projects and offers a unique opportunity to further elephant conservation. (B,L)

This morning you will visit a local farmhouse in Mae Rim on the outskirts of the city before taking a long-tail boat and enjoy a half hour cruise along the Mae Ping River. During the trip you will witness life along the river before docking and walking to the Waroros fresh food market. For lunch today you will have the opportunity to sample the traditional Thai meal of Khao Soi before you take a tour of the historic sights of the city itself. Later you will head up into the mountains to visit the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project, and the Hmong village of Chang Khienon where the inhabitants still wear traditional dress dating back some 500 years. The final stop of the day will take you to Doi Suthep to climb the 300 steps (or take the cable car) to the hilltop temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. (B)

Today you’ll check out and transfer to Chiang Mai airport for a flight to Phuket (Flight not included). After arriving at Phuket airport, we’ll meet our guide and head to our hotel, our home for three nights. (B)

This morning, we’ll head to the pier and board a speedboat to Phi Phi Island. We’ll take in Loh Sa Mah and Phi Phi Ley Cove as well as Maya Bay, setting of the film “The Beach” (Leonardo Di Caprio and Tilda Swinton…). A chance to observe the majestic undersea world is also available for guests who enjoy snorkelling. If you are more an exploring type of person and Phi Phi’s natural beauty is not enough, there is plenty to do on and off the island. Phi Phi Ley is home to the Viking Cave, a large limestone cavern, where ancient rock paintings can be found. After lunch at a beachside restaurant, we will journey to Bamboo Island and can enjoy some free time to swim, snorkel or simply rest on the beach. The departure in the afternoon will be from Hin Klang Island, and it’s back to Phuket and our hotel. (B,L)

Today is yours – rest, explore – we’re here for the night. (B)

Today we bid goodbye to this magical land and transfer to Phuket airport for our waiting flights. (B)