Discover Thailand
14 days/12 nights
Commences every saturday year round (minimum 2 passengers)
Day 1. Saturday. BANGKOK ARRIVE
Arrive Bangkok and transfer to the Indra Regent Hotel or similar
Day 2. Sunday BANGKOK (B)
Free day to explore at your leisure. Optional tour available to the River Kwai. Includes the bridge built by the prisoners in World War 2 - extra cost $190 per person including lunch.
Day 3. Monday. BANGKOK (BL)
Visit the amazing Grand Palace including Coronation Hall, Emerald Buddha, and the replica of Angkor Wat this morning and this afternoon cruise the canals by longtail speedboat and converted rice barge.
Day 4. Tuesday. BANGKOK - AYUTHA - LOPBURI - PHITSANULOKE (BLD)
Join our coach tour this morning driving to Ban Pa to tour the lavish Royal Summer Palace set in beautiful gardens. Continue to ancient Ayutha, the former capital of Thailand. Explore the ancient ruins of Wat Chai Wattaranam. Continue to Lopburi for lunch and a rickshaw ride of the city. Overnight in Phitsanuloke, spread along the banks of the Nan River. Overnight at Amarin Lagoon or similar Hotel.
Day 5. Wednesday. PHITSANULOKE - SUKHOTHAI - CHIANG RAI (BLD)
Drive to Sukhothai, first capital of Thailand from 1257- 1379 and explore the ruins then on to Sri Satchanali, northern outpost of the Kingdom of Sukhothai. This afternoon continue our drive through rural Thailand to Phayao and on to Chiang Rai arriving late afternoon. Accommodation at Teak Garden resort and Spa or similar
Day 6. Thursday. MAE SALONG - MAE SAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG SAEN. (BLD)
North Thailand is famous for its colourful hill tribes and this morning we travel by mini bus into the hills to visit several villages. The scenery is magnificent and there will be the opportunity to buy some interesting Chinese medicines from the village of Doi Mae, founded by Kuomintang Chinese escaping from China in 1949. This afternoon visit Mae Sae, Thailands northernmost town, on the border with Myanmar. Many Burmese handicrafts are available for purchase and there will usually be the opportunity to cross into Myanmar for an hour walk to explore some of the local area. (2 photographs and border fee are needed if you wish to visit Myanmar). From Mae Sae we travel to the heart of the Golden Triange where the Ruak and Mekong rivers meet. There are fabulous views over Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, and an optional (extra expense) boat cruise available. Return to Chiang Rai.
Day 7. Friday. CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (BLD)
Drive to Chiang Mai this morning. This afternoon visit Wat Doi Suthep and and climb the 290 steps to the top. This evening enjoy a special Kantoke Thai dinner and cultural performance. Accommodation at Empress Hotel or similar.
Day 8. Saturday. CHIANG MAI (BLD)
Visit the elephant camp to see the amazing strength and skill of these animals before returning to Chiang Mai for lunch. The afternoon visit the district of Sankampaeng, home to Chiang mai's famous cottage industries. See silkworms and the process of spinning silk, and the art of using handlooms to make intricate patterned silk fabrics. Also marvel at the transformation of bamboo, silk, and paper into hand painted multi coloured umbrellas and the skilled potters creating Thai celedon. Also see wood carvers creating furniture and ornaments from teak and the process of lacquerware and silverware.
Day 9. Sunday. CHIANG MAI. (B)
The day is free to relax and explore at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Day 10. Monday CHIANG MAI - HUA HIN (B)
Transfer to the airport for departure and fly to Bangkok where you will be met and transferred to the beautiful beach resort and ancient royal city of Hua Hin. Accommodation and breakfast for 3 nights at the Hua Hin Hilton Resort or similar.
Day 11. Tuesday. HUA HIN (B)
Day 12. Wednesday. HUA HIN (B)
Two free days to relax and enjoy, or explore at your leisure
Day 13. Thursday HUA HIN (B)
Transfer back to Bangkok airport this afternoon for your overnight flight.You are welcome to stay on longer in Hua Hin if you wish.
10 Days. End in Chiangmai. 2 per room $2,600. Single $3,200
13 Days. Eng in bangkok day 13. 2 per room $3,400. Single room $4,100
Tour cost includes:-
** Round trip economy class air fares
** Arrival and departure transfers
** 12 nights accommodation at First Class hotels including American breakfasts
** 6 lunches and 1 dinner as shown in the itinerary
** Travel by tour coach from Bangkok to Chiangmai with English speaking guide
** Comprehensive sightseeing with admissions where required.