Day 1: Bangkok

Meet and greet by our guide upon arrival to Bangkok Airport. Transfer to your hotel for check in, and you’re free at leisure for the day. Overnight in Bangkok.

 Day 2: (B) Bangkok temples and museums

After breakfast at your hotel, begin a full day tour of Bangkok’s temples and other important sites. Pick up and transfer to Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha – the world’s largest solid gold Buddha image. The Golden Buddha is 4 meters in height, made of 18-carat gold, and weighs five-and-a-half tons. Visit Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok. Wat Pho is famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. Continue on to the Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful remnants of the ancient Siamese court. The compound of this former residence of the kings includes Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), a treasure house of Thai art which houses the famous Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha in Thailand. Later, see Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), one of the most modern works of Thai religious architecture. Graceful and tranquil, it is known for its main chapel built with white Carrara Italian marble to house a replica of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Chinnarat.

 After lunch, take a longtail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River, also known as “The River of Kings,” throughout the narrow canals of Thonburi. Along the way, there are numerous temples, shrines, restaurants and schools. Observe the locals going about their day. There are also mobile food vendors selling delicious BBQ chicken with sticky rice, noodles, fruits etc.  This is a great photo opportunity, as you’ll see kids frolicking on the water’s edge and taking a swim, jumping from bridges, giving a cheerful wave as you pass by. Stop at Royal Barge Museum to see the beautiful barges used by the King of Thailand on state occasions. Also take in the magnificent Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) with its 79 meter pagoda built in the Khmer style on the riverbank. You’ll also see Chinatown before continuing by van with your driver and guide to visit the Jim Thompson House. Then transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon. Complete your day with some shopping or relaxing on your own. Overnight at the same hotel.

 Day 3: (B) Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Bangkok street food tour by tuk tuk

After breakfast and hotel checkout, depart for Ayutthaya to explore Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a complex formerly used by Thai kings. It comprises a collection of buildings of various ages and architectural styles surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasatthong in the Ayutthaya era, Bang Pa-In was a retreat for the kings in the Ayutthaya period to visit and enjoy, but it was left unoccupied when Bangkok became the capital. Its importance was reestablished when King Rama IV and King Rama V restored the palace, and some new buildings were built. Most of the present buildings were constructed between 1872 and 1889 by King Chulalongkorn.

 While in Ayutthaya, we’ll also visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, situated to the southeast and opposite Ayutthaya city. A large chedi (Buddhist stupa) of this wat can be seen from afar. This monastery was built by King U-Thong in 1357 A.D. for use by monks who had returned from studying in Ceylon. We’ll also see Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok was copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built here during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. Lastly, visit Wat Mahathat.  It is believed that Wat Mahathat was built before the Ayutthaya Period around the 14th century. One of the images which were excavated was a Buddha in the sitting posture from the Lopburi Period. The pagodas are from the Bayon Period. Return to Bangkok in the afternoon.

 This evening, reconvene with your guide for a private Best Eats Midnight Food Tour by tuk tuk. After the moon comes up, cruise Bangkok’s streets via the city’s iconic 3-wheel tuk tuk to visit the locals’ favorite places to eat. Taste a variety of savory menus, including the local favorite Northeastern Thai Food (IsanFood), the town’s best Pad Thai, and popular home-style Thai snacks. Between the bites, visit old-town landmarks and temples for a different perspective compared to the busy day time scene. Discover a side of Bangkok not as well known to visitors. We will finish the tour by midnight. Overnight at the same hotel.

 Day 4: (B) Bangkok – Chiang Rai. Morning take flight to Chiang Rai. On arrival, pick up and transfer to hotel.    Continue to visit Cherntawan International Meditation Center a place where young monks come to gather knowledge on the Buddhist faith.  Additionally for those who want to learn about meditation and how it can balance one’s life.  Visitors not keen in depth in meditation can enjoy the open art displays located around the grounds.  Continue to Oub Kham Museum, a private museum that is dedicated to preserving the culture Lan Na Kingdom 200 years ago prior to unifying with the Kingdom of Siam which is Thailand today. With over a hundred different species of flowers, the Mae Fah Luang Garden is definitely a breathtaking sight to behold. Take a relaxing stroll through the 10 acres of gorgeous landscape and you’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the flora and fauna!   Return to your hotel.  Evening enjoy a walk through the night bazaar with your guide.  Overnight

 Day 5: (B): Full day DOI TUNG ROYAL VILLA AND GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXCURSION: 8:00am pick up at your hotel for full day trip Chiangrai: we visit Doi Tung Royal villa, Hill tribe Project at Doi Tung, where located at the northwestern hills of Chiang Rai province. Visit Mae Fah Luang Garden then continues your trip to Mae Sai, the Northern most point of Thailand. Then continue to visit the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak river and the Mekong river meets forming the border of three countries, and the opium museum (House of Opium). Then continue to the ancient city of Chiang Sean at Wat Chedi Luang, and then return to town by sunset. O/n at the same hotel.

 Day 6: (B): Full day tours Chiang Rai & transfer to Chiang Mai:

 Your trip departs in the morning via long-tail boat along the bank of Maekok River. Visit the Karen Ruam-Mitr village – Elephant Camp – and hill tribe villages along the way. Then continue by car to visit Wat Thaton, the Karen Longneck village, where you can experience the custom of Padong women wearing brass rings around their neck. During your return trip, you will visit the Yao hill tribe village, and return then drive back to Chiang Mai, passing through mountains, valleys and the lush landscape of northern Thailand. Stop by a Hot-Spring where you can mingle with the locals.

Arrive to your hotel in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. Check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Chiangmai

 Day 6: (B,L): Chiangmai:  After breakfast, enjoy Cookery Class (am) *Join 

City Tour & Doi Suthep Temple (pm) *private

am      Cookery Class. Baan Sansai Cookery School.

08.30  Pick up from the hotel 15 minute drive through to observe Talad Samyak Sansai local market .You will be able to see many different kinds of herbs, vegetables and fruits. Then proceed to our farm where you can see the real organic herbs, vegetables and fruits that we grow ourselves. You will be given the opportunity to pick some of the fresh ingredients that you will use when preparing your favorite dishes in one of our spacious well-equipped kitchens. Each person will have his/her own cooking station.

Finally, enjoy eating your meal on the terrace overlooking the fishpond. Then return to the hotel.

Pm      City Orientation. Visit and explore the most revered temples in Chiang Mai.  All constructed during the Lanna Period (1297 AD-1411 AD) each reflects the glory, splendor and nobility of that rich historical era.  Proceed to a local market to see and feel the pulsating tempo of the locals going about their daily errands. Exotic fruits, local delicacies, reasonably – priced clothes galore and hustle and the bustle of market life awaits your discovery.  

Doi Suthep Temple. A pleasant is winding drive up to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep the symbol of Chiang Mai, where the holy relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. 2magnificent Nagas act as guardians as you ascend up the steps to the temple.  A splendid view of town and the surrounding country -side can be seen from the temple grounds. Overnight at the same hotel in Chiang Mai.

 Day 7: (B,L): Full day join-in Elephant Mahout Training Course/ BAAN CHANG ELEPHANT PARK

Pick up 08.15 am and back around 4.30 pm
Pick up from your Hotel by Air Condition Van

We will drive through agricultural Thai countryside North of Chiang Mai for One hour to BAAN CHANG ELEPHANT PARK where you learn, how to be a Mahout (Elephant caretaker). At the Park, the Elephant Mahout Guide will give you first useful information’s about the Thai Elephants. You get instructions for guiding and riding your elephant as well you get the chance to feed them.

After lunch, it’s time to show what you had learnt in the morning. You sit on the back of the Elephant and try to control him during the ride through the hill and country side for about 1.5 hours as well you learn how to guide the Elephant into the river. There you get new skills in bathing and washing your Elephant. From the river bank, the guide will take some picture of you while you take care in bathing your elephant. When we return to the main hut from the rive, we have a shower room that you can take a shower. Tea, Coffee or Water you can get it for free for all day. Around 03.30 pm it’s time to say goodbye to a lovely Elephants and BAAN CHANG ELEPHANT PARK.

Back in Chiang Mai you will be dropped off at your Hotel

Things to bring: Towel, Cloths, Shampoo, Soap, Camera, Mosquito spray, snack.

 *Please note:  2 person / 1 elephant 

Overnight at the same hotel in Chiang Mai.

 Day 8: (B,L): day trip Lisu, Karen, Akha, Lahu and Palong hill tribes

8:00am Pick up at your hotel in Chiang Mai & travel north to Chiang Dao to visit Lisu, Karen, Akha, Lahu and Palong hill tribes. They share animist beliefs and honour numerous forest and guardian spirits. Each tribe has distictive ceremonial attire, courtship rituals, games, dances, agricultural customs, puberty rites, languages and dialects, aesthetic values and hygienic habits.

We will visit hilltribe people in one day On this tour a visit is made to the Hilltribe Museum, this ethnological museum has collections illustrating the cultures of tribal groups.
Drive through beautiful scenery north of Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao, Approximately 80 Kms, visit Lisu hilltribe village, the colorful costume was originated in Tibet. Continue by walk to Karen hilltribe village, they are peace loving warriors, very industrious and faithful people

Lunch on this tour is served picnic style. Back to Lisu hilltribe village again, then visit Akha hilltribe village, the most beautiful women’ s head wares, decorated with assorted coins, shell, beats feathers and animals’ s fur. Drive to Lahu hilltribe village, they are originated in Tibet and China, very expert to hunting. Then visit Palong hilltribe village, one of the most beautiful costume tribe, coming from Myanmar. Transfer back to hotel late afternoon. O/n at the same hotel.

 Day 9: (B): Full day Doi Inthanon

This morning, depart to visit Doi Inthanon Mountain, the Thailand’s highest mountain (2565 meters above sea level), which offers beautiful scenery, evergreen mountain forests, dwarf rhododendron groves, rare bird life, and impressive waterfalls.  On this tour, stop at The Summit, to visit the shrine of former prince of Chiang Mai. A short trek along Michael’s Trail; a track made by a Canadian volunteer for tourists to explore and feel the beauty and the unforgettable nature around. Then visit the great Twin Royal Pagodas, which were built for His Majesty The King and Her Royal Highness the Queen of Thailand. This place provides a marvelous view of its surrounding.
Continue to Doi Inthanon Royal Project, one of the many royal-sponsored projects to familiarize hill tribe people with new agricultural techniques. View the flower nurseries and cultivation areas. Then visit Karen Hill Tribe Village to experience their primitive lifestyle. Stop at Vachirathan Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Northern Thailand to take pictures. Then transfer back to hotel. O/n at the same hotel.

 Day 10: (B): Chiangmai – to Bangkok:

Drive around the Old City to see city’s moat and ruined walls. Start the temples tour with Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple which probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses

Start the temples tours with Chedi Luang Temple, where the great chedi which was built at the end of 14th century is located. Even though it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1545, it was to remain the tallest structure in Chiang Mai till today. Continue to Warorote Market, the biggest local Market in Chiang Mai which sells everything from clothes and textiles to fruits, herbs, flowers, vegetables, insects and even fireworks. Then back to your hotel & transfer to airport for your flight to your next destination.