Day 1: (B): Wat Trimit – Wat Po – Grand Palace – Marble Temple

Join Buffet Breakfast at the hotel.

08:30 Pick up and transfer to visit Wat Traimit (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 in at five-and-half tons. Visit Wat Pho(Temple of the Reclining Buddha) one of the largest and oldest Temple in Bangkok. Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl and also regarded as the first center of Thai Massage Education. Continue trip to the Grand Palace one of the most beautiful samples of ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is located within the same compound, it is a treasure house of Thai arts and hoses the famous Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha in Thailand. Visit Wat Benchamabopit orMarble Temple, one of the most modern works of Thai religious architecture. Graceful and tranquil, it is famous for its main chapel built in white Carara Italian marble to house a replica of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image, Phra Phutthachinarat.

This afternoon, take a long-tailed boat cruising 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. Kids messing around on the water’s edge and taking a swim, jumping from bridges, giving a cheerful wave as you pass by. Get your camera ready right from the start as it is worth taking photo throughout the journey… Stop at Royal Barge Museum to see the beautiful barges used by the King of Thailand on state occasions. Also visit Wat Arun, the magnificent Temple of Dawn with its 79-meter pagoda or prang; built in the Khmer style. and the Reclining Buddha at Wat Po; as well as Chinatown, continued by van with driver and guide to visit the Jim Thompson House. Then transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon. Drop off at the River City for shopping on your own or return to your hotel. Overnight at the same hotel.

Day 3: (B,L): Bangkok – Damnernsaduak Floating Market & Railway Track Market:

Join Buffet Breakfast at the hotel.

07.00 Pick up from the hotel in Bangkok for Damnern Saduak floating market.

On the way will be passing the largest source of salt production in Thailand along the roadside of the highway. Visit Mae Klong Market (The World’s Most Fascinating Marketplace), an open-air marketplace. People sell locally grown fruits, freshly caught seafood, dried spices, peppers, and other local foods. Amazing! Train tracks run right through the marketplace. When the train comes by, vendors have to close up their canopy and wait for it to pass. Naturally, it’s a popular spot with the tourists. Visit Coconut Garden, see how the sugar is being made right from the coconut syrup of coconut flower. Then take long-tail boat going along narrow canal surround the plantation.

Arrive at Damnern Saduak floating market. See a fascinating Thai way of life from the ancient time that is still widely practiced in this area. A chance to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and choices of Thai handicrafts are available at the spot.

Depart from Floating Market to visit Wooden Handy Craft Factory. They show you how to produce wood carving (not shopping tours). Then transfer back to Bangkok.

Then drive passing through an area of the country known for salt production, arriving at the Railway Track Market. One of Asia’s most unusual markets, the vendors line and cover the railway track but when the train arrives they ‘retract’ the stalls very quickly before reassembling them as if nothing has happened. It is one of the most unique scenes and experiences for visitors to Thailand and you will be able to meander through the wet market adjacent to the train station and learn about all of the interesting and fresh items from your guide. Then transfer back to Bangkok in the afternoon. O/n at the same hotel.

Day 4: (B,L): Bangkok – Ayutthaya & take flight to Chiangrai:

Join Buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out.

Depart for the tour to visit Bang Pa In Summer Palace comprises a collection of buildings of various ages and various architectural styles surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasattong in Ayutthaya era, Bang Pa-In was the places for the kings in the Ayutthaya period to visit and enjoy, but it was let 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.

Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is situated to the southeast and opposite to Ayutthaya city. A large Chedi of this Wat can be seen from a far distance.  This monastery was built by King U-Thong in 1357 A.D. for the use of the monks who had returned from Ceylon after studying under Phra Vanarat Maha Thera.

Visit Wat Pa Si Sanphet. This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings.

Visit Wat Maha That The Heart and Soul of City from Artifacts and the style of the Pagoda, we believe that Wat Maha That was built before the Ayutthaya Period or around the 14th Century. One of the images which were excavated by the Fine Art Department was a Buddha Image in the Sitting Attitude (sitting with drop down legs). This image belonged to the Lopburi Period. The Pagodas are from the Bayon Style or Bayon Period (compared to Khmer culture) which are built with late rite. Back to Bangkok in the afternoon & straight to airport for your flight to Chiangrai on PG235@17:45 – 19:05. On arrival, pick up and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Chiang Rai

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 Saen 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 7: (B,L): Half day Cooking Class & Chiang Mai city tours:

Join breakfast at the hotel.

Cooking is considered an art-form by many people. If you’re looking for a place to learn about Thai food and Chiang Mai culture, Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School is one of your choices. Welcome to Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School Chiang Mai. Although there are a multiple Thai cooking schools in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Asia Scenic Thai Cooking is more than just a school, its rather an extension of a home and an opportunity to share Thai cooking and culture. Asia Scenic Thai cooking school does not just teach you to follow the teacher or the cookbook but teach you how to be creative and understand the basic of cooking Thai food. What you love most is that they do not have a fix menu for you. You cook what you wish to cook. You realize that you are learning the traditional life style, learning how to grow vegetables and herbs, as well as the various traditional performing arts.

What makes Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School superior to other cooking schools: our flair for the artistry of Thai cooking paired with exquisite attention to Thai culture’s captivating details.

• Created and cared for by a true Thai family.
• Tasting herbs from our very own garden.
• Experienced and authentic teachers ; all Thai people can cook but not all Thai people can teach you how to cook.
• Cook book that comes with the courses has been written by Gayray. All details and pictures step by step that make easier when you are cooking alone at your own home.

Then, transfer to visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha . The temple compound offers an ethylating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside. A visit to Meo village will be made, then back to hotel and then enjoy Chiang Mai city Tour & Doi Suthep Temple & Home Industries:

Visit and explore 5 of 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.
A pleasant winding drive up to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the symbol of Chiang Mai, where the holy relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. 2 magnificent 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.
A paradise program for shoppers willing to enjoy the fun art of shopping. Observe world- renowned native handicrafts actually being crafted by master craftsmen and their assistants. Elaborate teak-wood carvings in hundreds of forms and sizes, intricate hand-made silverware, high-fired celadon, lustrous black lacquer -were, Thai silk and cotton being woven the ancient, traditional method on rustic wooden looms, primitive paper-making process, hand-made paper and silk parasols in a dazzling blaze of rainbow hues. See skilled artists painting on parasols. High skill and endless patience is a pre-requisite and a necessary virtue to work in these industries. Overnight at the same hotel in Chiang Mai.

Day 8: (B,L): Full day join-in day trip Elephant Nature Park – Single Day

Location: Chiang Mai province – Northern Thailand

Duration: Full Day

Enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals.

Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives.

Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary.

Your visit helps support our regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation.

What you will be doing.

Starting From: 8:00am – 8:30am from your Chiang Mai city hotel

Feeding the Elephants. After unloading and distributing fruit treats you will have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform.

Lunch: Enjoy a sumptuous and varied buffet of Asian and International dishes.

Walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. 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 river bank.

Late afternoon and it`s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your accommodations.

*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.

All About Your Trip:

Starting From: 8:00am – 8:30am. Pick up from your Chiang Mai city hotel

If you are staying out of town (outside Middle ring-road) additional charges apply. Please advise on your reservation form.

Returning: around 5:00pm / 5:30pm to Chiang Mai city.

Baggage / Luggage allowance: One small day pack per person

What to Bring: Hat, Sunscreen, Sandals/Flip Flops, Change of clothing as you may get muddy or wet, Towel, Shoes for walking, Camera, Bug Repellent.

Trip Operational Months: All Year Round

Age Suitability: All from infants to retirees

What is Included:

Meals: Lunch

Transportation: Chiang Mai city to / from park

Admission fees, park guides. O/n at the same hotel.

Day 9: (B/L): Chiang Mai- bike to the countryside (4-5 hours) (bike trips can be customized)

The northern city Chiang Mai, known as the ‘Rose of the North’, maintains the allure it has held for travelers for centuries.
The best way to learn about the area is to be close and personal when you meet with locals.  A bike trip is the best means to get around and observe the way of life.  The route takes us on quiet and green land roads, passing the historic settlement Wiang Kum Kam, founded in 1286 by King Mengrai. It was the capital of the Lanna empire for a period of only 10 years. We will see temples and ruins dating back hundreds of years.

We make a stop at a local temple enroute. The guide can tell you everything about this temple and about Buddhism in general.

Furthermore, we visit the McKean rehabilitation center; a former leper colony, once cut off from the outside world. Nowadays it is a rehabilitation center for people with many kinds of physical disabilities.

We continue our Chiang Mai bicycle tour and stop at an elementary school mostly attended by hilltribe children.

The ancient Lanna empire produced some of the finest ceramics ever to have been made. These days the northern region still is the major center of Thailand’s pottery industry. At a small pottery we watch the craftsmen make different shapes of pottery by hand.

Riding along the Ping River we breathe in the local atmosphere that makes Chiang Mai so special.
We stop at a local bakery where we have a delicious sweet bun while watching them produce many other different products.
At the market we see the same products back in small traditional shops; and here you have the opportunity to sample some of the most delicious and exotic fruits and other snacks.

During the Chiang Mai bicycle tour we stop every hour for a short rest and provide you with drinking water or a soft drink. Halfway through the trip we provide a small Thai meal (Khao Soy Kai) in a local restaurant.

Discover the hidden places of Chiang Mai through this recreational, cultural and educational half day Chiang Mai bicycle tour. Join this adventure to the unbeaten paths and to sites where old traditions continue to live on. O/N same hotel