Day 1: (D) Bangkok 

Meet and greet with our guide upon arrival at Bangkok Airport. Transfer to your hotel for check in, and you’re free at leisure. If time permits in the evening, we recommend enjoying a Thai set dinner at Supatra River House Restaurant. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this beautiful traditional Thai house is the former home of Khunying Supatra Singholaga, a leading advocate of women’s rights in Thailand. Its contemporary décor blends perfectly with the traditional architecture, and the views of the River, Grand Palace, and Wat Arun are spectacular. 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, L) Bangkok market tour

After breakfast, depart for a day of exploring the Bangkok area’s fascinating markets, beginning with a drive through an area of the country known for its salt production on the way to explore the unique Maeklong Railway Market, an open-air marketplace that will awaken your senses. People sell locally grown fruits, freshly caught seafood, dried spices, peppers, and other local foods. Take time to meander through the wet market adjacent to the train station and learn about the interesting and fresh items from your guide. Train tracks run right through the marketplace, whose vendors have to close up their canopies when a train comes by and wait for it to pass. Afterward you’ll see Coconut Garden and observe how sugar is made from the coconut syrup of the coconut flower. Then take longtail boat going along a narrow canal surrounding the plantation before arriving at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. See the fascinating Thai way of life from ancient times that is still widely practiced in this area. This is a good opportunity to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and purchase Thai handicrafts available here. Depart from the Floating Market to visit Wooden Handicraft Factory, where you’ll see how woodcarvings are produced. Transfer back to Bangkok in the afternoon. Dinner on your own, and overnight at the same hotel.

Day 4: (B) Bangkok – Ayutthaya

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. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Day 5: (B, L) Ayutthaya – Lopburi – Phitsanuloke – Sukhothai

This morning after breakfast and hotel check out, we’ll drive through the beautiful countryside to Lopburi and see Phra Prang Sam Yot, regarded as Lopburi’s landmark. This Khmer monument was likely founded in the 12^th or 13^th century. Like many sites in Lopburi, Phra Prang Sam Yot is overrun by monkeys, so hold on tight to your handbags, hat, sunglasses, and scarves! From here we’ll depart for Phitsanuloke, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great and his brother, Prince Ekatosarot.  Visit the Bronze Case Factory, where a huge range of bronze Buddha images are cast using the “lost wax method” which visitors can observe. After lunch, continue to Sukhothai and check in at your hotel. Free at leisure for the evening. Overnight in Sukhothai. 

 Day 6: (B, L) Si Satchanalai Historical Park – Thuriang Kiln – Textile Museum

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll set out for Si Satchanalai Historical Park, located on the bank of the Yom River at Tambon Mueang Kao, Si Satchanalai. According to early stone inscriptions, local legends and historic chronicles, Si Satchanalai was exclusively governed by the crown prince of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Among the remains of the 19 monuments inside the city wall, highlights are the first three monuments inside the entrance. Wat Chang Lom, the compound to the right of the entrance, is distinctly Sri Lankan in style, with a characteristic stupa and 39 laterite elephant buttresses. The elephants at Wat Chang Lom are quite different from those found at other temples. Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo is located opposite Wat Chang Lom to the south. The most important features of this temple are the main chedi with lotus bud-shaped top and 33 subordinate chedis believed to contain the remains of the Royal Family. The chedis are adorned with Buddha images and other stucco decorative images reflecting various art styles, including Sri Lankan, Pagan, and Srivijaya. Wat Nang Phaya, southeast of Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, is known for the exterior of its monastery made of laterite blocks, which was decorated with highly elaborate stucco in the art style of the early Ayutthaya period. The main chedi, in the Sri Lankan style (another focus of this temple), is supported by a high base, once decorated with sculptures of elephants like those at Wat Chang Lom.

Continue to the Thuriang Kilns, a site where Sukhothai celadons were made. The pottery found here is usually decorated by three different painted designs on their bottom: a disc, a fish, and a flower. Very interesting historical Sangkhalok pottery was made here, and so far, archeologists have found more than 500 old kilns along the banks of the Yom River, mostly at Ban Pa Yang and Ban Ko Noi. Lastly, visit  the Sathorn Golden Textile Museum, which maintains exhibits about the history of ancient Thai fabrics and unique hand-woven rope, including fabrics used in ordination and wedding ceremonies. Return to your hotel in Sukhothai. Overnight at the same hotel. 

 Day 7: (B, L) Sukhothai – Lampang – Chiang Rai

After breakfast and hotel check out, The day begins with a live presentation on rice cultivation, where you’ll get to try your hand at growing rice. Next, set out for Lampang to admire Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, housing the country’s only Emerald Buddha other than the one in Bangkok. After lunch, continue to Chiang Rai and explore Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). A lifetime project of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple has a fine blend of traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes and is decorated with small pieces of mirrored glass which add substantially to its dramatic beauty. Continue to your hotel. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

 Day 8: (B) Chiang Rai – Doi Tung Royal Villa

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel for a day of sightseeing in the northwestern hills of Chiang Rai, beginning with Doi Tung Royal Villa. The villa, situated high upon a hill, is the former summer residence of the Princess Mother Srinagarindra. Due to the princess mother’s encouragement, the hills were reforested. She was also instrumental in fighting against the opium trade. As a result, the local hill tribes switched from growing poppies to other crops. The Royal Villa now houses a museum which displays her efforts to improve the quality of life of local tribal people. You’ll also see Mae Fah Luang Gardens, a botanical park on the slopes below the Royal Villa, and later Wat Phra That Doi Tung, a sacred hill top shrine regarded as the holiest sanctuary in the Chiang Rai area. Return to your hotel for leisure time to explore Chiang Rai on your own. Overnight at the same hotel.

Day 9: (B, L, D) Chiang Rai – Mae Sai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai

This morning we’ll depart for Mae Sai, the northern most point of Thailand, and visit a jade factory and see craftsmen at work. From there, it’s onward to visit the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak River meets the Mekong River, forming the triple border of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Here we’ll visit the opium museum (House of Opium) before continuing to the ancient city of Chiang Saen, the first kingdom in Thailand. After lunch, we’ll continue to Chiang Mai passing through the lush landscape of mountains and valleys of northern Thailand. We’ll stop at a hot spring along the way where you can mingle with the locals. Arrive in Chiang Mai and check in to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner (the customary northern Thai style of eating with food being served on large platters at low tables while you sit on mats on the floor) and a Thai classical show.  Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 10: (B, L) Chiang Mai – Doi Suthep 

This morning is dedicated to an authentic Buddhist experience. Travel by trishaw for an exciting view of the town ending at a covered market where you will purchase food, sweets, and flowers. Continue to Wat Ket, a temple in a picturesque setting not frequently visited by tourists. Observe the monks in prayer, and after the ceremony, you will be able to offer your food and flowers to the monks and be blessed. Later, continue to Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered among all Thais.  Enjoy lunch at Rustic & Blue Restaurant (handgrown & artisan food). Continue to visit Khamthiang Flower Market, Chiang Mai’s largest plant and garden market.  A great place to explore the many varieties of plants native to Southeast Asia. Return to your hotel.  Overnight at the same hotel. 

Day 11: (B, L) Elephant Rescue Park (half day)

After breakfast at your hotel,  6:30 am pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel.  To join your group to meet elephants and interacting in a humane way.  Upon arrival at the camp (1hr drive from Chiang Mai) Change clothes into beautiful uniforms provided by the Rescue Park.  (You get to choose) Visit to the Sticky Waterfall or the Elephant Poo Poo paper factory, learn how the local Thais recycle from useless things. You’ll see the process to making paper from elephant dung, try it out yourself and purchase some souvenirs if desired.  Stop at the fresh market, pickup ingredients so to make vitamin balls for our elephants.  Introductory discussion.  Feeding, observe and interact with elephants.   Walk with the elephants to a beautiful view point, wonderful photographic opportunities here.  Walk down the hillside to our elephants bathing area, enjoy splashing, bathing and brushing the elephants in their very own swimming pool.  Say farewell to your new elephant and mahout friends.  Take a shower, change your clothes and enjoy a delicious meal.  This ends your half day experience and return to your hotel.   Overnight at the same hotel. 

Day 12: (B, D) Chiang Mai – departure 

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to your next destination.