Begin this Thai journey discovering the best of Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital city. Then see a different side of this beautiful country as you explore the north of Thailand and discover its main cultural attractions during four magical days, travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. This region is overflowing with historic monuments, dreamlike landscapes, gastronomic delights and wonderful wildlife. Leaving Chiang Mai, travel to magical Southern Thailand, boasting all types of impressive scenery, from awe-inspiring beaches to tropical forests packed with flora and fauna. Giving a rich mix of cultures, wildly different from the northern regions, from their traditional cuisine to landscapes, and even language.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Chiang Rai: home of the unconventional and famous white temple, Chiang Rai is also a great place for street food and learning about the hill tribes.
Golden Triangle: this natural wilderness gained unwanted notoriety in the 1960s because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area, but today has been restored to a problem-free area.
Chiang Mai: the fragrant ‘Rose of the North’ was capital of the Lanna Kingdom founded by Mangrai the Great in the 13th century.
Phuket: among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. Blessed with more than 30 amazing beaches to choose from.
Day 1: ARRIVAL BANGKOK (30km – 30min)
After you land in Bangkok International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you before you hop on the transfer to your hotel (unescorted transfer). The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this bustling city at leisure. Perhaps you might like to indulge yourself with a traditional Thai Massage, surprise your taste buds with the amazing local flavours and cap off the day by enjoying the sunset in any of the stylish rooftop bars that have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent years… the options are limitless (own expense).
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2: BANGKOK: ROYAL GRAND PALACE & TEMPLE TOUR (5km – 15min)
Today’s tour includes three of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Wat Traimit, also known as the temple of the Golden Buddha, houses a 3-metre tall statue made from solid gold and weighing in at 5.5 tonnes. We then pass through Chinatown on our way to Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha and home to the Chedis of the Kings. At 46 metres in length and 15 metres high, the Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. Next, we make our way to the Grand Palace*, one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese royal court and used to be the residence of the kings of Bangkok. Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions including the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guesthouse and Wat Phra Keaw - the beautiful Emerald Buddha temple. To round off the outing, we stop in at a local lapidary factory and showroom where you will be able to get locally made jewellery, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices. (*The Grand Palace is closed to the public during special royal ceremonies and official government visits)
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 3: BANGKOK – MAEKLONG RAILWAY MARKET – DAMNERN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET – BANGKOK (185km – 3hrs)
Depart from Bangkok after breakfast at the hotel and head to Maeklong Railway Market, as knows as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival, the guide will introduce you to the history of this area. See the action in several minutes before the train passing through the market. The process happens so quick it will amaze you for the unique moment. Then go to the world-famous floating market of “Damnoen Saduak”, there are countless floating markets throughout the country, the colourfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruits and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. This is an exciting and fun way to see the local like and to go bargain hunting. Transfer back to Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 4: BANGKOK – CHIANG MAI (65 mins flight, not included / 5km – 15min)
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport (domestic flight not included). Arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to hotel (transfer unescorted). Pick-up at 01:30 pm in central Chiang Mai followed by a guided tour of the old town and the city’s main temples. Visit the historic Wat Suan Dok and admire its 48-metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi, which overlooks the Royal Cemetery. Continue to Wat Phra Sing in the old town and appreciate the beauty of this large complex of more than 60 buildings before visiting 14th century Wat Chedi Luang in the very heart of the old city. This ancient temple has a more rustic appearance and has been restored after decades of decay. Discover, too, the nearby Wat Chet Yot and Wat Chiang Man. Due to its age, the Chet Yot temple betrays some signs of ruin while the Chiang Man temple is renowned for its numerous elephant sculptures.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 5: CHIANG MAI – WAT PHRA DOI SUTHEP TEMPLE – WARAROT MARKET – CHIANG MAI (80kms – 3hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city. The temple is reached by climbing a 309-step naga staircase or via cable car (included). If the views are stunning, the temple itself is even better and boasts a number of dazzling structures. Continue to the bustling Wararot Market, a historical landmark renowned for the variety and quality of its products, before visiting the fragrant flower market. In the evening, enjoy a khan toke dinner (included), a traditional northern Thai feast combined with a selection of traditional cultural performances inspired by the Lanna kingdom, which dominated northern Thailand for almost five centuries.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 6: CHIANG MAI – CHIANG RAI – ELEPHANT POOPOOPAPER PARK– WAT RONG KHUN TEMPLE – CHIANG RAI (260km – 4 hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly, naturally built outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making our much talked about paper products from elephant poop fibres! The interpretive walking tour through our lush gardens brings visitors through eight different pavilions explaining each stage of our fascinating process from poo collection to rinsing to final product assembly. Visitors are encouraged to pull up a stool, roll up their sleeves and join with our talented artisans and guides and participate in our head-turning process! Complemented by the presence of rich graphics and signage, visitors will also be introduced to Chiang Mai's long and rich history of traditional papermaking and handicrafts production. After lunch (included), continue by road via Doi Saket with a stop at Wat Rong Khun, nicknamed the ‘White Temple’, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior with embedded pieces of the mirror gives it a resplendent appearance, which makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Rai, arriving in the afternoon and transferring to your accommodation.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 7: CHIANG RAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE – DEPARTURE CHIANG RAI (130km – 2hrs by land / 240min by flight, not included) / ARRIVAL PHUKET (30km – 1hr)
Check out after breakfast at the hotel and visit Chiang Sean for a panoramic view of the Golden Triangle where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet where the mighty River the Mekong flows through. Hop on a boat and take a trip around the Golden Triangle on a boat ride lasting around 30 minutes. After, enjoy lunch at the local restaurant (included) before being dropped off at Chiang Rai Airport at approximately 02:00 pm (we recommend to book flight WE 2135 with an ETD of 16:55). Arrival Bangkok Airport and connecting flight to Phuket (domestic flight Chiang Rai to Bangkok & Bangkok to Phuket not included). Meet and Greet in Phuket and transfer to your hotel. Free at leisure. Suggest by night explore Phuket' streets for handicrafts, delicious Thai food and nightly entertainment (own expense).
Overnight in Phuket.
Day 8: PHUKET
Breakfast before a free day at leisure. Phuket truly is paradise on earth. Thailand's largest and most famous dream destination is as colourful as it is cosmopolitan. Full days at leisure to relax by the pool or at the beach or to take one of the many optional activities available on the spot. Phuket is a great base for island hopping with Phi Phi and James Bond Islands within easy access and you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to discover Phuket shimmering temples and colonial mansions. Your local representative will be able to help you choose and make the necessary arrangements
Overnight in Phuket.
Day 9: PHUKET
Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a slow day of rest and relaxation.
Overnight in Phuket.
Day 10: PHUKET
Indulge in a tasty breakfast before a full day to discover Phuket on your own pace, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the wonders of this beautiful area!
Overnight in Phuket.
Day 11: DEPARTURE PHUKET (30km – 40min)
Begin your last day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Phuket Airport to continue with your travelling arrangements. The transfer is unescorted.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
