This exciting trip explores the bustling streets of Bangkok, the amazing canal waterways which feature flourishing daily life and the beautiful north. You visit the famous Doi Suthep and markets in Chiang Mai before traveling to Chiang Rai for an interesting boat excursion on the scenic Mae Kok River and exploration of various hill tribe groups . The local people are hospitable and friendly and have a strong cultural identity, with their own dialects, cuisine and handicrafts.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Bangkok
On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand. In the midst of dynamic modern growth, this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities planned for this afternoon, however our guide is on hand to advise some available options. O/N in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok
The longtail boat trip is a perfect way to start our exploration of Bangkok. We navigate along the Chao Phraya River and venture into the many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stop over at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace. This masterpiece is dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby are the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image and the Vimarnmek Museum, the world's largest building entirely made of golden teak . We visit this complex and drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to the Wat Pho, one of the most significant temples in Bangkok. This sacred edifice houses a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town and catching up on many funny shopping areas. O/N in Bangkok. (B)

Day 3: Bangkok - Ayuthaya - Bangkok
Heading out of the town we make our way through the scenic countryside to Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD. This glamorous city was all but ultimately destroyed by the hands of Burmese, however it is still fascinating to explore the ruined temples. Among these is Wat Phra Sisanphet, an impressive monument that was used as the royal temple by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai whose the constructing patterns are very interesting. We continue to Bang Pa In, which was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs. This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles. We board a luxury boat at Wat Potangtai Pier and cruise down the river to Bangkok, a perfect way to observe the rural landscape. O/N at in Bangkok. (B,L)
* Join a group for cruise from Ayuthaya - Bangkok

Day 4: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
The following destination of our trip is Chiang Mai via a short flight from Bangkok. The capital of the north, Chiang Mai has rich historical and cultural heritage which is still evident in the architecture with over 300 temples spreading in and around. Today we visit the most famous one set on Doi Suthep Mountain and embark on a walk leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 m, the temple grounds affords a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. The tranquil town of Chiang Mai has been always noted for the exquisite handicrafts made of the hill tribe people's traditional wares. Upon leaving Doi Suthep we set off on a short drive to the neighbouring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. As a highlight of this evening , we visit the vibrant night market which is full of local treasures. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

Day 5: Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
An early morning start to drive towards Chiang Rai, our base for exploration of the Golden Triangle. The drive is long but views are fantastic. On arrival we board a longtail boat for a thrilling trip upstream on the Mae Kok River through the breathtaking mountain landscape to a Karen hilltribe village. This ethnic group is originated from Burma, but had settled there long time ago, forming the largest tribal population in northern Thailand. Upon leaving this village we embark on a walk to the elephant camp and enjoy a two hour elephant ride back through the jungle to the Yao and Akha Hilltribes. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N at Chiang Rai. (B)

Day 6: Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Bangkok
The royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the Mekong riverbank which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. Today we travel by roads to Chiang Saen and visit some major sights including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. The journey continues towards the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. On arrival we have time to stroll around and make a stop at the opium museum. The display of pictures and documents feature the opium story dating back to the early last century onwards. Afterwards we make our way through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery to Mae Sai Town which now becomes a trading hub of Thailand and Burma. There is not much to see in this town but it is till very interesting to catch a look of Burma side. We drive back to Chiang Rai and board a flight back to the capital city. O/N in Bangkok. (B)

Day 7: Bangkok - Departure
There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and tourist bus + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner + English or French speaking guide + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Elephant excursion + Boat trip in Bangkok and Chiang Rai, boat trip Ayuthaya - Bangkok ( S.I.C)*

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Thailand, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

TRIP NOTES

* THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

* THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

* THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, JACKET FOR COLD WEATHER, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

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