Thailand Splendors

Arrive at the Bangkok International Airport and transfer to your hotel (transfer unescorted). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps indulge yourself with a traditional Thai massage, delight your taste buds with the amazing local flavors and cap off the day by enjoying the sunset at any of the stylish rooftop bars which have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent years - the options are limitless. Overnight in hotel in Bangkok.

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 tons. 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. Overnight in hotel in Bangkok. Breakfast included. (*The Grand Palace is closed to the public during special royal ceremonies and official government visits.)

Depart from Bangkok and head to Maeklong Railway Market, as known as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival the guide will introduce you to the history of this area. When the train arrives, you’ll witness something even more astonishing: the train blows its horn, the merchants fold up quickly, and as soon as the carriages have passed, they’re back in place. Everything happens very quickly. Then go to the world-famous floating market of “Damnoen Saduak”, there are countless floating markets throughout the country, the colorfully 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 life and to go bargain hunting. Transfer back to Bangkok.

Breakfast at the hotel, then leisure time before your transfer to Bangkok airport (unescorted transfer). Arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (domestic flight is included), with meet-and greet service and transfer to your hotel (unescorted transfer). At 13.00, pick-up at hotel and make our way 15 km outside of Chiang Mai to visit the beautiful golden Doi Suthep temple. This ornate temple’s origins date back to the 14th century and according to legend, it is said that the temple houses an important relic, one of Buddha’s bones. Climb up more than 300 steps to the temple for some great panoramic views and enjoy this magical experience. Next, we continue up the mountain of Doi Poi, located in a national park. Go up the mountain and get acquainted with the people of the White Hmong hill tribe village. Here you see the Hmong in their traditional costumes selling their wide range of antiques, decorative ornaments and fabrics. The villagers now earn their living by planting vegetables and growing fruit, having replaced their traditional cash crop - the opium poppy. Return to hotel. Enjoy the rest of the free day to do as you like. Relax in the hotel or perhaps go out and explore the charming old town, which is surrounded by historic city walls and a moat. Wander its streets lined with small traditional stores and food stands serving typical Thai fare. In the evening, the night market is a must, with an impressive selection of artisanal products, colorful souvenirs, tasty snacks and more. Get ready to bargain!

An early morning drive through the beautiful Northern scenery, with a stop at the Hot Springs at Mae Kajan. We drive on to visit Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) which is completely white in colour. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. As an option, you have a chance to enjoy a boat ride to view the scenery and splendor of the mighty Mekong River. On our way back to Chiang Mai, a visit to a Longneck village is optional (on request). Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai.

Begin the day with a tasty breakfast. After breakfast, depart from hotel to visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, an amazing experience with these beautiful creatures. See the elephants in a happy environment surrounding by pristine scenery. Enjoy a delicious lunch served at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary camp. Return to hotel. Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure until your transfer to Chiang Mai airport.