Day 1 Fly USA to Bangkok

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand

Upon arrival and after clearing customs and immigration, a driver will meet you and transfer you directly to your downtown hotel.

An exciting brew of traffic and temples, luxury hotels and labyrinth-like streets, the “City of Angels,” is a hectic heaven. This inexhaustible energy is part of Bangkok’s charm, and it has made this feisty capital one of Asia’s favorite tourist destinations. Cutting through the heart of the city, the magnificent Chao Phraya River, “the River of Kings” provides easy access to Bangkok’s numerous Buddhist temples and the Grand Palace, as well offering insight into Thai life.

Day 3 Tour - Klong Cruise and Grand Palace

Take a morning boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, known as the ‘River of Kings’ and its quiet canals, on the West Side of Bangkok. Life along the river and canals is very interesting especially in the Orchis area. Stop at the Temple of Dawn 'Wat Arun' which is one of the city’s landmarks and visit the Royal Palace to see Dusit Hall (funeral hall), holy Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), and a fabulous Buddha image, carved from a single piece of Jade.

Tour - Bangkok city and temple tour

This afternoon you will visit some other notable temples in the city. Thailand has over 26,000 temples (or Wats). This tour will bring you to three of the most distinguished temples in Bangkok. Wat Trimitr, the temple of the Golden Buddha, features a statue made from solid Gold weighing 5.5 tons. It is a fine example of Sukhothai art and was discovered by chance from a layer of stucco during construction of the temple.

Passing through Chinatown your next stop is Wat Po, the temple of the reclining Buddha which is the largest and oldest in Bangkok. Your last stop is at Wat Benchamabopit or the marble temple. This magnificent monastery was built with white Italian marble from Carrara.

Day 4 At leisure, Bangkok

Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is a city that displays 30,000 lavish temples and a great variety of colorful architecture. Treat your eyes to a parade of colorful canoes laden with everything from juicy mangoes to jolly-faced souvenirs at the Damnern Saduak Floating Market, or paddle up to one of the floating markets and order a bowl of steaming noodles.

Day 5 Fly Bangkok to Chiang Mai

An English speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby for your private airport transfer for your flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.

Chiang Mai is the gateway city to Thailand’s lush north and its rustic hill tribe villages. Dating back 700 years, the focal point is “Old City,” the walled and moated remains of an imposing fortress.

Surrounding this historic site is a blossoming city containing all the characteristics of a modern town. World class restaurants and idyllic hotel retreats include the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi. This is the place to pet an elephant as you enjoy off-road driving on the back of a gentle giant, or take to a bamboo raft for a watery fun-filled afternoon.

Day 6 Tour - Elephants at work half day tour

A pleasant morning is spent in the company of these magnificent gentle giants.

In present day Thailand, elephants are only used as tremendously powerful beasts of burden. But in the earlier times, they were a vital part of the King's army and played a very important role in Thai History.

On this trip you will witness the traditional techniques still used in the training process. Wonder at the delicacy and preciseness of such gigantic creatures in action. For a small fee, the adventurous can also enjoy the short but unforgettable elephant ride!

On the return journey to the hotel a stop is made at the beautiful Mae Sa Waterfall, as well as one of the region's orchid farms displaying a full variety of some of Thailand's exquisite blooms.

Tour - Chiang Mai city and temple tour

Today your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby, and you will depart for the tour. The city of Chiang Mai has a wealth of beautiful and historic Buddhist Wats (temples), 36 Wats within the old city walls and many more in the surrounding countryside, and on this tour a visit to the most fascinating Wats is made.

Near the summit of Doi Suthep, a 1,600 meters peak named after the hermit Sudeva who lived on the mountain’s slopes for many years is the 600 year old temple of Wat. After a drive up the mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via an enormous mythological Nagas (Dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. Inside the cloister is an intriguing copper-plated chedi topped by a five- tier gold parasol, which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai from the temple grounds.

Day 7 Fly Chiang Mai to Phuket

An English speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby for your private airport transfer for your flight to Phuket. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.

Day 8 Tour - Phi Phi Island full day tour

A full day out to visit the two most beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea, a perfect combination tour for those who have limited time to explore this area. Enjoy an hour ride on a speed boat to the most famous island in Asia, Phi Phi. Discover the fantastic landscapes of ‘Maya Bay' now famous due to the new film called 'The Beach'.  Enjoy a great lunch at a beachside on Phi Phi Island. After lunch another 10 minute ride to a secluded beach where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sun bathing.

Day 9 At Leisure, Phuket

Although Phuket’s name is derived from the Malaysian word “Bukit,” meaning “mountain,” it is the island’s sheltered coves and long stretches of pristine beach that draw most visitors to its shores. The warm waters of the Andaman Sea beckon a plethora of water sports ranging from snorkeling to windsurfing, and yield the best seafood in Thailand. If you can tear yourself away from that perfect spot on the beach, go on a safari and explore Phuket’s lush jungles.

Day 10 Fly Phuket to Bangkok

An English speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby for your private airport transfer for your late afternoon flight to Bangkok. On arrival, make your own way by foot to the airport hotel connected to the Bangkok Airport terminal by overhead causeway.

Day 11 Fly Bangkok to USA

Make your own way on foot to the check-in area for your flight home.

Hotels

Bangkok

• Novotel Siam Square
• Sofitel Silom Hotel Bangkok
• Shangri-La Hotel

Chiang Mai

• Holiday Inn
• The Chedi

Phuket

• Novotel Panwa Resort
• Katathani Beach Resort
• JW Marriott

3/09