Discover Thailand
This program is a perfect introduction to Thailand. Begin in Bangkok, where you'll travel by private longtail boat along the Chao Phraya River and its residential canals. Visit the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace, and the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, a glistening temple that houses the country's most sacred religious image - the Emerald Buddha. Visit Bangkok's flower market, where women weave colorful offerings and garlands. Make an early morning visit to the Marble temple to witness monks practicing their morning chants. Permission will be arranged for you to visit the Prasart Museum, a private art collection housed in an exclusive private Bangkok estate. Also visit the Jim Thompson House, a beautiful Thai-style home that once belonged to silk industry legend, Jim Thompson. Next fly to Chiang Rai province, home to colorful tribal groups who once migrated from southern China. Touring in the Golden Triangle includes local hilltribe villages, the ancient ruins at Chiang Saen, a boat ride on the Mae Kok River, and an elephant ride through rice paddies. Continue by road to the northern capital of Chiang Mai, where you'll visit the sacred temple atop Doi Suthep, and the handicraft workshops for which Chiang Mai is best known. Next, spend three relaxing nights at a resort in Phuket, where activities such as sailing, spa treatments, snorkeling, and sea canoeing are among the possibilities. Return to Bangkok for your final night in Thailand.
Highlights
- Explore the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of local street vendors and markets.
- Explore the hills around Chiang Mai for an authentic rural adventure in Thailand.
- Discover Chiang Rai's cultural charm and natural beauty in northern Thailand.
- Relax on one of Phuket's beautiful beaches.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok;
Day 2: Full day city tour;
Day 3: Morning city tour, afternoon at leisure;
Day 4: Fly to Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle and Doi Tung Hilltribe Project touring;
Day 5: Elephant Safari;
Day 6: Drive to Chiang Mai;
Day 7: Morning visit to Doi Suthep, afternoon tour handicraft shops;
Day 8: At leisure in Chiang Mai;
Day 9: Fly to Phuket;
Days 10-11: At leisure in Phuket;
Day 12: Fly to Bangkok;
Day 13: Depart Bangkok