Amazing Thailand

Arrive in Bangkok Airport and transfer to your hotel. You’ll have dinner on a river cruise and indulge in a 6-course dinner of genuine Thai tastes while enjoying grand night-time views from the Chao Phraya River. Overnight in Bangkok

Today, start with a visit to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, famed for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha with feet exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations. Next up, the Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court, also housing the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Proceed across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn. In a long-tailed boat cruise down the river to Lhong 1919, one of the very few remaining samples of classic Chinese heritage in Bangkok, reflecting the history of the Thai Chinese community on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Before returning to your hotel, experience the scents and sights of Pak Klong Talad, the biggest fresh flower market in Bangkok. This evening’s adventure brings you the sophisticated flavors of Bangkok’s 200-year-old community rich with Thai Chinese traditions and delicious food. Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, has some of the world’s most renowned street food, and claims the title of the locals’ favorite dining district. Overnight in Bangkok

Depart Bangkok to travel to the Kanchanaburi province. Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Center, an interactive museum, and the Allied War Cemetery, a memorial to 6000 allied prisoners of war (POWs) who perished along the death railway line. Continue to the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai, part of the Death Railway constructed by Allied POWs, and then take a long-tailed boat upstream to see a nearby ethnic Mon Tribal Village. Dinner is followed by a 45-minute Mon Dance presentation. Overnight in River Kwai

A relaxing boat ride downstream brings you to visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial, dedicated to the Allied Prisoners of War and Asian laborers who suffered and died in the wider region during World War II. Trek along the Hellfire Pass Walking Trails and return to take a historic ride on the Death Railway Train, passing over original wooden viaducts constructed by Allied POWs. In the afternoon, transfer to the ancient city and former capital city of Siam, Ayutthaya, known as the “Venice of the East.” Overnight in Ayutthaya

Explore Ayutthaya by tuk-tuk. Discover the magnificent ruins and ancient temples in the historical park and taste the famous cotton candy dessert “Roti Sai Mai.” Continue the journey to Lopburi for lunch and then visit Prang Sam Yod, a sacred three-spired pagoda, and the Lopburi Monkey Temple. Travel on to Sukhothai with an en route stop at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, home to Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Chinnarat. Overnight in Sukhothai

Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, once a walled city surrounded by a moat, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains almost 200 chedis in a remarkable condition. Experience a Ganesha pottery village where local artisans use ancient Sangkhalok skills to produce wonderful hand-painted dishes and other objects. Transfer to Chiang Mai, and on the way, stop at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, housing the only other Emerald Buddha besides the one in Bangkok. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Today you will see the finest examples of classic Lanna architecture in northern Thailand, Wat Inthrawat. Then, you’ll meet a local family in Hang Dong and join in their daily activities, cooking traditional recipes with authentic northern Thai flavors. After sharing the meal, explore the art of Thai textiles with a visit to Studio Naenna, whose owner brought craft makers from various ethnic groups together to produce high quality and environmentally friendly products. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Enjoy a full day at the Elephant Nature Park, a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, and many other rescued animals and one of the trusted sanctuaries in Thailand. Watch the elephants bathing in the river and feeding them a healthy lunch. Your visit helps support the project and offers an invaluable opportunity to learn more about elephant conservation. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Early this morning you will be taken by Samlor (tricycle) to a nearby temple with a wonderful chance to “make merit” with the monks, which Thai Buddhists believe can earn happiness, peace in life, and the chance to progress in their next life. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, discover the charms of Old Town Chiang Mai on a bike via the back lanes and alleys to experience the modern city and the ancient temples. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Consider a unique spa experience, “The Voyage of Golden Lanna” massage, at The Chiang Mai Oasis Spa (at extra cost). Overnight in Chiang Mai

Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Phuket and transfer to your hotel. There is no better way to enjoy Phuket’s architecture than to wander through the Sino-Portuguese center, along the colorful streets and historic buildings. Phuket Town is a true melting pot of street side eateries, food stalls, trendy coffee shops, old Chinese temples, and contemporary art galleries. Finish the evening with a delicious dinner at Tu Kab Khao Restaurant, set in a beautiful colonial building and decorated in traditional Penang style; this restaurant is renowned for its traditional local flavors. Overnight in Phuket

Relax, unwind, and enjoy Phuket’s many hidden spots to achieve Jai Yen Yen (cool heart). You will visit the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery, which handcrafts rum that bind the traditional French art of distillation with the rich sugarcane heritage of Thailand for a fun tropical cocktail workshop and tour. Later, head to the second largest hill on the island to admire some of the most stunning sunsets you can find in south Thailand. Overnight in Phuket

Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport – or extend your stay in Asia!