13 Days Thailand Highlights

Arrive Bangkok Airport, meet with our airport representative who will take you to a private vehicle transfer to your hotel (no guide escort)Remaining of the day is free at leisure.

 Accom:           Center Point Hotel Silom, Deluxe

Meal:               None

Breakfast at hotel

Morning visit Grand Palace. The Palace was the residence of the early Chakri Dynasty kings built some 210 years ago. The architecture is so stunning & breathtaking that you will need tons of film with you for your cameras.   The complex houses not only the Royal residence and throne halls, but also government offices and the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, containing the most revered the Emerald Buddha Image in the country. 

Notes:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->§  <!--[endif]-->It is recommended that for religious reasons, ladies should wear short-sleeves top with full length trousers or knee length skirts. Gentlemen should wear trousers and short-sleeved shirts.  Any good walking shoes are accepted and shoes must be removed before entering any temples.

 A short boat ride to Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is a landmark temple on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya river. It’s easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location but also because the design is very different from the other temples you can visit in the Thai capital. Wat Arun (nicknamed the 'Temple of Dawn') is partly made up of colourfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water.

Lunch will be provided at local restaurant. 

Take fun ride on Tuk Tuk to visit flower market of Pak Klong Talad.  Stalls feature local and imported fresh-cut flowers piled high: delicate orchids, bunches of colorful carnations, fragrant roses, lilies, forget-me-nots, and more. Vendors also sell flower arrangements and hand-strung garlands.

Return to Bangkok late afternoon.  Free time at leisure.

Accom:           Center Point Hotel Silom, Deluxe

Meal:               Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at hotel

Depart from hotel late morning for a fun day hunting for signature street food! China Town – try out famous shrimp dumpling from a hidden Michelin Restaurant etc. Or Tor Kor Market – 1 of top 10 best fresh market in the world by CNN in 2017

Accom:           Center Point Hotel Silom, Deluxe

Meal:               Breakfast / Food & Snacks testing 

Breakfast at hotel

Get out of bustling Bangkok and visit the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi! Satisfy your curiosity with a dose of culture as you explore the historical landmark. Witness the beat-up old streets symbolic of Kanchanaburi's tragedies and triumphs during World War II under the imperial rule of the Japanese. Moving on towards the infamous Death Railway for scenic views of the River Kwai. Stroll around at the Historic Old Street—one of the last ancient pieces within Kanchanaburi—popular for its night markets and allied cemeteries. Dig deeper into Thailand's war chronicles as you recount the unfortunate events on a boat ride on River Kwai. End the tour with a relaxing walk on the River Kwai Bridge.

Get on train ride to Tham Krasae.   Lunch will be provided at local restaurant. 

Check-in at your hotel, remaining of the day is free at leisure

 Accom:           Boutique Raft Resort, River Kwai Suite

Meal:               Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at hotel

We will drive you to Hellfire Pass and the Memorial Museum dedicated to the memory of all men and women who worked and died during World World II. The complex consists of a memorial site located within Hellfire Pass (Konyu Cutting), a museum exhibiting artifacts and the Memorial Walking Trail where we are going to hike.

 Lunch will be provided at local restaurant.

Continue to “Saiyok Noi Waterfall”, known as "Khao Phang Waterfall”, is a well-known waterfall with limestone cliffs collapsing and that became the origin of the name "Khao Phang Waterfall”. The upstream falls from the mountain and flows along the limestone cliffs about 15-meter high, spreading over the sloping ground in the area.

 Return to hotel in the afternoon, remaining of the day is free at leisure.

 Accom:           Boutique Raft Resort, River Kwai Suite

Meal:               Breakfast / Lunch 

Breakfast at hotel

Heading to Ayutthaya The day go back in time to the Historic City of Ayutthaya (2^nd capital of Thailand), also known as a UNESCO World Heritage site. First visit is at Wat Chai Wattanaram, a Buddhist temple built in 1630. Continue to Wat Putthai Sawam with the most striking aspect of a white Prang (Khmer-style pagoda located in the middle of the ancient compound.  Wat Putthai Sawan was one of the temples that survived the destruction during the second fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, so the temple remains in its decent condition in present day. Moreover, Wat Phutthaisawan is also well known as a krabi-krabong (ancient Thai sword fighting) school since Ayutthaya period until the present day under the name "Phutthaisawan Sword School" Get on Frog-headed Tuk Tuk hunting for famous dish of Ayutthaya for lunch such as fresh river fish dishes, grilled giant river prawn, Roti Saimai or Roti-wrapped (candy floss or a dessert with Islamic influences) Continue to Wat Mahathat, “the temple of the Great Relic” was one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Located on the historical island the large monastery features a huge central prang, a very large principal viharn and ubosot and a great number of subsidiary chedis and viharns. The upper part of its once massive central prang has collapsed. Today only the base remains.  One of the temple’s most photographed objects is the head of a stone Buddha image entwined in the roots of a tree.

Ended up the day at “Chao Sam Phraya National Museum”, created specifically to house the treasures that were found in the towers of the two temples of Wat Ratchaburna & Wat Mahathat.

Drop off at Ayutthaya Railway Station for overnight train to Chiang Mai

 Accom:           1^st class overnight train with private compartment

rrival in Chiang Mai!

Meet your guide and private vehicle who will take you to local style breakfast Get on traditional style transportation “Sam Lor” or rickshaw to visit Wat San Pakoy, Warorot, and Ton Lamyai markets.  You will cross the iconic Iron Bridge and the recently re-opened Chansom Memorial footbridge.

Check-in at hotel.  Remaining of the day is free at leisure

 Accom:           Yaang Come Village, Superior

Meal:               Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel

Depart from hotel 08.30 am. To Doi Suthep – Pui National Park which takes around 30 minute drive.  First stop is at Palad Temple or Wat Pha Lat, it features magical temple grounds including a waterfall, forest paths and stunning views of Chiang Mai city.  Continue  to Wat Pha That Doi Suthep or Doi Suthep Temple, one of  northern Thailand’s most sacred temple.  This is an important pilgrimage spot for the devout and high respect to many Thai.  Enjoy magnificent of its Golden Chedi glowing and spectacular views of the whole city.  

Lunch will let you experience famous northern Thai dish “Khao Soy” which is also on CNN Travel 2022 recommend guide.  

After lunch, drive to the elephant park, take part of the elephant care and their everyday needs includes feeding, bathing and walking with them for exercise.  It is and amazing experience in which you get to see and feel them.  Finally, we say goodbye to them and change your clothes before heading back to your hotel.

Accom:           Yaang Come Village, Superior

Meal:               Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at hotel

We depart from your hotel to Southern area which takes about a 2-hour drive. Doi Inthanon National Park is Thailand’s highest mountain which is a true jewel of natural beauty, consisting of rugged mountainous terrain blanketed by lush tropical forests and majestic waterfalls. First, we stop at the highest peak to see incredible panoramic views. Then, travel to Angkha Nature Trail to discover Rhododendrons and forest which can only been seen at this high elevation. After that, we visit twin pagodas which were built by the Royal Thai Air Force in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Majesties The King and Queen. Next, we visit Hmong hill tribe Market.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we continue to Karen hill tribe village where you can sample the mountain coffee and learn about the culture.  Finally, we drive to Wachirathan Waterfall, one of Inthanond’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Accom:           Yaang Come Village, Superior

Meal:               Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at hotel

Wat Rong Khun, often referred to as the White Temple, is an architectural marvel that captivates visitors with its ethereal beauty and symbolic storytelling. Its gleaming white facade, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering fragments of mirror, creates a mesmerizing sight. Stepping inside, one is enveloped by a world of artistic wonder, where modern art merges harmoniously with traditional Buddhist elements, leaving an indelible impression of spiritual serenity.

Lunch will be provided at local restaurant.  Afternoon check-in at your hotel, remaining of the day is free at leisure

 Accom:           Imperial River House, Deluxe Pool View

Meal:               Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at hotel

The enchanting Golden Triangle, nestled at the meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, exudes an air of intrigue and mystique. Here, ancient traditions and captivating landscapes converge, offering a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia. Continue to Opium Hall, stands as a testament to a complex era of history. This thought-provoking museum invites visitors to delve into the stories and consequences of the opium trade, unraveling its impact on the region and its people.

Next move is your lunch in the middle of nowhere!

You will be met at the bottom of the little hill nearby Mekong River, get in the rustic farmer truck drive through the mountain with scenic road.  Enjoy your unique lunch at this La Vallee, the little place you would never find by accident!  

Head back to Chiang Rai town. One more stop for coffee and refreshment at the pottery artist house ”Doi Din Daeng” A humble place nestled in a quiet hill farmland area that exists to inspire. A walk-in natural studio of huge amounts of creative and colorful artworks fused with Japanese home style architecture, artist Somluk Pantiboon makes the visitor feel right at home. Pottery that can be both functional and aesthetically peaceful, is displayed across the red soil and bamboo shaded adobe. A magical gem that can have you transfixed in all of the craft for hours.

Enjoy your fresh coffee with cakes. It is set in trees and lots of shade and very peaceful to hear the birds singing and soft music playing as you sip on your coffee.

Arrive your hotel late afternoon, remaining for the day is free at leisure

Accom:           Imperial River House, Deluxe Pool View

Meal:               Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon coffee at Doi Din Daeng

Breakfast at hotel

Morning visit Blue Temple which is immediately recognizable for its brilliant shade of rich sapphire. The temple walls, roof, and surrounding statues are all covered in this gorgeous hue, an unusual decorative choice in a country where most temples are made of gold. This color is symbolically associated with purity, wisdom, and the lack of materialism that Buddhists aspire to.

Next one is Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs.

Lunch at Chivit Thamma Da Café & Restaurant before your afternoon flight return to Bangkok

Arrive Bangkok Airport, meet with our airport representative who will take you to a private vehicle transfer to your hotel (no guide escort)

Remaining of the day is free at leisure.

Accom:           Moevenpick Sukhumvist 15, Superior

Meal:               Breakfast / Lunch

Breakfast at hotel

Private car pick up from hotel to Bangkok Airport for departure flight (no guide escort)

Meal:               Breakfast