Best of Thailand

ITINERARY

8 Days: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai

Tour Overview:
From the electric energy of Bangkok to the serenity Chiang Rai, Thailand is a jewel, one sparkling with a rich culture, diverse landscape, and abundance of friendly people. Make an unforgettable destination more so with a visit to a hill tribe village, a walk around palatial temples, and a cruise down the Mekong Delta.

Day 1- Arrive Bangkok

Arrive this morning in Bangkok, the vibrant and throbbing capital city of Thailand. You are welcomed and escorted to your hotel. Built on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, this “City of Angels” has a fascinating appeal that is difficult to resist. The day is at leisure to relax and recover from the long flight.

Day 2- Klongs and China Town Tour / Grand Palace & Wat Po

Travel by motor launch on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and canals, or klongs, to observe the serene family homes and temples along the waterways. You will pass the famous Royal Barges, excellent samples of Thai craftsmanship and stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Then visit Grand Palace, the former residence for the Thai kings. Visit the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Funeral Hall and the beautiful Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keo. Visit Wat Po, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Ride on a tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled taxi, to Chinatown for a short walk. (BL)

Day 3- Bangkok

The day is free to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 4- Bangkok /Chiang Rai

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 5- Golden Triangle Excursion

Visit the Golden Triangle (its sights and scenes present images of a traditional way of life unknown in the western world) followed by boat ride on the Mekong River to see activities along the border of Laos. Stop at Donsao Island on to visit the local market selling local handicrafts. (BL)

Day 6- Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai

Morning drive to Chiang Mai with stop at hot springs en route. Upon arrival visit Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s Royal Families are interred. Proceed to Wat Jet Yod with its seven spires and incredible architecture commemorating the year 2000 of the Buddha era. Then drive up Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep (built in A.D. 1384). Wat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. (B)

Day 7- Morning Market / Hill Tribes / Handicraft Village

Early this morning leave your hotel for Tapae Gate to witness the traditional Thai culture of offering food to Buddhist monks. Take a rickshaw ride to Chiang Mai Gate to visit the morning market. Continue to WatSrisoda at the foot of DoiSuthep where you can see the Buddhist monks have their morning prayers. Following breakfast, visit the jungle area to experience the hill tribe village of Yao, Akha, and Longneck to see their way of life. In the afternoon, visit a handicraft village to see the manufacturing of lacquerware, the weaving of Thai silk, paper umbrella making, woodcarving, silverware-making and more delightful arts. This evening, feast at a Khantoke dinner with authentic traditional performances featuring regional tribes. (BD)

Day 8- Chiang Mai / Home

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home, carrying with you treasured memories of your journey to Thailand. (B)