Enchanting Thailand 15 Nights / 16 Days

Destination:
Bangkok-Ayuthaya-Chiang Mai-Mae Hongson-Chiang Rai-Phuket Island-Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay islands.

Trip Grade: Easy, fun and relaxing
Best Season: Thailand is best from November to March. However, this tour operates throughout the year.

Highlights of Bangkok:
Welcome to Bangkok, the capital and the major metropolitan city of Thailand! The Grand Palace, ancient temples, river boat cruise, floating market, classical Thai dance, elephant show, and crocodile farm are some of the highlights of the tour here. The bustling capital offers sightseers a full range of historic monuments and avant-garde modern architecture. Temples, monasteries, museums, libraries, cultural centers, safari parks, huge shopping complexes and first class hotels make Bangkok one of the greatest cities in the Far East. Our guided tours will take you through most attractive historic monuments and sites of Bangkok.

Ancient Capital City of Ayuthaya: Ayuthaya, historic ruins of second Thai capital from 1350 to 1767, was the seat of 33 kings. During this period Thai culture flourished and so did international relations with the Dutch, French, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese. Ayuthaya, situated in the middle of the Pasak River, boasts uncountable ancient temples, monuments, ruins and stupas. The Ayuthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO declared World Heritage site. In 1767, the Burnese Army conquered and burnt down Ayuthaya to complete ruins. Although it suffered a great destruction, Ayuthaya is still a very attractive to visit and is only 82 kilometers north of Bangkok. Other attractions in Ayuthaya that we incorporate as part of our tour are The Bang Pa In-Summer Palace and the Bang Sai Art Village under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Queen Sirikit.

Highlights of Chiang Mai, Mae Hongson and Chiang Rai:
Chiang Mai, the northern province of Thailand, founded by King Mengrai in 1296. This northern region was known as the Lan Na Thai kingdom in the 13th to 14th centuries. Chiang Mai is the most active trading post in the north and a vibrant university center. Visitors will be amazed by the well over 300 temples and its scenic landscape. Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon (2595 meters above sea level), crowns the north. Here, travelers can enjoy scenic trekking, elephant riding, hiking through hill tribe villages, bamboo rafting and magnificent vistas at sunset and sunrise. The province is home to many hill tribes with distinct cultures. Extraordinary woodcarvings, silverware and the artworks, beautiful flower festival parades and diverse cultures are some of the attractions here. Chiang Mai offers variety of top five star, middle class and tourist class hotels in the latest styles with spa, both boutique and traditional.

Mae Hongson, a northwestern province bordering with Myanmar, is the home of diverse ethnic minority groups. The Shangri-La like province is very remote, mountainous and far less developed than neighboring Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and fewer tourists visit here. Scenic trekking, river trips, mountain biking and hill tribe village excursions are a few of the leisure to adventure tours offered here. The province offers various standards of hotels and eco resorts. Join us to explore the nature and culture of northern Thailand.

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province in the Golden Triangle area, offer sightseers historic monuments, temples, museums, scenic hills for trekking, river trips, tea estates and hill tribe village excursions and local cultural artifacts among the key attractions of this province. The province is accessible by road and air. Chiang Rai can cater visitors to variety of luxury five star, middle class and tourist class hotels with spa facilities.
Join Discover Asia Travel to explore the nature and culture of northern Thailand.

Highlights of Phuket Island:
Phuket island, in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island Province, was first to develop a tourism industry. It is still a leader in luxury hospitality and a sophisticated international resort destination. This "treasure island" of Thailand earns its reputation with top resort accommodations, delicious seafood, top golf courses, beautiful coral reefs for scuba diving and snorkeling, sea kayaking through scenic karsts islands with beautiful caves, sailing, elephant rides, cultural shows, and its spectacular views. Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea and other nearby islets are perfect destinations for daily excursions and short overnight trips.

Itinerary: Enchanting Thailand 16 Days:
Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Meet on arrival at Bangkok International Airport and transfer to hotel.
Remaining time at leisure.
Briefing on tour schedule, staff introduction and various necessities to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Meals: None.

Day 2 Bangkok Royal Grand Palace and ancient Temples.
Breakfast at the hotel,
08:00am depart to visit the National Museum in Bangkok. The visit to the National Museum is to give you an insight about the history of Thailand, its people and culture. Museum opens 9.00am to 4.00pm, and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and National holidays.

Next, we visit Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) is the oldest, largest and most visited temple in Bangkok, which is also well known as the first open university of Thailand; for example, Thai people learned therapeutic Thai massage techniques from this temple.

Visit the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) located within the palace complex, various halls of royal function such as Amarindra Throne Hall, Chakri Mahaprasart and Dusit Mahaprasart Throne Hall and the residential area. Wat Pra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of the most beautiful temples in the royal grand palace compound. The temple itself is being used for principal royal function and royal chapel. This temple is the repository of The Emerald Buddha, the most holy Buddha Image of Thai Buddhism. The Image is carved in semiprecious green stone 66cm high. The temple is regarded as the oldest and the most beautiful decoration in the country.

Dress Code: Formal attire is required to enter the Royal Grand Palace. Thus, please wear comfortable casual clothes while touring the Royal Grand Palace. High cut-shorts, skirts, beach attires, bare shoulders and ankles are not allowed. If you are not in proper attire, you will be asked to rent one at the palace gate! Recommendation on Foot Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes covering your ankles; Tevas covering ankles are acceptable.
Wear shoes that you can take off and put on easily while visiting the temples.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant near the Chaophraya River around noon, depending on when you finish the tour inside the Grand Palace.

Canal tour after lunch, we board on long-tail boat and cruise along the main river of Thailand's Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings). There are well over 100 canals in Bangkok. Hence, it is often called the "Venice of the east". Early Thai lifestyle of dwelling along the riverbanks is still experienced in this hustle and bustle of the modern city of Bangkok.

Canal tour gives you an opportunity to observe how the local people live here. Bangkok has many canal ways, many of which are still active. The canal tour also takes you to the impressive Royal Barge Museum located at the riverbank.

End of canal tour, visit Wat Arun (The Temple of dawn), the former palace of King Taksin of Thonburi (period 1767-1782), one of the most revered temple of Thailand, and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: BL.

Day 3 Ayuthaya Historical Park and to Chiang Mai
Breakfast at hotel and depart to see Ancient Capital city of Ayuthaya.
We'll see Bang-pa-in, the famous summer palace of the royal family, which was built about a century ago. Here, different buildings reveal different architectural designs - Thai, Italian, and Chinese. We'll drive to the town of Ayuthaya via Wat Phanancheang and visit the largest sitting Buddha image, Luangpor Tor. Made from gilded brick and plaster, this Buddha's knee span is 45 feet, and its height from shin to scalp is 62 feet. Records indicate that it was built in 1324, about 20 years before Ayuthaya was founded. Other highlights include the ruins of the Royal Grand Palace built by King Trilokanart in the 15th century and Wat Mahathat, said to hold a holy relic of the Buddha. Historians don't know who built this later temple, but it is believed that it was either the second king or the fourth king of Ayuthaya.

Finally, we'll pay a visit to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, built by king U Tong in 1357, which was once famous for meditation temple. The compound contains a very large stupa from which the wat takes its name and a large reclining Buddha; Buddhist monks and nuns reside within the temple ground.

We'll then drive to Bangkok Airport for a flight to Chiang Mai.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Dinner is on your own as there are many choices of local and international cuisines in town. The dazzling night bazaar of Chiang Mai opens from around six O'clock in the evening till midnight if you love shopping. Stroll at leisure to pick up your favorite souvenirs.
Meals: BL.

Day 4 Wat Prathad Doi Suthep and Handicrafts
Breakfast at the hotel and depart to Chiang Mai National Museum and the Hill-Tribe Museum. After the museum visits, we drive to visit Wat Prathad Doi Suthep, which proclaim to have a holy relic of Lord Buddha, the most celebrated temple in Chiang Mai located on a scenic hilltop inside the Doi-Pui National Park. To reach the temple, we drive up the base of Doi Suthep, and climb up 300 steps to get to the temple courtyard. Both sides of the steps are flanked by enormous mythological Nagas (snakes). A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. Those of you do not wish to walk up the stairs can take the tram both ways. Then, we will return to Chiang Mai town for lunch break.

Chiang Mai Handicraft and cottage industry in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we visit local handicraft centers on Sankampaeng Road to see Thai silk and cotton loom industries, Bo-sang the paper and umbrella-making village; lacquer-ware, teak-wood carving, jewelry, and silverware artworks.
This particular street in Chiang Mai is set aside for small and medium handicraft as well as cottage industries to show case and make their products. Thus, visitors can see how the local handicrafts are made, a first hand experience. Then, return to hotel and at leisure until departure for Khantoke Dinner.

Evening-we enjoy Kantoke Dinner, traditional northern Thai welcome dinner, and observe Northern Thai folk song and dance performed by different hill-tribes in their colorful costumes. Each tribe is different in costumes, dialects, and culture. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai. Meals. BLD.

Day 5 Chiang Mai to Maehongson flight and tour
After breakfast, we'll transfer to Chiang Mai airport to catch a flight to Mae Hong Son. Upon arrival, we'll check into our eco resort in the ambience of nature and have lunch. In the afternoon, we'll take a leisurely tour of the ancient temples, such as Wat Jong Kham, Wat Jong Klang near the city and then walk to Wat Phra Thart Doi Kong Moo, situated atop a hill with panoramic view of Mae Hongson Valleys. We'll overnight at resort. Meals: BLD.

Day 6 Nature and Culture of Maehongson
In the early morning, we'll visit the Mae Hong Son morning market, return to hotel to eat breakfast, and drive to a local pier on the Pai River. We'll then board a long-tail boat and ride downstream to visit the long-necked Padong hill tribe people at the Karen village and its school. Then, We'll long-tail boat up river to eat lunch at a local restaurant and return to resort to relax at the pool remaining part of the day.
We'll overnight at the resort again. Meals: BLD.

Day 7 Mae Hongson nature hike and overland to Pai
Breakfast at the resort and hike in the Nam Tok Mae Surin National Park nature trails in cool morning temperature. Be in hiking boots, wear comfortable clothes for walking, and carry plenty of water. It is a nice hike along the stream to the waterfall. We can hear some birds and possibly sight some wildlife. Sighting wildlife is not easy; so, keep your fingers crossed for luck! We return to resort, check out, have lunch and drive to Pai with en-route excursions to Lod Cave wildlife in the forest of Pang Mapha District about 77km. Here, nature creates an exotic subterranean wonder of darkness and mystery that is the Nam Lod Cave. It has a stream run from the cave mouth through the other side of the mountain, a route where visitors may travel by foot or raft to explore the 1 kilometer long cave along which beautiful stalactites and stalagmites can be found. This cave also has old remains of utensils and coffins. Next, we visit the Lisu and Lahu tribe people, and a Lisu village museum. Then continue journey to Pai for overnight.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Pai. Meals: BL.

Day 8 Elephant trekking and bamboo rafting
Early breakfast at the hotel, and drive through a scenic road to Chiang Dao elephant camp. Watch the elephants taking their bath in the stream and their skills at work. Then start an exciting elephant ride through the semi-jungle vegetation to visit a Lisu hill-tribe village for one and half hours. Return trek to the elephant camp.

Next, we take bamboo rafting down the scenic Mae Ping River for forty-five minutes; along the river, you can see various species of birds and squirrels. End of bamboo rafting, transfer to a country resort with spa facilities for the evening.
Meals: BL.

Remarks: Please note that elephant camps cannot be stationary in one mentioned location permanently because Government regulations in relation with deforestation, land management, private property regulation, and environmental factors could force the camp to move elsewhere. If the mentioned venue is not available, an alternative will be offered. This information must be updated close to trip departure.

Day 9 Overland to Thaton and at Leisure
Breakfast at resort, and drive to Thaton through the scenic road.
En-route stops are made at scenic places and at Wat Tha Ton to see the scenic valley. Next, take a short ride on long tail boat to Huai Khum Village Resort, the only boutique as well as eco resort in the Mae Kok River valley, is truly a paradise. On arrival, check in, have lunch and remaining time at leisure. Swim at its beautiful pool, walk along in the nearby village or simply relax to enjoy the scenery. Evening-we will have dinner with Lahu folk song and dance show.
Meals: BLD.

Day 10 Thaton-Golden Triangle of Chiang Rai
Early morning breakfast and travel by long tail boat down the Nam Mae Kok River. Along the way, we will stop to visit hill-tribe villages such Ban Jakkhu and Ban Ruamit. At the end of boat trip, we will drive to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos borders meet. We'll enjoy the scenic view of the Mekong River and the triangular border area from the Thai side. Next, we'll visit the Chiang Saen National Museum. Lunch served en-route at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai.
Meals: BLD.

Day 11 Chiang Rai-Bangkok-Phuket Flight
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for a flight to Bangkok and to Phuket. On arrival, transfer to beach resort and remaining time at leisure.
Meals: BD.

Day 12 Phang Nga Bay Sea Kayak
Breakfast at hotel and depart by van to Ao Pow Pier.
Board escort boat and cruise to the islands of Phang Nga Bay.
On arrival, our kayak guides will give you safety instructions.
Kayak through scenic limestone karsts islands, tidal tunnels and caves, which lead to lagoons inside, truly a magical place, surrounded by lush vegetation. Beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and bats are the attractions in the caves.
Fresh seafood lunch is served on board. After lunch, swim, relax, and paddle through the beautiful islands of Phang Nga before returning to Ao paw Pier around four O'clock in the afternoon and transfer to your resort.
Meals: BL.

Day 13 Phi Phi Island Snorkel trip
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Phi Phi Island Marine National Park.
First snorkeling at Maya Bay, a very beautiful spot with crystal clear waters.
Speedboat along the rocky limestone hill around Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay. Enter the cove of Pileh Bay, the blue lagoon of paradise, where we will enjoy swimming in the natural pool. Then, cruise past the Viking Cave, where many the swallows make their nests, and stop at Monkey Beach to see the sea monkeys. Around noon, set menu lunch will be served at Phi Phi Don Island.
After lunch, at leisure to explore the famous Ton Sai and Loh Dalum Bay, often referred as twin bay.
In the afternoon, leave Phi Phi Island to Maya, the heaven of snorkeling island, to see various colorful fish, and at leisure on the white sandy beach.
Later afternoon, transfer back to Phuket pier and to your hotel.
Meals: BL.

Day 14-15 Phuket at Leisure
Breakfast at the resort and day at leisure to explore Phuket on your own.
Leisure day activities on Phuket Island would be spa treatments, go to the beach to relax, excursions to scenic places, try local and international cuisines and souvenir shops. If you are a shopper, Phuket has international standard Gems and Jewelry and brand fashion stores within easy rich.
Meals: B.

Day 16 Depart from Phuket
Breakfast at the resort and at leisure until transfer to Phuket Airport for your next destination flight. End of tour service.
Meals: B.

Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Mae Hongson and Chiang Rai-Bangkok airfare roundtrip US$233 per person,
Bangkok-Phuket airfare US$188 per person.
Airfares are current and subject to change.

Tour Cost Includes:
Fifteen nights of accommodation in quality hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Mae Hongson, Chiang Rai, and Phuket Island on twin sharing with breakfast, All ground transfers by air-conditioned van or coach on tour, arrival and departure, All tour activities as mentioned in the itinerary, Entrance fees to monuments and parks visited as per program, Meals are half to full-board as indicated in the program, English speaking local tour guide service throughout the tour, and Insurance for the duration of the tour.

Tour Cost Does Not Include:
Visa fees, international and domestic airfares, international departure taxes, lunch & dinner not mentioned in the itinerary, personal clothing, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, tips, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, and emergencies. Note: The above itinerary is guideline only to plan your trip. Itineraries will be modified as per the local conditions and logistical needs. A final program outline will be given before departure.

Package Price Changes and Alternation of Itineraries:
All package prices are net per person in US Dollars. Package prices are subject to change should there be major changes in government tax policies, Thai currency exchange rates and/or major changes in US Dollar exchange rates. We reserve the right to alternate an itinerary in the event of natural disasters, bad weather, civil unrest or other unforeseen factors that pose threat to our clients and crew. Alteration of an itinerary is made for the safety of our clients and the crew. Please treat the above program as guideline for your trip planning. We will provide you with fine tuned itinerary with specific details before departure.

Meals: (Breakfast =B, Lunch =L, Dinner =D):
Meals such as lunch and dinner are not included in some locations. This is done in purpose in order to let you have more choices of choosing your own favorite cuisine where the variety of local and international restaurants are abundant.