The Best of Thailand 13 Nights / 14 Days

Destinations : Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Chiangmai-Chiangrai-Krabi

Activities : Ancient palaces and temples of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi eco tours with visits to WWII museum, hiking in the Sai Yoke National Park, kayaking, Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Buddhist temples, elephant trekking, bamboo rafting, and ethnic cultures, beautiful beaches of Krabi, sea kayaking and snorkeling through scenic mangroves and islands.

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

Highlights of Bangkok :
Welcome to Bangkok, the capital and the major metropolitan city of Thailand! The Grand Palace, ancient temples, riverboat cruise, floating market, classical Thai dance 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.

Kanchanaburi Ecotourism :
Kanchanaburi is a province along the Myanmar border in the central-west some 130 kilometers from Bangkok. The attractions of Kanchanaburi are the historic railway bridge built by the Japanese during WWII, scenic Mae Klong and Kwae Noi Rivers, Buddhist monasteries, hill tribe villages, national parks with scenic trails and resorts in quiet locations in the nature. The Jungle Raft Floatel and the River Kwai Resotel are perfect examples of superb resort destinations in the wilderness of Kanchanaburi, which offer visitors some of the best ecotourism experience in the region.

Ecotourism Programs :
The Jungle Rafts Floatel (the floating hotel) on the Kwai Noi River and the River Kwai Resotel built on the bank of the same river are located in the nature in quiet locations some sixty kilometers off the beaten tracks from Kanchanaburi town. These resorts are perfect places to escape from the crowded areas and busy life styles in the cities to relax in the ambience of nature where privacy, serenity and comfortable accommodations are guaranteed. We offer eco-tour programs that involve elephant riding, canoeing, bamboo rafting, hill tribe village trekking, mountain biking, river excursions, cave excursions, and Mon Hill tribe cultural show. Moreover, the resort offers various health treatment options such as stream aromatherapy massage, Royal Thai Massage, foot massage and sauna to rejuvenate you.

Highlights of Chiang Mai 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.

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 Krabi:
Krabi has spectacular beaches and islands made up of craggy limestone cliffs and lush mangrove forests. Railey Beach is one of the most exclusive destinations that are surrounded by a sheer wall of craggy limestone cliffs. These cliffs cut off from the mainland, prohibiting vehicle access. Hence, the sandy beach is undisturbed. Railay Beach is also a popular destination for rock climbers for both experienced and beginners from around the world.

Railay Beach offers various standards of accommodations (tourist class, middle class and five star) in limited numbers, all shaded by the original coconut palms.

Ao Nang Beach, the main gateway of Krabi, offers many choices of accommodations such as luxury five to four star resorts with spa facilities, middle class and tourist class hotel resorts. Restaurants serving local Thai and Western cuisines are abundant at Ao Nang Beach. Moreover, this small beach town offers various tastes of souvenirs, ATM machines and spa facilities to pamper you.

Krabi has hundreds of craggy karsts islands ideal for boating, diving and snorkeling. There is considerable exploring to do in the nearby destinations, inside and outside the many limestone cliffs. The possibilities for rock climbing and caving are infinite.

Discover Asia Travel's Krabi tours take you to some of the most beautiful limestone islands, lush mangrove forests and national park conservation areas where you can hike, kayak, snorkel and swim in the paradise of nature.

Itinerary : The Best of Thailand 14 Days :

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Meet on arrival at Bangkok international Airport and transfer to hotel.
Remaining time at leisure.
Meals: None.

Day 2 Bangkok National Museum, Grand Palace and Temples
Breakfast at the hotel, and 08:00am depart to visit the National Museum 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.

Visit the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), visit various halls of royal function such as Amarindra Throne Hall, Chakri Mahaprasart, 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.

After the Grand Palace, walk a short distance to visit Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) is the oldest, largest and most visited temple in Bangkok, which is well known as the first open university of Thailand. Thai people learned therapeutic Thai massages from this temple. After the tour, lunch break at restaurant and drive back to hotel.

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.

Dinner with Thai Classical Dance Show :
Relax and refresh until pick up for dinner.
6.30 PM Pick up from the hotel for a welcome night with Thai dinner and classical dance in a typical Thai pavilion restaurant. The Thai classical dance, in the old days, was usually performed only in the Royal Court. This is offered to you to give you an insight about Thai Classical Dance.
End of dinner, transfer back to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: BLD.

Day 3 Bangkok to Kanchanaburi Tour
06.30AM depart for Kanchanaburi.
On arrival in Kanchanaburi, visit the War Museum, "DEATH Rail Way War Museum" which is the replica of prisoners-of-war camp during the World War II. The museum houses fragments of war weapons, paintings, drawings and pictures of life in the camp during the war that have been donated by former prisoners of war and their families. The museum has been upgraded, and provides additional information through modern multimedia in addition to the traditional displays. Don Rak Cemetery is located next to the museum. Next, we drive to "the bridge over river the way" and sightsee before boarding the original train from world war II which passes through the death railway, a complex wooded bridge against the cliff that gives you an adrenaline rush. We disembark the death railway train at Thamkrasae to visit the Dragon Cave Buddhist shrine. We'll then take lunch break at a local restaurant by the river, and drive to pier for long tail boat ride to the resort and check in at River Kwai Resotel on the bank of Kwai Noi River.
Around 7.00PM, buffet dinner is served at the clubhouse restaurant.
At 8.00PM Mon Hill-tribe cultural show and overnight at River Kwai Resotel.
Meals: BLD.

Day 4 Rivers, Waterfalls and jungle hikes
07.00 AM Hearty American Breakfast.
Eight O'clock board a long-tail boat and cruise along for about one hour upstream to Sai Yoke National Park, where we will visit the Sai Yoke National Park, Waterfall, teak wood forest to experience the nature at its best. We will do approximately three plus hours of nature hike in the forest through the marked nature education trails and visit some of the local bat habitats before lunch. While on the nature walk, we will also visit the to WW II Japanese army camp kitchen remnants.
Lunch break will be at Sai Yoke Waterfall, and return by boat down stream to visit the Mon village and school, and return to our resort. Remaining time at leisure for relaxation in paradise, swim in the pool, read a book or walk in the herbal garden around the resort.
19:00PM Dinner and overnight at River Kwai Resotel.
Meals: BLD.

Day 5 Lawa Cave Hike, Canoe Kwai Noi River, drive to Bangkok and evening flight to Chiang Mai
Early breakfast at the resort.
07.30AM Walk about one kilometer to Lava Cave and explore the fascinating rock formations (stalactite and stalagmite), and experience small personified shrines inside the cave. After exiting the cave, walk down the slope to begin about an hour kayak in the Kwai Noi River. Put on hiking shoes for the cave visit and carry wet bag for your Camera for the kayaking part of the trip. Good Tevas are sufficient for both the cave and the kayak.
11.00-12.00noon Thai buffet lunch at the resort.
12.00-1.00PM depart by long-tail boat to Resotel Pier, drive to Bangkok Airport and early evening flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Chiang Mai's dazzling night bazaar opens from around 6.00pm to midnight. Stroll at leisure to pick up your favorite souvenirs. Dinner is on your own as there are plenty of local and international cuisines in town.
Meals: BL.

Day 6 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 Sutep, 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 7 Elephant Nature Park and Bamboo rafting
After breakfast, we'll travel about 30 miles from the city to visit the Elephant Nature Park. This organization rescues elephants from loggers, the streets of Bangkok and other cities, and from other commercial parks. We will learn about the challenges of caring for these magnificent animals and reintroducing them into the wild. On arrival, we will be met by the volunteers, get introduced to the elephants and the project. Then, we will feed the elephants.
A delicious lunch will be served by the volunteers.
Then, we will go with the elephants to the river to help them bath. At the end of bathing the giants, we will bamboo raft for about an hour and transfer to our 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 8 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 valley. Next, take a short long tail boat ride 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 Lisu folk song and dance show. Meals: BLD.

Day 9 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 visit hill-tribe villages such as Mae Salak, Ban Ruamit and others, time permitting. At the end of boat trip, we drive to Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR borders meet. We'll enjoy the scenic views of the Mekong River and triangular border area from the Thai side. Next, we visit the Chiang Saen National Museum. Lunch served en-route at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai.
Meals: BLD.

Day 10 Chiang Rai-Bangkok-Krabi flight
Breakfast, check out and transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for a flight to Bangkok and then to Krabi. On arrival at Krabi Airport, transfer to one of Krabi's attractive beach resorts. Check into resort upon arrival and at leisure.
Rai Lay Beach is one of the isolated beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs and palm forests while Ao Nang has long white sandy beaches and mountain scenery. Ao Nang offers local and international cuisine choices as well as various local souvenir shops. Extra time can be easily spent here by swimming or strolling along the clean beachfronts.
Overnight at the beach resort.
Meals: B.

Day 11 Krabi sea kayak
(Than Bok Khor Ranee National Park)
On the cave route, you will enjoy kayaking along the river, which is flanked by mangrove trees on both sides. The highlight of the trip is paddling through the marvelous caves. We will see stalagmites and stalactites in Lod cave, and visit the Pee Hua Tho cave with prehistoric paintings.
Once we paddle through the Light cave, we will find ourselves in the fascinating paradise room, where we can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Next, we paddle through the Dark passage cave. At the end of kayak trip, drive to Taan Bok Khor Ranee National Park, walk through the nature trail, refresh yourself by swimming in the freshwater pool and waterfall, which comes out of a huge limestone cave.
This kayak program is under the limitation of the weather conditions.
Basic kayak instruction is provided on how to use a sit-on-top hard shell kayak.

Kayak Trip Include: lunch, fruits, drinking water, coke, beach towels, life jacket, kayak equipment, first aid kit, insurance, and English speaking guide.
Accessories to Bring: swimwear, sunglasses, suntan lotion, camera, clothes and beach slippers. Tevas are the best footwear for kayaking and short walks.

Program Schedule :
Breakfast at resort and depart at 09.00am,
Around 10.00am, arrive at Bor Tor pier of Than Bok khor Ranee National Park, where we begin our sea kayak trip.
Basic instruction on how to use a sit-on-top hard shell kayak is given for your knowledge and safety issues.
Enjoy kayaking and exploring the fascinating stalactite and stalagmite at the Light Cave, more exciting kayaking to the Dark Cave; Continue adventure through the Lod Cave, which is famous for the stalactite and stalagmite in beautiful shapes.
Visit Pee Hua Tho Cave with prehistoric paintings and paddle back to the pier. Enjoy freshly cooked delicious lunch.
Next, transfer Taan Bok khor Ranee's natural pool for refreshing swim.
Then return to Krabi resort and at leisure.
Meals: BL.

DAY 12 Snorkel around the outlying islands by long-tailed boat
Breakfast and then depart for a half-day trip by covered long-tailed boat will take us to the outlying islands, one of which (Koh Hong) boasts a former pirate's cove surrounded by sheer cliffs. It is accessible only at high tide. Its clear water makes great snorkeling while the sandy beaches around this island is great for swimming, walking and sunbathing. After lunch, return to resort and at leisure.
Meals: BL.

Day 13 Krabi at Leisure
Breakfast at the resort and day at leisure. A leisure day in Krabi is easily spent doing optional tours or simply lay on the beach and relax.
Overnight at resort.
Meals: B.

Day 14 Departure from Krabi Breakfast at the hotel and at leisure until transfer to Krabi Airport for a flight to Bangkok to connect your homeward bound flight. End of tour services.
Meals: B.

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

The Best of Thailand 14 Days:
Without Domestic Airfare Tour Package:
TOUR COSTS PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS:

Tour Group A:
(3 and 4 star, boutique and quality non star hotels)

2 persons	US$2,544 per person
3 persons	US$2,322 per person
4-6 persons	US$1,854 per person
7-9 persons	US$1,645 per person
10-13 persons	US$1,579 (1 tour leader 50% discount except airfare)
14-16 persons	US$1,456 (1 tour leader free of charge except airfare)
Single Supplement US$520 per person per trip

Tour Group B:
(3 star, boutique and quality non star hotels)

2 persons	US$2,336 per person
3 persons	US$2,044 per person
4-6 persons	US$1,623 per person
7-9 persons	US$1,471 per person
10-13 persons	US$1,357 (1 tour leader 50% discount except airfare)
14-16 persons	US$1,242 (1 tour leader free of charge except airfare)
Single Supplement US$455 per person per trip

Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai airfare roundtrip US$189 per person
Bangkok-Krabi Airfare roundtrip US$190 per person
Airfares are current and subject to change.

Tour Cost Includes:
Thirteen nights of accommodation in quality hotels in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Krabi on twin sharing and breakfast, Transfers by air-conditioned van or coach on arrival, departure and on tour, tour activities as mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to monument and parks visited, English speaking local tour guide service throughout the tour, Meals are as indicated in the program (mostly half to full-board), and insurance against accident for the duration of the tour.

Tour Cost Does Not Include:
Visa fees, international and domestic airfares, airport departure tax, lunch & dinner not mentioned in the itinerary (particularly in the cities), 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.