16 Days Tour
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Phuket
From $1699 (land) or $2139 (air & land) and up
Package Includes
• Round trip flights Los Angeles-Bangkok, Bangkok-Los Angeles
Other departure cities available.
• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• All intra-flights: Bangkok-Chiang Mai & Bangkok-Phuket-Bangkok
• 14 nights First Class accommodations:
- 4 nights Bangkok
- 3 nights Chiang Mai
- 2 nights Chiang Rai
- 1 night Sukhothai
- 1 night Ayutthaya
- 3 nights Phuket
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates
• 21 meals: 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Entrance fees per itinerary
• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Highlights
• In Bangkok, visit serene Wat Po, home of the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long
• Visit Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, used as a summer palace by the Siamese royalty
• Marvel at Chai Wattanaram Temple, one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive remaining monuments
• Explore Historical Sukhothai, capital of the first Kingdom of Siam
• Visit the House of Opium and Golden Triangle
• Discover Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand
• Authentic Thai Dinner at Chiang Mai Private Home
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand
DAY 2 - Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailand's capital city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok
DAY 3 - Bangkok City Tour
This morning take a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Drive through Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the exciting journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 - Full Day in Bangkok
Full day at leisure to explore Bangkok on your own. Or, don't miss the optional morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom - together they form the most impressive sights in Bangkok. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the evening, attend the optional buffet dinner and stunning performance of the "Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam". Boasting over 150 performers, this lavish production delves into Siam's history and culture
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Siam Niramit Show & Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5 - Flight to Chiang Mai, Dinner at Private Home
Morning is at leisure before flying to Chiang Mai, ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The afternoon is free for individual interests, before a unique experience tonight. Join a local Chiang Mai family for an authentic Thai Dinner in their home. Enjoy a tour of the home, conversation about life in Chiang Mai and savor the great flavors of home-cooked food
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 - Full Day in Chiang Mai
Morning is free to explore Chiang Mai independently or, join the optional tour of the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, established in 1993, as the first botanical garden in Thailand. Stroll through the lush grounds covered with exotic types of trees, plants and flowers. After your visit, stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Sankampang Street, center of handicrafts, for on-site demonstrations on how the silk, lacquer, silver, wood and bronze wares are made. Later, visit the world's largest gem factory, to watch while the gem stones are cut and set. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Optional: Half Day Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden Tour with lunch (AM)
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 - Doi Suthep Temple
Start today’s morning tour with Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Northern Thailand's most sacred temple, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with 290 steps leading up to the temple grounds. Visit to a local jade factory, followed by an afternoon at leisure, or pamper yourself with an optional Thai massage
Optional: Thai Traditional Massage (PM)
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 - Travel to Chiang Rai
This morning, depart Chiang Mai and drive to scenic Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Or, join an afternoon optionalexcursion to Mae Salong, still inhabited by hill people, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Salong tribes. Visit one of the tribes to see their unique way of life and learn more about their culture
Optional: Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe (PM)
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 - Mae Sai Border Town & Golden Triangle
Travel to the border town of Mae Sai, at the tip of Thailand. At this border crossing, arrangements may be made to enter Myanmar*. Ascend to the hilltop viewpoint to see the famous "Golden Triangle" of Southeast Asia - the meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The locals call it "Sop Ruak", as this is also where the Mekong meets the Ruak River. Later, a short cruise then takes you along the banks of the Mekong to the small island of Don Sao in Laos; leisure time at the lively markets before returning to Thailand. Continue to the dramatic House of Opium at Golden Triangle Park, offering an informative exhibition on the history of opium which dates back almost 5000 years. Later, savor a locally prepared lunch in a nearby farming village before returning to Chiang Rai for overnight
*Entering Myanmar (Burma) requires a border crossing fee of approx US$40, payable locally. The opportunity to cross the border will depend on local conditions and cannot be guaranteed. If the border crossing is not possible, alternate arrangements will be made
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10 - Travel to Sukhothai
Travel southward to Sukhothai, birthplace of the Thai nation, founded in the 13th century by King Ramkhamhaeng. The country's first capital was established here in 1238 and lasted over two centuries. Sukhothai is world-famous for its over 100 historical sites and treasures, including some of the most beautiful Thai art and architecture in the country, created during the city's "golden era", between the 13th and 14th centuries. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore historical Sukhothai independently
Overnight: Sukhothai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11 - Sukhothai Historical Park, Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
After breakfast visit the Old Town of Sukhothai with its impressive Historical Park, immaculately restored and set among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this astonishing site, most of the remains of the original city can be seen. Marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palaces, temples, and historical monuments and feel yourself drift back in time to a bygone era. Depart Sukhothai to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the center of the city. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. If time permits, there may be a visit to a local school. Continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, conceived as a replica of the Angkor Temple - this is a serene place where one can reflect and enjoy the tranquility. Tonight, gather together for dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 - Flight to Phuket
This morning, visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, Bang Pa-In served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai Kings. Drive to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin your exploration of this “paradise on earth" with its world-class beaches and chic jet-set atmosphere. Tonight, perhaps sample some of the island's delicious Malay, Sri Lankan, and Thai cuisine in lively Phuket Town
Overnight: Phuket
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13 - Full Day in Phuket
Today is yours to just relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There is plenty to do and much to see in Phuket, including the Aquarium, Butterfly and Orchid Gardens and the Thai Village. In the older area of the town, discover the 19th century buildings with their distinctive Sino-Portuguese architectural style. Be sure to stop at the buzzing market where villagers shop for their daily meals, or watch the stoic monks on their daily alms rounds. Perhaps, join the full day optional excursion to Phang Nga Bay and Lawa Island by Cruiser with lunch. Travel through mangrove jungles and limestone peaks, where cliffs rise vertically from the sea. Stop at Phang Nga Bay, one of the most unusual and beautiful coastal locations in the world and Lawa Island with its pristine white sand beaches before returning to Phuket
Optional: Full Day Phang Nga Bay and Lawa Island by Cruiser with lunch
Overnight: Phuket
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14 - Full Day in Phuket
Full day at leisure to explore Phuket independently. Spend time in Patong, the island's most famous beach resort. Watch the trendsetters coming in droves to the many restaurants, boutiques and luxurious spas. Or, travel by speedboat on the optional full day excursion to the magnificent Phi Phi Islands. There'll be time to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, watch the fantastic colorful marine life, and spot the monkeys at Monkey Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing or just people-watching on the beach before returning to your hotel. On your last night in Phuket, enjoy the island's non-stop entertainment scene, at a choice of bars, clubs with live music and fabulous cabaret shows
Optional: Full Day Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands by Speedboat with lunch
Overnight: Phuket
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15 - Flight to Bangkok
Depart Phuket this afternoon by flight to Bangkok. Enjoy your last day in Thailand at leisure in Bangkok revisiting some of the city's fantastic sights, or shop to your heart's content for souvenirs and treasures at the city's many markets, boutiques and choice of different shops. Treat yourself to a delectable Thai dinner tonight at a world-class restaurant - a lasting memory before your departure home
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16 - Depart Thailand
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast