Jewels of Thailand

Welcome to Bangkok! Upon arrival at the Bangkok International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and driven into downtown Bangkok. 

Start your introduction to Bangkok life with a visit to two of Bangkok’s most notable landmarks, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. Board a public ferry to cross the river to Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple named after an Indian god. Head back across the river for a short walk to the Grand Palace, one of the most impressive in southeast Asia. You’ll have time to explore the grounds before heading back to your hotel for the remainder of the evening at your leisure. We recommend taking the opportunity for an optional after dark food tour of the city. Once the sun has set and the moon is high above, your guide will introduce you to the favorite eateries of local residents for a chance to sample some uniquely authentic Thai street foods. (B)

Meet your driver and guide early in the morning for a private transfer to the Damnoen Saduak floating market. En route, you’ll first stop at Maeklong Railway Market, offering everything one should find in a Thai marketplace. The unique difference of Maeklong Market is the railroad that runs right through the middle, allowing passage for trains throughout the day. After spending some time perusing this unique market, continue on to Damnoen Saduak for a look at a more traditional way of selling and buying goods in Bangkok. Return to your hotel in the afternoon in time for lunch (not included) and the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure to explore this exciting city. (B)

Today you will venture out into the rural outskirts of Bangkok to the Ayutthaya History Park. Begin by visiting the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace, located just north of Bangkok, an impressive architectural blend of east and west. Continue to Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Thai kingdom, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a stroll around the ruins of several ancient temples, engulfed by the surrounding jungle foliage. Following your visit, you will travel back to Bangkok on board a relaxing river cruise, including a delicious Thai lunch. Watch the banks coast by and witness the river’s inhabitants at their daily activities. Upon arrival back in Bangkok, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the remainder of the evening at your leisure. (B,L)

Enjoy a final breakfast in Bangkok before meeting your driver for a private transfer to the airport for your short flight to Chiang Mai (ticket included). Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to a vibrant food and flower market where locals shop for their daily goods. Continue on to Wat Suan Dok, the final resting place of the kings of Chiang Mai and the royal family. Next you will visit Doi Suthep Mountain, enjoying the spectacular landscape of northern Thailand, as you head toward Wat Phra That, one of Thailand’s most sacred temples. Climb the over 300 steps to the top for a superb view over the city. Return to Chiang Mai for a short rickshaw ride through the quiet streets of the old town before returning to your hotel for the remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure. (B)

This morning offers the chance to visit the Baan Thong Luang Eco-Agricultural Hilltribe Villages, a reproduction village that helps generate income for the hilltribe people and aims to educate and preserve the tribal culture. Explore the village and its separate areas for each of the different Karen Long Neck Hilltribes. The Karen women are known for wearing a stack of brass rings around their necks from an early age to elongate them.See the displays from the tribes of Lahu Shibalah, Red Karen, Yao, H’mong, A-Kha, Kaya and Palong Karen people before returning to your hotel for the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend taking the opportunity to spend some time with a Ruen Kaew Yanon family, a typical Lanna family who has lived in the area for almost 150 years. You can explore the family’s home, orchards and herb garden before participating in a private cooking lesson featuring traditional northern Thai flavors. Enjoy your meal with your host family and take some time to learn about their history and the culture of northern Thailand. (B)

Meet your driver at your hotel for a private transfer to the Karen village and Sanctuary, nestled in the heart of northern Thailand’s exquisite countryside. Upon arrival at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, an English-speaking guide will walk with you through the adjacent Karen villageand teach you a little about elephants and the local lifestyle. As your guide tells you more about the sanctuary, grab some bananas and sugar cane for feeding and prepare to meet some elephants! Spend some time with these gentle giants, learn about their behaviors, touch, play and feed them before retiring to the observation platform for a panoramic view of the jungle and river. Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch before reuniting with your new found elephant friends. Take some free time to swim and explore before heading back through the village with your guide to your private transfer back to Chiang Mai for the remainder of the evening at your leisure. (B,L)

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and meet your private driver for transfer to the Chiang Mai International Airport where you will check-in for your onward flight. (B)