Thailand culture & beach

Welcome to Bangkok, the “City of Angels"!
The capital and the largest city of the Kingdom of Thailand is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone.  
Pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel (check in time is 14.00)
The remainder of the day is at your leisure to roam around, soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of the thriving metropolis or set out on a shopping spree.

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Take an early visit to the famed Wat Pho to observe the serene morning chanting ritual of the monks, an incredible start for the day. This temple is considered highest among the six first-class Royal temples in Thailand, housing the largest collection of Buddha images in the country and is home to the famous 46 m long reclining Buddha.
Wander around the temple ground for sightseeing and admiring the huge gold-plated reclining Buddha with auspicious symbols on the feet.
Continue to the majestic Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most important landmark which used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand and is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. Nearby is the Wat Phra Kaew, popularly known as the Temple of Emerald Buddha, which houses the mysterious Buddha image that is meticulously carved from a single block of jade and deeply venerated as the country's palladium.
Following, visit the Wat Traimit, another Bangkok's famous temple with the Golden Buddha Image weighing over 5.5 tons of solid gold. The statue, said to be casted sometime around 14 century and was covered with a layer of stucco, was revealed in 1955 when people were trying to install it into a newly built viharn at the present place.
Later, hop on a colorful river taxi and cruise on Bangkok canals to visit the city’s China town. Wander through crowded street, visit a Chinese temple and perhaps enjoy some fun shopping around.
Back to the hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

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Leave Bangkok and drive southwestward to the Ratchaburi Province for the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Make stops along the way to visit salt fields and chat with salt workers in Samut Songkhram and to experience the interesting Mae Klong Railway Market which has the active train tracks running right through it. This place is full of locally grown fruits, freshly caught seafood, dried spices, peppers, and other local foods.
Then, hop on a long-tail boat and cruise along winding canal to the Damnoen Saduak floating market where you will see a fascinating Thai way of life from the ancient time that is still widely practiced in this area. It is a great chance to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and Thai foods or make some fun shopping for Thai handicrafts that are available at the spot.

Back to Bangkok center and this afternoon you spend some time to visit the Jim Thompson Museum dedicated to James H.W. Thompson, the founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company who known as the "Legendary American of Thailand". For his contribution to the development of the Thai Silk industry, Jim Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, a decoration bestowed upon foreigners for having rendered exceptional service to Thailand. In 1967, he went on holiday with friends to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, set out for a walk in the surrounding jungle but never returned, thus began the Jim Thompson legend.
Remainder of the day is at your leisure. 

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Today you head out of Bangkok to explore Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand from the 14th to the 18th century. This second Siamese capital, after Sokhuthai, once was one of the largest and most powerful cities in Asia.  

Upon arrival, spend time to discover the Ayutthaya historical park with amazing remains reflect a real golden age of the Siamese culture. Following, visit to a local houses for local interaction and to learn about their life and traditions as well as observing the traditional handicraft making such as palm leaf fish mobiles. Continue with a visit to local market and experience some interesting shopping of local products and take chance to sample one of the most famous delights of Ayutthaya – roti sai mai which is kind of thin pancake wrapped around delicious, fine strands of thin-spun cotton candy.
This afternoon, visit the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. Enjoy the sightseeing of majestic royal gardens, mansions and landscaping including the Wehart Chamrunt, the Warophat Phiman, the tower Ho Withun Thasana and the Aisawan Thiphya-Art pavilion…
Continue to Wat Nivet Thammmpravat, one of the most distinctive Buddhist temples with its remarkable Gothic style architecture and stained glass windows.

Drive back to Bangkok in the late afternoon.

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Take a morning flight to Chiang Rai.
Being the northernmost large city in Thailand and has been noted as ‘the gateway to the Golden Triangle’, Chiang Rai is home to unique local culture, wonderful ancient architectures, relaxed atmosphere and fine local foods.  
Upon arrival, enjoy the exploring tour of Chiang Rai city which starts with a visit to the statue of King Mengrai who founded Chiang Rai. Then, spend time to explore the remarkable Wat Phra Kaew which is the original home of the holy Emerald Buddha.
Following is the Oub Kham Museum, the centre of the Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre that houses artifacts from ancient Lanna kingdoms that once occupied parts of Thailand, Laos, Burma and Vietnam. It houses, amongst other prominent stuffs, the Golden Throne of Chiang Tung (now Keng Tung, located in eastern Burma).
From here we cross the Kok River to visit to the Wat Rong Suea Ten, a magnificent temple famous for its blue colors and intricate carvings.
If time permits, you will also visit to the Black House (Baan Dam) which includes nearly 40 small black houses in various unique traditional styles. There is is a great display of huge collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, sorns, and silver and gold items from around the world.
Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Early breakfast at the hotel and then depart for the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Here we will take visit to the Opium Museum and surrounding sights and learn about the name “Golden Triangle”.
Continue with drive on winding road along the border with splendid views of mountain landscapes with stops to visit hill tribe villages of Karen long neck, Akha, Yao and Lisu people.
You will also spend time to visit a jade cutting factory and colorful local market where you can learn more about local products and merchant practice.
Drive down to Chiang Mai and stop for visiting the Wat Rong Khun which popularly known as White Temple, a prominent religious architecture with white color and very ornate carving and decoration and the Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs in Wieng Pa Pao district.
Check in hotel in Chiang Mai and remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Being the most vibrant city in the northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its dazzling temples, interesting old city area with colorful street life, friendly locals, excellent foods, exciting night markets, and fascinating surrounding landscapes.
This evening, why not head out and join in the exciting atmosphere at the Chiang Mai famous night Bazaar.

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After breakfast, leave the hotel for a short drive out of the town then along the scenic winding mountain road to the Doi Suthep Temple, the holiest temple in Chiang Mai which situated on a hill thousand meters above the surrounding landscapes. Climb the 309 step naga-guarded stairway up to the temple, exploring the fascinating temple ground, listen to the beautiful chanting by resident monks and enjoy the rewarding view of Chiang Mai’s downtown and surroundings.
Following, drive to the Royal Park Rajapruek, a wonderful botanical garden that covers an area of 80 hectares and divided into different zones with the prominent Lanna architecture of Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion perched at the center.
Spend our time to explore the Orchid Garden to see rare orchids and hop into different areas to explore the architectures and gardening cultures from different countries around the world.
Today you will also visit Bor Sang village that is well known for traditional handicrafts of paper umbrella-making and Sankampeng village where you will have chances to explore other famous traditional handicrafts such as silk weaving, woodcarving, silversmith, and lacquer wares making.

Return to your hotel in remainder of the day is at your leisure.

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Drive approximately an hour out of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary and enjoy your time with lovely elephants.

This full-day activity offers you the opportunity to get to know each of the remarkable elephants and gain understanding about their daily lives and behaviors.
You will enjoy your day with these friendly and happy elephants in a safe area, feeding them, play with them, roaming around with them, bathing them in the river. Taking your time to observe and allowing the elephants to enjoy each moment of their freedom, scratching, rubbing, throwing dirt, enjoy the view and take for you lots of pictures.
This first-hand experience with these giant lovely animals in their natural home is a special time you will never forget.

Drive back Chiang mai and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

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Morning flight to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island that listed as one of the world’s finest beach destinations. This island city is known for its great stretches of powdery white sand with coconut palms, emerald water, warm sunlight all year round and striking town atmosphere offering little something for everyone.  Phuket is also the fantastic gateway for exhilarating day trips to many nearby tropical islands nearby.

Get pick up from the airport upon arrival and transfer to hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure for kicking back with sun, sea, sand and cocktails.
Also, you may like to take an optional trip to visit the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre located in the remaining untouched rain forest of the island, and take wonderful swimming in the nearby Bang Pae waterfalls. Another option is the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary or the Tiger Kingdom where you can get close contact with these big animals.

In the evening, it is time to join in exciting nightlife of Phuket with neon lights, sidewalk open air restaurants, bars and nightclubs. A visit to one of Phuket night markets would be great, otherwise consider one of exciting cabaret shows.   

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Breakfast at the hotel then head out on a tour to explore the prominent Phi Phi Islands.
Being one of the most famous island group in southern Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is a paradise for beach lovers that is known for its amazing rock cliffs, stunning white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs, honey tropical sun and crystal clear water.

Embark a speed boat to Phi Phi Leh where you will visit the Maya Bay which was made famous by the movie “The Beach”. After a time for relax and swimming in beautiful crystal water, continue on to Loh Samah Bay and followed by Pileh Lagoon where you enjoy wonderful snorkeling to see coral, explore rock cliffs and soak up tropical sun.
Lunch is served at beachside restaurant.

In the afternoon we will visit Monkey Beach where you can feed the monkeys then continue to Bamboo Island for relaxing and swimming in the tropical waters before getting back to your hotel. 

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Breakfast at hotel
Free and relax on your own for sun, sea and sand.
Overnight in Phuket.

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Breakfast is at the hotel.
Morning is free at your leisure. Check out time hotel at 12.00AM.

Get transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travel and see you again!

Summary of inclusions