Itinerary Details
Tantalizing Thailand
Day 1 BANGKOK, THAILAND Welcome to Thailand’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 BANGKOK Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city’s principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand’s most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. (B,L)
Day 3 BANGKOK Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure. You may opt to join an optional excursion to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya or cruise on the Chao Praya River. Or, stimulate your senses and try local cuisine made with fresh Thai herbs, selecting sweet, rich, or spicy sauces to please your palate at the outdoor food markets and quaint local cafes. (B)
Day 4 BANGKOK–SUKHOTHAI Enjoy a bit of time at leisure this morning then fly to Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century former capital. Enjoy dinner at your resort. (B)
Day 5 SUKHOTHAI Today, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. The afternoon is yours to relax or further explore the park. Lunch and dinner are served at your resort. (B,L,D)
Day 6 SUKOTHAI–CHIANG MAI Today, drive to Chiang Mai. This evening, join your Tour Director for a tuk-tuk ride and orientation walk through the lively night market. (B)
Day 7 CHIANG MAI This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. (B)
Day 8 CHIANG MAI–ELEPHANT SANCTUARY–BAN THATON This morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990’s to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned elephants. You will hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Walk with staff and the elephants (no riding) and watch them bathe and play in the river. After lunch at the sanctuary, continue to Chiang Dao Cave, the most famous cave system in Thailand. Explore this beautiful cave system filled with stalagmites and stalctites that continues for miles below the surface. Lastly, make your way to your resort in the hills of Ban Thaton. (B,L,D)
Day 9 BAN THATON–DOI MAI SALONG–CHIANG RAI Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong where you’ll visit a green-tea plantation. Next, visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. This fascinating cultural excursion enables you to interact with the locals and experience their daily lives and be taught their rich heritage and history. Continue to Chiang Rai. (B,L)
Day 10 CHIANG RAI–GOLDEN TRIANGLE EXCURSION Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the 5,000-year history of opium and help combat illegal drugs. Stop at the Golden Triangle view point, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Here you’ll take a boat ride on the Mekong River to enjoy spectacular views of the Laos countryside and river life along both sides of the riverbanks. After lunch, return to Chiang Rai and enjoy some time at leisure. (B,L)
Day 11 CHIANG RAI–BANGKOK Fly to Bangkok and transfer to your hotel near the international airport. Prepare for departure tomorrow or journey into the city for independent exploration. (B)
Day 12 BANGKOK Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
