Sample Itinerary
DAY 1 : DEPART USA
EN ROUTE
Depart on your flight to Bangkok.
DAY 2 : ARRIVE BANGKOK
ORIENTAL HOTEL
Transfer to the elegant Oriental Hotel located on the Chao Praya River.
DAY 3 : BANGKOK
ORIENTAL HOTEL
As the sun rises across the river, take an early morning cruise. Travel by private longboat through a series of klongs to experience life on the canals. Continue to the Wat Arun, the most haunting wat in the city. The temple is of Khmer design, ornately carved out of sandstone with a rich pantheon of demons, monkeys and guardians. The Royal Barge Museum houses the ceremonial barges used for festivals, funerals, coronations and marriages. The Grand Palace was the residence of the Kings of Siam. Nearby is the famous Emerald Buddha. Tour the home and museum of the American adventurer, Jim Thompson, credited with re-establishing the Thai silk industry. He mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in 1967. (B,L)
DAY 4 : BANGKOK
ORIENTAL HOTEL
Day at leisure for independent exploration, relaxation or shopping. (B)
DAY 5 : BANGKOK
ORIENTAL HOTEL
Begin the day at Wat Po, home of the largest of Thailand’s reclining Buddhas, representing Buddha’s death and imminent attainment of nirvana. Continue to Wat Suthat, and Wat Rajaphobit, reflecting Rama V’s fascination with Western art and architecture. Tour the Prasart Museum, a private gallery and garden highlighting the artistic splendor of Thai culture. The beauty of the galleries is complemented by the grounds with hundreds of tropical plants and trees, many native to the forests of Thailand. (B,L)
DAY 6 : BANGKOK / CHIANG MAI
FOUR SEASONS CHIANG MAI
Morning flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s gateway to its great north country, a region of rugged mountains, rich stands of hardwood forest and the last domain of the famous Hilltribes. Visit a farmhouse in Mae Rim, then board a private long tail boat on the Ping River for a cruise to Waroros market. Spend some time exploring the market. Continue to Doi Suthep, a temple reached by a staircase with 290 steps (optional), flanked by Naga Balustrade on either side. The monastery was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. The Chedi (spired pagoda) contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. (B)
DAY 7 : CHIANG MAI
FOUR SEASONS CHIANG MAI
Depart for Lampang to visit the elephant training school. Take an elephant trek into the forest and watch the daily baths and work demonstrations. Wat Phra Keo Don Tao is an interesting Burmese-style temple. On to Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang, one of the most sacred monuments in the north with fine lacquered doors, one of the largest bronze gongs in the world and two fine bronze Buddha images. (B,L)
DAY 8 : CHIANG MAI
FOUR SEASONS CHIANG MAI
Visit the Lisu village of Baan Pa Mai Daeng. The women wear colorful red and turquoise dresses. During New Year festivities, the girls are adorned with spectacular silver jewelry entirely covering their chests like suits of armor. Explore the local arts and crafts traditions. (B,L)
DAY 9 : CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI
ANANTARA RESORT
Depart this morning for the drive to Chiang Rai, located in what is known as the ‘Golden Triangle,’ an area stretching from Chiang Mai to Burma in the west and to Laos in the east. (B)
DAY 10 : CHIANG RAI
ANANTARA RESORT
Morning boat trip on the Mekong River to Chiang Khong. Visit the Yao Hilltribe. Rhe Yao women are very skilled in the art of embroidery and wear puffy pantaloon trousers. The Hmong Hilltribe villages are always built on the crests of hills at the highest possible altitude. Visit the Opium Museum at the Golden Triangle. Visit Chiang Saen, once the capital of Thailand’s first Kingdom. The scattered ruins of the ancient stone stupas, many overgrown with lush foliage, stand testament to past glories. Continue to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northern-most town. (B,L)
DAY 11 : CHIANG RAI / BANGKOK
HOTEL SUVARNBHUMI
Morning at leisure for independent exploration and final shopping. Return flight to Bangkok. Walking transfer to your hotel. (B)
DAY 12 : DEPART BANGKOK
EN ROUTE
Morning departure. Arrive West Coast the same day. Welcome Home! (B)
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