Essentials of Thailand

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will be welcomed by our guide and then driven to your hotel for check in. In the rest of the day you can relax and discover Thailand lifestyle.

To start your exploration, your guide will firstly take you to the most famous landmark in Bangkok, the Grand Palace, in the heart of the metropole. Then, you will continue your journey to Dusit Palace, compound of many gardens and residences which was the primary place of residence of Thailand Kings. Just before lunch, you will go to visit the impressive Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Phra Kaew, a must-see of Bangkok. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a trip by local long boat along the bustling Chao Phraya River and quiet canals where exotic products of all kinds are sold. You will navigate your way through a floating market to reach Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).

After your breakfast, you will take the car to the Prasart Muang Sing Historical Park, one of the most important sites in the Kwai Noi River basin. Then you will enjoy a ride on a scenic train before having lunch at a local restaurant. In early afternoon, you will reach Kanchanaburi to visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum and the WWII Cemetery. Then, you will discover the Bridge over the River Kwai, “the Death Railway”, constructed by allied prisoners of war during World War II. After that, you will take a short ride to Erawan Waterfall to finish the day with a good refreshing swim in the turquoise water.

After your breakfast, your guide will take you to Ayutthaya. But first you will stop to Bang Pa In, the former summer residence of the kings of Ayutthaya built in the 18th century. There you will visit the Royal Palace, the Thai Pavilion, and the Chinese-style Palace Vihat Chamrun with its trimmed bushes in elephant shapes. Then you will continue to Ayutthaya, which used to be the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767. You will have a good lunch at local restaurant before visiting the most interesting temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Phrasisanpeth and Wat Phranuncheang. After that, you will go back to Bangkok.

After an early breakfast, you will fly to Chiang Mai, in the North.  After lunch, you will have a pleasant winding drive up 3 500 feet above sea level to the sacred temple of Doi Suthep. You will be charmed by the most important landmark of the region which offers excellent photo opportunities. A panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside can be seen from the temple grounds. Then, you will continue by local truck along a bumpy mountain road to visit the White Meo hilltribe village. It’s a scenic route. Originally migrants from China, the White Meo hilltribe prefer to live in simple isolated and self-sustaining villages preserving their culture, and ancient customs.

Today, you will discover the real life of Thailand countryside. You will discover the culture and identities of the mountainous regions of the country. Your journey will start at an elephant sanctuary. Nestled in the breathtaking Mae Taeng Valley, you will be able to see the elephants living their lives peacefully, frolicking when the moment strikes them, and trumpeting to one another throughout the day and night. And you could feed and bathe the elephants regularly, as well as learn more about their care.

After a late lunch near the Elephant Nature Park, you will take the car to Sankhampang, famous Thai Handicraft Village, with Thail silk & cotton had-weaving factories and Borsarng to see the paper umbrellas and Sa paper making, teakwood carving silverware and lacquerware craftsmen at work.

For this morning, you will be able to enjoy Chiang Mai at your own free leisure time until your flight to Phuket.

Accommodation: in Phuket
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer distance: 50km

Today is totally free for you, perfect to relax on the white sand beaches of Phuket and discover by your own the local lifestyle.

After an early breakfast, your local tour guide will take you to Phang Nga National Park where you will take a local boat to the James Bond Islands. You will be able to enjoy this wonderful snorkeling and sunbath spot.

Enjoy your own free leisure time until it’s time to be transferred to Phuket International Airport for your departure flight.