Day 2 Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok - the quintessential eastern metropolis and Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capital city. Known in Thai as the city of angels, Bangkok is a city of mind-boggling history and spirituality, where you can expect ancient Thai temples that rise magnificently from the riverbanks, colourful palaces that glisten spectacularly in the sunlight, and a snaking river that audaciously winds its way through the heart of the city. Fabulous shopping awaits you, whether you’re after high quality artisanal handicrafts or excellent bargains in Asia’s most stylish shopping centres. If you’re a food lover, you will delight at the exceptionally delicious meals that can be enjoyed at every corner of the city. On arrival in Bangkok this morning we'll transfer to our hotel for a two-night stay. There's plenty of time to relax at your leisure this afternoon, before we get to know one another better over a wonderful authentic Thai dinner where you'll sample a wide selection of dishes. Later we'll head out to discover the delights of Bangkok at night. We'll travel by tuk-tuk, an open-air vehicle invented in Thailand more than 50 years ago. As we wind our way through the city's streets we'll soak up the unique atmosphere and aromas and see many of its famous landmarks. Look out for the spectacular Grand Palace, the Wat Pho temple and Sanam Luang Park, also known as the Royal Field. Be ready to witness a side of Bangkok that you would never normally have the chance to see and experience.
Meals included: DDay 3 Bangkok
Situated on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is Thailand's exciting capital and we'll see many of its highlights on today's included sightseeing tour. We begin with a visit to Wat Pho, one of the city's largest temple complexes and home to a leading school of massage. We'll hear the morning chant of the saffron-robed Buddhist monks and see the 46-metre-long golden Reclining Buddha. Next we'll head to the magnificent Grand Palace, Bangkok's most famous landmark and for 150 years the home of the Thai kings, the Royal court and the government. Within its grounds we'll see the sacred Wat Phra Kaew, the temple containing the Emerald Buddha, a small revered image carved from a single piece of jade.After lunch we'll take things at a slightly slower pace as we step aboard a long-tail boat for a cruise on the Thonburi klongs on our optional excursion. Thonburi is the old capital of Bangkok and on our journey along the klongs, or canals, we'll see traditional wooden townhouses and local people going about their daily life. Along the way we'll visit the Royal Barges National Museum and you can admire the stunning exterior of the Wat Arun temple with its majestic spires rising from the water's edge. Alternatively, explore more of Bangkok at your pace at leisure.
This evening we'll gather together and enjoy a Thai dinner, where a variety of local dishes will be served. Meals included: B,L,D
Day 4 Kanchanaburi
After breakfast we will travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers, this area is the home of infamous Bridge over the River Kwai and death railway made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. We will visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn about the Burma Railway.Later we will visit the beautiful Erawan National Park and take a short gentle hike into the lush landscapes of the park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. You could choose to take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan.
Meals included: B,L
Day 5 Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya
This morning we will stop at the famous bridge for a chance to take photos and explore the area. Afterwards we will continue to the UNESCO listed ruins of Ayutthaya. Here we will take a stroll around the impressive remains, which include a head of a Buddha embedded in a tree trunk surrounded by tangled roots.
Later in the afternoon we will experience a Thai cooking class, locals will take us through the art behind the delicious tastes and fragrances found in Thai cooking. An experienced chef will show you the secret to authentic recipes. They are careful to include ingredients we can find here at home so that you can remake your favourite. After we have eaten the freshly prepared meal, we will board a converted traditional teak rice barge for a journey along the rural waterways from the village scenery and into the city of Ayutthaya. Meals included: B,L,DDay 6 Phitsanulok - Sukhothai
We will travel to Phitsanulok, here we will see the 14th century Wat Yai, a stunning temple which houses a bronze statue of Buddha and an array of decorative features.
Our journey continues today as we drive to the ancient city of Sukhothai, which flourished during the 13th and 14th centuries. This walled city was the birthplace of some of Thailand's finest art and architecture, and as we explore the UNESCO-listed site we'll discover magnificent Buddha images, wall paintings and beautifully carved elephants supporting a towering stupa. Next we'll meet a local history expert to learn about the heritage and traditions that live on in this area and get a hands on experience making your own lucky charm, before we sample Sukhothai noodles & rice noodles served in a broth, usually with meat and green beans for lunch.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 7 Lampang - Chiang Mai
We continue our journey to Lampang. Spend this morning visiting Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang - an incredible of example of Lanna-Buddhist architecture, comprised of an ancient fortress wall guarding the central chedi. Then visit to Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, a temple built on the site of an 8th century fortification that once guarded the routes to Lampang. This temple is one of the few places known to have enshrined the Emerald Buddha - one of the most sacred images of the Thai Kingdom. Continue to visit Dhanabaadee Ceramic Museum, the proud of Lampang products that is named the ceramic city in Thailand. Museum displays how ceramics related to the way of life of Lampang people as well as the demonstrating of traditional 'chicken' bowl with local technique of drawing patterns on a chicken bowl that is the only one in the country.
This afternoon, we'll travel to Chiang Mai. Later in the afternoon we'll take the winding road up to the sacred temple of Doi Suthep. Considered to be the most important temple in Chiang Mai, it sits on a hilltop overlooking the city. En route we'll stop at Wat Palat, a peaceful temple tucked away in the jungle and surrounded by hills, forest paths, shrines and a tumbling waterfall. When we reach Doi Suthep there will be plenty of time to explore this intriguing site and to watch the sunset from the vantage beautiful hillside vantage point.
The remainder of the evening is at leisure or you can join us on an optional excursion to Chiang Mai night bazaar with our guide where we can shop for souvenirs and enjoy something to eat.
Day 8 Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai was once the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, which covered much of northern Thailand in the late 13th century.
Early this morning at sunrise we will experience an Alms Giving to Monks, known as Tak Bart in Thai, a centuries old tradition.
After some time to relax we head out to a village outside Chiang Mai in Hang Dong district to a Lanna family's house. A guided walk through this traditional Lanna house . ''Lanna'' means Kingdom of a million rice fields. Observe how traditional northern Thai people live. Explore their homegrown herbal garden and learn about various herbs and spices before creating a Thai Herbal Compress Ball made for massages.
Day 9 Chiang Mai
We've got a great day planned today, as we head to the Elephant Nature Park, just an hour's drive out of Chiang Mai. The sanctuary is home to many of these majestic creatures, which roam free in this rural setting. You'll learn all about how the elephants are rescued, and get the chance to feed them from a special viewing platform. Lunch will then be provided at the Elephant Nature Park. On the journey back we will visit the Just You Cares project - Yimsoo Farm Training Centre. A non-profit organisation that support the local community by providing employment opportunities to people living with disabilities. Our short tour showcases the rich Lanna culture and tradition as well as the great impact of the project. Meals included: B,LDay 10 Chiang Mai - Krabi
After breakfast we'll transfer to Chiang Mai airport for our flight to Krabi. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel in Ao Nang, Krabi, our base for the next three nights. The rest of the day is free to take in our beautiful surroundings.
Meals included: B,DDay 11 Krabi - at Leisure
Spend today enjoying the facilities at your hotel, perhaps take a dip in the outdoor pool, or go for a stroll along the beach. You could visit the stunning nearby Railay Peninsula home to the world famous Phra Nang Beach.
Alternatively join an optional excursion to Koh Hong Island, we will travel by boat before stopping to take in the picturesque island views and later a chance to swim or snorkel. Meals included: BDay 12 Krabi - at Leisure
Enjoy a final day at leisure. You could choose to soak up the sun on the beach and later, perhaps head out with your travelling companions to one of the nearby seafood restaurants for lunch. If you're wanting to go for a walk after lunch, you could explore the hotel's grounds, or perhaps try out the well-equipped fitness centre. Your hotel also boasts a fabulous spa, so maybe book yourself in for a pampering session. This evening we'll gather together for a farewell drink before dinner.
Meals included: B,DDays 13 & 14 Krabi - UK
We'll fly from Krabi to Bangkok on day 13 for our flight back to the UK, arriving on day 14.
Meals included: B
