TIME FOR THAILAND

Discover the Kingdom of Thailand from the lively streets of the capital of Bangkok to the ancient ruins of Ayuthaya to the hill tribes of Chiang Rai with a colourful mix of night markets, beautiful national parks, historic WWII sites, exotic temples and boat trips in between. Spend 10 days soaking in all that this beautiful country has to offer! The trip begins and ends in Bangkok which is a perfect jumping off point for the rest of southern Thailand and South East Asia if you would like to extend your stay in this incredible region!

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Bangkok:
Welcome to Bangkok, the ever-alluring capital of Thailand. Receive an arrival transfer to your hotel where your Welcome Meeting takes place later in that evening.

Day 2 - Bangkok City Tour:
This morning you will visit the spiritual and religious heart of the city - the striking Grand Palace. Topped by golden stupas, the complex has been the site of royal coronations and is home to the legendary Emerald Buddha. You’ll also visit the House of the Reclining Buddha, the Original Thai Massage School and the 24hr Flower Market before boarding longtail boats to explore the city’s canals. On your journey you’ll glide by curious stilted houses and gleaming temples whilst old men fish and children folic about on the waters edge. The boats will drop us off within walking distance of Khao San Road, a spot that is popular with backpackers and hippies. In the late afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the many bars, restaurants, street performers, market stalls and tailors - that line this vibrant road.

Day 3 - Bangkok to Kanchanaburi - River Kwai & Hellfire Pass:
Today you will be driven 2.5hrs west of the capital to the small town of Kanchanaburi. Here you'll pay your respects to the thousands of Allied POWs who perished in the area under the hand of the Imperial Japanese Army. After pausing at the Allied War Cemetery you'll continue to the infamous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’, immortalised by the film of the same name. You will have a chance to take pictures before boarding a train for a 2 hour journey that crosses the bridge before following the tracks dug by the POWs and locals some 75 years earlier. Disembarking at Nam Tok we have a short drive to ‘Hellfire Pass’ where the POWs dug through a mountain often using only their bare hands. A fascinating museum at the entrance details the region’s history. After your day of sightseeing a leisurely longtail boat ride will take you to a fabulous floating jungle raft hotel.

Day 4 - Kanchanaburi to Ayuthaya - Erawan Waterfalls:
This morning you will travel on to the beautiful Erawan National Park, to explore the rivers, waterfalls and trails on foot. The park boasts a stunning tiered waterfall and there will be time to take a swim in one of the many refreshing, crystalline pools. Afterwards you will travel on to Ayuthaya, the once gold and glittering capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

Day 5 - Ayuthaya to Chiang Mai:
After being sacked by the Burmese, Ayuthaya was abandoned and the capital was relocated to Bangkok. All that remains are the stone and brick temples from the era. Today you will explore Ayuthaya’s famous ruins, visiting the magnificent stupas at Wat Phri Sanphet, the giant Bronze Statue of Buddha and iconic Wat Mahatat where the head of a damaged Buddha statue has slowly been embraced and lifted by a nearby tree. This is one of Thailand’s most religiously significant places. Departing Ayuthaya you will board a cruise ship on the mighty Chao Praya River, for a scenic cruise back to Bangkok, enjoying lunch on board. On arrival there’s time to explore the nearby shops and bars before heading to Bangkok’s main train station where you will catch an overnight express sleeper train (2nd class A/C sleeper cabins) to Chiang Mai.

Days 6 - Chiang Mai City Tour:
In the morning you'll arrive into the picturesque city of Chiang Mai, nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand. In the afternoon you will take a trishaw ride and explore the old city of Chiang Mai before driving up to the majestic Doi Suthep, standing like a sentinel overlooking Chiang Mai. The tranquility of monks chanting as the sun slowly heads to the horizon is a highlight for many. In the evening you will have the opportunity to check out the night market to explore many of the street foods.

Day 7 - Chiang Mai:
Today will be a free day for you to relax or participate in some of the many activities the city has to offer. Choose from the more relaxing options with spa treatments and massages, to the adrenaline-fuelled with canopy zip lines and rock climbing. No trip to Chiang Mai would be complete without trying a local cooking class and perfecting your very own Pad Thai!

Day 8 - Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai - Kok River:
Today you'll journey on through through stunning karst and jungle scenery on route to Chiang Rai. Along the way you'll stop for lunch at Ta Thon where you will board private long tail boats for a cruise down the Kok River. The next stop will be to the unconventional Wat Rong Khun Buddhist temple depicting scenes from modern movies including the Matrix, Star Wars and Superman! In Chiang Rai you will have the chance to wander the night market for last-minute souvenirs and tasty street food.

Day 9 - Chang Rai to Bangkok - Hill Tribe Visit:
The city of Chiang Rai is a great base for visiting local hill tribes and this morning you will visit a Karen village where we may encounter the famous Long Neck tribe, so known for the neck rings that the women wear to elongate their necks. Continuing to the border frontier town of Mae Sai, you may have the chance to cross briefly into Myanmar and enter the Burmese town of Tachilek (optional). At Chiang Saen you'll stand at a viewpoint that will lets you see both Myanmar and Laos. After visiting the Opium Museum you'll catch a flight back to Bangkok. Upon arrival in the city you will transfer to your hotel late in the evening.

Day 10 - Bangkok, Final Day:
Today will be the last day of your Thai adventure. After breakfast and hotel check out you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward departure flight. If you wish to extend your stay in Thailand, let your travel advisor know and they will happily created a custom itinerary for you!

INCLUDED:

• 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
• Economy class flight Chiang Rai - Bangkok
• Escorted by an English-speaking Thai tour guide
• Train ride over the River Kwai and visit to Hellfire Pass
•  Longtail boat cruise on the canals of Bangkok and on the Kok River
• All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
• 7 nights 3 - 4 star & Special Class hotels, 1 night floating hotel in the jungle, 1 night overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Airport arrival transfer day 1 & departure transfer day 10
• Guided sightseeing - Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park, Ayuthaya and Chiang Rai
• River cruise from Ayuthaya to Bangkok
•  Excursion to the hill tribe villages around Chiang Rai

• International flights and visa
• Entrance Fees
• Tip for your tour guide. It is recommend you allow USD$3 - 6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
• Tipping Kitty 
• Medical Insurance

We can also help you extend this trip and perhaps plan a trip to a nearby tropical paradise or even into Laos, Vietnam or Cambodia! We can also help find the best airfare to Thailand- just ask us for more details! Reserve your spot today by contacting one of our Adventure Specialists at 604-736-7447 or click on the contact us button at the top of this page!