Thailand Experience

Overview

With its gold Buddhas, 13th-century temples, lively cities and welcoming people, Thailand is truly a heady mix. Wander Bangkoks floating markets and Chiang Mais night bazaars, seek out the ruins of Sukhathai and ride over the River Kwai. Complete your trip with an unforgettable visit to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.

Total meals included: 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners

Depart UK

Day 1

Bangkok

Day 2

Your tour starts today…

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for four nights.

Bangkok

Day 3

The Thai capital is an exhilarating blend of exquisite historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping and friendly culture. A thrilling day of sightseeing lies ahead taking in the city’s principal landmarks, such as the splendid Wat Trimitr temple with its precious gold Buddha, Wat Po, home of the stunning reclining Buddha, the gleaming Grand Palace – Thailand’s most sacred monument – and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This afternoon, why not join the optional boat ride along the picturesque Thonburi canals and Chao Phraya River? This evening, enjoy a special Thai dinner accompanied by Thai classical music and dancers.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Bangkok

Day 4

Visit the legendary floating market of Damnoen Saduak, where traders sell all manner of items from their boats including exotic fruit and vegetables, silks and toys. Later, visit the world’s tallest Buddhist pagoda, Phra Pathom Chedi.

Meals included: Breakfast

Bangkok.

Day 5

Free day at leisure in Bangkok. Why not join an optional tour to Khao Yai National Park?

Meals included: Breakfast

Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – River Kwai

Day 6

Travel to Kanchanaburi on the banks of the River Kwai, famed for the River Kwai Bridge built during World War II. Visit the Allied Forces cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum. Today’s highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge to Wang Po Station. This afternoon, visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, part of the Death Railway that cuts through the mountains and today houses a museum detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian labourers who helped build and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass, before continuing to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

River Kwai – Ayutthaya

Day 7

Moring visit to the Saiyoke Yai Waterfall & National Park. Continue north to the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. Visit Bang Pa In, built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Kings of Ayutthaya. Continue to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Ayutthaya – Sakaekrang River – Phitsanuloke

Day 8

Depart Ayutthaya to Uthai Thani, a small town on the Sakaekrang River, and visit Wat Chantaram (Wat Thasung), an impressive temple with Crystal Hall and the Golden Grand shrine. Take a one hour cruise along Sakaekrang River, enjoying the local life. Later drive to Phitsanuloke and this evening, take an optional rickshaw ride to the colourful night market.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Phitsanuloke – Sukhothai – Chiang Rai

Day 9

Drive to Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century former capital and admire the atmospheric, moated old town. Visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore ruined temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. After lunch, drive through the rural countryside to Chiang Rai via Phayao.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai

Day 10

This morning drive through panoramic uplands and breathtaking vistas to Doi Mae Salong and the region’s tea plantations. Continue to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town. After lunch, continue to the legendary ‘Golden Triangle’ where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. After an interesting optional boat tour on the Mekong River, return to Chiang Rai.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai

Day 11

Today starts with a visit to Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and then onto the hot springs at Mae Ka Chan, which locals believe relieve a host of ailments. After lunch, continue through lush jungle to Chiang Mai, a fragrant mountain retreat called the ‘Rose of the North’ for its refreshing climate. This afternoon, visit San Kampaeng to see local craftsmen make Thailand’s traditional lacquerware and teakwood furniture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kantoke dinner and dance show.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chiang Mai

Day 12

Spend the morning at an Elephant Jungle Sanctuary where you can interact with the elephants in a safe and sustainable environment. You can touch, feed, photograph, and interact with the elephants at your leisure while you learn about their lifestyle and behaviours. You will also have a chance to interact with the Karen tribe and admire stunning views of the surrounding jungle and mountains.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Chiang Mai

Day 13

Today is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Why not join an optional Thai cooking class and learn the secrets of traditional dishes? This evening, explore the city’s bustling night markets and bazaars, where you will find food stalls selling local specialities.

Meals included: Breakfast

Chiang Mai – UK

Day 14

Your tour ends today…

Transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to the UK via Bangkok, or extend your stay in Phuket or Koh Samui.

Meals included: Breakfast

Home landing in the UK

Price based on London Gatwick 30th May 2018 departure