Thailand Tour 17 Days 16 Nights: Thailand Panorama

Warmly welcome you on arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

We will pick you up with a comfortable vehicle to the center of Bangkok to check-in your hotel, then take your time to have a rest after a long flight.

Accommodation :       At the hotel in Bangkok

Meals:                       Not available

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples

The first destination is the Grand Palace. 

This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there. 

Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. The pagoda is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue.

Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho – the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage.

We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.

On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style.

After having lunch, we visit the last destination of the day: Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power.

Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

Accommodation:           At the hotel in Bangkok

Meals:                           Breakfast

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Meaklong Railway Market – a local market has grown up along the rail tracks.

When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed. We continue our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating market. 

Arrival at the market, you can see the vendors who wear traditional farmer dresses and hats bring local Thai foods, fruits and products to sell on rowing boats.

You should not miss the opportunity to experience sitting and giving them a try on one of these boats on the canal. You are free to explore around the market, take photos/video.

We then take a boat ride out of the floating market and journey along the winding canals to see remote villages, gardens and plantations.

Arrive at a jetty pier where you board on the vehicle and proceed to Kanchanaburi.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Kanchanaburi

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning departure to Erawan National Park is considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Thailand. This is such an impressive series of seven tiers, each with a shape and character on its own. 

Originating from the Monglai Stream, water flows down from the hill at a height of 2000m and flows into the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest. You’ll get to enjoy a relaxing swim in the natural pools.

In the afternoon, transfer by road to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is known as the “Venice of the East” because it is located along the Chao Phraya River, tributaries surrounding the Ayutthaya province.

Night in Ayutthaya

Accommodation: At the hotel in Ayutthaya

Meals: Breakfast

Having a breakfast and today we will pay a visit to some sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park, Being a ruin with many temples which characterize the handicraft architecture, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.
• Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya with 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style.
• Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand.
• Wat Lokaya Sutha is considered as the sacred place for pilgrims since it’s famous for the reclining Buddha statue. It is also the most important relics in most of those in Wat Lokaya Sutha.

Heading to visit the Royal Summer Palace in Bang Pa-in district.

Being a favorite resort of royal, the Royal Summer palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Ayutthaya

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, welcome and transfer to the bicycle parking area where we will take the bike to visit the Sukhothai historical park, the park contains nearly 200 ruined chedis in remarkable condition. First, we visit the image of Ajana Buddha, the legend of the Buddha spoken at Wat Srichum.

Then we take the bike to Wat Prapailuang, the community center before starting the Sukhothai kingdom in the past. The next temples we will visit are Wat Sri Sawai and Wat Sra Sri and Wat Trapang Ngoen.

In the afternoon we continue to Chiang Mai to spend the night.

Arrival in Chiang Rai at the end of the day.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

On arrival to Chiang Mai station, you will have a breakfast at local restaurant.

After breakfast, our morning tour will be started by a walking tour of the old town with a stop at the old wall, the moat and a door of the old town. You will be able to visit the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai including of Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Prah Singh.

Wat Chedi Luang is the impressive ruins of a temple in the center of Chiang Mai which was built in 1411. 

Next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang is a small interesting temple called Wat Phan Tao. This ancient temple is well known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall entirely made of teakwood, which served as a throne hall during the reign of King Mahotara Prateth. 

Wat Prah Singh is the second most venerated temple in Chiang Mai after Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and a glittering example of Lanna art and temple architecture.

We then continue wander through small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take rickshaw tour. 

And then a walking through the central market of Warorot before visiting the Doi Suthep hill. You then exercise yourself by ascending the 306 steps to the temple.

However, it is very well worth the effort. A panorama view of the city and the surrounding areas can be seen from the temple grounds.

Return to the hotel in Chiang Mai for your overnight.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

This day will start with a transfer to Doi Inthanon National Park. It will take approximately 2 hours to this highest peak of Thailand. On arrival, we will spend 2-3 hours trekking through the jungle following a narrow mountain trail which leads us to stunning hidden waterfall in the middle of lush jungle. Along the way before reaching the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, we will pass through the farmland where you will see the coffee plantation, flowers farm and the beautiful rice terraces. Discover the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village and taste a cup of locally grown coffee, then move on to Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70 meters high thunderous waterfall. Enjoy the cool fresh air at the waterfall before we continue back to the ground.

After that you will visit the beautiful architecture of Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri which build to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol and Queen Sirikit. Heading back to Chiang Mai for your overnight.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for the flight to Surat Thani.

Upon arrival, welcome and depart from Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park.

Installation in a tree house.

Night in Khao Sok.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Khao Sok

Meals: Breakfast

Highly recommended tour at Cheow Lan Lake. 1 hour by car to Rajaprabada Dam and 1 hour by longtail boat. The Dam was build about 22 years ago and created Cheow Lan Lake. The Dam produces hydro power and supplies many villages in the south from electricity.

On Cheow Lan Lake we arrive at Tone leuy Rafthouses where there is time for swimming and relaxing. you can use one of the kayaks if you like. After lunch we depart for a 4 to 5 hour jungle walk to the Namtaloo Cave. Some people say that this cave is the highlight of Cheow Lan Lake. In the past: this cave was a hide out for communist students fighting the Thai Government back int he 70’s. A freshwater forest stream runs troug the cave all year. Sometimes it is possible to see catfish and large toads. When we are inside the cave, you have to wade through the streams inside the cave.

Notes: For this tour it is advisable to wear sandals with straps, shorts and a t shirt. Training shoes are also ok. Big walking boots are not advicable. The trails are easy going and you will get wet. Your boots will just fill up with water. The cave hve some intersting highlights like large stalagtites, stalagmites, rocks with crytal and some waterfalls. There are places where the water is to deep to wade. You will have to swim about 5 to 10 meters. Don’t worry it is not dangerous and our guide can take care of your valuables. You will spend about 1 hour inside the cave, so you need a torch, headlight or flashlight. On exit of the cave, you will trek to the rafthouse where you can relax and swim and change to dry clothes.

When we go trekking through the cave, we suggest that you only bring your flashlight, water bottle and camera. (preferable in waterproof bag). The rest you can leave at the raft house or at Khao Sok Tree House Resort. Departure: about 8 am. Arrival back at Tree House: 7 pm. 

Accommodation: At the hotel in Khao Sok

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Khao Sok National Park is a hiker’s dream, and a short hike is sometimes all you need. The tour offers half day hikes for everybody from the adventurous to the beginner.

Let our expert guides show you the hidden gems that Khao Sok has to offer as the jungle comes alive with blooming flowers, calls of the gibbons and birds and the micro world of the insects.

WHAT TO BRING: Light hiking shoes, Camera, Hat, Sunscreen, Insect repellent

(Canoeing on the Sok River, 2 hours –join-in tour/shared tranfer)

Canoeing is a very relaxing way to see Khao Sok from a different side. Our experienced English speaking guide take you on a canoe safari aong the Sok River. Genlty following the river you can see the natural beauty of Khao Sok, the evergreen rainforest and the limestone karsts.

Taking a canoe is also good to spot some wildlife. Birds and curled up snakes can be seen at tree branches. If you would like to try a bit canoeing yourself you’re free to try!

WHAT TO BRING: Swimsuit, Hat, Towel (from your room)

Accommodation: At the hotel in Khao Sok

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer from Khao Sok, Surat Thani to Krabi. Arrived at the hotel, free time for relaxation.

Night in Krabi.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Krabi

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you have free time for relaxation or activities on the beach.

Night in Krabi

Accommodation: At the hotel in Krabi

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you have free time for relaxation or activities on the beach.

Night in Krabi

Accommodation: At the hotel in Krabi

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you have free time for relaxation or activities on the beach.

Night in Krabi.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Krabi

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, free time until transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok connects to your international flight. End of service.

Accommodation: None

Meals: Breakfast