Thailand Tour 17 days: Wonders of Thailand

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.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, take just a short drive from the bustling streets of Bangkok, the high-rise urban landscape dissolves into a lush green rural idyll. This full-day trip to Samut Songkhram Province, only an hour outside the capital, allows guests to experience the traditional charms of the Thai countryside.

The day starts with a trip to Mae Klong Railway market; a country market has sprouted up along the tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors quickly clear their stalls, only to set them up again moments later when the train has passed! From here, the journey continues to very famous touristic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although quite touristy today, the market remains the best example to showcase how a floating market originally was like decades ago. A relaxing paddle boat ride through the labyrinth of canals offers the chance to see the old part of the floating market and local lifestyle along the canal side. Off the boat, it is time to enjoy strolling around the colorful floating marketplace bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights.

Next you transfer to Kanchanaburi for a visit to the World War II memorial including the Cemetery.

Afternoon, We continue to Wang Pho. Afterwards get on a train ride along the railway from Wang Pho along the river around 30 minutes. Transfer to the city for the night. Stay overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Kanchanaburi

Meals                : Breakfast

Early morning departure to Erawan National Park (NO CAVE VISIT) 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 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 Ayuthay is known as the “Venice of the East” because it is located along the Chao Phraya River, tributaries surrounding the Ayuthaya province.

Night in Ayuttaya

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 iis 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 back to Bangkok. En route, we 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.
The rest time of day is on your own.
Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

You have free time until we pick up and then transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival pick up and then transfer you to hotel in Chiang Rai for your overnight. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Rai

Meals                : Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll leave the hotel toexplore the surroundings, starting with the road to Doi Mae Salong. You'll ascend and descend lush green hills covered with tea plantations. You'll also taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations in the region. From Doi Mae Salong, you'll visit an ethnic minority village: the Akha village of Loyo.

Afterward, you'll continue the journey to the Golden Triangle, a strategic point where you'll witness a unique landscape shared by Thailand, Burma, and Laos – the meeting point of the three borders.

Upon arrival, visit the Opium Museum, which tells the stories of opium and the Golden Triangle. Explore the town of Chiang Saen, founded around 1328, and visit various sites, including ancient temple ruins, stupas, old city walls, and moats.

Then, embark on a long-tail boat to the Laotian side and marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak, forming the real 'Triangle' with Laos, Burma, and Thailand.

Transfer back to Chiang Rai. Overnight in Chiang Rai

Accommodation :           At the hotel in Chiang Rai

Meals:                           Breakfast

Morning after breakfast drive to Black House. Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs. Move to Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple) The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Seua Ten literally translates to ‘temple of the dancing tiger.’ It was built on a site where tigers were said to have jumped over the river. Lastly we visit the White temple, Wat Rong Khun. It nevertheless very recent temple is the most visited monument in the region, the work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started in 1997. Its creator himself announces that he will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. Its uniqueness, its whiteness, making it a unique temple of its kind. In wihaan a fresco mixing Buddhist codes with Matrix, Star Wars, the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York and even Kung Fu Panda stands out from the usual decorations such monuments. In the afternoon transfer to Chiang Mai for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals                : Breakfast

The morning will be mainly devoted to visit the old city with a stop at the ancient wall, the moat and a door of the old city. You will see more   beautiful temples in Chiang Mai:   Wat Prah Singh Temple, Wat Phan Tao temple and the temple Wat Chedi Luang. Then you will stroll along streets lined with traditional houses, visit Central Market Warorot. Afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous pagoda Chiang Mai. It is reached after climbing a staircase of 290 steps with ramps represent two giant naga. From the square, you can admire the panorama of the whole Chiang Mai Valley.

Then visit craft villages: lacquer factories, silk weaving, manufacture of umbrellas, wood carvings and goldsmith work.

Then transfer back to the hotel.

You are free exploring night market in evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals                : Breakfast

Today start our day to Chiang Dao, a hidden gem in Northern Thailand. With plenty of activities and only a short distance from Chiang Mai, this destination is well worth a visit. When you visit an elephant camp, you can watch the elephants taking their morning bath and demonstrating some their skills. You will also learn how to properly ascend the elephant and lumber along a trail in the dense, leafy forest and along the Mae Ping River

After lunch, experience a bamboo raft trip along the river. You will have chance to admire the traditional teak houses high on stilts along the lush banks. Bidding farewell to chilled-out Chiang Dao and its gentle people won’t be easy. Soften the blow with a stop at an orchid farm on your return to Chiang Mai. Revel in the assortment of colors and designs from stripped to dots. At the end of the day, you’ll have seen that Thailand’s natural bounty is an open-air art museum.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals : Breakfast

Pick up at your hotel at around 8:30 Am, we will head to the Doi Inthanon National Park, passing through various villages, rice fields and orchards. Upon arrival at Inthanon Mountain, we will spend spend 2-3 hours trekking to Thailand’s highest mountain at 2565 meters above sea level. Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, impressive waterfalls, and lush mountain forests. We first stop to the summit to see the great twin Royal Pagodas: Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri. Each pagoda also has relics of Buddha. We then visit Wachirathan waterffalls by a short trek along Michael’s Trail. After walk down the hill & have a short break at a local Hmong market, we will have lunch time. In the afternoon, continue to visit Hmong and Karen hill tribe village at Ban Mae Klang Village to observe their still primitive lifestyle. En route we will pass through the farmland where you will see the coffee plantation, flowers farm and the beautiful rice terraces. Transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals : Breakfast

Morning after breakfast, we transfer to Elephant Poopoo Paper Park, which is an eco-friendly, naturally built, outdoor museum park that shows how the paper is produced from elephant poop fibers! 
In the afternoon, time would be free at your own until we transfer to airport, taking a flight to Phuket via Bangkok. Checking-in the hotel in Phuket and then you are free to explore Phuket by night.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Phuket
Meal                :  Breakfast

08.00 hrs. : Pick up customers from hotel and transfer to Marina 09.30 hrs. Departure from The Marina Phuket direct to James Bond island (Phang Nga Bay)

10.15 hrs. Visit James Bond island where "James Bond 007, The man with the Golden Gun" was filmed.

11.00 hrs. Start to paddle a sea canoe in the beautiful cave for 45 minutes.

12.30 hrs. Great lunch at Panyee Musalim fishing village and free time as leisure for shopping.

14.00 hrs. : Leave from Panyee village direct to Naka island for swimming and relaxing.

16.00 hrs.: Departure from Naka island back to Phuket.

16.20 hrs.: Arrive to Marina and transfer back to hotel by pleasant trip.

Package includes

- Hotel round trip minibus transfer, SIC

- Soft drink, drinking water, fresh fruits Professional License tour guide and

crews

- National Park fee

- Full insurance

- Buffet lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Phuket
Meal                :  Breakfast, Lunch

07.30 AM. Pick you up from your hotel lobby.

08.30 AM. Meet & greet you at marina. Serve you with snacks and variety of drinks. Check-in and pick up your snorkeling gear, life jacket.

09.00 AM. Depart from pier to Bamboo Island by speed boat

10.00 AM. Arrive at Bamboo Island. One of the most beautiful spot in Andaman Sea, White sands and turquois waters blend seamlessly for a marvelous view. Enjoy your time for swimming, snorkeling, sun bath or walking around a beautiful area. 12.30 PM. Enjoy a great lunch at a beachside restaurant on Phi Phi Don Island and free time on the beach.

02.00 PM. Relaxing and swimming in emerald lagoon at Pileh Lagoon. Visit Maya Bay is a white powder sandy beach and surrounding with a wonderful limestone mountain and trees. 03.30 PM. Go to Monkey Beach then sightseeing outside at Viking cave.

04.15 PM. Back to Phuket with the impression.

05.15 PM. Arrive at pier and transfer back to your hotel with a pleasant trip.

*This program is subject to change without prior notice according to the weather and tide conditions.

Tour Include:

-Round trip transfer hotel to pier

-Snorkeling equipments

-Soft drink, tea, coffee and snack

-Lunch, drinks and fruits -Professional guide

-Full travel accident insurance coverage

- National park fee

What to bring

Beach towel, light t-shirts, pants,

swimming wear, suncap, sunblock, sunglasses, camera, medicine, some cash

Accommodation: At the hotel in Phuket
Meal                :  Breakfast, Lunch