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Day 0
Overnight Flight
Depart for Thailand on your overnight flight.
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Day 1
Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins
Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. This bustling city blends the cosmopolitan with timeless tradition.
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Day 2
Bangkok
Begin your journey by visiting the Golden Buddha, one of the world’s largest solid gold statues. Learn why it was originally covered in plaster. Proceed to Wat Po, temple of the Reclining Buddha. Marvel at the scale of this gold-leaf covered monument and its mother-of-pearl inlaid feet. Explore the spectacular grounds of the Grand Palace. Stop at Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha and Thailand’s most sacred temple. Enjoy lunch overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Visit the Jim Thompson House, home of the American entrepreneur who revitalized the Thai silk industry before mysteriously disappearing. This afternoon, perhaps go shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market or have a garment made at one of the town’s best tailors. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a traditional Thai house.
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Day 3
Bangkok
Travel south to the amazing Mae Klong Market along the railroad tracks. Visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market where countless vendors sell fruits and vegetables from their boats. This afternoon, board a long-tail boat and explore Bangkok’s network of canals called klongs. Drift along and discover daily life on the waterways. Stop at the iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. Later, you have the option of embarking on a street food tour of Bangkok.
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Day 4
Bangkok
Examine World War II in Thailand at Kanchanburi’s JEATH War Museum. Reflect during a stroll along the historic Bridge over the River Kwai. Ride the notorious Death Railway and visit the Hellfire Pass Museum before walking through the nearby canyon.
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Day 6
Bangkok - Chiang Rai
Take a short flight to Chiang Rai. At the Doi Tung Development Project, learn about the Princess Mother’s efforts to eradicate opium and teach villagers sustainable practices. Stroll through the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Garden. Visit the Cottage Industries Centre and discover local arts like mulberry paper making.
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Day 7
Chiang Rai
Drive to the famous Golden Triangle. Enjoy magnificent views of the place where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Embark on a long-tail boat cruise on the Mekong and picnic by the river banks. Visit the Hall of Opium, an interactive museum that traces opium’s worldwide impact.
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Day 8
Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
Visit the contemporary Wat Rong Khun temple. Its striking white facade is the masterwork of one of Thailand’s most renowned artists. En route to Chiang Mai, stop for lunch at a popular restaurant that promotes community development. Visit the Sankampaeng Handicraft Village and learn about umbrella making, teak carving and lacquer ware. Tonight, enjoy a Khantoke dinner and show that highlights dances from the region’s hill tribes.
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Day 9
Chiang Mai
Visit the remote villages of the Akha and Lisu hill tribes. Learn about another way of life as you interact with local children and share a simple lunch. This evening you may stroll, bargain and shop at Chiang Mai’s famous night market.
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Day 10
Chiang Mai
Travel through the lush jungle to Maesa Elephant Camp, home to one of the largest collections of elephants in northern Thailand. Watch these majestic creatures take their morning bath in the river. Enjoy a lively show and observe how they work in the jungle, paint pictures and play games. You may even choose to ride an elephant or feed them their favourite treats. Later, stop at an orchid farm that displays some of Thailand's most exquisite blooms. Enjoy lunch and northern Thailand’s signature dish at a specialty restaurant.
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Day 12
Chiang Mai - Bangkok
Fly back to Bangkok for a day at leisure. Relax, explore more of the city or shop for souvenirs.
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Day 13
Bangkok - Tour Ends
Cross the International Dateline on your flight home.
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