Having frequently traveled to Thailand and its neighboring countries in South East Asia, I’ve grown very fond of this part of the world and it probably is one of my favorite destinations to keep traveling back to.
The itinerary below will give you a wonderful in-depth experience of Thailand. All of our journeys are custom designed which allows us to create itineraries to the specifications of our clients hopes and dreams for their vacation, giving you a unique and absolutely unforgettable experience.
Day 1
Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel – the stunning Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Day 2
Today’s full day Bangkok Highlights tour includes the Wat Trimit and Wat Po temples and the Grand Palace. In addition, cruise the klongs (canals) of Bangkok on a longtail boat, before boarding a converted rice barge for a cruise on the larger canals. In the evening attend a Thai Classical Dance performance, including a Thai dinner, at Silom Village or Nopparat. (B, L, D)
Day 3
In the early morning you’ll participate in a special Thai custom. Before dawn monks don their saffron robes and walk barefoot through the streets, carrying their alms bowls. The local people give boiled rice and condiments in exchange for blessings.
You’ll have an opportunity to join this tradition by personally presenting alms. Then it’s off to the Bangkok Floral Market with its stalls filled with exotic, colorful flora. This is where the wholesalers shop. Return to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest.
This afternoon you’ll visit the National Museum with its historical artifacts from Neolithic, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods. The old buildings present a beautiful example of Thai architecture. This evening you’ll attend a performance at the Aksara Puppet Theater where the puppeteers where trained by one of Thailand’s legendary puppet masters. Dinner is included. (B, D)
Day 4
At leisure until time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai you will be met and transferred to your hotel – The Chedi (B)
Day 5
This morning you’ll visit several hill tribes including Long Necked Karen, traditional Karen, Lahu and Patong villages. On the way back to Chiang Mai you’ll stop at one of the region’s orchid farms. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Sankamphange District, home to the silk industry, umbrella painting, lacquerware, silverware and other handicrafts. This evening’s cultural and folk performances will be accompanied by a Kantoke (northern Thai cuisine) dinner. (B, D)
Day 6
Today’s full day tour starts with a visit to the Elephant Conservation Centre at Lampang, home to the only Elephant Hospital in Thailand. You’ll then take a short city tour in an old horse carriage and will visit the 700-year-old Wat Prathat Lampang Luang temple. On the way back to Chiang Mai, you’ll stop at the small historical town of Lamphun, home to Wat Phra That Haripoonchai, which is the oldest temple in the region. (B, L)
Day 7
This morning’s city and temples tour includes Wat Phra Sing, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chedi Luang and the hilltop temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. In the afternoon you’ll travel by traditional long-tail boat through a rural area outside the city. Visit markets, small temples and local farms. You’ll also take a trishaw ride. This evening’s guided culinary tour gives you the opportunity to sample local snacks and kao soi-a, a coconut noodle dish that’s unique to Chiang Mai. (B)
Day 8
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi. Upon arrival in Krabi you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for a five night stay a the amazing Phulay Bay (A Ritz Carlton Reserve).(B)
Day 9
This morning you’ll take a boat ride to Railey Beach, famous for rock-climbing activities. Your age, level of fitness and coordination don’t matter. The instructors will find something for you to climb, at your level of ability. This is a non-private tour. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 10
Today’s full day Hot Spring and Spa tour takes you to the hot springs at Trang. Bathe in the thermal pool, surrounded by rainforest. Visit the Tiger Cave Temple and continue to a Thai spa where you will select from a variety of one-hour massages. (B, L)
Day 11
Today’s Khao Sok Jungle Safari takes you to southern Thailand’s largest rain forest. You’ll travel by canoe along the Sok River. Your guide will help to spot wildlife along the way. Arrive at the Elephant Conservation Camp to learn about elephants and to take a ride through the jungle, before returning to your hotel in the early evening. (This is a non-private tour.) (B, L)
Day 12
Today you’ll travel by speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands, following in the foot steps of James Bond, for a day of swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach. You’ll visit Phi Phi Lay, Loh Sama, Tonsai Bay, Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island and Chicken Island. This is a non-private tour, but a private tour may be substituted for an additional charge. (B, L)
Day 13
After breakfast you will be picked up for transfer to the airport for your flight back home or your onward journey to other adventures in South East Asia. (B)
Contact us for more information on this fascinating country and let us know what you would like to experience during your stay in Thailand so that we can create the most unforgettable journey, just for you.
Because this is a completely customized itinerary we can make any changes you might like to have made and completely design a trip to Thailand around your hopes and dreams.
May all your travels stir your soul and change your life forever – Ales.
