iExplore Thailand Experience(Trip #21306)

Tour Overview

Thailand is a rush for your senses: a bustling, exotic, and vivid culture that never ceases to amaze visitors. On this cultural tour, visit Thailand's gilded temples, one more gorgeous than the next, in the cities of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai.

Other highlights include a cruise through Bangkok's canals, a visit to a rural hill tribe village, an elephant ride through the jungle, and exciting shopping opportunities in Chiang Mai's famous night bazaar. A relaxing two days spent in the tropical paradise of Phuket or Koh Samui rounds out this unforgettable tour of Thailand's intriguing culture.

At each stop on this trip, you'll be enjoying luxurious accommodations. Meals, too, are sumptuous.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01: Bangkok, Thailand
Upon arrival in Bangkok, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

Bangkok can soothe or ruffle, and it often does both. While contemplating the sunrise at a temple or monks collecting alms, you'll marvel at what peace can be found in the midst of such a chaotic metropolis. A cultural hub in Southeast Asia, the city is a collage of urban squalor, gleaming affluence, abject poverty, exotic consumerism and astounding pollution. Most certainly, Bangkok will assault your senses. It's fascinating and indulgent, but it requires time and patience.
Overnight, Bangkok

Day 02: Bangkok
Breakfast at hotel. This morning travel by long-tail speed boat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and klongs (canals) to see the serene family houses and temples along the waterways that give this city the name “Venice of the East.” Visit the elegant Temple of Dawn, whose 79-m spire silhouette has become so identified with Bangkok. We’ll stop at a neighborhood monastery to learn about Thai Buddhism and at an old wooden schoolhouse where kids delight in visitors (school is closed on Saturday and Sunday).

After lunch at the Supatra River House, visit the Grand Palace, a lavish, awe-inspiring monument of tapering gilded spires, majestic pavilions, dazzling murals, and brilliant colors. A glorious example of Thai architecture through the ages, the Grand Palace is a feast for the senses. Housed in its own temple, the Emerald Buddha is the most sacred image of the Buddha in Thailand and is believed to guarantee the independence and prosperity of the nation.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall. Passing through Chinatown, stop at Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), which is the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Bangkok

Day 03: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Transfer to the Bangkok airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city combines the relaxed, slow motion world of a Thai village with the facilities and sights of a big city. The city has a rich and colorful history, still evident in the architecture that includes more than 300 wats (temples). The most significant and interesting wats are located within the city walls.

You are met at the Chiang Mai airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This afternoon visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most fascinating temple. This 600-year-old temple sits near the summit of Doi Suthep, a 5250-ft/1,600-meter peak named after the hermit Sudeva who lived on the mountain's slopes for many years. After a drive up the mountain's winding road, the final climb to the site is up a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. Inside the cloisters is an intriguing copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella that contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views of the city from the temple grounds. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure.

This evening, visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. With its wide range of goods at competitive prices, this easily rivals Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market. Inside are endless stalls selling hill tribe crafts, leather goods, and clothing.
Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Chiang Mai

Day 04: Chiang Mai
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest mountain (8415 feet/ 2,565 meters). The park offers beautiful scenery, evergreen forests, dwarf rhododendron groves and many types of habitat.

The area is popular for bird-watching, with nearly 400 bird species, many from North Asia including mountain hawks and Eurasian woodcocks. Drive up the peak to the Air Force Radar Station and King Inthawichayanon’s stupa.

Continue on to Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri, twin pagodas, which were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both pagodas share similar bases as well as a two-level walking path that surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon. Continue on to visit a Karen hill tribe village and the Royal Project. Enjoy lunch and a short walk to visit Mae Klang Waterfall.
Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Chiang Mai

Day 05: Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
This morning, drive north to Chiang Rai via Thaton, stopping first at Chiang Dao elephant training camp to watch the elephants as they take their morning bath in the stream. Optional elephant ride (additional fees apply.) Continue on to the Fang District and stop at a local hot spring. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. After lunch, continue north to the “Golden Triangle,” where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Chiang Rai

Day 06: Golden Triangle
Northern Thailand is famous for its colorful hill tribes. Drive to the Mae Chan district and continue along the narrow mountain road to visit the simple Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The Akha, from Tibet, are amongst the poorest of Thailand’s ethnic minorities. The Yao, originating in China, are heavily influenced by Chinese traditions and still use Chinese characters in their writing.

Continue on to Mae Sai, the most northern trading border town between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) and proceed to the Golden Triangle area for lunch. After lunch, explore the area by riverboat. Continue along the Khong River to Laos Island at Don Sao. Visit Chiang Saen, the ancient city built on the steep banks of the Mae Khong River, where you will see magnificent ruins and temples.
Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight, Chiang Rai

Day 07: Chiang Rai - Bangkok
Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer to the Chiang Rai Airport for flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure in Bangkok.
Breakfast
Overnight, Bangkok

Day 08: Bangkok - Depart
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
Breakfast

*NOTE: See "Options" for beach extensions to Koh Samui or Phuket.