Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day. January to December
7 days from $2145.00Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Welcome to Thailand. You are met on arrival in Bangkok, and taken to your luxury hotel in the heart of this vibrant city. Bangkok is a vibrant commercial city full of treasures and temples. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to explore this Asian wonderland.
Bangkok
Begin your full day tour of this city visiting two impressive temples. First drive through Chinatown to Wat Po (‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’), the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. View the enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf and lying majestically on its side. Next, visit the Grand Palace and its holy Temple of The Emerald Buddha, built for the King of Siam in 1782 in traditional exotic Thai style. See its fabulous solid Jade Buddha, the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall.
After lunch at a Thai restaurant near the Chao Phraya River, embark on a water excursion on the river and its canals. Board a long-tail boat and cruise on this “River of Kings” and through the klongs (canals) of Thonburi on the west side of the river. Observe the serene family homes and temples along the waterways which gave Bangkok the name “Venice of the East.” Visit the elegant Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and Santa Cruz Church before returning to your hotel. (B,L)
Bangkok
Today enjoy a journey to the un-spoilt rural floating market of Damnoen Saduak. You board long-tailed boats and cruise through the many small canals full of vendors. Visit Nakorn Pathom to see the world’s tallest Buddha. Afterwards, proceed to the Sampran Riverside to enjoy a Thai buffet lunch and its world-renowned Thai cultural show, a spectacular presentation of traditional music, folk dances, and martial arts as well as an opportunity to see a family of majestic Thai elephants. (B,L)
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
You are transferred to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Arrive into the city of Chiang Mai, a modern city that has preserved its rich history and traditions. You are met upon arrival, and taken to your luxurious hotel. Located a few blocks from the night markets, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these at leisure. (B)
Chiang Mai – Elephant Camp Experience
Today enjoy a full day exhilarating excursion to the Patara Elephant Farm. On arrival, you are greeted by your host, introduced to the team to discuss your program. Change into your Mahout’s Outfit, and then meet with your own Elephant and Mahout.
The first task is to get to know your elephant by feeding them. Then after a dry cleaning, you will learn about elephant healthcare and assess your elephant’s condition for the day. Then continue with a basic lesson of Elephant Training techniques, including elephant commands in a special dialect of the "Karen Language". Once this is mastered, you are off for short ride with your own elephant to practice your skills. Ride through the forest with a stop to enjoy a picnic lunch (Be sure to save some treats for your new friend!).
You return to your Chiang Mai resort by mid to late afternoon. (B,L)
Chiang Mai
Begin your day with a drive up to Doi Suthep. At 3,500 feet you can get a panoramic view of the city below. Here you also visit the Wat Prathad Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Built in 1384, this temple features a flight of more than 300 steps flanked by an enormous mythological Nagas.
Continue outside the city to visit the White Hmong village of Chang Khien where the 800 inhabitants still wear their traditional hill tribe clothes and practice a culture that dates back 500 years.
This afternoon is at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the amenities at your luxury resort, or explore more of Chiang Mai. (B)
Depart Chiang Mai
Enjoy time at leisure until you are transferred to the Chiang Mai airport for your flight home or onwards to your next destination. (B)
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
Set in the heart of Bangkok, Shangri-La is within walking distance of shining malls, charming boutiques and open-air markets. Spend your days visiting the Grand Palace and marvelling at its magnificent architecture and designs, breathing in the aroma of street food as tuk tuks zoom around you. Back at Shangri-La, indulge in the award-winning CHI, The Spa, and treat your taste buds to the culinary delights of the hotel's Salathip Restaurant, or one of the other 6 dining outlets and 3 bars on site. Shangri-La Hotel is proud to feature luxurious rooms with Thai-inspired décor, high ceilings, chandeliers and spacious balconies. All accommodations have river or city views, and dazzle with silk and teak furnishings. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai
Hidden behind a bamboo wall and opening onto the picturesque Mae Ping River in Thailand’s charming northern city, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa is a luxurious sanctuary of striking contemporary style, accented by traditional Thai and colonial elements. Relax on your balcony daybed, admiring the peaceful flow of Thai river life. Find more tranquil seclusion at the waterfront pool or indulge in exotic spa rituals and revitalising yoga. Savour refined culinary journeys, from impeccable Indian, Thai and western cuisine, gourmet tapas and high tea experiences, to the sophisticated pleasures of our colonial bar. By day delve into Chiang Mai’s quirky café and art scene, as well as the famous number of ornate temples, bustling markets and authentic eateries in the nearby moated old city. Satisfy cravings for culture and nature with elephant treks, a sunset cruise, visits to spectacular national parks, hill tribes and handicraft villages, or enjoy adrenalin pumping jungle adventures. Return to toast sunset in riverside luxury, before spending an evening browsing the endless Night Bazaar, just a five minute walk away. A 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Hotel