Thailand and Cambodia
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, Phuket
13 days / 12 nights
Day 1: Transferred to your hotel for in Bangkok.
Day 2: Explore Bangkok the way the locals do. With your guide you will discover Bangkok, from old Rattanakosin Island to the river, from bustling Silom Road to Chinatown and the Indian Market. Various modes of public transports are used such as tuk-tuks (motorized three-wheeled taxis), public buses, BTS Skytrain, public long-tailed boat, etc. Visit the fascinating Reclining Buddha and the splendid Grand Palace complex and the Royal Temple which houses Thailand most sacred object, the Emerald Buddha.
Day3: Early morning excursion to a floating market. From about 8:00am to about 11:00am the floating market is routinely crowded with hundreds of vendors floating in their small rowing boats buying and selling their goods, primarily food, fruit and vegetable mostly brought from their own orchards.
Day 4: Transfer to Ayutthaya to visit the historic ruins of this former capital of Thailand and also Bang Pa-In, the former Summer Palace. From its establishment in 1350 until its fall to the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam, home to 33 kings and numerous dynasties. Until the mid-18th century, Ayutthaya was a majestic city with three palaces and 400 temples on an island threaded by canals. In 1767 the town was destroyed by the Burmese. Today there is little left but ruins and rows of headless Buddha where once an empire thrived. The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of styles. Tall, ornate spires, called prangs, point to ancient Khmer (Cambodian) influence (best seen in Bangkok at Wat Arun). These bear a resemblance to the architecture of Angkor Wat, in Cambodia. The pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai style. At the end of the visit board a luxurious river cruiser, enjoy lunch which will be served while cruising on the majestic Chao Phraya River to Bangkok.
Day 5: Fly to Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon explore Doi Suthep Monastery situated of a mountaintop with splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 6: Visit an Elephant camp, watch the elephants take their morning bath before giving a demonstration how they are trained to haul lumber in the forest. On the back of these magnificent beasts cross the Mae Ping River and up nearby hills then head back by ox-cart to the elephant village, followed by a sedate rafting trip down the Mae Ping River. Gliding effortlessly and silently along the river on a bamboo raft is a wonderful experience and a great way to relax after the exhilaration of the elephant and ox-cart rides. Continue to visit the Karen “long neck” hill tribe village at Baan Tong Luang.
Day 7: You can have the morning to explore on your own or with your guide discover embark on a 4-hour cycling tour through charming rural areas surrounding Chiang Mai. Visit a local school, temples, explore the countryside and traditional Thai way of life.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia and transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights in Siem Reap
Day 8: Start your exploration of Angkor with a visit the great city of Angkor Thom, visit the famous Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple within the Royal Palace enclosure, Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Experience the beauty of Angkor Wat, this architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century. It has many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water, carved low-reliefs about Ramayana Story and day-to-day life at the time of Angkor's construction. End the day with a sunset view of Angkor temples.
Day 9: This morning head to the outlying Banteay Srei Temple, “The Citadel of Women,” with its rose colored, sandstone walls that many consider to be the best carvings of any temple at Angkor. The quality of the carving and the state of preservation make Banteay Srei extraordinary. Continue to the “off the beaten path” Banteay Samre.
Day 10: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Phuket and transfer to your hotel for the next 3 nights.
Day 11-12: Spend the days in total relaxation on the beach or take a day tour to a nearby island like Phang Nga Bay or Koh Pi Pi. You can dive, snorkel or swim, and what the amazing landscape while cruising to the islands.
Day 13: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.