The Colors of Thailand
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Koh Samui
10 days / 9 nights
A wonderful introduction to Thailand’s culture and man-made treasures and amazing scenery.
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: Morning at leisure. Fly to Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel.
Day 6: This morning visit to Chiang Mai historic temples with their distinctive northern style including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dawk, Wat Jet Yot, all dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, and Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple, founded in 1296. In the afternoon visit to Doi Suthep Monastery situated of a mountaintop with splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 7: 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 7-10: Fly to Phuket or Koh Samui to spend the next 4 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.