Cultural & Historical Thailand 9 days (ATD-T01)

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will be met by your driver and guide and chauffeured to your accommodation for check-in. Evening at your own leisure to relax after your long haul flight.

Overnight in Bangkok

Today enjoy a private guided tour of Bangkok visiting the capital’s key attractions. First in the agenda will be the Wat Phra Kaew, the chapel of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the world’s most precious image of The Lord Buddha, the 75cm statue of jade sits atop an 11m golden pedestal surrounded by the lavish mural and richly decorated pavilions. Next, you move on to the Grand Palace – one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand, which encompasses several major buildings (the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Funeral Palace).

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha 5.5 tones of solid gold, sculptured in Sukhothai style. Continue to visit Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha, a stunning statue with 46m long and 15m high covered in gold leaf.

End the city tour with the visit to the Marble Temple, a mixture of Thai and European architecture which houses a unique collection of rare Buddha images. Then you will get back to the hotel for some rest before embarking on the Evening Food Tour.

Bangkok – Best Eats Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk  

Tour time: 18.00 – 22.00
Bangkok is claimed to be the city that never stops eating. Bangkokians usually find themselves enjoy eating even at midnight. So, what would be a better idea than exploring this city of angels via a fun Tuk Tuk ride and visiting best local eateries after the sunset? That’s why we’d love to invite you to come with us on the “BANGKOK’s BEST EATS MIDNIGHT FOOD TOUR”

Go beyond tourist zones for the most enjoyable midnight eating adventure. After the moon comes up, cruise along Bangkok streets via this city’s iconic 3-wheel, Tuk Tuk, to visit Bangkokian’s favorite places to eat. Taste a variety of savory menus, including the local favorite Northeastern Thai Food (Esan Food), the town’s Best Pad Thai, and the popular home-style Thai snack. Between the bites, visit old-town landmarks and temples for a different perspective compared to the busy day time scene. Discover the side of Bangkok wholly unknown to visitors. Finish the tour by the Cinderella’s time.

Highlights
• Enjoy amazingly delicious and 100% local experiences with a friendly fully-licensed local tour guide
• Visit local famous eateries at night including the best Pad Thai and Northeastern Thai Food (Esan Food).
• Try best kept-secret Guay Tiew Kua Gai and go behind the scenes to see how it’s made.
• Sipping chilled beer at our “Secret Bar”, known to have the most fantastic view in Bangkok
• Explore the amazing flower market
• Visit a magnificent temple for a unique night-time perspective
• Experience the fun of Tuk Tuk riding to discover Bangkok’s atmosphere at night

What’s included?
• A fun Tuk Tuk ride during the tour
• 7+ delicious food & drink tastings as mentioned in the program (enough for big late dinner)
• Experienced and friendly fully-licensed local tour guide
• A chilled Thai beer or a non-alcoholic drink at our secret bar
• Drop off service at the end of the tour (only hotels in Bangkok city center.
• Complimentary basic medical insurance
• Bangkok Food Guide

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in Bangkok

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the historical park of Ayutthaya. Arrive at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era, you will visit the Ancient City, including;

– Wat Maha That, the heart and soul of  Ayutthaya people, a classic temple ruin of Ayutthaya and famous for the picturesque Buddha head engulfed by the Bodhi tree roots. The foundation size, remaining prangs, and towers attest to the significance during its time.

– Wat Na Phra Mane – Remains in perfect condition, as it was used as the Burmese headquarters.

– Wat Lokayasutharam which has a mysterious past, whereby its origins are unknown, to see the largest reclining Buddha of Ayutthaya at 8 meters high and 42 meters long. The Buddha image was made of brick and covered with plaster

After visiting the Ayutthaya Historical Park, you will return to Bangkok by a relaxing Cruise Trip. Lunch on board (buffet Lunch) “Delicious Meals served in the luxurious surroundings of the cruise boat.” Throughout the journey, you will be able to watch the Chao Phraya River banks scenery, either on deck in the fresh cool tropical air or from the refreshing air-conditioned passenger room. You will get an amazing ling clear view of the life of the inhabitants that dwell along the river, and the unforgettable scenery of children as they greet the visitors going by, making it an altogether worthwhile experience.

Arriving at the city, you will pass the Royal Grand Palace, followed by Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). The temple was the former palace when the Thai capital of Ayutthaya was replaced by Thonburi.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Bangkok

After breakfast transfer to Bangkok Airport to catch the flight to Chiang Mai, the former seat of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai is a blissfully calm and laid-back place to relax and enjoy sightseeing.

On arrival, you will be met by your private guide and driver and taken to your hotel in the Ancient town for check-in.

After a short rest, you will head out to visit Wat Doi Suthep, one of the North’s most sacred temples. You will climb a staircase of 306 steps leading to Doi Suthep Temple at the end of the winding road up the mountain. This is definitely the best way to approach the temple but there is also a funicular railway if you are less steady on your feet. As well as seeing this magnificent temple the trip would be worth it just for the stunning views across Chiang Mai alone. From the cool viewpoint at the front of the temple, you can see the whole of Chiang Mai and beyond.

The next stop will be Doi Pui mountain where you will visit Wat Umong, a 700-year-old temple nestled in the forest at the foot of Doi Pui mountain. This temple is famous for its underground tunnels and large Chedi. There is also a field containing the broken Buddha statues

Following your temple visit, you will continue further up the mountain to visit a White Hmong Village. Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai where the balance of the day will be free at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, depart Chiang Mai heading out of the city to Thailand’s premiere National park, Doi Inthanon. On turning into the park, the road will start to climb towards Thailand’s highest peak. On the route up the mountain, your first stop will be at Siritharn Waterfall, then you will proceed further up the mountain to the king and queen pagodas. From these two iconic pagodas, you can enjoy some stunning views across the park to the valley below.

The trip will then proceed to the top of the mountain, at the top you can stand on Thailand’s highest point and get your photo taken at the famous highest mountain in Thailand sign. At the top of the mountain is the stunningly beautiful Angkha Nature trail, this is a short walk of 400 meters but it will take you through some unique flora and forest which can only be seen at this high elevation. After Thailand’s highest peak, you will drop by at the Hmong hill tribe market and then have lunch.

After lunch, it will be time for your walk which will take you deeper into the park and away from the well-visited tourist trail up the mountain. The walk will take around two hours and you will follow the beautiful Pah Dok Siew Nature Trail, the trail will take you through the rice paddies and forest and you will get to enjoy some unique views of the park which many visitors miss. At the end of the walk, it will be time to board the transport again for the trip back down to the mountain. En-route you will stop by at one of Inthanon’s most spectacular Wachiritharn Waterfalls, before winding your way back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Time will be on your own in the evening time, hanging around the Nigh Bazaar, exploring Chiang Mai by yourself.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Chiang Mai

Today you will enjoy a full-day tour to the Elephant Nature Park, natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds, and many other rescued animals.

Observe the Herds: Upon arrival at the park, you will take a walk around and observe the elephants in their chosen herds and learn about their stories and special needs.

Observe Bathing: Walk with your tour guide and the elephants to the river that borders the park. Watch these gentle giants from the river bank as they splash around and play.

Lunch will be served at the park.

Observe Interaction: After lunch, you will observe the elephants socializing in their herds and playing in the mud pit or covering themselves with sand.

Visit Rescued Animals: Visit the Dog Project and learn about our rescued dogs and our dog adoption program. Visit the Cat Kingdom and learn about our rescued cats. Visit other rescued animals at the park.

“Hands Off’ Project”: Visit the new ‘Hands Off’ Project where the elephants roam freely as a herd, viewed from the skywalk.

At 3:30 pm it’s time to say goodbye to the elephants before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, you will embark on a four hour to Chiang Rai, which remains a sleepy provincial town with a pleasant atmosphere. Upon arrival you will embark on a guided tour visiting the City’s major top attractions;

The Blue Temple (Rong Sued Ten Temple); designed by the local Chiang Rai artist who used the teamwork of White Temple before. The main temple building is a distinctive blue color with the new philosophy of Buddhist art.

The White’s Temple (Rong Khun Temple), designed by the famous national artist. The main temple building is a distinctive white color, decorated with fragments of reflective glass which can be seen from afar.

Depart Chiang Rai you will head to the town of Chiang Sean. Here you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet the mighty Mekong River. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will climb aboard a boat for a ride along the Mekong River. Cross into Laos and go to the market at Don Sao Island. You also visit the Opium House Museum to learn more about opium and why it was once as expensive as gold.

En route back to Chiang Mai you will have a chance to stop at a hill tribe village and meet the people of the Long Neck tribes.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Chiang Mai

Enjoy your free day in Chiang Mai.

Meals included: Breakfast 
Overnight in Chiang Mai

After enjoying breakfast you are collected from your hotel and taken to Chiang Mai International Airport by your private driver in time for your onward flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

End of tour.

Don’t want to go home yet, you can extend your holiday with the Beach Extension to: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Samed, Koh Chang or Koh Lanta.