Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding a signboard with your names on it. You are transferred to your hotel.
No activities have been planned and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
The regular check-in time is at 1400; early check-in is NOT included, subject to availability and at additional cost.
This morning drive to Wat Pho - one of the oldest temples in Bangkok.
Wat Pho houses the famous 45m (148ft) reclining Buddha as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, take a tuk-tuk ride via Pak Klong Taland Flower Market towards the spectacular Grand Palace, home to the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade or jasper, rather than emerald).
Continue with a walk to the pier for a long-tailed boat ride along the “klongs” (canals) of Thonburi to get a flavor of local life. Stop at Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II.
After lunch at a local restaurant, cross the river and drive to Chinatown for a first-hand look at Old Bangkok. Walk along Yaowarat Road with shops selling everything from gold and garments to antiques and musical instruments. Explore the bustling Talad Kao Market where a variety of food, fresh and dry fruits, and Chinese herbs are on offer before returning to your hotel.
- Suggested departure time: 08:30
- Approximate duration: 8.5 hours
- For temple visits, it is recommended women wear short/long-sleeved tops with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts and men wear trousers and short/long-sleeved shirts. No sandals or flip-flops allowed.
- The monk's chanting ritual only in the morning and subject to change without prior notice.
- Please bring a copy of your passport for security check before entering the palace.
- These following clothes are strictly not allowed in Grand Palace: Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, and tights; See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers; Sleeveless shirts or vests; Sandals (without ankle or heel straps); Rolled-up-sleeved shirts; Sweatshirts and sweatpants, wind-cheaters, pyjamas and fisherman trousers.
- In the event of extreme traffic conditions, your driver may take you to the pier (located directly across from the Peninsula hotel) to transfer you by their shuttle boat in order to save time; or vice versa. The guide will accompany you to and/or from the Peninsula.
Depart early morning for the 2hr drive to the 100-year-old Damnoen Saduak floating market located 100km (62mi) from Bangkok.
This vibrant, most famous of local markets features numerous small boats laden with colourful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats, and is one of the only places to see this traditional way of buying and selling goods in Thailand. Almost always crowded with hundreds of sellers, buyers and tourists, the best way to experience the bustling atmosphere of the market up close is to board a boat and float through the small canals purchasing fresh local produce from the vendors. This floating market is one of the most photographed places in Thailand and certainly a Bangkok icon.
No lunch is included in this tour, but there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy a snack at the market.
Drive back to Bangkok. and the afternoon is at your leisure.
- Availability: EARLY Morning ONLY
- Suggested departure time: 07:00
- Tour duration: 5 - 6 hours
- The tour will arrive back in Bangkok around 13.00 – 14.00 hrs depending on the boat traffic at the market and local or road conditions.
- In the event of extreme traffic conditions, your driver may take you to the pier (located directly across from the Peninsula hotel) to transfer you by their shuttle boat in order to save time; or vice versa. The guide will accompany you to and/or from the Peninsula.
This morning you meet your guide and transfer to airport for your onward flight to Chiang Mai.
A flight suggestion will be made and tickets purchased on your behalf.
Upon landing at Chiang Mai Airport, you will be met and escorted to the immigration fast track service. Your luggage will be collected and you will be escorted to meet your guide/driver at the arrival hall.
Transfer from the airport to your hotel and the afternoon is at your leisure.
Enjoy a morning visit to a vibrant food and flower market where local Thais do their shopping.
Continue to Wat Suan Dok, final resting place for the ashes of former kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family. Drive 30min to Doi Suthep Mountain, enjoying the spectacular views of Northern Thailand as you head past mountains and forests, towards Wat Phra That, one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Founded in 1383 AD, the temple is reached by climbing 309 steps (or for the less fitness-minded, a tram is available for a small surcharge). The climb up is rewarded with a superb panoramic view over the city.
Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy a 20 min rickshaw ride through the quiet streets of the old town before returning to your hotel.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure .
- Availability: Morning
- Suggested departure time: 08:00
- Approximate duration: 4.5 hours.
- Out of respect for the local culture, ladies should cover their shoulders with a long- or short-sleeved top and full-length trousers or a knee-length skirt. Gentlemen should wear trousers and a long- or short-sleeved shirt.
Depart on a 30km (19mile) drive to Patara Elephant Sanctuary.
A great day out especially designed for those who want to learn about and interact with elephants as an elephant owner would. The program teaches you how to approach your elephant, discern the elephant’s temperament, feed it and check its health. You will also learn how to take care of your own elephant, bathe and brush it in the river. Visitors will have a once in lifetime experience participating elephant giving daily healthcare for our pregnant elephants and their small babies. You will also have a special chance to observe elephant interacting among their families in the natural environment.
Return to your hotel and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure .
- Suggested time: 08:00
- Approximate duration: 6 hours.
- Elephant riding is not included
This morning you meet your guide and transfer to airport for your onward flight to Koh Samui.
At the airport you are met and escorted through the first airport security checkpoint and to the airline check in counter. After checking in, you continue through the departure immigration service fast track, the second airport security checkpoint, and to the departure hall, taking good care of their hand carrying luggage.
A flight suggestion will be made and tickets purchased on your behalf.
Upon arrival at Koh Samui proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby.
Your guide will transfer you to hotel.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
These days are for your own exploration of the island or at leisure at the hotel.
No guide and car at disposal.
This morning is at your leisure until you meet your guide and transfer to the airport for your departing flight/s.
END OF ARRANGEMENTS
The regular check-out time is at 12:00; late check out is NOT included and subject to availability
