Arrival in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a city of sharp contrasts, the gleaming skyscrapers juxtaposed with vibrant open-air markets and men pushing wooden pushcarts. Royal palaces and ancient pagodas are surrounded by the vivid colors of daily street life, and it's impossible to go a few meters without a new photo opportunity. Land at Bangkok International Airport and today is free for you to explore the city. Shoppers can have endless fun in the traditional markets and throbbing malls. Watch classical Thai music concerts or find some of the funky bars that the city is famous for. Have your senses engaged and elevated just by wandering around, the city that exudes exotic smells and sounds. And despite the contrasts and contradictions, one part of Bangkok is omnipresent; smiles. Wherever you are, expect to see a beaming face in front of you. Welcome to Thailand. Welcome to the land of smiles.
Bangkok's exuberant contrasts will have already impressed. For first time visitors, everything in the city seems to be an attraction. Yet hidden around the city you'll discover the sublime and surreal, the renowned and unknown highlights that epitomize the capital. Today's tour starts at Wat Po, the monk's morning chanting ritual filling this ancient temple with resonant spirituality. Whiff the incense smoke and explore the mystique before standing before the immense 45 meter reclining Buddha. Continue the traditional slant with a tuk-tuk ride through the narrow city streets, your driver expertly traversing the Pak Klong Taland Flower Market and onwards to the Grand Palace. Admire the mysterious Emerald Buddha and take in the grandeur of Thailand's most important palace.
This all-day tour unveils many different sides to the city, giving you an ebullient snapshot of Bangkok's delights. Ride a long-tailed boat along the canals of Thonburi and marvel at local life along the waterside. Explore royal temples that burst with aristocratic brilliance and opulent architecture, then head into old Bangkok and wander the vivid alleys of the city's working class neighborhoods. Visit Chinatown, take a sumptuous lunch overlooking the river, stop in ancient tea shops, discover bustling markets that cascade with color; this is a tour that always veers towards the city's unique experiences.
Flight to Chiangmai.
Chiang Mai - Venture to Chiang Mai, Capital of the Enchanting North Region
Trendy coffee shop culture has reached Thailand, which you can experience in the popular cafés in the Sukhumvit neighborhood. Locals, tourists, and students relax in the casual ambiance of Roots Coffee as they sip iced lattes or freshly-brewed espressos while the city reawakens. You will delight in the sweet and savory breakfast treats at the hotel before your private transfer escorts you to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. The fascinating city was once home to the Lanna Kingdom and it retains a captivating energy that emanates from the antique walls, spiritual temples, and ample street food vendors.
The modern urban sprawl wraps around the ancient city center but history remains the focus of Chiang Mai, which dates back to the 13th century. Your private transfer will lead you to Wat Suan Dok for an introduction to the sensational history of the city and the spiritual center. The 14th-century temple combines a gold leaf chedi with immaculate white pagodas, as well as viharn, which refers to the secluded refuges in which monks can stroll.
Within the golden chedi, you will find a relic said to have been a part of Buddha’s hand. The chedi was erected in a style familiar in Sri Lanka and reaches nearly 160 feet tall. The bronze Buddha statue sits touching the earth and was originally cast in the 16th century. Then, you will continue your exploration of Chiang Mai’s fascinating history found in the diverse and stellar landscapes as you will ascend the 309 dragon-clad steps of Doi Suthep Mountain that leads to Wat Pra That. You will take in the impressive view that looks out over the vast city from the complex’s grounds that were first erected in 1383.
One of the main highlights of any journey to the Northern Rose, Chiang Mai, is a visit to the famous Doi Suthep Mountain located in the outskirts of the city. Doi Suthep (1.676 m) is one of the twin peaks of mountains located west of Chiang Mai, the other peak is known as Doi Oui. We will visit the top of Doi Suthep were we will have a breathtaking view of Chiang Mai city. One of the most beautiful temples in North Thailand is located on top of Doi Suthep. The much sacred Wat Phratat Doi Suithep was founded in 1383 and is a great symbol of the Buddhist traditions in Northern Thailand. A road to the temple was built in 1935 by the Karen people.
After our visit to Doi Suthep we will make a stop at the bottom of Doi Suthep to see the beautiful Huay Kaew Waterfall which is a fascinating 3-stage waterfall and 10 meters height with rising water year round.
Driving from the waterfall we will follow Huay Kaew road and pass by the campus of Chiang Mai University and then visit the Studio Naenna Gallery. Studio Naenna were founded by Patricia Chessman in 1987 and displays handmade one-of-a-kind textiles based on decades of tradition. The studio is well renowned and Mrs. Chessman acts as an advisor for the Thai Art Department at Thammasat University. The clients will have an opportunity to watch textiles been made and purchase items on display.
Hereafter we will drive to the untouristic Nimmanhaemin Road, which is the main dining and shopping area for the young and middle-aged generation in Chiang Mai. Here we will find some of the best restaurants in town and there will be a chance to do some shopping or just soak up the atmosphere on one of the many small and charming cafees. We will eat our lunch in a nice restaurant were the clients will have the opportunity to try some of the delicious local dishes. After lunch and free time at Nimmanhaemin Road we will drive to the Old Center of Chiang Mai and show them points of interest. We will give an introduction to the Old Center and show them were the famous Sunday Market takes place near Tapae gate.
Hereafter we will drive to China Town and show them the fresh market and also the flower market. A good chance to witness the vibrant China Town, which most tourist to Chiang Mai never see during their visit. After China Town we will visit Wat Chai Mongkol. This isn’t perhaps the most famous temple of Chiang Mai, but on the other hand many local people use this temple for making merit or show respect to the Lord Buddha. A chance for the clients to observe a functioning temple. From the temple we will take a boat trip on Mae Ping River. Duration 1 hour.
We will end at a local farmer house where we will enjoy some mixed fruit. Then transfer back to hotel
Drive up north to infamous Golden Triangle where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar. With long tail boat to visit hill tribe near Chiang Rai to see their living styles. After visit the famous White temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai. Then travel to Mai Sai border to Burma and visit the famous Golden Triangle area. We visit opium museum and have lunch with view on Burma, Laos from Thailand. After lunch visit the ancient city of Chiang Saen and afternoon continue to your cozy accommodation.
Spend the day luxuriating and enjoying at activities at your resort.
Flight to southern pearl of Thailand, Phuket. This beautiful island has it all from amazing beaches, entertainment, great dining, sea sports and more. Enjoy relaxing by the warm Andaman Sea and why not take a day trip to one or two of the islands for some snorkeling or diving or just sun bathing.
