Thailand gives travelers experiences of a lifetime. From the rich history at the temples and ruins, the aromas and tastes at the bustling local markets, to the excitement on wildlife excursions and the picture perfect paradise on the Islands, it's hard to believe it's all real. You're timing your adventure well, as you'll arrive in Chiang Mai in time to celebrate Loy Krathong, a beautiful annual festival celebrating the full moon in the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar.
Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, you will clear Immigration, collect your luggage and exit Customs. A friendly local representative will be waiting to greet you in the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. For a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure, you will be driven directly to your hotel, where a lovely evening in this urban wonderland awaits. (This service is on a private basis.)
With a population of over eleven million, the capital city of Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city. The wide variety of attractions, excursions, and sights make Bangkok a vibrant and eclectic destination to explore, with something to keep any traveler entertained. This cosmopolitan city combines some of Asia’s oldest and most elaborately adorned temples, with modern shopping malls, impressive skyscrapers, and bustling markets. Be sure to take a ride on a tuk tuk one evening, to feel the cool tropical breeze and marvel at the bright neon lights.
Meet your guide after breakfast and head to the Grand Palace, where an English governess once tutored a young prince and may have influenced his powerful father. (The Thai people have enormous reverence for their royal family, thus both versions of The King and I are banned as an insult to one of their great rulers.) The highlight of this mind-and-eye boggling palace is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), the most revered shrine in the Kingdom. Located next to the Palace, pay a visit to Wat Po, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples – famous for the 43 meter long reclining Buddha. Visit Lak Muang, Bangkok’s city pillar.
For lunch, instead of a standard restaurant, explore the backstreets of Thammasat University. Your guide will take you for a culinary visit among hundreds of Thai students rushing to the numerous small street restaurants. Get ready for a memorable exploration of Thai food delicacies in these less-visited streets of the capital. Boarding a longtail boat to explore the klongs, Bangkok’s maze of canals and waterways - see parts of Thai traditional life which have disappeared from most of Bangkok. End the day with a visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, before returning to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)
Today, you will travel to a creative vintage wooden market and make a sustainable kite! Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience commuting on a local Thai train. Explore rare-to-find local arts and
have fun strolling along a beautiful and artsy community. Have fun learning how to make a Thai kite with Uncle Kite, and check out cool graffiti walls from the local street artists. (This service is on a private basis.)
Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight. (This service is on a private basis.)
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you’ll meet your guide and drive up to what is probably Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark—Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. The temple is located at the summit of 1,676 meter-high Doi Suthep Mountain, which towers over the city. Climb the 300-step staircase, flanked by nagas (serpent-like deities), or take the cable car up. The cool air and spectacular sunset views make the trip worth the effort. Experience a blessing ceremony here. As dusk falls, you'll be taken to the hotel and have the evening at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)
Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and the gateway to the charming northern region. Explore the cultural highlights within the old city walls, discover fascinating temples, dig into the delicious street food and take a stroll through the famous evening markets, to truly experience the spirit of this destination. Chiang Mai serves as an excellent base for outdoor and adventure lovers, offering idyllic opportunities for trekking, cycling and river rafting in the surrounding countryside. The region is also home to many elephant conservation camps and ethnic hill tribe villages.
This morning after breakfast, you will be transfer to meet at your starting point near Chiang Mai Gate at 9:15am. The bike tour will depart at 9:30 am sharp. After a quick bike fitting and briefing we pedal away to discover the charms of Chiang Mai.
The biking is a chill way to explore Chiang Mai, meandering the small lanes throughout the old city to visit some of the main sights of old Chiang Mai. On the way towards the old city’s eastern gate we'll bike through many of the city’s quaint lanes. Tha Phae gate was once the entrance through which traders brought their wares into the city. At this beautifully restored gate, learn about Chiang Mai's history as a trading hub. From Tha Phae Gate, bike to a nearby Somphet Market where we will wander through the market learning a bit about Chiang Mai food and taste a few fruits and sweets while you are at it.
The next stop on the bike tour is Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, built in the auspicious Northeast corner of the old city. This is where the ancient Marble and Crystal Buddha
images are enshrined. Pedaling through Chiang Mai’s backstreets you will come to the cosmological heart of Chiang Mai called the City Navel. Visit the Navel Temple with its serene 700 hundred year old white Buddha and the Three Kings Monument. Your next stop is Chiang Mai’s grandest monument. Wat Chedi Luang was built to house the ashes of a king and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha (now resident at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok). It is now the home of the City Pillar and 3 auspicious dipterocarp trees which provide protection to the city.
The bike tour usually takes 3-4 hours but this is variable by group. The tour comes to its completion at the same starting point, the end of a unique and lovely bike tour through old city Chiang Mai. (This service is on a group basis.)
The Kanta Elephant Sanctuary's mission is to provide as many elephants as possible with the good health, freedom, and happiness they truly deserve. The organization uses progressive and ethically responsible approach to elephant eco-tourism as a platform to raise awareness and educate people from Thailand and around the world about elephant care, the plight of the Asian elephant and the conservation philosophy of “Elephant Conservation in Action.”
Your unforgettable day begins with an 8:30 AM pick up from your hotel. The 50 minute drive to sanctuary showcases rural landscapes, agricultural areas and forested hills. On arrival, you will meet your guide and change into traditional clothing, an introductory briefing of the elephants will be given. After that, it's time to meet the elephants! You will have the chance to feed, interact and play with these incredible creatures in their natural home, as you continue to learn about their deep history and interesting behavior. This afternoon a lunch of traditional Thai food will be served, before preparing sticky rice mixed with herbal for our elephants. With your freshly prepared snacks, you will walk with the gentle giants to the river for a bath as you shower them with treats. Back at the Sanctuary, you will change clothes and say goodbye to your new friends. You will be dropped back off at your hotel in Chiang Mai around 4:00 PM. (This service is on a group basis.)
Today, you are invited to enjoy an exclusive local cooking experience. From your hotel, you will be driven just 15 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, where you will be introduced to a traditional Lanna family. This loving family continues the customs of many generations, building their homes out of teak wood and maintaining their natural surroundings in a way that is now rarely seen throughout Chiang Mai.
On this adventure for the senses, you are invited to learn the traditional home recipes and authentic Northern Thai flavors. Unlike commercial cooking classes, this cultural experience offers a glimpse into their world and memories you won't ever forget. The locals will even help you to select fresh ingredients from their garden, which you will use in the flavorful dishes. Make the most of this unique opportunity to not only enjoy their divine cuisine but also to befriend a real Thai family, who will welcome you into their home and prepare a delicious home cooked meal in your honor! (This service is on a private basis.)
Today, you will be picked up at your hotel in Chiang Mai and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Phuket. Upon arrival in Phuket, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to the pier to continue transfer with private longtail to Koh Yao Noi and check into your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)
Take it easy today and let the gentle island breezes wash over you. Enjoy your free day however you wish!
Today, you'll have a full day of cultural and natural exploration around beautiful Koh Yao Noi. You'll begin with a visit to the Batik Community for an hour of painting and drawing. Using wax and dye, you'll have a chance to uncover the methods of Batik design. Return to your accommodation for lunch before the next experience.
A bit later this afternoon, you'll be picked up at your hotel and taken by boat to visit the beautiful paradise of Hong Island (Koh Hong) in Krabi. Enjoy sightseeing and snorkeling in the clear water! You'll be returned to your hotel around 5pm this evening for a relaxing night. (This service is on a group basis.)
Enjoy this free time at your leisure basking in the island sun and enjoying the amenities at your accommodation.
Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight. (This service is on a private basis.)
Rising 25 stories above the distinguished residential area of Langsuan Road in the city’s center, Hotel Muse offers 174 lavish guest rooms and the elegance to charm any traveler. Nestled alongside a distinctive array of dining and entertainment venues as well, this property is unlike anything Bangkok has ever seen. Hotel Muse brings to the city its only hotel dedicated to the golden age of travel and the most opulent of art and design. Every element of the interior reflects a devotion to luxury and modernity combined. Enjoy a drink at the outdoor bar, or take a dip in the pool overlooking the city skyline, for an unforgettable end to your day.
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort is a charming hideaway nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai. Legendary stories combined with the rich history of the area, the location of the resort inspired the birth of this beautiful gem. You are invited to indulge in timeless charm and elegance. All 6 residences are designed in the half-wood Lanna-Colonial style, taking you back in time to the period of King Rama 5 at the end of the 19th century, when colonial architecture had an impact on the design of Thai houses. The combination of classic and romantic art with the traditional architecture is warmly reflected through the decor. Elegant, simple and authentic Lanna style.
Experience secluded and exclusive relaxation in a luxury air-conditioned safari-style tent. Enjoy romantic unhindered panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay. Swim and indulge in a floating breakfast in your personal infinity pool!
*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.
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