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.)

Bangkok

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.

Gastronomic Highlights Tour

This morning 8am you will be transferred to Saphan Taksin BTS skytrain station where you will meet your guide for a gastronomic adventure through Bangkok! A short walk on Charoen Krung Road brings us to the first restaurant where you'll enjoy roasted duck rice. Then we get off the main road and visit a Buddhist temple. Head next to a second restaurant, a Thai-Indian Muslim spot where you will try Mabata (stuffed pancake), chicken Massaman, and a few other dishes. We cross Chao Phraya river to a third restaurant serving Northeastern Thai cuisine. Here you will have spicy raw papaya salad, grilled pork neck salad, and sticky rice.

Crossing back, we visit a beautiful Catholic church, then a bakery for custard buns and Thai milk tea. At the last restaurant, we will try green curry with fried roti, and finish the experience off with a sorbet flavor of your choice. Along the way, we will grab Thai street snacks like Miang Kham (pieces of Thai herbs wrapped in betel leaves), chocolate roti, and half shaped coconut pancake, depending on which vendors are open on the day. Plan for a filling breakfast and lunch today! (This service is on a private basis.)

Half Day City Highlights Tour

This afternoon, meet your private guide for a half-day exploration of Bangkok. First visit 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 Grand Palace is Wat Po, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples. Visit this temple; housing the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha. It is also the headquarters for the Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Bangkok.

Then take a water taxi to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. This is one of the best-known temples in Bangkok and dates back to the ancient Ayutthaya period. The tall, elongated central Khmer-style tower is surrounded by four minor towers, symbolizing Mount Meru, the earthly representation of the thirty-three heavens. Here, you'll find pavilions containing statues of the Buddha at the most important stages of life. The beautiful architecture and fine craftsmanship mark Wat Arun as one of the most remarkable temples in Thailand.

After this half day excursion you will be returned to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Historical Bang Pa-In and Ayutthaya

Bright and early this morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel around 7:00 AM to embark on the 2 hour journey to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from the 15th to the 18th century, when it was destroyed by the invading Burmese. The Thais then moved their capital to Bangkok (Krung Thep) in the 1770’s. Known as the center of distinctive art and architecture, Ayutthaya preceded modern Thailand, and is still known for its flourishing artistic community. Ayutthaya-period Buddhas are still some of the most treasured in the land.

En route to Ayutthaya, you will also visit Bang-Pa-In. This is the old royal summer residence for the 17th century Kings. From here, you will board longtail boat for a leisurely trip on the Chao Phraya River. Admire the beautiful scenery and catch a glimpse of the traditional Thai lifestyle, as you glide along the water. You will explore the town island of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, via several places of interest, such as Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai and Phra Tamnak Siriyalai. Next, you will have the chance to discover the impressive temple ruins of the region. These include the gigantic bronze statues of Wat Mongkol Borpith, Wat Phra Srisanpetch and Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. Following your exploration of Ayutthaya, you will be transferred to Wat Chong Lom in Nonthaburi, to board the cruise back to Bangkok. This journey includes a lunch on board with snacks and drinks. Around 4:00 PM, you will arrive at Bangkok's River City Pier, from where you will be transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in Bangkok and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Chiang Mai. (This service is on a private basis.)

Doi Suthep Exploration

Upon arrival meet your private guide and driver and spend the day touring some of the highlights and lesser-known gems in and around Chiang Mai. Start with a visit to the riverfront Worarot Market, with its colorful flowers, pungent spices and friendly, bustling crowds. Stroll the alleys next to the market, filled with excellent priced textiles, hilltribe clothes, silks, hats and beads. From the market, take a ride in a samlor (a three-wheeled rickshaw) along Thapae Road down through the city wall, passing important residential and government buildings around the city. Then visit to a couple of Chiang Mai's most revered Buddhist temples and shrines including Wat Phra Singh, and Wat U Mong, a forest monastery where you have the chance to visit with a local monk.

Then continue to what is probably Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark: Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. The temple is located at the summit of 5,000-foot-high Doi Suthep Mountain, which towers over the city. Climb the 300-step staircase, flanked by Nagas, or take the cable car up. The cool air and spectacular sunset views make the trip worth the effort. You'll then make your way to the hotel with the evening and free at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Chiang Mai

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.

Kanta Elephant Sanctuary

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.)

Traditional Cooking Experience with Local Lanna Family

This morning at 9:00 AM you will be transferred to a local village to meet with a Raunkaew-Yanon family, who arrived in the area possibly on the back of an elephant, almost 150 years ago. They are a Lanna family, continuing the traditions of many generations in building their homes of teak wood and maintaining the natural surroundings in a way now rarely seen in Chiang Mai. Of course this is not your average commercial cooking class as you will learn more about their culture, the way of living and the architecture of a traditional Thai house and rice barn. 

The family orchard has many types of fruit such as banana, mango, coconut, while the garden is filled with herbs for cooking. They also demonstrate their skills making a small bamboo basket. You will cook traditional home cooked recipes with authentic Northern Thai flavors that are different from standard dishes offered in commercial cooking classes. Also you will select fresh ingredients from the garden to add to today’s cooking extravaganza. Best of all you will have the opportunity to get to know a real Thai family, be their houseguest for the day and enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch with them! You will return back to your hotel later this afternoon (ETA 2:30 PM). (This service is on a private basis.)

Journey to Chiang Rai

This morning, after an early breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to Chiang Rai. First we will visit Wat Rong Khun or The White Temple, unique from other temples in Thailand, it has been constructed entirely in a radiant white color with sparking reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the white plaster. The temple is the idea of Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, one of Thailand’s most renowned artists, who wanted to build a temple all in white to signify the purity of Lord Buddha. The artist continues to puts his religious belief and desire to enrich Buddhism in Thailand into his contemporary art design. The construction of the White Temple is Khun Chalemchai’s masterwork, which he refers to as an offering to Lord Buddha and his beloved country.

After this visit we continue to Baan Dam or The Black House - The Black Temple Chiang Rai. Created by local artist/curator Thawan Duchanee. Baan Dam is an estate of more than 40 black houses/domes. Each house is uniquely designed and loaded with a variety of paintings, sculptures, drums, animal bones, skins, and horns collected from around Southeast Asia.

After lunch at Krua Silapin, we continue to visit Wat Rong Suea Tean, also known as the Blue Temple – another unusual modern Buddhist temple distinguished by its vivid blue coloring and elaborate carvings. Afterward transfer to your hotel and free at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Chiang Rai

The province of Chiang Rai is located within the renowned ‘Golden Triangle’ area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge. Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, blessed with an abundance of natural attractions as well as a many sites of cultural interest - the province is itself is evidence of past civilization! Attractions range from the magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historical sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages - the province is home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles.

Chiang Rai History and Culinary Tour

This morning you'll experience an authentic culinary and cultural discovery walk in the country’s far North. Ensure you only have a very light breakfast in your hotel as we'll explore Chiang Rai's tastiest neighborhoods, where you will enjoy tasting delicious Thai cuisine and learn about Thai culture and local history. Your guide will unveil real stories behind each restaurant and their locally famous dishes.

Along the way, we also share the exciting history, exceptional culture, and distinctive architecture. The tour includes a variety of mouth-watering food tastings, from Thai and ethnic specialty eateries, renowned street food stalls, to historic fine dining restaurants. With so much food to try when you are in Chiang Rai it's difficult to decide where to get started! Let us guide you to best dishes prepared by top local chefs. It's a foodie dream come true! Later this afternoon, transfer back to your hotel.(This service is on a private basis.)

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Koh Samui. Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, or simply, Samui, as it is referred to by locals, is an island off the east coast of the Gulf Thailand. The island boasts beautiful white sand beaches, tropical foliage, hidden coves, rocky outcrops, and swaying palms. An eclectic array of spas; activity centers; resorts; world-class restaurants; beach bars, and a colorful mix of residents and tourists help you begin to understand the unique charm of Koh Samui.

Angthong National Marine Park Adventure

Today, you will be met at your hotel around 7:30 AM, to be transferred to a local pier, where you will board a one hour speedboat ride to Angthong National Marine Park! The Angthong National Marine Park is located 45 kms north-west of Koh Samui and is comprised of 40 islands with a combined area of 250 square kms. Getting there takes about two hours by tour boat and one hour by speedboat or yacht. Upon arrival, you will be enchanted by a tropical wonderland composed of bulbous green isles, clear blue lagoons, mysterious caves and unique rock formations.

Initially, you will head to Koh Wao or Koh Tai Plow to go snorkeling. This area is a spectacular spot to discover the colorful schools of fish and beautiful coral reefs. Enjoy time for sightseeing around the National Marine Park, including the option to climb up to Emerald Lake, known as "Talay Nai". This stunning turquoise lake is surrounded by lush mountain landscapes. Afterwards, a tasty buffet lunch will be served, with time for you to relax on the beach or go for a swim. If you're feeling up to it this afternoon, you can embark on a trek up another mountain, to admire fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding islands within the Park. Following a fun and adventurous day, you will cruise back to Koh Samui around 3:00 PM, from where you will be transferred back to your hotel. (This service is on a group basis.)

Enjoy this last day in paradise as you like!

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 at the airport in 4:00PM you will connect with your international flight onward.