Thailand: The Golden Kingdom Summer of 2020

with optional Cambodia extension ($1049 for extension)

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Experience the warm welcome of the Land of Smiles.

From bustling Bangkok, you’ll travel north to ancient ruined capitals, local villages, and mountaintop temples to investigate all sides of this vibrant country of contrasts. The spice and rice will nourish your body; the scenery and history will nourish your soul.

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Itinerary Draft:   This is the basic itinerary.  Keep in mind due to scheduling and logistics and other factors some events are subject to change.  I am always looking for the the BEST possible experience.

Overnight Flight 1 night

Day 1: Travel day Board your overnight flight to Bangkok today.
Welcome to Thailand! Settle in to your hotel tonight.

Bangkok 3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Bangkok

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Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Bangkok

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, join your Tour Director on a sightseeing tour of Bangkok.

• Explore the sprawling Grand Palace complex, built in 1782 for the king of Siam

• See the city’s vast array of Buddha statues at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), and the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

• Enjoy an included welcome lunch with your fellow travelers

• Tour the city’s canals, called klongs, on a speedboat and converted rice barge

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Day 4: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & River Kwai

Included meal: Breakfast

Explore the region on a series of stops at local cultural sites.

• Experience the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where locals sell produce from their small boats

• Journey to Kanchanaburi, home to the River Kwai and the Thai-Burma Railway bridge that was made famous by the novel and film about its construction

• Visit the World War II Cemetery, resting place of over 9,000 Allied soldiers

Phitsanulok 1 night
 

Day 5: Phitsanulok via Ayutthaya & Uthai Thani

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s capital from 1350 to 1767.

• Tour the ruins, decorated with beautiful images of the Buddha draped in saffron robes, just like living monks

• Continue on to Uthai Thani to visit the beautiful Wat Chantaram

• Enjoy an included family-style lunch

• Make your way to the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple in Phitsanulok to see the Phra Buddha Chinnarat image

Sit down for an included dinner. Then, enjoy a free evening in Phitsanulok or add an excursion.

 

Rickshaw Ride & Market

Excursion (additional cost)

Chiang Rai 2 nights

Day 6: Sukhothai Historical Park & transfer to Chiang Rai

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, join your Tour Director on a tour of Sukhothai Historical Park.

• Board a trolley and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site

• See classical Buddha statues and temple ruins, including the monument to King Rama

Enjoy an included family-style lunch before continuing on to Chiang Rai.

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Day 7: Mae Kok River & oolong tea plantation

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend today exploring the waterways, villages, and markets outside of Chiang Rai.

• Board a long-tail boat and venture along the Mae Kok River

• Visit the Golden Triangle, where the three countries of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet on the Mekong River

• Enjoy an included lunch overlooking the Mekong River

• Head to an oolong tea plantation in Mae Salong for a tour

• Sample three different kinds of local tea at the Choui Fong Tea shop while admiring views of the lush, terraced tea plantation

Chiang Mai3 nights

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Day 8: Chiang Mai via Wat Rong Khun & Doi Suthep

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the stunning scenery as you stop at some of the region’s most impressive temples and historic sites on your way to Chiang Mai.

• Stop at Wat Rong Khun, the otherwordly “White Temple"

• Make a photo stop at a rice paddy

• Discover Doi Suthep, the regal mountain overlooking the city from the northwest and home to some of the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom

• Walk the 290 steps skyward or take a cable car to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a major temple and pilgrimage destination during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak

• Visit a jade factory to learn about the precious gemstone

Continue on to Chiang Mai and sit down for an included dinner.

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Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Chiang Mai

Included meal: Breakfast

Take a tuk-tuk, similar to a rickshaw, ride through the streets of Chiang Mai this morning.

• Pass through Tha Phae Gate on your way to the old city

• See Wat Phra Singh, Viharn Lai Kham, and Wat Chedi Luang temples

This afternoon, travel to San Kamphaeng to see how regional products are made during visits to local handicrafts markets.

• Watch a demonstration to learn how silk is made

• Stop by a celadon ceramics factory

• Visit a paper umbrella manufacturer to learn how the elegant pieces are designed

• Pay a visit to a lacquerware and silverware shop

Enjoy a free evening in Chiang Mai or add an excursion.

 

Lanna Family Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

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Day 10: Elephant Nature Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive through the countryside to the Mae Taeng Valley and the Elephant Nature Park, a camp dedicated to caring for the elephant population through conservation efforts and ending mistreatment. You’ll learn about Asian elephants as you watch them feed and bathe.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Chiang Mai or add an excursion.

 

Traditional Thai Cooking Class & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Bangkok 1 night

Day 11: Wat Suan Dok & flight to Bangkok

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, visit Wat Suan Dok, a temple constructed for a revered priest visiting from Sukhothai. While here, you'll meet and talk with one of the resident monks to learn about Buddhism.

Then, fly to Bangkok where you'll celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

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Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home or continue your tour in Cambodia.

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Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home.

Note:  This is the basic itinerary draft and some sites are subect to change due to availability.