8 Days: Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai

Tour overview:

From the electric energy of Bangkok to the serenity Chiang Rai, Thailand is a jewel, one sparkling with a rich culture, diverse landscape, and abundance of friendly people. Make an unforgettable destination more so with a visit to a hill tribe village, a walk around palatial temples, and a cruise down the Mekong Delta.

Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok

Arrive at Bangkok Airport by flight. Your English-speaking guide will be awaiting your arrival with a sign and escort you to your vehicle for private transfer from Bangkok Airport to your hotel. First evening in Thailand at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 - Klongs and China Town Tour / Grand Palace & Wat Po

Travel by motor launch on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and canals, or klongs, to observe the serene family homes and temples along the waterways. You will pass the famous Royal Barges, excellent samples of Thai craftsmanship and stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Then visit Grand Palace, the former residence for the Thai kings. Visit the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Funeral Hall and the beautiful Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keo. Visit Wat Po, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Ride on a tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled taxi, to Chinatown for a short walk. (BL)

Day 3 - Bangkok

The day is free to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 4 - Bangkok /Chiang Rai

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 5 - Golden Triangle Excursion

Full Day visit in Chiang Rai province incl. Golden Triangle area. After breakfast depart from hotel drive to Golden Triangle area on the bank of the Mekong River where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand borders meet. Visit the House of Opium Museum, is a museum that tells stories of opium in the Golden Triangle. Through beautiful antiques such as opium harvesting knives, scales, weights, pipes, mats and pillows, these tools represent the beliefs, cultures, traditions and magnificent imagination of their Burmese, Shan, Chinese and tribal inventors in Thailand as well as the history of the region where the three countries meet. Then, enjoy an hour ride on the boat along Mekhong River to visit the river bank scenery. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch drive to visit Ban Pa Aor, the community of hilltribe people. Visit the different hilltribe like Akha, Palong (Big ear) and Padong (Long Neck). The women are wearing numerous brass rings around their elongated necks. Drive back to hotel.(BL)

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6 - Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai

Morning drive to Chiang Mai with stop at hot springs en route. Upon arrival visit Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s Royal Families are interred. Proceed to Wat Jet Yod with its seven spires and incredible architecture commemorating the year 2000 of the Buddha era. Then drive up Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep (built in A.D. 1384). Wat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. (B)

Day 7 - Chiang Mai

In the early morning (06.30 am.) depart hotel and drive through Thapae Gate, city moat and city wall in old town area and Ton Payom Market. Proceed to offer alms to Buddhist monks, afterwards return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast depart from hotel by car to Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai town was built in 1296 by King Mengrai of Lanna kingdom. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant shaped buttresses. After visit, take a trishaw riding through Chang Moi Road in the heart of the city and Wat San Fang, a unique ancient town temple in Burmese details and decors. Walking to the oldest and most well-known market, the Warorot market and Wat Ketkaram, is an important temple for all people who fall into the dogs symbol. The Old Ubosot and the viharn are both elaborately decorated and the temple features and tiny hidden museum in the area. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch drive up the serpentine rod to the magnificently situated Wat Doi Suthep, this most sacred of Chiang Mai’s temples (3,280 ft.) house of wealth of Buddha images, murals and Buddhist art. Return to hotel. In the evening enjoy a superb Northern Thai Dinner. Dine on authentic Northern Thai food, with folk dances and hilltribes presentations at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center. Khantoke Dinner – a generous serving of homemade family style dishes on large platters eaten sitting down on floor mats at low tables under the Lanna-style wooden house.(BLD)

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8 - Chiang Mai / Home

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home, carrying with you treasured memories of your journey to Thailand. (B)