Thailand & Cambodia Explorer
9 days - Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap
9 days - Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap
This program combines Thailand's capital and alluring northern city of Chiang Mai together with the magnificence of Cambodia's Angkor temples. Begin in Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital filled with world-class sights, bustling markets, chic boutiques, and culinary delights. See life along the banks as you ply the Chao Phraya, or "River of Kings", and visit the magnificent Grand Palace, former home to the Kings of Siam. Chiang Mai, nicknamed "Rose of the North", is Thailand's most culturally significant northern city, and former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The city is gateway to the destinations of the region, and famous for it's beautiful scenery, famous handicrafts, and delicioius northern cuisine. Siem Reap is gateway to the famed temples of Angkor, and has grown to be Cambodia's major tourist destination. There are hundreds of restaurants, hotels of every category, and plenty of shops and markets. All serve to make a stay in Siem Reap comfortable and pleasurable while touring the main attraction - the temples. The crown jewel is Angkor Wat, the UNESCO world heritage site that has become the symbol of Cambodia, it's image depicted on the national flag. In fact, the entire Angkor area is a world heritage site, with important and magnificent Khmer temples to explore. Popular favorites and must-sees are The Bayon, with it's distinctive massive stone faces looking down at you, and Ta Prohm; looking very untouched, it is fascinating to see the giant tree roots emerging from the temple's ruins.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok. Arrive at Bangkok Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok. Full-day private tour of Bangkok. Begin at the magnificent Grand Palace, which served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since the reign of Rama I. The golden stupas, glittering reflective mosaics, and colorful statues depicting mythological gods and demons are truly a sight to behold. Also on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contains the revered priceless "Emerald Buddha" carved from a single piece of jade. Afterwards, continue to Wat Po, Bangkok's largest temple, to view it's giant reclining Buddha statue. In the afternoon travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River; no visit would be complete without a boat ride on the "River of Kings." Visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, a major riverside landmark, and finish with a visit to the colorful and fragrant Flower Market, and Wat Saket, or Temple of the Golden Mountain. (breakfast).
Day 3: Ayutthaya/Bangkok. Full-day excursion to Ayutthaya to see the surviving ruins of this once magnificent city which served as Thailand's capital from 1350-1767. A world heritage site, highlights include the summer palace at Bang Pa In, and many other important and well known temples. Finish with a cruise down the Chao Phraya River, returning to Bangkok by boat. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Chiang Mai. Fly to Chiang Mai, nicknamed "Rose of the North," it is gateway to the mountainous and lush countryside of northern Thailand. Visit the mountain temple Doi Suthep, situated 1,000 meters above sea level, and Wat Suan Dok, another sacred temple where ashes of Chiang Mai's royal families are buried. Later visit a nearby Hmong hilltribe village. The Hmong people are one of several ethnic minorities that live in the highland regions of Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Laos, and are known for their skill at embroidery and typically still weave their own clothing. (breakfast).
Day 5: Chiang Mai. Travel out of the city to experience the natural beauty of northern Thailand. Visits include an elephant camp to see how these magnificent creatures live and work in the forest, an orchid farm, and villages of Meo minorities. (breakfast).
Day 6: Siem Reap. Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the famous temples of Angkor. (breakfast).
Day 7: Siem Reap. Begin your exploration at Angkor Thom, the fortified "Great City" that was the final capital of the Khmer empire. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, and continue to the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper King, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeankas before continuing to the Bayon Temple. The Bayon is one of Angkor's most compelling and popular sights, with galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs, and where giant stone faces smile enigmatically down at you from every angle. Afterwards continue to Ta Prohm, built in the Bayon style it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. A most interesting and distinctive feature of Ta Prohm are the twists of tree trunks and roots that emerge from the ruins and soar upward into a lovely shaded canopy. Also visit Banteay Srei, smaller in comparison to other Angkor temples, but considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. We finish the day watching the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. (breakfast).
Day 8: Siem Reap. The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat, is the national symbol and highlight of any visit to Cambodia. It is the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. Cross the vast moat, and enter the main building, ascending through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary. Intricate stone-carvings adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Later embark on an excursion to Kampong Kleang, one of the largest of the Tonle Sap lake communities. From here board a boat to explore the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake. (breakfast).
Day 9: Depart Siem Reap. Transfer to Siem Reap Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (8).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,210.
Day 1: Bangkok. Arrive at Bangkok Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok. Full-day private tour of Bangkok. Begin at the magnificent Grand Palace, which served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since the reign of Rama I. The golden stupas, glittering reflective mosaics, and colorful statues depicting mythological gods and demons are truly a sight to behold. Also on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which contains the revered priceless "Emerald Buddha" carved from a single piece of jade. Afterwards, continue to Wat Po, Bangkok's largest temple, to view it's giant reclining Buddha statue. In the afternoon travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River; no visit would be complete without a boat ride on the "River of Kings." Visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, a major riverside landmark, and finish with a visit to the colorful and fragrant Flower Market, and Wat Saket, or Temple of the Golden Mountain. (breakfast).
Day 3: Ayutthaya/Bangkok. Full-day excursion to Ayutthaya to see the surviving ruins of this once magnificent city which served as Thailand's capital from 1350-1767. A world heritage site, highlights include the summer palace at Bang Pa In, and many other important and well known temples. Finish with a cruise down the Chao Phraya River, returning to Bangkok by boat. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Chiang Mai. Fly to Chiang Mai, nicknamed "Rose of the North," it is gateway to the mountainous and lush countryside of northern Thailand. Visit the mountain temple Doi Suthep, situated 1,000 meters above sea level, and Wat Suan Dok, another sacred temple where ashes of Chiang Mai's royal families are buried. Later visit a nearby Hmong hilltribe village. The Hmong people are one of several ethnic minorities that live in the highland regions of Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Laos, and are known for their skill at embroidery and typically still weave their own clothing. (breakfast).
Day 5: Chiang Mai. Travel out of the city to experience the natural beauty of northern Thailand. Visits include an elephant camp to see how these magnificent creatures live and work in the forest, an orchid farm, and villages of Meo minorities. (breakfast).
Day 6: Siem Reap. Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the famous temples of Angkor. (breakfast).
Day 7: Siem Reap. Begin your exploration at Angkor Thom, the fortified "Great City" that was the final capital of the Khmer empire. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, and continue to the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper King, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeankas before continuing to the Bayon Temple. The Bayon is one of Angkor's most compelling and popular sights, with galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs, and where giant stone faces smile enigmatically down at you from every angle. Afterwards continue to Ta Prohm, built in the Bayon style it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. A most interesting and distinctive feature of Ta Prohm are the twists of tree trunks and roots that emerge from the ruins and soar upward into a lovely shaded canopy. Also visit Banteay Srei, smaller in comparison to other Angkor temples, but considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. We finish the day watching the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. (breakfast).
Day 8: Siem Reap. The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat, is the national symbol and highlight of any visit to Cambodia. It is the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. Cross the vast moat, and enter the main building, ascending through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary. Intricate stone-carvings adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Later embark on an excursion to Kampong Kleang, one of the largest of the Tonle Sap lake communities. From here board a boat to explore the floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake. (breakfast).
Day 9: Depart Siem Reap. Transfer to Siem Reap Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (8).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,210.
Our deluxe Thailand and Cambodia tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
