Thailand Discovery
13 days - Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Explore the north and south on this 13-day trip which takes you around the Kingdom. The unique culture, charm, and renowned Thai hospitality are evident from the moment you arrive. Bangkok, the vibrant capital, is filled with luxury hotels, world-class sightseeing, great shopping, and culinary delights. In Chiang Rai visit the "Golden Triangle", where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) meet. Hill tribe people, each with their own distinctive dress and customs, populate the area. 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 famous for it's beautiful scenery and famous handicrafts. For a culinary northern treat, don't miss trying a Khan Toke dinner, delicious Chiang Mai sausage, and Khao Soi, a delectable dish of curry noodles. In the south, the mountains of the north give way to Phuket's sandy white beaches, tropical palms, and azure waters of the Andaman Sea. A variety of beach activities and sea excursions await; or simply relax and unwind by the pool, or indulge yourself with a luxurious massage at the spa.

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. Ride a long tail boat on the Chao Phraya River, and travel by tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw) to see the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After lunch see the colorful Flower Market, and Wat Po's magnificent Reclining Buddha. Learn about traditional Thai massage therapy and conclude with a private long tail ride through some of the smaller canals. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Bangkok. Morning visits to Marble Temple where you can see monks practicing their morning chants, and the private Prasert Museum (permission secured) located on an exclusive Bangkok estate. Afterward tour the lovely teak home of Jim Thompson, and enjoy lunch in it's award-winning restaurant. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Chiang Rai. Fly north to Chiang Rai, first capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom. Full-day Golden Triangle excursion including Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, Mae Sai and the shops that line the Thai-Burmese border there. You will have the opportunity to cross into the town of Tachilek on the Burmese side. Visit the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) converge, and the ancient ruins of Chiang Saen. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Chiang Rai. Visit hilltribes of the north. Morning boat ride up the Mae Kok River to the Karen village of Ruam Mitr, and elephant ride across ride paddies and hilly terrain. Yao hilltribe village, and picnic lunch at Ya Pou. Visit a Lahu village, and follow the trail to a local waterfall. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 6: Chiang Mai. Travel through the northern countryside by car to Chiang Mai. Arrive and check into your resort. The balance of the day is free to relax. You may choose to visit the festive Night Bazaar this evening. (breakfast).
Day 7: Chiang Mai. Full-day of private touring. Visit the mountain temple Doi Suthep, situated 1,000 meters above sea level, and Wat Chedi Luang, the original home of the Emerald Buddha. In the afternoon explore the city sights of Chiang Mai city. (breakfast).
Day 8: Chiang Mai. A free day to enjoy the facilities at your resort, or explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 9: Phuket. Fly to the resort island of Phuket in Thailand's south. Transfer by sedan to your hotel. (breakfast).
Days 10-11: Phuket. Two free days to unwind. Phuket epitomizes the splendor of tropical Southeast Asia, with spectacular stretches of white sand beaches, and towering limestone stacks rising from the gentle aquamarine waters. A wide variety of activities are available; from sailing, snorkeling, sea-canoeing, to simply pure relaxation. (breakfast).
Day 12: Bangkok: Fly to Bangkok and transfer by sedan to your hotel. (breakfast).
Day 13: Depart Thailand. Transfer to Bangkok Airport. (breakfast).

Meals: breakfast daily (12), four lunches.

Cost per person, double occupancy from $6,150.

Our deluxe Thailand 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.