Best Of Thailand 8 Days
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 this morning in Bangkok, the vibrant and throbbing capital city of Thailand. You are welcomed and escorted to your hotel. Built on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, this “City of Angels” has a fascinating appeal that is difficult to resist. The day is at leisure to relax and recover from the long flight.
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 - Chiang Rai
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
Check out and depart from hotel drive to visit Wat Rong Khun Wat Rong Khun, is a unique temple that stands out through the white color and the use of pieces of glass in the plaster, sparkling in the sun. The white color signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings. Wat Rong Khun was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. Eventually there will be nine buildings including an ubosot, a hall to enshrine Buddhist relics, a meditation hall, the monks living quarters and an art gallery. Continue to Chiang Mai on the way stop for a short relax at Mae Kajan hot spring. Arrive at Chiang Mai transfer to local restaurant for lunch. Lunch at local restaurant en route. After lunch drive to Sankamphaeng district has long been the heart of this industry. Thailand is world famous for its pure silk and Chiang Mai produces some of the very finest. Here you can find hand-woven silk, ethnic textiles, umbrella making, silverware, wood carving and products made by skilled craftsmen, who produce standards of excellence in decorative items, and furniture. After visit transfer to hotel in city area for check in.
Overnight at Hotel.(BL)
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)