Thailand In Depth 12 Days
12 Days :Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Tour overview:
Combining the best of Thailand, this 12 day tour takes you through the length of this incredible country, visiting Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Get ready to see and appreciate real Thailand.
Day 1 - Bangkok
Upon arrival, your professional guide will escort you to your hotel. The room is at your disposal from 15.00hrs onwards. Meals on your own account. The rest of evening at leisure. Accommodation at selected hotel.
Day 2 - Bangkok
Breakfast. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple.Then, cross the Chaophraya River to the western part of Bangkok to visit Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn. Afterwards, take a long tailed boat cruising down the river to LHONG 1919, one of the very few remaining heritage classic Chinese architecture in Bangkok which reflects the history of Thai-Chinese community on the banks of the Chaophraya River dating back 130 years ago.Currently it has reclaimed a group of old warehouses and a Chinese shrine dating back to King Rama IV (1851-1868) for its 6,800 sq meters of co-working space, eateries and art and design shops spotlighting the work of young artists.Enjoy your Thai lunch at Rong Si Rim Nam, a warehouse restaurant by the river. After lunch, cross the river back to the eastern part of Bangkok to Warehouse 30. The place is mirroring its role as a newest creative center in Bangkok.Taking the form of a string of World War II–era go-downs housing a cafe, a high-end florist, and a shop selling curated vintage items, locally made homewares and a tiny organic grocery.Before returning to your hotel, explore real Thai lifestyle at Pak Klong Talad, the biggest fresh flower market in Bangkok. Experience the scents and sights of a bustling market and pick up some tips on choosing flowers and fruits. Return to hotel.
Afternoon At leisure. Evening – Yaowarat foodie walk & culture tour (not operating on Monday) Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, is the World’s most renowned street food destination and the local favorite dining district. On this early night adventure, we bring to you discover the sophisticated flavors of Bangkok’s 200 years old community that is rich with Thai-Chinese tradition & delicious food. During the tour you will walk to explore & taste local cuisines from 7 famous eateries, varied from street food vendors to renowned Thai-Chinese diners. Between each tasting location, you will get behind-the-scene exposure of this unique neighborhood: meeting the food bazaar’s lively characters, hearing its memorable stories, and visiting religious and cultural landmarks.Return to hotel. Accommodation at selected hotel. (BLD)
Day 3 - Bangkok – Kanchanaburi
After Breakfast, Depart to Kanchanaburi province (128 km. to the west of Bangkok) Arrive Kanchanaburi province Visit Thailand–Burma Railway Centre an interactive museum, information and research facility dedicated to presenting the history of the Thailand– Burma Railway. The fully air–conditioned center offers the visitor an educational and moving experience. Visit Allied War Cemetery which is memorial to some 6000 allied prisoners of war (POWs) who perished along the death railway line and were moved post-war to this eternal resting place. Visit the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of Death Railway constructed by Allied POWs. Take a long–tailed boat on River Kwai to The Floathouse River Kwai or River Kwai Resotel. Check–in and have Lunch upon arrival. Take a long–tailed boat upstream to visit nearby ethnic Mon Tribal Village. Then return to the hotel. Dinner, followed by a 45-minute presentation of Mon Dance. Accommodation at selected hotel. (BLD)
Day 4 - Kanchanaburi– Ayutthaya
Breakfast. Take an exciting boat ride downstream to Resotel Pier and continue to visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial which is dedicated to those Australians and other Allied Prisoners of War and Asian labourers who suffered and died at Hellfire Pass and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region during WW2. Trekking along the Hellfire Pass Walking Trails and return to the floathouse.
Check-out. Lunch at a local restaurant. Take a historic ride on Death Railway Train passing over original wooden viaduct constructed by Allied POWs. Get off the train and continue drive via Suphanburi to the former capital city of Siam, Ayutthaya, which is located approximately 80 kilometers to the north of Bangkok. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is known as the “Venice of the East” and is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Check-in at hotel. Accommodation at selected hotel. (BL)
Recommendation: We recommend you to dine at Eatery and Bar at Sala Ayutthaya, a delightful Ayutthaya riverside restaurant and bar with both indoor air-conditioned dining and a picturesque outdoor dining deck with breathtaking views of nearby temples and river life.
Day 5 - Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Sukhothai
Breakfast and check-out.
Explore this first capital of Thailand by Ayuthaya’s Tuk Tuk (unique motorized 3-wheeler only available in Ayuthaya) to discover the magnificent ruins and ancient temples in the historical park. Sample the famous dessert “Roti Sai Mai”, the Thai-style candy floss. Short stop to sight the Buddha’s head entrapped by the roots of an overgrown banyan tree, an iconic of Ayuthaya at Wat Maha Dhat. Continue to Lopburi for lunch and visit the Prang Sam Yod (Sacred Three-Spired Pagoda) and Monkey Temple. Proceed to Sukhothai, en route visit Wat Maha Dhat Phitsanuloke, home to Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image; Phra Buddha Jinaraj. Arrive Sukhothai and check-in athotel. Accommodation at selected hotel. (BL)
Day 6 - Sukhothai - Lampang - Chiang Mai
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to Sukhothai Historical Park. Once a walled city surrounded by a moat, it has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains almost 200 chedis in remarkable condition. Visit the Ganesha pottery village where local artisans use the ancient Sangkhalok skills to produce wonderful hand-painted dishes and other objects. Afterwards, drive to Lampang with lunch at local restaurant. Continue to Chiang Mai. En route, visit at Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang, housing the only Emerald Buddha other than the one at Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok.Arrive Chiang Mai and check-in at hotel. Accommodation at selected hotel.
Khantoke Dinner. There are several traditions that eventually became northern heritage, one of which is Khantoke. Lanna people use Khantoke as a customary way of greeting and serving meal especially dinner for very important guest who has a chance to visit in the North. Enjoy an evening out by having a Khantoke Dinner with special hilltribe show performed by various members of Yao, Lahu, Meo, Lisu, and Karen hilltribe to end your wonderful evening.After dinner, continue to Chiang Mai’s colorful Night Bazaar. The guide will escort you through the city’s most popular and typical market. There are plenty of stalls selling stuff, everything from local crafts to fun imitation goods. It is a fun place to wander around in the evening to window shop and people watch even if you’re not looking for anything to buy. Return to hotel for accommodation. Accommodation at selected hotel. (BLD)
Day 7 - Chiang Mai
Breakfast. Drive up the serpentine road to the magnificently situated Wat Doi Suthep. Perched atop a forested mountain with sweeping views of the city below, this most sacred of Chiang Mai’s temple (3,280 ft.) houses a wealth of Buddha images, murals and Buddhist arts. Climb the 306 stepped Naga staircase to reach the temple. On your return to the city visit the two important temples – Wat Chedi Luang, “The temple of the Great Stupa” located in the ancient walled part of the city. Then, continue by walking to Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple is known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan) entirely made of teakwood, it is one of the few remaining all wooden structures of its sort in Chiang Mai. The last stop is made at the city’s biggest market – Talat Warorot. Accommodation at selected hotel. (B)
Day 8 - Chiang Mai
After breakfast, transfer to Grandma’s Home Cooking School (join-in) Visit the local market. Instructors will introduce various ingredients and seasonings. Arrival at Grandma's Home Cooking School where refreshing drinks and welcome snacks are waiting for you.Begin the class with how to cook rice and sticky rice. Our instructors will guide you our organic farm while explaining Thai herbs and vegetables. Enjoy collecting chicken eggs and some fresh ingredients. Soup and Stir-fried session with tasting. Curry session with tasting. For dessert and refreshments, our instructor will demonstrate how to make dessert and special refreshments step-by-step and lets enjoy tasting together.
Leave the cooking school and transfer to hotel.
Late afternoon, start your day to the 600-year-old temple of Wat Pra That Doi Suthep, near the summit of Doi Suthep Mountain. After a drive up the mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated Chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai and surrounding countryside. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
In the evening, head for a special farewell dinner at Le Crystal restaurant. (Set menu, food only)
Day 9 - Chiang Mai - Phuket
Breakfast and check-out. Transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport. Depart Chiang Mai by flight to Phuket Arrive Phuket Airport and transfer to check-in. Day at leisure. Accommodation at selected hotel. (B)
Day 10 - Phuket
Enjoy Breakfast and day at leisure (B)
Day 11 - Phuket
Enjoy Breakfast and day at leisure (B)
Day 12 - Phuket Depart
Enjoy Breakfast and day at leisure. Transfer out to Phuket Airport or continue with your extension stay (B)