Thailand Discovery

You will be met by your guide in the early morning for being transferred to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks early morning chanting ritual (chanting starts at 09.00 Hrs). After this uplifting and often private experience, visit the temple grounds and the famous 45-metre reclining Buddha. Continue to The Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, where you will be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. Then, of course, marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Board a long-tail boat sailing up the majestic Chao Phraya river before entering the Khlong that takes us away from the normal tourist trail. Inside the network of Khlongs guest will stop at Wat Khun Chan which is an interesting temple area rarely visited by tourists. Crossing a small footbridge leads into the old alleys where a cold coffee can be enjoyed before entering Wat Paknam or the white stupa with a hidden museum. Back in the boat and continue on a beautiful part of the Khlong with a mix of old wooden houses and new modern mansions until reaching an orchid and fruit farm where guest will have time to walk around and see the many types of orchids on display. On the way back to Saphan Taksin pier, a stop will be made to feed the holy catfish in the Khlong. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.

The drive ventures through Bangkok’s sprawling suburbs and into the verdant countryside and lush paddy fields. Learn about the rich history of the site, from its founding as the capital in the 14^th century to its demise at the hands of Burmese invaders in the 1700s. Venture through the temple-studded landscape, stopping to visit the venerated Wat Yai Chaimongkol and the largest monument, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. See Wat Mahathat and snap a photo of its iconi Buddha image surrounded by a tree. Board a long-tail boat ride down the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy the passing scenes of riverside villages while cruising down the “ River of Kings”. Take the cable car across the river for aeriel views of the waterway and continue by golf car to Bang Pa In Summer palace. Built in the 1600s as the summer palace for the Royal family, Bang Pa In is an impressive collection of gardens and majestic mansions. Although rarely used these days, the palace retains its royal elegance and offers a great opportunity to learn about the Kingdom’s history and culture. Continue to Wat Chai Wattanaram, and then head up north to Uthai Thani, stopping in Angthong to see the reclining Buddha. Overnight in Uthai Thani.

Today you’ll explore Uthai Thani and a traditional village, enjoy a cruise along the Sakae Krang River, climb of 400 stairs up to Wat Sake Krang where you can see the panorama view of Uthai Thani. Driving by car to the top of the hill is also available. Continue to witness the unique glass interior of Wat Chantaram (Wat Tha Sung), a cluster of 10 temples with various style in the same place. Take a stroll through the local market and after lunch drive to Kamphaeng Phet to visit the historical park. Roam around the Kamphaeng Phet National Museum before your arrival in Sukhothai for the evening. Overnight in Sukhothai.

Situated in north-central Thailand, Sukhothai was founded in the 13th century and became the first Thai Kingdom. The city flourished during the 13th to 14th century, establishing Sukhothai as a powerful kingdom rivalling that of Angkor. The remains of the old kingdom, featuring close to 193 historical sites, are enclosed within a 70 square kilometre UNESCO World Heritage Historical Park. The historical park is divided into several different zones, interspersed with trees and ponds, and can be leisurely explored by foot. Delve into Thai history at the Sukhothai Historical Park while exploring ancient ruins in the city (the name of which translates as "Dawn of Happiness”). Visit the three famous temples – Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum and Wat Sri Sawai – peruse the Ramkhamhaeng Museum, and then drive north to the Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, where the residence of the Crown Prince was located in the 13th and 14th centuries. Overnight in Sukhothai.

Depart Sukhothai and visit an authentic Lanna town en route to Phrae. In Phrae, explore Vongburi House, a two-story teak mansion, and then make your way to the highly revered Phra That Cho Hae – founded in the Sukhothai era, this royal temple is believed to hold relics (hair elements) of the Buddha. Continue to Nan and drive up to Wat Phra That Khao Noi for sunset, where you’ll enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding area. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Nan.

Depart Nan for Phayao and visit the Hill Tribes of Ban Rong Hi located near Kwan Phayao. Visit an ancient house, explore Wat Tilok Aram and watch the sunset at Kwan Phayao lake before visiting the night market located in Rob Wiang Pratu Klong Road. Take the opportunity to taste a wide variety of street food dishes and browse the stalls for souvenirs. Overnight in Phayao.

Depart Phayao and drive to Chiang Mai. The former capital of the Lanna Kingdom in the 13th century, Chiang Mai today continues to serve as a cultural and administrative centre of Northern Thailand. Beyond the Old City there is vast green countryside and rain forests ideal for trekking and exploring the ethnic minority villages. Once checked in at your hotel, enjoy the evening at leisure. Relax in your accommodation or roam the historic old town and participate in a wide array of activities – a night market lined with delicious street food stalls, a Muay Thai stadium, and a plethora of unique bars and restaurants.

Spend the whole day interacting with majestic Asian elephants. You’ll learn commands in the Thai language from the mahouts (trainers), help care for the elephants, and aid in their feeding and bathing routine. In the afternoon, climb the many stairs up to Doi Suthep and watch the sunset.