Thailand Tour 15 days: A Journey of Enchantment

Warmly welcome you on arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We will pick you up with a comfortable vehicle to the center of Bangkok to check-in your hotel, then take your time to have a rest after a long flight and lunchtime.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

Meal : Not available

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.

The first destination is the Grand Palace.

This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there.

Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. The pagoda is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue.

Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho – the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage.

We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.

On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style.

Wat Traimit: This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power.

Return to the hotel and then picked up by a tuk tuk for street food tour (6pm - 9pm). The trip brings us the first food stop, fish balls in pink noodle soup. The noodle stall is near Wat Traimit or the Golden Buddha Temple which we visit next. Then we hit the main road of Chinatown, stopping at a Chinese temple first. Our second food stop is Dim Sum, followed by the Michelin Star Chinese fried dough. Next, we eat seafood, then pig's organ or crispy pork (your choice) in peppery soup. The desserts follow, ice cream and sesame dumplings in sweet ginger tea. Our tour guide then brings you back to Hua Lamphong MRT, or call a taxi or a Tuk Tuk to take you home.

Note: The itinerary can be changed due to unexpected circumstances. We will do our best to notify you if any changes occur.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, take just a short drive from the bustling streets of Bangkok, the high-rise urban landscape dissolves into a lush green rural idyll. This full-day trip to Samut Songkhram Province, only an hour outside the capital, allows guests to experience the traditional charms of the Thai countryside.

The day starts with a trip to Mae Klong Railway market; a country market has sprouted up along the tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors quickly clear their stalls, only to set them up again moments later when the train has passed! From here, the journey continues to very famous touristic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although quite touristy today, the market remains the best example to showcase how a floating market originally was like decades ago. A relaxing paddle boat ride through the labyrinth of canals offers the chance to see the old part of the floating market and local lifestyle along the canal side. Off the boat, it is time to enjoy strolling around the colorful floating marketplace bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights.

Next you transfer to Kanchanaburi for a visit to the World War II memorial including the Cemetery.

Afternoon, We continue to Wang Pho. Afterwards get on a train ride along the railway from Wang Pho along the river around 30 minutes. Transfer to the city for the night. Stay overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Kanchanaburi

Meals : Breakfast

Early morning departure to Erawan National Park (NO CAVE VISIT) considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Thailand. This is such an impressive series of seven tiers, each with a shape and character on its own.

Originating from the Monglai Stream, water flows down from the hill at height of 2000m and flows into the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest. You’ll get to enjoy a relaxing swim in the natural pools.

In the afternoon, transfer by road to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayuthay is known as the “Venice of the East” because it is located along the Chao Phraya River, tributaries surrounding the Ayuthaya province.

Night in Ayutthaya

Accommodation : At the hotel in Ayutthaya

Meals : Breakfast

Morning after breakfast we will catch Kermit tuk tuk. These ‘cute’ tuk tuks are found in only two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya, and Trang. Along the ride, explore the temple highlights of the city from Wat Yai Chaimongkol, and Wat Mahathat (with a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and stroll through a local market en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet. And after that, we will visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Ayutthaya

Meals: Breakfast

Morning after breakfast, departure for Sukhothai via Lopburi, we visit The King Narai's Palace built by King Narai the Great, the king who ruled Ayutthaya from 1656 to 1688. He ordered the palace built in 1666. King Narai stayed here for about 8 - 9 months a year, except during the rainy season. He designated Lopburi as the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The palace was a place for relaxation, hunting, administering the country's affairs, and welcoming official visitors. Follows by a visit to Prang Sam Yod (the Sacred Three-Spired Pagoda) and the Monkey Temple.

Upon arrival in Sukhothai, check in at your hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Sukhothai

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, welcome and transfer to the bicycle parking area where we will take the bike to visit the Sukhothai historical park, the park contains nearly 200 ruined chedis in remarkable condition. First, we visit the image of Ajana Buddha, the legend of the Buddha spoken at Wat Srichum.

Then we take the bike to Wat Prapailuang, the community center before starting the Sukhothai kingdom in the past. The next temples we will visit are Wat Sri Sawai Wat Sra Sri and Wat Trapang Ngoen.

After lunch (at your charge), we come to Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The park covers the ruins of Si Satchanalai and Chaliang. Si Satchanalai, which means “City of good people”, was founded in 1250 as the second center of the Sukhothai Kingdom and as a residence of the crown prince in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Sukhothai

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we will visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the best examples of Lanna style architecture in Thailand. Its viharns open on all sides are typical of the Lanna style. While some temples have been restored using modern materials and modern building techniques, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang has been preserved in its original state. The temple was built in the 13th century. Its name translates to "the temple of the Great Relic of the Lampang Buddha". The architecture is a mix of Lanna and Thai Lü styles. After, we will take a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage tour through the city and the villages.

Lunch by your own account at the local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we continue to Chiang Rai. On the way we will have a stop at Phayao Lake where we can have a coffee and enjoy the view of the lake.

Arrival in Chiang Rai at the end of the day.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll leave the hotel to head to Mae Chan. You'll make a stop along the way in the village of Patai to meet the Padong Karen ethnic group, famous for their 'giraffe' women who wear copper rings around their necks for elongation. Next, you'll explore the surroundings, starting with the road to Doi Mae Salong. You'll ascend and descend lush green hills covered with tea plantations. You'll also taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations in the region. From Doi Mae Salong, you'll visit an ethnic minority village: the Akha village of Loyo.

Afterward, you'll continue the journey to the Golden Triangle, a strategic point where you'll witness a unique landscape shared by Thailand, Burma, and Laos – the meeting point of the three borders.

Then, embark on a long-tail boat to the Laotian side and marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak, forming the real 'Triangle' with Laos, Burma, and Thailand. Transfer back to Chiang Rai for your overnight

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai

Meal: Breakfast

Morning after breakfast drive to Black House. Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs. Move to Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple) The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Seua Ten literally translates to ‘temple of the dancing tiger.’ It was built on a site where tigers were said to have jumped over the river. Lastly we visit the White temple, Wat Rong Khun. It nevertheless very recent temple is the most visited monument in the region, the work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started in 1997. Its creator himself announces that he will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. Its uniqueness, its whiteness, making it a unique temple of its kind. In wihaan a fresco mixing Buddhist codes with Matrix, Star Wars, the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York and even Kung Fu Panda stands out from the usual decorations such monuments. In the afternoon transfer to Chiang Mai for your overnight.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals : Breakfast

The morning will be mainly devoted to visit the old city with a stop at the ancient wall, the moat and a door of the old city. You will see more beautiful temples in Chiang Mai: Wat Prah Singh Temple, Wat Phan Tao temple and the temple Wat Chedi Luang. Then you will stroll along streets lined with traditional houses, visit Central Market Warorot. Afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous pagoda Chiang Mai. It is reached after climbing a staircase of 290 steps with ramps represent two giant naga. From the square, you can admire the panorama of the whole Chiang Mai Valley.

Then visit craft villages: lacquer factories, silk weaving, manufacture of umbrellas, wood carvings and goldsmith work.

Then transfer back to the hotel.

You are free exploring night market in evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals : Breakfast

Pick up at your hotel at around 8:30 Am, we will head to the Doi Inthanon National Park, passing through various villages, rice fields and orchards. Upon arrival at Inthanon Mountain, we will spend spend 2-3 hours trekking to Thailand’s highest mountain at 2565 meters above sea level. Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, impressive waterfalls, and lush mountain forests. We first stop to the summit to see the great twin Royal Pagodas: Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri. Each pagoda also has relics of Buddha. We then visit Wachirathan waterffalls by a short trek along Michael’s Trail. After walk down the hill & have a short break at a local Hmong market, we will have lunch time. In the afternoon, continue to visit Hmong and Karen hill tribe village at Ban Mae Klang Village to observe their still primitive lifestyle. En route we will pass through the farmland where you will see the coffee plantation, flowers farm and the beautiful rice terraces. Transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals : Breakfast

CRUELTY- FREE & NO RIDING

9.00: Pick up from your hotel, then drive toward the north of Chiang Mai approximately 50 minutes to our elephant sanctuary.

10:30: After arriving, change into the provided clothes and then have fun with our activities which include:

- Educational Introduction of what to expect, do’s and don’ts,

- Information, Inspiration, Passion, and Information about our rescued elephants.

- Walk around the ground to visit the elephants and check their health.

- Find some food for elephants (cut grass and sugar cane from our organic farm area).

- Feeding elephants and getting Interactions, you will be able to make amazing videos and photos with elephants.

- Take an elephant for a walk for a good exercise.

12.00: Lunch will be served with Thai homemade food at a restaurant inside the sanctuary (The Best Vegetarian food).

- Hands-on herbal medicine ball making.

- Singing for elephants (Elephant Song).

- Mud bath with elephants.

- Enjoy bathing & washing our rescued elephants in the river.

- Body lotion wax for elephants.

- Feeding them again and taking more photos with them.

- Walk back to get dressed, bathroom break, shop and prepare to leave.

- Saying Goodbye to our Giant Friends.

16.00: Travel in VIP vans back to Chiang Mai and end the wonderful day tour.

Please Note: For the one-day program, you will have more activities and more time to spend with the elephants.! We are flexible for you as we want to take very good care of you and Guarantee Satisfaction!

We will provide clothing for you to change, towels, and boots at the sanctuary.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Timing

Pick up 08.00 am to 08.30 am

Return 04.00 pm to 04.30 pm

Included

– Full-color recipe book with photo instructions (our digital e-recipe book is also available), lemongrass tea, and drinking water, all ingredients.

– Individual cooking station ( learn by doing!), instruction in English by a Thai cooking instructor.

– Transportation by air-conditioned minivan if you are staying in the pick-up zone.

If you are not staying in the city area, we can meet you at our office, Ruamchook market, or another convenient place in the city center.

Itinerary

Visit the main local Thai market out of the city center

Explaining and learning about herbs and ingredients at our organic farm

Cooking jasmine rice and sticky rice

Pound and make a curry paste from scratch. You will make your own curry paste, each person will have their own individual mortar. You can decide how spicy or non-spicy you would like to make your own curry paste

Choose and make one curry paste, one curry, one soup, stir-fry in a wok, noodle dish, and sweet dessert (total of 6 categories)

You will learn to make every dish completely by yourself from start to finish and will be able to season it to your own taste!

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You have free time until we pick up and then transfer you to the airport for your flight home or next destination. End the tour!

Accommodation : NA

Meals: Breakfast