THAILAND CULTURAL ODYSSEY

Welcome to Bangkok, the City of Angels. Your guide awaits you at arrivals for a private ride to your city center hotel. This vibrant metropolis is ready to enchant you with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Take the day to relax, and consider trying a Thai traditional massage to kickstart your holiday after your long flight. Overnight in Bangkok

Begin your exploration in Bangkok with a visit to the iconic Wat Pho, home to the magnificent 45m (148ft) reclining Buddha and the esteemed original Thai massage school. Hop into a tuk-tuk for a thrilling ride to the Grand Palace, a place of great reverence housing the famous Emerald Buddha, meticulously crafted from jade or jasper. Savor lunch at a local restaurant, delighting in Thai cuisine. Then, embark on a tranquil long-tailed boat ride through Thonburi’s charming canals, immersing yourself in local life and pausing at the scenic Wat Arun temple. Be sure to explore the vibrant atmosphere of the lively Talad Kao Market, where you’ll find an abundance of culinary delights, fresh and dried fruits, and Chinese herbs. Then, return to your hotel for relaxation. In the evening, embark on an enchanting Tuk Tuk food journey through Bangkok. Led by expert guides and Tuk Tuk drivers, savor Northeastern Thai cuisine, including spicy delicacies like papaya salad and crispy catfish. A charming detour to the flower market and Wat Pho adds a touch of magic to your evening. Overnight in Bangkok

Get ready to kick off your adventure early as we head out to the charming Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, just 110 km to the west of Bangkok. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a leisurely drive past lush rice paddies and salt fields. We’ll make a cool stop on the route to check out a farmhouse where locals craft sugar from coconuts. And that’s not all – get ready for a quick 30-minute speedboat ride through fruit plantations, where you’ll catch glimpses of traditional Thai houses and ways of life. We’ll arrive at the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and you won’t believe your eyes – boats of all shapes and sizes, loaded with goodies, bustling about. Want to dive right into the shopping scene? You can even rent a little boat and explore the market like a local. After the market buzz, we’re off to a wood carving factory to see the craft in action. Around noon, we’ll roll into Kanchanaburi town, famous for the world-renowned bridge over the River Kwai – a piece of history built by Allied prisoners during World War II. Get ready for an unforgettable train ride on the Death Railway, complete with breathtaking scenery and a ride over the original wooden viaduct. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we hit the road again. As we drive back to Bangkok, soak in the views of vibrant green paddy fields, charming villages, and serene temples. Overnight in Bangkok

Enjoy your breakfast and check out from your hotel. Then transfer to the airport for a short flight to Chiang Rai, charming city in northern Thailand known for its stunning temples, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant local culture. As soon as you touch down in Chiang Rai, your friendly local guide and driver will be there to give you a warm welcome. Then embark on an exploration in Chiang Rai city by visiting the impressive Wat Prakaew and paying respects at the King Mengrai Monument. The next stop is something truly special – the White Temple. This dazzling temple, located just outside Chiang Rai, is famous all around Thailand. People from near and far come to see its beauty, and you’re about to be one of them! Our adventure wraps up with a comfortable ride to your downtown hotel, where you’ll check in and have some well-deserved free time to do as you please. Overnight in Chiang Rai

Breakfast at the hotel and check out, then start the tour to visit the infamous Golden Triangle renowned for centuries as the centre of the opium trade. From a hilltop viewpoint, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak and forming the actual “Triangle” with Laos Burma and Thailand. Next up, hop aboard a traditional long-tail boat for a scenic river journey. After that, enjoy some leisurely shopping at Mae Sai Border before we hit the road for a four-hour drive to Chiang Mai. Along the way, we’ll make a refreshing pit stop at Mae Khajan Hot Spring to unwind. Don’t miss the chance to visit the fascinating Long Neck village, a unique cultural experience. Finally, we’ll continue our drive to Chiang Mai, where we’ll settle in for the night. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Accommodation: Chala Number6 137 Pillars House

Begin your day with an early start, heading to Doi Suthep Temple to witness monks descending from the mountain for their daily alms, a visually captivating ritual. Next, journey up the mountain to Wat Doi Suthep, founded in 1383 AD and among Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Explore its pagodas, statues, and enjoy panoramic city views before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, start at the iconic Tha Phae Gate, then ride through the old city’s narrow lanes to picturesque forest-lined roads. Pause by Wat Phra That Doi Khama, serene 7th Century Buddha and visit an artisan craft village. Immerse in the bustling Chiang Mai market scene before concluding with a visit to Wat Srisuphan “Silver Temple”, Thailand’s most stunning temple, offering incredible photo ops and a local snack. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Morning-After breakfast, we’ll depart from Chiang Mai for an approximately one-hour drive to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. On our way, we’ll make a brief stop at Araksa’s Tea House. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the intricate processes involved in nurturing young tea plants. You’ll even try your hand at picking tea leaves and witness the art of tea processing, from kneading to roasting. Following the demonstration, you can savor a refreshing cup of iced or hot tea along with a delightful Thai snack. Lunch will be a delightful affair featuring home-style Thai cuisine prepared with locally sourced and organic ingredients. Afternoon Our adventure continues as we embark on a short drive to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by the staff. We’ll take a stroll through the sanctuary to understand the elephants’ environment and history. Don traditional clothing and prepare some delicious fruits for our gentle giants. The highlight of the day is meeting with the elephants. You’ll have the chance to feed, interact, and play with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior and background. Don’t forget to capture memorable moments with the elephants through photography. We’ll then accompany the elephants to a serene water pond, where they can cool off, and you can observe them in their element. As our day comes to a close, we’ll take a break for tea, coffee, and seasonal fruit, and bid a fond farewell to the elephants. Afterwards, we’ll make our way back to Chiang Mai, which is approximately a 50-minute drive. The tour concludes at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories of this unforgettable experience.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Once you’ve enjoyed a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, your driver arrives to transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport. From there, you’ll either catch your departure flight directly or we’ll arrange a local flight back to Bangkok, where you’ll then catch your connecting flight back home. Safe travels!