Essential Thailand 12 Days

Arrive Bangkok via (flight is under your own arrangement).

After clearing all formalities and collecting your luggage, please follow the Exit signs to the meeting point's direction.

Our guide will be waiting for you while holding your signage which will note your name at the Meeting Point's Waiting Area (Gate No.4), the guide will transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel and check in.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Embark on a captivating journey through Bangkok's cultural and architectural wonders with our comprehensive full-day tour. Following pickup from your central Bangkok hotel, your adventure begins at the magnificent Temple of the Golden

Buddha (Wat Traimit), home to the world's largest solid gold Buddha statue. Marvel at the sheer grandeur and rich history of this 700-year-old icon during an immersive hour-long visit. Continue your exploration with a guided stroll through vibrant Chinatown, where you'll have the opportunity to indulge in some local shopping delights. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms of Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok's renowned flower market.

Delve into the spiritual and regal heritage of Thailand with visits to the dazzling Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and the opulent Grand Palace. Afterward, replenish your energy with a delectable buffet lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a serene cruise down the Chao Phraya River aboard a traditional longtail boat, offering picturesque views of Bangkok's skyline. Arrive at the iconic Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), renowned for its towering Khmer-style spire. Cross the river to explore the majestic Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), home to a remarkable 46-meter-long

reclining Buddha statue. Conclude your enriching journey as you're transported back to your hotel, filled with

unforgettable memories of Bangkok's cultural treasures and scenic waterways.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast at the hotel, your half-day excursion to the markets from Bangkok will commence. You will be taken directly to the Maeklong Railway Market. Prepare for a unique shopping experience at the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors set up their stalls on the railway tracks and swiftly pack up when trains approach. Your knowledgeable guide will lead the way and ensure your safety as you explore and shop. Afterwards, you will proceed to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a charming destination where you can browse for souvenirs and capture memorable photos while gliding along in a

paddle boat. This guided tour offers a convenient way to visit two of Thailand's most popular markets in just

one morning. Afterward, lunch will be served in a local restaurant before we head back to Bangkok.

Overnight at Bangkok.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early departure for Ayutthaya History Park. Just before arriving in Ayutthaya you will visit the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace, located 60 kilometers north of Bangkok, an impressive architectural blend of East and West dating back to the 17th century. Continue to Ayutthaya, which was the capital of the Thai Kingdom for 417 years. The city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and in 1767 it was destroyed by the Burmese army. Nowadays the ruins of the former city are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Lunch in a local Thai restaurant. Stroll around the ruins of several ancient temples including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a former royal temple during Ayutthaya's days of glory; Wat Mahathat, where the roots of a tree surround the

head of Buddha; and if time allows, Wat Chai Wattanaram, a perfect example of Khmer architectural influence.

Overnight in Bangkok

Transfer to the airport with your guide (time to be confirmed the day before) for your flight* to the northern capital of Thailand “Chiang Mai”. 

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met and greeted by your local guide for your transfer to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, travel thirty minutes by vehicle north of Chiang Mai city to a long-tail boat dock, where you will take a leisurely stroll around the grounds with an herbal garden. Then board a long-tail boat and enjoy a 30-minute cruise along the rural Mae Ping River. Along the river banks, you will see traditional wooden houses and modern residences. Arrive at a boat landing and walk for about 10 minutes from the landing to Waroros fresh food market for a visit, experiencing the Northern Thai way of life. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel or to one of the restaurants for our own dinner. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

*Domestic air fare is not included

After breakfast at the hotel, head towards Elephant Discovery Camp, passing the most beautiful route of Chiang Mai with fantastic local roads and panoramic views. Upon arrival at the camp, meet an elephant mahout, be introduced to the elephants, and learn about their story and daily lifestyle. Interact and play with the elephants under mahouts’ supervision and form a bond with them. Enjoy a walk alongside them and enjoy watching them play in the mud pond. Learn to communicate with them and how to prepare nutritional food and desserts for them using various natural ingredients. Also, have fun bathing and soaking the elephants in a big pond. Lunch is served at the camp. (Note: The elephant activity is join-in.) In the late afternoon, return back to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Depart your hotel at 06.00 am (Note: Take away breakfast from the hotel) and arrive at the foot hill of Doi Suthep  mountain, in time to buy offerings and join the locals during the daily alms giving ceremony. This is a serene Buddhist procession where dozens of monks walk barefoot through the street collecting food and everyday items. Continue up the mountain to Wat Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach its golden pagodas.

After a visit to Doi Suthep, continue to discover one of the best-kept secret temples of Chiang Mai, Wat Palad, known as the Temple below the Temple. This temple is a significant element of the Chiang Mai area’s history with its temple grounds aged beyond 650 years old. Next, proceed to Wat Umong, built in the 14th century, a heavily forested temple covered by

moss and small plants offering a unique yet charming sense of natural decay. After a walk through its mysterious tunnels you reach the Viharn of the temple to experience your own private blessing ceremony. After that, enjoy this lovely day with a delicious bowl of Khao Soy. This famous Northern Thai dish is a combination of coconut cream, crispy noodles and plenty of spice that is sure to delight! In the afternoon, continue to visit the Three Kings Monument, followed by Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center, located in an old building of elegant architectural design built in 1927. Standing on the location of a former royal hall, the building was used as the central administrative office of Phayap administrative unit of Siam, and later as the Provincial Hall of Chiang Mai. (Note: Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center is closed on Mondays and during Songkran festival. Open from Tuesdays – Sundays: 08:30 – 17:00)

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Depart for Mae Kampong village in the Mae On district and drive through the picturesque countryside of Chiang Mai. En route a stop is made at a local market to select ingredients for your lunch. Continue to Mae Kampong village where you are met upon arrival by villagers before beginning a stroll through the community forest, passing tea and coffee fields. Return to the village in time to watch lunch being prepared by your host family to see how Thai food is prepared in the countryside. After lunch, relax with Thai traditional massage and take a walk around the village to see the processing of fermented tea leaves, and various products which are handmade in the village. In the late afternoon, drive back through the mountains to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Free at leisure in Chiang Mai city until the guide picks you up from the hotel and transfers to the airport for your flight* to Phuket. Upon arrival, meet up with your local guide and transfer to your hotel.

Free afternoon at leisure to relax on the beach. Overnight in Phuket.

*Domestic air fare is not included

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover Phuket’s heritage site. The historical part of Phuket is not huge but is rich and exciting enough to explore. The wonderful mixture of historical insights, Old Phuket Town invites visitors to experience its architecture, commerce, dress, and way of life. Surrounded by Sino-Portuguese buildings on both sides, the old town is one of the best preserved places in Thailand and also a great start to discover the history of Phuket.

Offering an illusion to be thrown back in the ancient time where the merchants were bartering along these streets. Rom in the mysterious streets of Old Phuket town which serves as an easy way for pedestrians to walk around. With our guide, visit Thaihua Phuket Museum; explore the architectural wonders along with tasting the delicious Thai food along the streets full of beautifully styled shops and houses. Lunch on own. Free afternoon at leisure to relax on the beach.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day free at leisure to relax on the beach or you may wish to book optional excursions. 

OPTIONAL: Full day Phang Nga Bay tour by Shared Big Boat and Join transfer

ITINERARY:

● Pick up guest from the hotel.

● Depart from Ao Por Pier, Soft drinks, snacks and fruits served on board.

● Explore the Nature of Phang Nga Bay.

● Enjoy canoeing at Panak Island (Mangrove Cave, Bat Cave, Mut Cave or Hoy Tib Cave)

● Visit Khao Ping Kan & James Bonds Island. Take your time to make an impression,

some great photos & Shopping souvenirs.

● Enjoy Buffet Lunch on board.

● Canoeing at Hong Island with beautiful scenery.

● Swimming & Relaxing at Kaya Island.

● Back to Ao Por Pier with a remarkable trip and transfer to a hotel

Time:                7:30-18:00 hrs

Departure:      Daily

Price:           CAD110 per person (minimum of 2 passengers)

Breakfast at hotel.

Our guide meets and transfers you to Phuket Airport for your next destination flight (flight is under your own arrangement)