Thailand

Starting Price:	$3,801.00
Trip Length:	8 days
Includes airfare allowance from New York

Interests:

Spiritual

Doi Suthep

Grand Palace & Bangkok Skyline

Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

After experiencing the highlights of Bangkok, travel north to Chiang Mai to visit its stunning natural surroundings. As the capital of the early Lanna Kingdom, this area has a unique culture which you will experience through its colorful markets, hilltop temples, resident monks and delectable cuisine. This tour includes a venture out of town to the famous Chiang Dao Elephant Camp for a chance to meet these revered gentle giants.

Bangkok, “the City of Angels” and the capital of Thailand, was established over 200 years ago and has proved irresistibly intriguing to traders and travelers ever since. Some of the finest examples of traditional Thai architecture can be found here; in the magnificent complex of the Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings), which supports a waterway lifestyle that has remained unchanged for decades. Additionally, Bangkok offers superb cuisine and an exciting deluge of shopping and entertainment options.

Popularly known as the “Rose of the North,” Chang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous culture. While here, you will find yourself exploring old temples, colorful markets and mountain top temples, such as the elegant Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. As you will see for yourself on an exhilarating elephant trek, the area is situated in a scenic valley, surrounded by orchards, green mountains and jungles, which remain verdant with plentiful flora and fauna.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3 star, 4 star, 5 star and Deluxe hotels.

This tour includes airfare allowance from New York, on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via New York; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Visited Cities:
Bangkok, Chiang Mai

Day 1

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Day 2

Upon arrival in Bangkok, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 3

Late morning transfer to Maharaj Pier for a short shuttle boat ride to Supatra River House Restaurant for lunch (food only). This two-story traditional Thai house on the banks of the Chao Phraya River was formerly the home of Lady Supatra Singholaga, who was a leading advocate of women’s rights in Thai society. The décor is traditional and the views of the river, Grand Palace and Wat Arun are spectacular.

Proceed from Maharaj Pier by tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) for an afternoon tour. The first stop is the Grand Palace, an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colorful mosaics. Previously the residence of the Kings of Thailand, there are multiple Palaces within the complex which were used for different occasions; including the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Continue to Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok with a colossal reclining Buddha and finally the “Chedi of the Kings”. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 4

Early morning transfer to visit the fascinating Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak, about 110 km (68 miles) from Bangkok in the Ratchaburi province. The Floating Market has remained untouched by the modern influences of the city. Continue to Nakorn Pathom, the oldest city in Thailand, to see the Phra Pathom Chedi, which is the tallest Buddhist stupa in the world with a gilded dome towering to 116 meters (381 feet).

After the tour, return transfer to Bangkok. This afternoon you may choose from one of the following excursions:

Elephant & Crocodile Show at Samphran

Bangkok Waterways

National Museum (closed Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays)

In the evening, enjoy a moonlight dinner cruise on a traditional converted Rice Barge along the legendary “River of Kings.” Cruising and dining on Bangkok’s majestic river is a delightfully romantic way to pass an evening. Savor the sights, sounds and incomparable scenery of the Bangkok skyline by night while enjoying a delicious meal as you gently cruise upriver.

Day 5

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to settle in before enjoying an evening dinner at Le Grand Lanna. Ancient Lanna culture has been the foundation of northern Thai lifestyles for nearly a thousand years. There is no better way of experiencing the atmosphere and ideals of Lanna culture than at Le Grand Lanna. Modeled on traditional architectural designs, this teak restaurant is situated within 28 acres of beautiful gardens.

After dinner, you will be invited to help in launching a series of Kom Loy. The Kom Loy is a special hot air balloon made of very fine rice paper with a candle at the base made of bee’s wax, to which fireworks are attached. When the candle is lit, hot air fills the balloon causing it to rise high in the sky.

Day 6

Late morning, take a trishaw, pedaled by a driver, around the old city area. As you make your way through town you will pass busy street markets, see the daily lives of the locals and be captivated by the old charm of the unique architecture. Stop at Wat Pra Singh, the Monastery of the Lion Lord and the religious center of the Lanna Kingdom. Established in the 14th century, this complex is composed of several buildings of varying architectural and artistic merit that make this the most famous wat in the region. The Wihar Lai Kham gilded hall, decorated with murals of everyday life, houses the revered golden Phra Buddha Sing.

Continue to visit the 600 year old temple of Wat Pra That Doi Suthep, located near the summit of Doi Suthep. After a drive up the mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated chedi topped by a five-teir gold umbrella which contains partial relics of the Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views of the city of Chiang Mai. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 7

Approximately 60 kms (37 miles) north of Chiang Mai, situated on the banks of the Ping River, is the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp. In an unspoiled setting, be amazed by the elephants performing amazing feats of strength and skill at the command of their “mahouts”. Then enjoy an exhilerating elephant trek with river rafting afterwards. To glide effortlessly and silently along the river on a bamboo raft is a wonderful experience and a great way to relax after the excitement of the elephant ride. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before beginning your return to Chiang Mai. En route, visit an Orchid Farm displaying a full variety of some of Thailand’s most exquisite blooms.

Day 8

One of the most unique experiences in Thailand is a vist to a Buddhist temple to offer alms to the monks. Each morning before dawn, the monks put on their distinctive saffron robes and quietly pad in their bare feet along the streets, carrying alms bowls and receiving boiled rice and condiments from the citizens of Thailand. In return, people receive the monks’ blessings. This morning, you will be able to participate in this very special Thai custom by personally presenting alms.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure until transfering to the airport for your connection to Bangkok and flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

Bangkok
3-star	Le Fenix Sukhumvit, or similar
4-star	Pullman Bangkok Hotel G (PKA: Sofitel Silom Bangkok) , or similar
5-star	The Peninsula Bangkok, or similar
Deluxe	Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, or similar
Chiang Mai
3-star	Centara Duangtawan Hotel, or similar
4-star	Le Meridien, or similar
5-star	The Chedi Chiang Mai, or similar
Deluxe	Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi or the Four Seasons Resort, or similar

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

8 days , from $3801

Occupancy Type	3 Star	4-Star	5-Star	Deluxe
Double	$3801	$4261	$4962	$6490
Single	$5042	$6023	$7426	$10120

Prices shown above are per person, in US Dollars ($).

Price Includes:

Round trip international airfare from New York to Bangkok

Round trip domestic airfare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Accommodations with daily breakfast

All private transfers and activities by air-conditioned car

An English speaking guide to escort all transfers and tours

All entrance fees and activities as mentioned

Meals where specified (food only)

Government tax and services charge

Bangkok afternoon excursions:

Bangkok waterways:

A cruise through the Thonburi canals is an experience that no other Asian capital can offer. The Bangkok water ways show how this bustling fast developing city retains its traditional way of life and why the city has been known as the “Venice of the East”. Beyond the limits of the typical tourist boats, is a world where stilted houses line the banks. See people bathing in the canals, and generally beginning their day, while you meander through areas of lush vegetation dotted with quaint old Buddhist temples. This tour also includes a visit to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and the Royal Barges Museum.

Elephant and crocodile show at Samphran:

Situated a mere 1 km from the Rose Garden and 30 km from Bangkok is the Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo. Watch the exciting Elephant Theme Show – the only show of its kind in central Thailand – where kings and princes fight on elephant back and conduct games such as elephant races and elephant football, which are only some of the highlights. Visitors can also stroll around the zoo and see keepers showing off their skills in handling tropical reptiles and crocodiles.

National Museum:

Within walking distance of the Grand Palace, this complex was once a palace consisting of several old beautiful Thai style buildings. It houses a vast and interesting collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the Bangkok period. From every day objects to weapons of war designed for use from Elephant back, the pieces reflect a rich history. The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays.

Notes:

For Day 3, it is recommended that for religious reasons, ladies have their shoulders covered and do not wear shorts or very short skirts. No sleeveless top and the sleeve have to be part of the top. Gentlemen should wear trousers and short sleeved shirts. Shoes must be removed before entering the Emerald Buddha Temple. Full length trousers and pants are required.
Additional supplements may apply between 19 December – 7 January with a set minimum of consecutive nights required for bookings between 23 – 5 January. Special conditions apply between 30 December – 2 January.
Guests staying over the night of 31 December are subject to a compulsory Gala Danner at an additional cost.
Citizens of most countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and members of the EU staying for fewer than 30 days as a tourist do not require a visa, but passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Thailand.
Malaria is found in rural, forested areas of Thailand that border Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, including the districts of Phang Nga and Phuket. Malaria does not exist in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phang Nga and Phuket. If you will be visiting an area of Thailand with malaria, you will need to discuss the best ways to avoid getting sick with your physician.

Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Thailand, the government requires travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever virus transmission to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. Besides this, there are no other vaccine requirements, although it is wise to be up to date on your routine inoculations. All travelers should consult their physician or a travel health clinic with plenty of time before their departure date.

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