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 Rai. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon tour including a traditional Trishaw ride, the local mode of transportation, through the residential area and market place. Visit Wat Phra Kaew, which during the 13th century housed the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok.
Day 6
In the morning, climb a narrow and scenic mountain road to visit several villages en route to the highest peak between the Thai-Burmese border, Doi Tung. This provides the perfect opportunity to visit both the Lahu and Akha Hill Tribe villages. Continue to the Golden triangle where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet at the Mekong River. Afterwards, proceed to the Hall of Opium, where you will learn the story of opium from its natural properties to its continual use throughout the past 5,000 years. You will also learn about the drug trade and obtain an understanding on opium prohibition, crime and conflict. After the Opium Hall, return to your hotel.
Day 7
Enjoy a rare opportunity to see the Karen Hill Tribe people. This tribe is home to the famous long neck women who wear a heavy collection of brass necklaces around their necks. The tribe is believed to have migrated from the far north of Myanmar and possibly even Tibet. Their weaving skills are renowned and they produce beautifully multi-hued garments. On the drive you will also stop by the Lisu Hill Tribe village. This tribe boasts some of the most elaborate indigenous dress in the area.
Enjoy lunch in Tha Ton, a strategic landing point between Myanmar and Thailand. Continue to Phatai, with a visit to the Lahu Hill Tribe village, to embark on a Kok River cruise. This trip is exhilarating as the river is filled with rocks and small rapids. It offers picturesque vistas of life along the river banks and ends at the Pong Nam Lon Hot Springs. From here a car will drive you back to your hotel.
Day 8
Morning transfer through the beautiful mountainous countryside to Chiang Mai. En route, make a brief stop at the unique Wat Rong Khun. Unlike most temples, the construction of this dramatic glittering white temple began in 1997. Oddly enough, the interior is scattered with paintings of Hollywood movie scenes, among other contemporary images.
Once in Chiang Mai, 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 9
One of the most unique experience 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.
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.
Day 10
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.
Tonight, enjoy 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 design, this teak restaurant is in 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 11
Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, airport reception and pick up for the drive to Kanchanburi Province. Upon arrival, visit the cemetery of allied prisoners of World War II. Then visit the JEATH War Museum that commemorates the prisoners of war that were held captive here by Japanese. Late morning transfer to the Bridge on the River Kwai before experiencing a ride on the infamous Death Railway across the bridge, through local farmland, limestone mountains and finally to Tam Krasae station where you will depart for lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue north to the uniquely scenic borderland of Sangkhlaburi, the western most district adjacent to Myanmar. Enjoy a coffee break at the Groeng Grawia Waterfall before continuing to the Three Pagodas Pass – the mainland route into Thailand since ancient times that holds both Buddhist and historical significance from the Burmese-Siamese War of 1548. The pass is named for three small, crumbling pagodas which were built as symbols of peace. Transfer to your guesthouse for the evening and enjoy a traditional Thai dinner.
Day 12
Morning visit to Mon Temple or Wat Wangwiwekaram, which was built by the people of the Mon Hill Tribe and is highly revered by Mon, Burmese and Thai ethnicities from both sides of the border. Then enjoy a nice walk along the Wooden Bridge on Khao Laem Lake that provides a terrific view of Sangkhlaburi and surrounding landscape. The bridge is over 850 meters (2788 feet) long and considered as Thailand’s longest wooden bridge, stretching over the Song Galia River. Afterwards, enjoy a boat trip on the magnificent Khao Laem Lake to a floating village. On the way, make a brief stop at a sunken temple.
Return to Kanchanaburi for lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Then continue to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, the renowned site at which prisoners of the Second World War were forced to create a pass for the Death Railway. Visit the informative museum and walk along the trail to the site of the Pass. In the early evening depart for a night jungle safari. Upon arrival at the camp, introduce yourself to the resident elephants by playing with them and bathing them in the river. Then embark on a night safari by elephant back through the camp and into the woodlands along the River Kwai. Conclude your night by relaxing during a barbeque dinner on the riverbank before transferring to your hotel for the night.
Day 13
Morning transfer to Elephant’s World, an organization that was created to improve elephant welfare and increase the experience of those taking care of domesticated elephants. Elephant’s World is also a sanctuary for sick, old, disabled, abused, illegal and street elephants who receive the rest and care that they deserve. Situated just 32 kilometers (20 miles) outside of town, the camp is near the river and surrounded by mountains, creating an oasis of tranquility and peace. Upon arrival, meet the staff and feed the elephants by making sticky rice, cutting bana grass, sugarcane and banana plants.
Late afternoon, continue to Nong Kao Village for a village tour (either by bicycle or local truck), visiting the village shrine, a palm orchard and the rice paddies to observe the local livelihoods. Take some time to try the delicious local fruits before receiving a demonstration of a ritual to the Rice Goddess. This performance is meant to strengthen and comfort the spirit of the Goddess and will enhance your understanding of the role of rice plantations in the Thai farming culture.
Day 14
Depart Kanchanaburi for your return to Bangkok and flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.
Death Railway
Rong Khun Temple
