DAY 1 - UK/Bangkok
Depart on your scheduled flight to Bangkok.
DAY 2 - Bangkok
Arrival in Bangkok. Transfer to your hotel for a four night stay.
DAY 3 - Bangkok
Included this morning is a sightseeing tour of Bangkok visiting the famous temples of the Golden Buddha and The Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of any ancient Siamese Court, where the kings of Bangkok resided. Here you will see palaces for all different occasions and the exquisite Emerald Buddha Temple. Bangkok is a sprawling city situated on the Chao Praya River, 30 miles north of the Gulf of Thailand. It is a charming and fascinating amalgam of saffron-robed Buddhist monks, floating markets, street stalls and exotic restaurants. In the afternoon you will proceed to the famous Rose Gardens, where many aspects of Thai culture are on display, including Thai boxing, folk dancing, working elephants and monks’ ordination ceremonies. During the evening there will be a special Thai dinner, with a performance of traditional dancing included. During dinner, exquisitely costumed dancers will elegantly re-enact stories from classical Thai literature and folktales.
DAY 4 - Bangkok
This morning you will have the opportunity to visit the up-country floating market at Damnern Saduak. This afternoon we have included a visit to the Reclining Buddha, and you will also have the opportunity to take a cruise aboard a rice barge.
DAY 5 - Bangkok
Free in Bangkok for individual sightseeing and shopping. An optional excursion will be available to visit Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai, site of the infamous bridge and the start of the ‘Death Railway’. The drive from Bangkok is a fascinating one through rice fields and sugar cane plantations and the tour includes a ride on the railway itself.
DAY 6 - Phitsanulok
Today is the start of your overland drive into up-country Thailand. Depart Bangkok for Uthai Thani, before continuing to Phitsanulok. Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 7 - Chiang Rai
You depart Phitsanulok for the drive to Chiang Rai stopping en route in Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Siam. It was here that the famous stone inscription of King Ramkamhaeng was discovered. He recorded his territorial conquests and the creation of the Siamese alphabet. Continue north to Si Satachanalai, another former capital, and then drive through jungle clad hills to Chiang Rai. Transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 8 - Mae Sai & Chiang Saen
This morning will be spent exploring some of the villages which are home to the tribes of this mountainous area. Visit Mae Sai, the most northerly point of Thailand, located on the border with Burma. During the afternoon a stop will be made at Chiang Saen, a ruined city which enjoys a delightful setting on the banks of the Mekong River. An optional boat ride is available.
DAY 9 - Chiang Mai
Morning departure for the drive to Chiang Mai. En route visit the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple. Two nights’ accommodation has been arranged in the area.
DAY 10 - Chiang Mai
Today you visit an elephant camp on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here you will see a demonstration of working elephants. You can also take an optional elephant ride. During the afternoon a trip will be made to the many cottage industries for which Chiang Mai is famous. These include silk, paper umbrellas, silverware, lacquer ware and jewellery.
DAY 11 - Bangkok/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. As you will be flying westwards your arrival is later the same day.