Program B
Explore the highlights of
Thailand’s Capital and the exotic natural beauty
of Northern Thailand, experience the border area
9 Days – 8 Nights

Introduction
This program incorporates all the charm, originality and stunning beauty which Thailand has to offer. From the exciting cosmopolitan city of Bangkok where we will observe modern society and ancient sites, to the contrasting adventurous tour of serene and tranquil Northern Thailand, this exciting discovery will turn your dreams of Thailand into reality. Our journey is an education of how Thai cultures and ways of life have complimented both modern progress and the natural environment, allowing each to flourish. Not only will you see amazing Thailand, but you will have the opportunity to explore the neighboring countries of Laos and Myanmar.
This program balances the desire for adventure and exploration with the need for rest and relaxation perfectly. There is no doubt that by the end of the holiday you will have experienced a new and enlightening culture, the most phenomenal hospitality and the most breath-taking natural beauty that will stay in your heart forever.


Reference #: SPB
Destinations: Bangkok, Chiangmai, Doi Angkhang, Chiangrai
Duration: 9 Days 8 Nights

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1
Your guide will welcome you at Bangkok International Airport and will transfer you to your hotel. En route, your guide will give an initial introduction to Thailand and a program briefing. (specific interests & aspects of sight-seeing can also be discussed at this time.)

Day 2
Start the day by taking a long tail boat cruise down the Chao Phraya River. See the traditional houses precariously perched along the river. Along the way, stop to visit the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun an extraordinary feat of architecture and one of the most revered sights along the river, and The Royal Barge Museum, after your boat trip, we will visit the exquisite Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple.
After a traditional Thai lunch at a local restaurant, we will head for “Wat Pho” or The Reclining Buddha Temple. This temple is the oldest and largest in Bangkok.

Day 3
An early start sees us on the road to the infamous Dameon Saduak Floating Market (journey time approx 1 1/2 hours). Along the way we can see numerous agricultural points of interest, such as the salt and shrimp farms and the coconut farms.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we will be the exclusive guests of Mr. Prasart Vonsakul, a private art and antiques collector residing in Bangkok. He has been collecting antiques, since his youth, such as Sukhothai Buddhas, Bencharong porcelain and paintings in the classical Thai style.

Day 4
A good breakfast and check out from your hotel. This morning we will travel to the airport to catch a flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, located at the top of Doi Suthep Mountain, is our first port. Once you have reached the temple, you can enjoy the best views of Chiang Mai city, from 3,000ft above the ground. Learn about the history of this temple and how it came to be constructed so high up the mountain. After lunch, we will take a trip to the town of San Kampaeng. This town is the home of Thailand’s famous Handicrafts. You can discuss specific handicrafts of your interest such as silk, teak wood, silver, umbrella and sa paper making etc., with your guide.


Day 5
Today, we will discover the wild side of Chiang Mai, starting at Chiang Dao Elephant Conservation Center. After watching the elephants take their daily bath, we will watch a demonstration of the elephants working, pushing and heaving logs,Then take a ride through the jungle. Your elephant will drop you at the Lisu hill tribe village after look around the village; continue your elephant ride to the main camp where we will begin a journey down to the rapids of The River Ping. We will take a bamboo raft and cruise down river for around an hour. Mid way through the return journey to your hotel, we will stop at the Orchid Farm to view an amazing diversity of orchid species.

Day 6
After breakfast, we will drive along a scenic road to Doi Angkhang Mountain. En route, we will stop at Chiang Dao caves. Continuing along the road, you will enjoy views of the hill evergreen canopies and expansive valleys. Arrive at the cool terrain of Doi Ankhang, where we will visit The Royal Project Agricultural Station. Learn how the King initiated the development of fruit, vegetable and flower agriculture, to replace the dubious growth and marketing of the opium industry. Visit the Lahu and Palong hill tribe communities who live along the border, tonight you will overnight in a peaceful and cool breeze of Doi Angkhang.

Day 7
Early morning opportunity to do birdwatching. Late morning Check out and drive to Tha Ton Town where we will start our journey by long tail boat along the Mae Kok River to Chiang Rai. Take in the spirit of local life along the river as we see typical daily activities, such as washing, swimming and fishing. On arrival at Chiang Rai, We will continue to The Golden Triangle town, check in at your hotel.

Day 8
Today we will travel to Mae Sai, the Myanmar border town, where we will cross over to the Kingdom of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. We will take a tour by rickshaw bicycle around the bustling business town of Thakilek. Here we can observe the contrasting customs and traditions which are part of life in Myanmar. After returning to Thailand we will explore a local fish cave, inhabited by wild monkeys. We will then proceed to Doi Tung - a site of major importance to Thai people since Her Royal Highness, The Princess Mother, initiated and developed numerous socio-environmental projects including reforestation and working together with the hill tribes to grow various crops. We will take the opportunity to visit The Mae Fah Luang Garden, and The Royal Villa, residence of The Princess Mother.

Day 9
Morning visit The Hall of Opium. This interesting museum gives us a detailed insight in to the history of the opium industry, beginning in 17th century. Check out of your hotel and transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for your flight to Bangkok connect to your next chosen destination.