DAY 1

• BANGKOK

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• The Adventure Begins
• Upon arrival to Bangkok, a representative will greet you after exiting the plane and escort you through special fast track services, avoiding the potentially long queues at the immigration counter. Please note: Guests using fast track services should wear appropriate attire and avoid wearing short pants, slippers or similarly casual attire to ensure a smooth process with Thai immigration authorities.
• You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

DAY 2

• BANGKOK

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• A Journey Back in Time
• After you meat your local guide and driver at your hotel, set out to explore the main temples and monuments of Bangkok and gain an insight introduction into Thai culture and its fascinating history. Experience monks in their early morning chanting rituals when you visit Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple. Discover the country's largest reclining Buddha (151 ft long) which also gives rise to its name, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Afterward, continue to Lak Muang City Pillar which represents the foundation stone of Bangkok. Step into the Grand Palace, the official residence of the royal families from 1782 until 1925 before admiring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), dating back to the early 18th century. Today's adventure is filled with Bangkok's main temple sights and gives you a great overview of the history of this never-colonized kingdom.
• Please note: Many of Bangkok's palaces and temples have a modest dress codes in effect and the following clothing items are prohibited at the Grand Palace: sleeveless or see-through/mesh tops, vests, very short shorts, torn or very tight pants, and miniskirts.
• During your time at leisure in Bangkok, feel free to explore this sprawling capital or to enjoy some down-time at your hotel. If you choose to sightsee, consider visiting Khaosan Road, a bustling street with excellent shopping and dining options. For guest with an interest in local history, consider heading to the riverside temple Wat Arun Ratchawararam, constructed in the late 18th century. Should you be visiting during a weekend, you may wish to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in Thailand, where over 15,000 stalls lined with all sorts of goods can be perused at your own pace.

DAY 3

• BANGKOK

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• Cultural Immersion
• The countryside surrounding Bangkok is dotted with lively traditional floating markets where colorful vendors paddle along in their canoes brimming with fresh fruit, vegetables and souvenirs, hawking their wares to shoppers on the banks. Have your camera ready for the first stop of the day at the truly unique Maeklong Railway Market, where a train runs through the center of the market several times a day. Merchants spring to action as the warning bell alerts them to the train’s approach, snapping protective awnings in place with moments to spare. After the train has passed, continue the drive with your private guide to the Amphawa Floating Market, a popular choice with locals over other floating markets in the region and a great stop for lunch. Afterwards, return to Bangkok but not before stopping en-route at a family-operated coconut palm sugar factory. Watch the production process unfold with your guide translating along the way and taste some of the tantalizing snacks made from palm sugar.

DAY 4

• BANGKOK TO CHIANG RAI

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• En Route
• You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
• Board a flight from Bangkok with direct service to Chiang Rai. Approximate flight time is 1.5 hours.
• You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

DAY 5

• CHIANG RAI

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• It’s All Ancient History
• Set out with your private driver and guide to delve into the picturesque surrounds of Chiang Rai. Venture to Doi Tung Mountain to visit the picture-perfect Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens and learn about the Royal Project on Doi Tung. From here, continue in to Mae Sai, the bustling border town between Myanmar and Thailand. You can cross into Myanmar on a day pass and explore the town of Tachileik. Next it's on to the famed 'Golden Triangle' where the borders of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet. This region is famous for its past opium production, the likes of which are immortalized at the Hall of Opium museum. After a delicious Thai meal, take a relaxing boat trip to Chiang Sean and explore this quiet riverside town. On the way back to Chiang Rai, pause at the Baan Dam Museum, a collection of wooden buildings featuring sculpture, paintings and other artworks from around Southeast Asia.

DAY 6

• CHIANG RAI TO CHIANG MAI

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• The Journey Continues…
• Depart Chiang Rai with your private driver and guide for a transfer to Chiang Mai. Along the way, you'll stop to explore the incredible and unmistakable temple Wat Rong Khun. Also known as The White Temple, this dazzlingly intricate marvel is unlike most others in the region as it is far more modern. Designed and envisioned by renowned local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, Wat Rong Khun embodies Buddhist teachings through its design. Work continues on this spectacular art exhibit, with developments expected to be completed in seven generations. After stopping to explore Wat Rong Khun, the transfer continues to your hotel in the Chiang Mai.

DAY 7

• CHIANG MAI

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• Explore a City of Contrasts
• The most sacred temple in northern Thailand is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and it is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. Head to the outskirts of the city with your private guide to visit this mountain-top temple compound, located 3,500 feet above the city below. Breathtaking views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside are the reward for the 308-step staircase to Doi Suthep, or you may choose to access the grounds via a small cable car. Listen to the chants of the monks, drink in the atmosphere, and immerse yourself in the spirituality of this revered temple complex. Mingle with the pilgrims from across Thailand and discover pagodas and statues devoted to Buddhism with Hindu influences. Learn more about Buddhism and its impact on the culture and daily life of the Thai people.
• Please note: Temples in Thailand often have a dress code (albeit loose). Visitors must dress "appropriately" - in this case, shoulders must be covered, no shorts, and shoes are to be removed upon entering the temple.
• Lively markets are synonymous with Chiang Mai – as afternoon markets of fruits, vegetables and fresh meat options wind down for the day, night markets spring to life, enticing Thais and travelers alike with freshly grilled skewers, fragrant Thai curries, deceptively spicy peppers, and colorful local salads. Northern Thailand’s culinary traditions are unique from Bangkok’s options, earning Chiang Mai the international distinction of being a “foodie city” – with mouthwatering options available from neighboring Laos and Myanmar contributing to its identity. Venture into the vibrant markets of Somphret and Warorot with your private guide to start exploring this delicious food scene. Continue to smaller, lesser known markets bustling with locals looking for the perfect evening snack (opening days may vary depending on seasons). Your guide will help you taste local snacks that will appeal to a range of palates as you stroll through the city’s main night market. Have your camera ready to capture the dizzying array vendors have on display, especially at the lively flower markets. For dinner, opt to dine at one of the busy stalls (ask your guide to recommend their favorite!) or return to your hotel. While appetizers are included during the market walk, dinner is not included.  

DAY 8

• CHIANG MAI

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• Sights and Insights
• Elephants have long been a symbol of Thailand – integral to the Royal Family and common Thai people alike for their incredible strength, agility, and intelligence. Early this morning, your English-speaking guide will accompany you by private vehicle on the scenic hour-long journey along the Mae Taeng Valley to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, a retirement sanctuary for elephants that previously worked hard in the tourism entertainment or logging industries. The rescue sanctuary is a progressive and ethically responsible approach to elephant eco-tourism, promoting good health, freedom, and happiness to the pachyderms. The sanctuary does not allow elephant riding.
• Upon arrival at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, change into traditional Thai clothing. After your wardrobe change, prepare a tasty snack of fresh fruits for the elephants and meet the heard. Enjoy your visit to the sanctuary, where you can feed the animals, roam freely amongst the heard, with opportunities to touch and play with the elephants. Break for lunch, then prepare an herbal sticky rice mixture as an afternoon treat for the elephants. During this time, the staff of the sanctuary will teach guests about the background of elephants in Thailand, their healthcare, and unique social behaviors. Walk with the elephants to the river and spend a memorable afternoon bathing the pachyderms, feeding them sticky rice balls and fruits, and watching them play in the mud. There will be ample opportunities to take memorable photos by the river. Relax over tea or coffee, change back into your regular clothing, then return back to your hotel by private transfer.

DAY 9

• CHIANG MAI TO SIEM REAP

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• A Change of Scenery
• You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
• Board a flight from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap, Cambodia, with service via Bangkok. Approximate flight time is 3.5 hours.
• Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by an escort who will be holding a signboard with your name on it. Your escort will assist you with the VISA on arrival application form (VISA fee included). Upon completion, your escort will then assist you to pick up your luggage and lead you through the arrivals gate where you will meet your guide.
• You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
• Tonight's adventure invites you to travel by tuk tuk to visit the Phare Circus Tent, located just outside of town. Enjoy a show at what is called the Cambodian Circus, which starts at 8 pm, and lasts about an hour. Phare is a Cambodian non-profit art organization founded in 1994 by eight young Cambodians, returning from refugee camps along the Thai Border. The purpose is to improve the development of local communities by providing education and professional artistic training. The shows are constantly rotating depending on the time you visit.

DAY 10

• SIEM REAP

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• Explore with an Expert
• Today your private guide and driver, will show you a full day of historical adventures, as you're being whisked away to see the breathtaking architecture and natural setting of one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. The different sites of Angkor cover around 250 square miles, including the forested areas. It features ruins dating back to a period between the 9th and 15th century, all sculpted in the distinctive Khmer style. As you approach the park, you will first see the South Gate of Angkor Thom. A walk along a half a mile trail past the walls that lead to a hidden temple is optional, but your guide will definitely ensure that you see the amazing temple areas of Bayon and Baphoun, as well as the Terrace of Elephants and Leper King. Take a break and have lunch inside the park before you head over to the grey-stoned jungle temple of Ta Phrom. Here you enter a mysterious world, as tree stumps seem to grow out of the temple and roots crawl up its walls. For many people this is the highlight of Angkor. The most famous part of the park is, of course, Angkor Wat, known to visitors around the world. Finish the tour with a peaceful sunset, as shades of violets, oranges, and pinks spread across the sky. This private tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch, water, and towels.

DAY 11

• SIEM REAP

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• A Festive Feast
• In the morning you will be met by your local guide at your hotel with high-quality mountain bikes to bike through the Siem Reap countryside. Pedaling along quiet trails, through rice fields and small villages, your tour guide will take you to a local market where the colours and smells of raw meat, vegetables, fish, fruits, underscored by the constant yelling of stallholders, will make for an exciting experience. After this visit to the local market, you are going to cycle to a local family’s house where you will learn to cook some signature dishes, to be enjoyed together at lunch. After a short rest and a glass of sugar cane juice, a refreshingly sweet drink poured over ice, you can help to prepare a Khmer meal which you will later offer to the monks at a local pagoda. Buddhist monks live away from their families and are not allowed to have regular jobs. They depend on the faith and charity of the local people. After you have finished your Khmer cooking, the chef and his wife will show you how to pack the meal and some rice into a banana leaf. A short walk takes us to the pagoda where the monks live so you can offer the alms. Afterwards, the monk will give you a blessing, and you can ask him everything you like to know regarding Cambodian culture and Buddhism. This private tour includes a private tuk-tuk transfer, an English-speaking guide, cooking with local family & lunch, cool water, and towel.

DAY 12

• SIEM REAP
• Until Next Time…
• You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

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Riva Surya

Le Meridien Chiang Rai

Tamarind Village

Shinta Mani Angkor