Days 1 Home City/Bangkok, Thailand
Depart on an overnight flight to Bangkok.
Day 2 Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in Southeast Asia, distinctly modern while keeping its Eastern flavor. It has been called the "Venice of the East" for its system of canals, or klongs, traversed by distinctive long-tailed boats. The city is divided into two parts by the Chao Phraya River, with Bangkok proper on the east side and Thonburi on the west. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel is ideally located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Day 3 Bangkok
Begin your exploration of this modern Southeast Asian city by visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the adjoining Grand Palace, two of the most amazing sites in the city. The compound includes over 100 colorful buildings, golden spires, mosaics and the Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most important shrine and where the Emerald Buddha is kept. Little is known about this statue, except that it is actually made of green jade or jasper. This evening, join fellow travelers at a festive welcome cocktail party and dinner.
Day 4 Bangkok
Begin your exploration of this modern Southeast Asian city by visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the adjoining Grand Palace, two of the most amazing sites in the city. The compound includes over 100 colorful buildings, golden spires, mosaics and the Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most important shrine and where the Emerald Buddha is kept. Little is known about this statue, except that it is actually made of green jade or jasper.
Day 5 Bangkok/Sukhothai
Fly to Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, and visit the Sukhothai Historical Park and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sukhithai Heritage Resort (B.D)
Day 6 Sukhothai
Today you visit Sri Satchanalai, part of the historic Kingdom of Sukhothai and known as its sister city. The city was laid out along fixed cosmological lines with the temples at its center.
Sukhithai Heritage Resort (B.L.D)
Day 7 Sukhothai/Bangkok/Chiang Rai
Fly to Chiang Rai and then transfer to your resort located in the picturesque area of the Golden Triangle.
Day 8 Chiang Rai
Spend a full day exploring the Northern border district of Mae Sai, an area where many hill tribes still reside. After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Chiang Saen and enjoy a Boat trip on the Mekong River.
Day 9 Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai
Travel overland for Chiang Mai, visiting a hill-tribe village en route. After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your luxurious resort. This evening, shop for silks, clothing, handicrafts and other treasures at Chiang Mai’s famous Night Market.
Day 10 Chiang Mai
Explore Chiang Mai by rickshaw, followed with a visit to Wat Pra Singh, a beautiful Buddhist temple complex. This afternoon activity: stroll the markets with a guide, try a round of golf at the beautiful Chiang Mai golf course or enjoy a massage at the world renowned Four Seasons Spa.
Day 11 Chiang Mai
After a morning at leisure, spend the afternoon painting with elephants, communicating with these gentle giants with the help of personal mahout training.
Day 12 Chiang Mai/Bangkok/Siem Reap, Cambodia
Fly to Siem Reap to the astounding ruins of Angkor Wat, once the seat of the mighty Khmer Empire and now one of the world’s great architectural marvels.
Day 13 Siem Reap
A guided tour of the vast Angkor complex includes a stop at Bayon, Ta Phrom and Preah Khan Temples. After returning to your hotel for lunch, explore Angkor Wat in the afternoon, the best-preserved and perhaps the grandest site of the Angkor complex. This evening, toast your journey with cocktails and a farewell dinner.
Day 14 Siem Reap/Bangkok
Visit a local orphanage this morning, followed by a boat trip to Tonle Sap. Late, fly to Bangkok.
Day 15 Bangkok/Home City
Board your homebound flight or travel on to another destination in the Orient. China Holidays can help you plan your own extension, "tailor-made" as you require. (B)