12 Days Terrific Thailand: Bangkok, Chang Mai, and Phuket
OVERVIEW
With its emphasis on family, community, kindness, and respect, Thailand pulls travellers in from all around the globe, from college kids looking for a summer break, to the family looking for an exotic getaway, to someone travelling solo to find themselves. Thailand has it all, and travellers gravitate to the free-land from all walks of life. With its glistening golden temples, its crystal clear beaches, and exotic, lush, landscape, Thailand is one to take in, embrace the moment, and never forget. Being largely Buddhists, though, of a different sect of Buddhism of what westerners perceive, Thailand’s foundation is built upon loving-kindness, gratitude, and respect for all things; something sometimes is forgotten and foreign in western societies. This friendly and fun-loving culture, coupled with its history and politics, welcomes travellers with open-arms upon landing and never lets go. On this 12 day tour through Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, you will explore and discover the wonders of Thailand, with exciting adventures such as visiting an elephant sanctuary, where you will feed and care for these loving creatures, travelling across the waters by speedboat to Phi Phi Ley caves, where ancient Viking paintings can be viewed, exploring Phang Nga Bay, where a James Bond film took place, visiting temples in Chiang Mai, visit the River Kwai, visit the floating market of Damnern Saduak, and so much more. Explore the best of Thailand with AJFS Tours’ 12 Day Terrific Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket tour!
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival - Bangkok
Transfer from Bangkok airport to hotel in Bangkok with our guide. Note: Normal check-in time at hotel will be after 14:00 onwards
Day 2 Bangkok Half Day Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Dinner included)
This tour is one that cannot be missed in Bangkok! We will visit Wat Phra Kaew and the nearby attractions first, before moving on to the Grand Palace. Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located right next to the Grand Palace, and they probably form together the greatest spectacle for visitors in Bangkok. A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, is a must. The palace, which is the former royal residence of the Chakri Kings, is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by the King Rama I, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years. Today, the palace is Bangkok’s major landmark and most popular tourist attraction. Indeed, the Grand Palace is an amazing place to visit, as it consists of over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, that all date back to the foundation of Bangkok in 1782.
Please note that photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings. Also, note that the chapel is a national shrine and that you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect.
Evening Dinner with Thai Classic Dance Show @ Sala Rim Naam at Mandarin Oriental Housed in a richly decorated pavilion built in the traditional Northern Thai style, Sala Rim Naam is the setting for a unique cultural experience — a classical Thai dance show performed every night at 19:45.
Sala Rim Naam adheres to a smart casual dress code for all guests, including children. During the day, semiformal shorts, shirts, polo shirts and proper footwear are permitted. After 18:30, ladies are kindly asked to wear elegant attire and proper footwear, and gentlemen are kindly asked to wear a smart shirt, long trousers and closed shoes.
After dinner, continue drive to Asiatique The River Front ASIATIQUE The Riverfront will be Bangkok’s first large-scale riverside project combining shopping, dining, sightseeing, activities and events under one roof. The strong cultural aspect is what sets it apart from other shopping malls. Embracing history, but avoiding the cultural clichés and traditional symbols, it strikes a balance between tradition and globalization. Accommodation in Bangkok.
Day 3 Bangkok Full Day Floating Market and River Kwai (Lunch included)
This busy full day tour will take you first to the rural yet world-famous floating market of Damnern Saduak, situated about 100 kilometres west of Bangkok. It is generally known as Klong Ton Khem Floating Market or Damnern Saduak Floating Market. Damnern Saduak has officially three floating markets. A narrow canal flanked with food stalls and souvenir shops form the principal market at Ton Kem. Farther south are the rarely visited markets of Her Kui and Khun Pitak. Photographers at Ton Kem will get their best shots from the bridge which crosses over the canal and from the shed on the right. Nowadays, the market is bustling with activity from very early in the morning until about 11.00 am. We will then continue to the world famous bridge on the River Kwai, built during World War II by the prisoners of the war. The bridge is located near Kanchanaburi town, 130 kilometres west of Bangkok. You will visit the well-kept War Cemetery of Allied Prisoners, which contains the graves of an estimated 9,000 Allied soldiers. These soldiers died while building the bridge and the notorious ”Death Railway” which the Japanese had hoped to stretch all the way to the Burmese border. This tour will also bring you closer to the past, as paying a visit to the JEATH Museum (the name “JEATH” is derived from Japan, England, America/Australia, Thailand and Holland), where the past has been created and relived with pictures and artefacts out of this time. We will return back to Bangkok in the late afternoon. Accommodation in Bangkok.
Day 4 Bangkok Full Day Ayutthaya by road & cruise (Private, lunch included)
Visit the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya, situated approximately 75 kilometres north of Bangkok and which is one of those destinations you have to see. The mix of cultures in Ayutthaya began in the mid-16th century when ships from Ayutthaya plied the Asian seas, trading with neighbouring countries. When the Dutch showed up in the 17th century, Ayutthaya became a port city and trade routes were extended to China, Japan, Indonesia, Portugal, Holland and France and even up to the Scandinavian countries later. Although the ancient villages of foreign traders lining on the Chao Phraya riverbanks were abandoned when the city was sacked by Burmese troops in 1767, some remnants have survived and now showcase the city’s past glory. The tour will start at the Summer Palace of the late King Rama V, commonly known as “Bang Pa-In”. You will then continue to the magnificent ruins of early splendour that Ayutthaya is famous for all over the world. We will pass or visit all the most impressive ruins of this World Heritage Site. We will eventually return to Bangkok by cruising down the Chao Phraya River on a comfortable, air-conditioned cruise ship, while enjoying a sumptuous buffet lunch on board. Upon arrival at the disembarkation point in Bangkok in the late afternoon, we will transfer you back to your booked hotel.
Note: Kindly be aware that proper attire is required to enter the Summer Palace compounds; Asia World Enterprise staff will be pleased to advise you accordingly. Accommodation in Bangkok.
Day 5 Bangkok – Chiang Rai Transfer from hotel in Bangkok to Bangkok airport with our guide. (Air ticket is not included)
Upon arrival at Chiang Rai airport, meet and greet by our guide to hotel Afternoon, your city tour starts from the hotel to Chiang Rai city visit the King Mengrai Monument; the great king who was builds Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Then visit Wat Phra Kaew where The Emerald Buddha image of Bangkok, was formerly housed in 1434 A.D. Chiang Rai City remains a sleepy provincial town with a pleasant atmosphere, it has relaxed and down-to-earth feel but is never short on historical and cultural attractions of its own. Founded in 1262 as the capital of the Mengrai Dynasty, after Chiang Saen, today the city retains a strong Lanna identity, mostly through its impressive collection of temples, art, language, cuisine and music. The city also offers little diversity when it comes to nightlife, entertainment and shopping, and most of these are concentrated in the area around the Clock Tower. After tour transfer back to your hotel. Accommodation in Chang Rai.
Day 6 Chiang Rai Chiang Rai – Mae Chan – Golden Triangle – Hall of Opium – Chiang Saen
Start your full day excursion to Mae Chan to visit tea plantation. Continue on to the Golden Triangle area where the mighty Mae Khong River joining the Ruak River and forming the triangle with the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos convene. Visit Hall of Opium Museum. Then continue on to the old city of Chiang Saen (A.D.1260) on the steep banks of Mae Khong River opposite to Laos, to witness some magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Accommodation in Chang Rai.
Day 7 Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai Chiang Rai – Wat Rong Khun – Mae Ka Chan Hot Spring – Chiang Mai
After breakfast drive from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. In the afternoon, visit Wat RongKhun, the white temple. Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple that stands out through the white color and the use of pieces of glass in the plaster, sparkling in the sun. The white color signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings. We will stop at Wiang Pa Pao, an area famous for its Hot Spring waters. Guests can relax in the local mineral hot spring pond. This is a quiet place to relax with calm and clear weather. Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 8 Chiang Mai Half Day Elephant Maewang Elephant
Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Depart from Chiang Mai by local truck at 08.30 am. On the way from Chiang Mai to the camp, you can enjoy the views of villages, temples, beautiful scenery of mountain and farms around Chiang Mai countryside. Arriving at Maewang Elephant Conservation with warm hospitality from our caring staff. Welcome to our main lodge for relaxation and change into your mahout’s outfit.
Start briefing by our staff about the elephants, background information, general instruction and question of elephant. Meet and introduction to your elephants and mahouts. Feed some food and herbs to your elephant, learn about the elephant’s habit and their daily routine. Training in basic mahout course with easy commands and get along with the elephant by walking to the beautiful trail in the forest with them for about 1 hour. Take them to find the grasses and sugarcane around the forest which is the favorite food for them. Enjoy harvesting elephant foods from organic garden like cutting grasses, banana, sugarcane, and many more which depends on the season. Play in and enjoy the mud spa with your own elephant. Then finish and say goodbye to your elephant, followed by a picnic lunch served at Elephant Camp.
P.M : Chiang Mai City Temples Pick up time 15:00 In the afternoon, you will explore around the famous city for an up-close and personal look at some of its most notable temples, as well as stops at its old city walls, gates and moat. Highlight of this trip include Wat Phra Sing home of the beautiful Lai Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarving and northern style murals; Wat Chedi Luang and its enormous Pagoda (which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545); and the famous landmark of Chiang Mai – the mountain temple Wat Doi Suthep, which is situated on a hill, 1050 m high. On clear days, you will enjoy a fantastic view over the town and the province. Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Day 9 Chiang Mai – Phuket
Transfer from hotel in Chiang Mai to Chiang Mai airport with our guide (air ticket is not included)
Upon arrival at Phuket airport, meet and greet by our guide and transfer to hotel in Phuket
Afternoon Half Day Phuket City Tour This orientation tour is designed to give visitors to Phuket a nice introduction to the island without forcing them to invest in a full-blown excursion. The trip features a road tour that passes by Phuket’s most famous beaches; a visit to the acclaimed Chalong Temple; a short outing from out of Phuket Town, famed for its Portuguese architecture. Loved by both Asian and foreign visitors, the temple’s highlight is a wax sculpture of the abbot housed in an air-conditioned Thai-style house next to the chapel. We also provide you with a chance to see the most famous lookout point on the island – Promthep Cape. Additionally, guests who like to shop will not be disappointed as stops at local gemstone and cashew nut factories are also on the agenda. Phuket remains an outstanding holiday destination, not only due to its large variety of beaches, but also due to its cultural importance in southern Thailand. Accommodation in Phuket.
Day 10 Phuket Full Day Phi Phi Island by Private Speedboat with lunch
Begin the morning with a road transfer to the pier, where you will take a speedboat (join boat) to reach Phi Phi islands. The journey will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. We will visit Bamboo Island where you can enjoy some free time to swim and snorkel or simply lie and rest on the beach. After lunch, we will continue to Phi Phi Ley which is home to the Viking Cave, a large limestone cavern where ancient rock paintings can be found. Our next visit will be to an amazing beach spot to relax and snorkel. The return boat-ride will arrive in the late afternoon to the pier in Phuket, from which we will drive you back to your hotel. Accommodation in Phuket.
Day 11 Phuket Phang- Nga Bay & James Bond Beyond by Private Speedboat with lunch
This is the opportunity to combine fascinating sightseeing and exciting canoeing. This exciting, all-day excursion takes visitors to the unique and spectacular seascape of Phang Nga, one of nature’s most unusual and beautiful locations, where the site of the 1974 James Bond 007 film “The Man With The Golden Gun,” (starring Roger Moore and Christopher Lee as the title character). Tour starts by road 45 minutes to marina, then by speed boat cruising to enjoy more amazing and incredible limestone scenery that the area famed for. Enjoy 30 minutes canoe experience to discovering hidden caves and Hong (a lagoon in an island). Visit Koh Pannyi (also known as Sea Gypsy Island) which is built over the water on stilts. Koh Tapu & Khao Ping Kan which has become known as ‘James Bond Island’. Before the day concludes with some swimming & beach relaxing at Lawa or Naka Island. Accommodation in Phuket.
Day 12 Phuket-Departure
Transfer from hotel in Phuket to Phuket airport with our guide. The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
Includes:
4-star hotel accommodations
Tours & Transfers as below mentioned provided by air-conditioned vehicle with English Speaking guide assistance, including luggage handling
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
Custom-designed personal tours available upon request
Excludes:
Domestic and/or international airline tickets and airport taxes
Any Fees not mentioned above
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Tips to guide and driver
Travel Insurance
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