The Best of Thailand 7 Days

Upon arrival, you will be met outside the baggage claim area by your guide who will escort you to a waiting vehicle for your transfer to downtown with a brief introduction en route. Your guide will be holding a welcome signboard with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO & your name. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Bangkok.

Bangkok is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, also known as the City of Angels, is a vibrant city with many and varied charms. From grand historic buildings to peaceful temples, from exciting markets to ritzy shopping malls and from towering skyscrapers to Chinese shop-houses, Bangkok is cosmopolitan and full of sharp contrasts..

The tour takes you through some of the most interesting parts of Bangkok, including stops at the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trimit), the home of a 5.5 ton Buddha image, found when the port of Bangkok was being expanded and dating back more than 200 years. The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), famous as the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok.

Visit to the Grand Palace, Coronation Hall and the holiest of all Thai Temples “The Emerald Buddha Temple” (Wat Phra Kaew) where the replica of Angkor Wat and the late Ayutthaya-style murals on the surrounding walls illustrate scenes from the Ramayana are included in the temple's compound.

After breakfast in the hotel, we will go by air-conditioned car/van/coach to Ayutthaya. Visit Bang-Pa-In, once was the summer palace of the late King Rama V – this has some exquisite art works and the temples.

Return on the comfortable Motor cruiser down stream to Bangkok. Enjoy the sights of the rural Thailand. Buffet lunch served onboard (excluded all beverages). Evening, arrive in Bangkok and transfer from pier to hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, and free at leisure till time transfer to the Airport for flight departure to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and free on own, till time transfer to enjoy a superb dinner called Khantok (incl. hill tribe performance). After that, free on own at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar before return to the hotel.

The journey begins with a visit to a Meo Hill tribe village. Since they originally migrated from South China, the physical features of the tribe are similar to Chinese. They prefer large families and average about 8 in a family. They practice shifting agriculture. Mostly planting upland rice, corn and soybeans. Generally you will find that the womenfolk's works harder than the men.

A trait similar with most hill tribes. Their houses are not built on stilt rather directly on the ground. Due to its proximity to Doi Suthep this particular village is slightly more commercial and less traditional. Doi Pui was once famous for opium cultivation. It's 1500 meters above the sea level. Trip continues on to Wat Doi Suthep Temple. Driving up offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. Later on, embark to the San Kamphaeng district, heart of the silk and cotton home industries, to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. Continue on the Bor Sang, the umbrella village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand-painted. From here, onwards to Thai Celadon, about 6kms north of Chiang Mai, where exquisite ceramics are produced.

These are modeled on the Sawankhalok pottery that used to be made hundreds of years ago at Sukhothai and exported all over the region. With its deep, cracked glazed finish the style is very distinctive and some pieces are exceptionally beautiful. Last but not least, are stops to observe the intricacies of both lacquer ware and silverware craftsmen.

This day aims to explore Elephant Nature Park - a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals. Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary. Your visit helps support our regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation. You will join various activities to cherish the elephants (unload, distribute fruit treats and feed the elephants from the viewing platform.

Enjoy a sumptuous and varied vegetarian buffet of Asian and International dishes in the beautiful nature of the park

Walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. Watch these gentle giants as they splash around and play while you stay dry on the river bank. After the visit, it`s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your accommodations.

*Park visits are all about spending quality time observing, being with the herd and be their friends (RIDING IS NOT ALLOWED). We do not adhere to a strict schedule; the best way to make the most of your visit is to relax, watch and learn from the elephants.

Breakfast at your hotel, free time until pick you up and transfer to airport for your departure flight.

Finish unforgettable Thailand Tour with Asia Tour Advisor Co.,. Good bye & see you in the next time! AsiaTourAdvisor can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.