Highlights of Thailand

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.

Pick you up at your hotel and then sightseeing tour to visit. At first visit to Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the temple is famous for its 900-years old five-and-a-half-ton solid gold image and then continue to visit Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok.

After that, visit to Wat Po, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, as well as the largest single Buddha image: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas), also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage Reclining Buddha.

Lunch at local restaurant, after lunch, we continue to visit the most famous tourist places in Bangkok, Royal Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound and is where you will end up after exiting Wat Phra Kaew.

Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Wat Phra Kaew and the more European inspired designs of the Grand Palace (the roof being the exception). After this place we go back to the hotel and free at leisure.

A 120 km drive to the most colorful Floating Market in Thailand. Passing the largest source of Salt Production in Thailand along the roadside of the highway. At Damnoen Saduak, visit the gardener's house, see how the sugar is being made right from the coconut tree and as option take the long tailed speedboat to the main part market (not included). See a fascinating Thai way of life from the ancient time which is still widely practiced in this area. A chance to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and choices of Thai handicrafts available at the spot.

Later on, continue to Kanchanaburi for visit the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai as the Memorial of World War II. Then, visit at the War museum and war cemetery nearby. Then return to Bangkok.

Breakfast at hotel and then sightseeing to Ayutthaya. Visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a beautiful decorated in both traditional Chinese and European style. After that, continue to Ayutthaya city, the ancient city which was the former Thai Capital for over 400 years.

We will visit to Wat Maha That, over 600 years old which was the heart and soul of the Ayutthaya people, then visit to Wat Na Phra Mane, remain in perfect condition, as it was used as the Burmese headquarters, and then visit to Wat Lokayasutharam, a mysterious past, whereby its origins are unknown.

The temple enshrines a Largest Reclining Buddha Image which was built during the early period of the Ayutthaya region. After that, continue to the River Sun Cruise Pier for cruise along the Chao Phraya River back to Bangkok, and also enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on boat, the journey you are able to watch the Chao Phraya River banks scenery from the River Sun Cruise, till arriving at the Bangkok City, pass the Royal Grand Palace, pass by Wat Arun (Temple of Down) and arrive to the River City Complex Pier, Si Phraya, then transfer to hotel and free at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flight depart to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, meet & greet our local tour guide before transfer to Chiang Saen. After check in, proceed to the infamous Golden Triangle renowned for centuries as the centre of the opium trade. From a hill top viewpoint, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak and forming the actual “Triangle” with Laos Burma and Thailand. Visit at the Opium museum nearby before return back to the hotel.

Chiang Rai, nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand is the gateway to the infamous Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. Smaller and quieter than Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai retains the feel of a small provincial Thai capital with far fewer tourists than you may see in other provincial centres.

Situated in the old kingdom of Lanna, meaning land of a million rice fields, the area around Chiang Rai is home to many ethnic minority hill tribes including the Karen (long neck), Akha, Lahu and Yao. The houses in the hill tribe villages sell handmade products, in particular textile weaving, since tourism has replaced agriculture as their main source of income.

Breakfast at hotel and then tour to Mae Sai Border Market, one of the biggest border markets, where you can access to Tha Khi Lek Province - Myanmar. At the market, you will find a lot of goods, local products and many items which are imported from China & Myanmar such electronic devices, fruits, clothes, stones, jewelry, Jade etc.

Lunch at a local restaurant before continue to Doi Tung or Switzerland of Asia to visit Doi Tung, look no further outstanding than the Mae Fah Luang Garden which is situated at an elevation of 950 meters above sea-level. The Mae Fah Luang Garden consists of flowerbeds planted with a dazzling variety of flowers and shrubs from all corners of the world; among these, over 70 species of cool climate and temperate ornamental and flowering plants that thrive at high altitude are planted in the midst of native plants, leafy shrubs and perennials. A myriad of flowering plants come into bloom all year round and form a splendid hill-side tapestry that changes with the seasons. After that, transfer to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and free at leisure. Located in the north of the country, Chiang Mai is the ancient walled provincial capital. It has been an important Buddhist centre since the 14th century and is home to over 300 temples. Surrounded by mountains it offers spectacular scenery for trekking on foot and by elephant, with opportunities to raft on jungle rivers and meet the colourful hill tribe minorities that inhabit the area.

Many visitors come to Chiang Mai to attend meditation retreats, massage classes or yoga lessons. For those interested in handicrafts there are centres which specialise in silverwork, wood carving, pottery making and weaving. The renowned Night Bazaar comes alive in the evenings, a great place to sample the distinctive northern Thai cuisine.

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 is 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.

Leave from Chiang Mai by pick up truck to the hill tribe village, en-route at waterfall before drive to Hot Spring, then have an enjoy trekking 1.5 hr to Karen Village. Dinner and overnight at the village.

After breakfast, walk around the village and observe how to live their life, usual activities and the unique traditional as closely before walking to the elephant camp (45 min). Enjoy elephant riding for 1.5 hrs through the scenery jungle before stop to visit at Lahu Village. Dinner and overnight at the village

After breakfast, enjoy an exciting bamboo rafting for 2 hrs to Shan Village. Lunch is promptly provided. After lunch, we return to Chiang Mai and then free time

On this tour you can cool off on Thailand's highest peak while taking in the beautiful scenic Doi Inthanon National Park. Night time temperatures on the peak can be as low as -8 degrees centigrade. In the cold/dry season night time frosts are common. Day time temperatures can be surprisingly cold so do not forget a long sleeve jumper.

On the way up we will visit Wachiritharn Waterfalls, The King and Queen Chedi's, (the best views across the park are found here), and then on to the peak of Doi Inthanon the highest mountain in Thailand. Near the top we will take the Angkha nature walk where you can walk amongst the unique flora and forest that grow at this altitude.

There are both Karen and Hmong villages in the bounds of Doi Inthanon and we will see those at the local market on the way down the mountain before making our way back to Chiang Mai.

Breakfast at your hotel. Free time for relaxing or shopping until pick you up and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for flight departure to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok, transit to your departure flight.