Thai Cultural Discovery

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Bangkok

  Welcome to Thailand! Beyond its amazing beaches and beautiful islands, the unique culture and time-honored heritages are also the major reasons that draw travelers from all over the world.

  When you arrive in Bangkok, a private tour guide will greet you with a warm smile, and escort you to your hotel for check-in.

  • Bangkok

• Day 2: Bangkok: Grand Palace and Long-Tail Boat Cruise

  Today, a classic sightseeing tour will uncover the mystery of Bangkok, the charming capital of Thailand. The first must-see place is the Grand Palace, a palace complex that was once the home to the Thai king. Inside, its dazzling architecture, spectacular roof lines, extensive murals, and extravagant ornamentation, are the best proof of Thai people's creativity and craftsmanship.

  Followed by is a long-tailed boat ride along the small canals of the Chao Phraya River. When the boat leaves the modern city center, you will enter a hidden historical area where people still live in traditional ways. You can see traditional Thai houses with carved designs instead of skyscrapers, and wave hello to them as cruising by the houses of the local people.

  Before nightfall, step into the Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn. With its 80-meter-high main tower decorated by colorful porcelain, rising on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple is generally considered to be one of the most photogenic landmarks in Bangkok, especially at sunset.

  • B L
  • Bangkok

• Day 3: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi, Historic Sites about WWII

  Your destination today, the city of Kanchanaburi, will lead you to the time of World War Ⅱ. Visit the Hellfire Pass Museum firstly when you arrive. The museum tells the poignant stories of these prisoners of war and laborers, who were forced to use hand drills, pickaxes, and shovels to cut through the mountain to build the Death Railway. Nowadays, you can also walk along the trail to feel what the prisoners felt as they constructed the railway.

  After lunch, continue to Krasae Cave with its wooden railway bridge where you have a nice view over the Kwai River. Later, go to Kanchanaburi Town where you can walk across the Bridge over the River Kwai and enjoy a boat ride on the Kwai River. The last stop is a visit to Don Rak War Cemetery to remember those who lost their lives during World War II during the construction of the 'Death Railway.

  • B L
  • Kanchanaburi

• Day 4: Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya

  After breakfast, you will head to the Historic City of Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital found in 1350, to discover more f Thailand's rich and compelling history. Once an important center of global diplomacy and commerce, and now an archaeological ruin and a World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya is reasonably compact with most of the must-see sights contained within the west side of the moated island area, including the Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the Wat Ratchaburana, the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and the most impressive Wat Mahathat which is famous for the face of a stone Buddha peeking out from the roots of a Banyan tree. Though the city was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century, its remains, characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries, still offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's past size and splendor of its heyday.

  En route to Ayutthaya, you will stop at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a site that was first used by the Thai kings as a summer retreat in the 17th century.

  • B L
  • Ayutthaya

• Day 5: Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Sukhothai

  Take some time to explore Wat Phutthaisawan, just outside of the city island of Ayutthaya. This riverfront temple survived during the Burmese-Siamese War and is still inhabited by monks. Inside, you will see a huge reclining Buddha image and a row of Sukhothai Buddha images, whose headdress and sitting posture make them easily distinguishable from other Buddhas.

  Afterward, proceed north to Lopburi for a visit to Phra Prang Sam Yot, a 13th-century temple in Khmer style. It also has another famous name, Monkey Temple, which comes from a large group of long-tailed macaques living in and around the temple. Ramble around and play with these furry little mischief-makers, but be cautious of everything that they may snatch. You will reach Sukhothai in the early evening. Check into your hotel and take a rest.

  • B L
  • Sukhothai

• Day 6: Sukhothai - Lampang, Sukhothai Historical Park

  The UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park is one of Thailand's cultural highlights, along with Ayutthaya. A deep exploration of the park will give an insight into the Sukhothai Kingdom, which is commonly described as "the first Thai kingdom". The remains of the royal palace and countless beautiful temple ruins within the old walls, covering an area of 29,000 acres, all are the epitome of that era.

  Only 55 km north of the town of Sukhothai lies the Sri Satchanalai Historical Park. It is similar to Sukhothai but smaller and less known. You can enjoy the historical atmosphere and find the best angles to shoot the ruins, without the crowded. Afterward, arrive at Langpang for overnight.

  • B L
  • Lampang

• Day 7: Lampang - Chiang Rai, Glance over the Lanna Kingdom

  In Lampang, one of the major cities of the Lanna Kingdom from the 13th to 18th centuries, several Lanna-style buildings are still well preserved. Before leaving for Chiang Rai, you will visit three of them today, to see the history and culture of Lanna.

  One is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, which is arguably the most beautiful wooden Lanna temple in Northern Thailand and the oldest standing wooden structure in Thailand. The next is a complex of Lanna-Burmese wooden houses named Baan Sao Nuk, where many displayed stuffs that were used in northern people's lifestyle in the past are waiting for you to explore. The last one, Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, is the principal Buddhist temple in Lampang built in an interesting mix of Lanna, Shan and Burmese architectural styles.

  • B L
  • Chiang Rai

• Day 8: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai, Golden Triangle & Long Neck Village

  Compared with its nearby town Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai retains its strong Lanna characteristics and has its own cultures and traditions. But it is often overlooked by travelers because it is the northernmost major city in the country, located in the jungle and mountainous areas. It is also the location of the famous Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand are separated by the chocolate brown water of the Mekong River.

  At Mae Sai Border, you can cross Myanmar for a short exploration, with an extra migration fee on your own. At the top of the Golden Triangle, you can stand on the Thai side and see Laos to your right and Myanmar to the left. At Long Neck Karen Village, you can meet colorfully dressed women with shiny rings around their necks. At the White Temple, you can see the amazing integration of Thai traditional elements with modern design and popular culture. After the tour, proceed to Chiang Mai for the night.

  • B L
  • Chiang Mai

• Day 9: Chiang Mai: Lanna Family Visit & Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

  Different from other Thai dishes, northern Thai food, also known as Lanna food, is characterized by salty and sour taste. This morning, you will head to the outskirts of Chiang Mai to visit a Lanna family. Upon arrival, the hospitable host will introduce you to his families, show you their family photos and houses, tell you the history of this area, educate you on the traditions of the Lanna family, lead you to explore his garden full of fresh vegetables and herbs will be used in cooking, and teach you to cook some authentic Northern Thai flavors. And finally, you can enjoy a delicious lunch -your works and some extra dishes- together with the family.

  At the end of the tour, climb up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on a hill for the panoramic views of the whole Chiang Mai city.

  • B L
  • Chiang Mai

• Day 10: Chiang Mai: Fun Day with Elephants

  Thai elephants, as the symbol of Thailand, mostly live freely in the lush forest in the northern part of the country. Today you will join a small group to visit Baan Chang Elephant Park, making friends with these giant gentlemen.

  There are many opportunities to get close to them in the park. Learn the general knowledge of elephants, prepare food rich in vitamins to feed them, take them through the forest and go down to the water for bathing, and so on.

  • B L
  • Chiang Mai

• Day 11: Chiang Mai - Phuket, Relax with Sandy Beach

  After a historic journey on the mainland, there is nothing better than a beautiful island holiday with sunny beaches. Pick up your things and fly to Phuket to start your beach holiday. As one of the best beach destinations in the world, Phuket has everything you want, from gorgeous beaches and various water activities to wonderful restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

  • B
  • Phuket

• Day 12: Phuket, Beach Time

  Two days will be left for you to explore this beautiful island at your own pace. Perhaps you may like to escape from the crowded Phuket to different islands for a one-day short trip. Through an island-hopping tour that is served by the hotel, you can discover breathtaking seascapes, snorkel with colorful fishes, enjoy a picnic lunch on a deserted beach, and sun yourself on the deck surrounded by clear waters.

  • B
  • Phuket

• Day 13: Phuket, Beach Time

  Beach time continues. Why not take a stroll around the old town of Phuket before or after relaxing on the beach? With stunning architecture, cozy coffee shops, ancient shrines, cozy coffee shops, it is a wonderful place to kill time. When night falls, the main street will be brightly lit and night markets will become active. Watch the locals' nightlife in a lively bar with a cup of beer in hand, hang out at different street vendors, teeming with fresh fruits, incredible snacks and sweet desserts to try whatever you want, or seek interesting handicrafts as souvenirs from various artists.

  • B
  • Phuket

• Day 14: Phuket - Bangkok, Departure

  Time to say goodbye to sunny Phuket. Fly to Bangkok to connect your international flight back home.

  • B