Thailand Grand Tour

Upon arrival into bustling Bangkok you will meet your group's local guide for private coach transfer to your hotel.

Today you will enjoy a full day tour combining the highlights of Bangkok City including visits to three intriguing temples: Wat Trimitr (the temple of Golden Buddha) which houses an impressive solid gold Buddha weighing several tons sculpted in the graceful Sukhothai style, Wat Po (the temple of the Reclining Buddha), the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and Wat Phara Kaew (the temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the awe inspiring Grand Palace. After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, you will board a long-tailed speedboat for a thrilling ride through the canals of outer Bangkok to get a closer look at the rural lifestyle. Then board a converted Rice Barge for a cruise. After, return to the hotel to relax and freshen up for the Thai Dinner & Classical Dance. This evening introduces you to Thai cuisine and dancing! During dinner, feast your eyes on the grace and beauty of the dancers, elegantly performing stories from classical Thai literature and folktales.

This morning you will visit the fascinating floating market at Damnoen Saduak. After, the group will continue to Nakorn Pathom, the oldest city in Thailand, to see the Phra Pathom Chedi, which is the tallest in the world. After lunch continue back to Bangkok to visit Suan Pakkard Palace and Jim Thompson's House. Take a step back in time as you wander through Wang Suan Pakkard, the Palace is a collection of five traditional Thai-style houses which are now home to a priceless antique collection. The tour will end with a visit to the private Thai-style house, now a museum, of Jim Thompson the "father" of the famous Thai silk industry. Then the group will return to the hotel for a free evening on your own.

This morning, the group's private coach will drive north out of the city to the ancient capital city of Ayuthaya, with its incredible ruins surrounded by rivers. Continue to Uthai Thani, a small town on the Sakaekrang River, rarely visited by foreign tourists where you will visit impressive Wat Chantaram. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. This afternoon, drive further north to Phitsanulok, a historic city. Visit the much-venerated shrine of Wat Mahathat. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel in Phitsanulok.

After breakfast, the group will take a short drive via private coach to Sukhothai Historical Park, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can admire beautiful standing Buddha statues as you explore the many ruined temples and monasteries. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. This afternoon's drive takes you further north to Chiang Mai, a city of great cultural significance. This evening, you will have a chance to taste Northern dishes. After dinner, explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to purchase some high quality local crafts.

This morning your journey begins with a visit to a Meo Hill tribe village which originally migrated from South China. This is followed by a visit to the memorable Wat Phradhat Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in the North which is reached by a staircase of 306 steps or a cable car. On a clear day you can experience spectacular panoramic views of the Chiang Mai valley from the temple grounds. This afternoon the group will visit a spa for a relaxing traditional massage. Lunch will be served after your massage. Then return to Chiang Mai to explore on your own this evening.

You will spend a pleasant morning in the company of magnificent gentle giants at an elephant camp as you witness the traditional techniques still used in the training process, as well as other techniques, which highlight the abilities of the elephants. The adventurous can also enjoy a short elephant ride! The group will also stop at one of the region's orchid farms. Lunch will be at a local restaurant back at Chiang Mai. This afternoon the group will have a handicraft tour with a visit to the Sankamphaeng district. Continue on to Bor Sang, the umbrella village where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced. From here, the group will travel onwards to a ceramic factory. Last stops will be to observe the intricacies of both the lacquer ware and silverware craftsmen. In the evening, enjoy a Khantoke Dinner with cultural shows.

This morning you are free on your own before departing on an afternoon flight to Phuket. Upon arrival you will be met by your group's local guide. En-route to your hotel there is a half-day tour that will introduce you to the beauty of Phuket Island with its Malacca-style houses and busy markets before stopping to admire one of Phuket's most famous temples. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Today is a full day at your leisure in Phuket. You could take an optional boat, snorkeling, kayaking, or submarine tour, or just enjoy the famous beaches.

Enjoy the morning on your own before departing on an afternoon flight back to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be met by your group's guide and taken to your hotel. This evening enjoy a farewell moonlit dinner cruise on Bangkok's majestic river; it is a delightful way to savor the flavor and the sights of the Bangkok skyline.

This morning your group will transfer to the airport for your flight back home.