Thailand, the most exotic country in Asia !  Thailand has a unique character that is a blend of tradition with contemporary living. Begin in bustling Bangkok, a city of contrasts and home to the breathtaking Grand Palace. Continue on to the North of Thailand to combine the very best of Thai history with Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the perfect centre for exploring the stunningly scenic surroundings.

Day One            Arrival in Bangkok, the Capital City of Thailand  (-/-/D)

12.25h - Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport. After immigration and custom formalities, you enter the entrance hall.  Our local guide will meet you with a sign of your party name.  Special welcome with traditional flower garland by a Thai lady in beautiful Thai costume.  Transfer by a private air-conditioned minivan into the city center of the Bangkok Metropolitan.  Due limit of time, we will lead you to do the sightseeing tour of today before transferring you to the Hotel.

En route, we firstly visit the “National Museum of the Royal Barges”.  The Royal Barges fleet on Bangkok Noi Canal on the Thonburi side consists of 52 vessels. Each is a masterpiece of marine and traditional craftsmanship. They feature a variety of figureheads on their bows, including a sacred Garuda, Hanuman and the seven heads of Naga.  The next stop is at „Wat Arun”, also known as the “Temple of Dawn”.  Its 80 m high Khmer-style tower is embedded with broken pieces of Chinese porcelain and has become one of the most famous landmarks of Bangkok.  Disembark and stroll across the colorful „Pak Klong Talaad Flower Market” then continue the drive with minivan to the Hotel and check in:

2 nights accommodation in Bangkok 

In the evening, we take a ride by colorful taxi from your Hotel to „Suan Lum Night Bazaar” where we will have the dinner in a local restaurant.  The rest of time is yours for individual explorations and shopping at several shops before driving back to the Hotel by the famous Tuk Tuk.

Another overnight at hotel in Bangkok

Day Two          Exploring Bangkok    (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the Hotel, transfer by the minivan to do an introductory tour of the city, taking in three of Bangkok’s famous temples:  „Wat Sa Ket“ and the „Golden Mount”, the next is “Wat Benchamabopitr*, or “Marble Temple“, faced with the finest Carrara marble.  Then driving pass the; Bangkok’s Chinatown, a colorful area with a unique character and a mishmash of bustling markets to “ Wat Trimitr”, or “Golden Buddha Temple“, with a 5-ton Buddha image of solid gold.

Not far from the Chinatown, we change vehicle to the MRT Subway or Metro, running to Chatuchak Weekend Market, the heaven for shoppers.  The biggest open-air market in Thailand, brings together 8,000 stalls, offering antiques, books, clothes, food, furniture, handicrafts, paintings, pets, plants, and many other miscellaneous items. Lunch is followed in a local restaurant in the Chatuchak Park. 

Afternoon, leaving the park via the BTS Sky Train, riding to the famous shopping centers MBK and Siam Square before returning to the Hotel by the Tuk Tuk.

Around 19:00h. - transfer to boat pier to join a Dinner Cruise.  Enjoy a tasty buffet dinner on a stylish luxurious cruise along the Chao Phya River.  During the leisurely two hours cruise you will see the glimpses of Bangkok while letting the sites, illuminated temples and palaces, markets and grand hotels passing by.  Returning by a minivan to the Hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Bangkok

Day Three           Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak – Kanchanaburi - River Kwai                 (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the Hotel.  Early morning drive to Damnern Saduak, site of Thailand’s most famous floating market.  Here, old women and young ladies wearing their typical lampshade hats, paddle boats and trade with fruits, flowers, vegetables and cooked foods.  Continue driving to Kanchanaburi to board the original “Death Railway”, built by prisoners of war during World War II. The train passes over dangerous looking wooden viaducts built along the mountainside.  

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue by boat to your hotel situated on the banks of the River Kwai.

In the evening enjoy dinner at Jungle rafts and a performance of Burmese Mon dances.

1 Overnight at River Kwai Junge Rafts  ( www.riverkwaifloatel.com )

* The accommodation at the River Kwai Jungle Rafts is in floating raft houses with limited comfort, but in a very exotic location.  All rooms have en-suite (cold water) shower & toilet.  No electricity.

Day Four           River Kwai – Kanchanaburi –Ayutthaya - Boarding Benjarong Cruise   (B/L/D)

After Breakfast, early depart Jungle Rafts by boat and minivan back to Kanchanaburi for a short visit to the “Bridge over the River Kwai” and the “Thailand-Burma Railway Museum”.  Proceed further, crossing the fertile plains of the Chao Phraya river basin to Bang Pa-In, visit “Wat Niwet Thamaprawat“ and the former „Royal Summer Residence of Bang Pa-In”. 

1 Overnight on board the Benjarong Cruis

Day Five          Ayutthaya – Lopburi - Phitsanuloke - Sukhothai   (B/L/D)

Lopburi had reached its height in 1664 when “King Narai the Great” of Ayutthaya named it the second capital of the Kingdom and rebuilt Lopburi by the contributions of French thus most the architecture from his period reflected a mixture of Asian and French styles.

Visit “Phra Narai Ratchaniwet“ (King Narai’s Palace) with its compound containing a number of pavilions, royal halls and residences.  The “Dusit Sawan Thanya Maha Prasat Hall“, formerly used by King Narai as an audience hall receiving high-ranking ambassadors, the most famous one was “Chevalier de Chaumont“, the first French ambassador to Thailand during the reign of King Louis XIV of France.  The “Kraison Siharat Hall” was the place where King Narai, Jesuits and envoys of King Louis XIV came to witness a lunar eclipse in December, 1685.  The “Suttha Sawan Pavilion“, once located amidst beautiful garden with ponds and fountains, was the place where King Narai the Great resided and died in 1688.  And the “Vichayen House“ was once served as residence of Chevalier de Chaumont.

Seen as Lopburi’s provincial symbol, “Phra Prang Sam Yot“, a former Hindu Shrine built in the 13th century in the classic Bayon style of Khmer architecture, the compound comprises three prangs (towers) linked by a corridor.

Another old Brahman Shrine is „San Phra Karn“, the compound contains a famous object of worship a four-armed Vishnu figure fixed with the Buddha’s head. Nearby is a guardian house with various Buddha and Hindu images are enshrined.

Another special landmark of Lop Buri is monkeys.  These mischievous monkeys have taken over several attractions at San Phra Karn and Phra Prang Sam Yot.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant on the way, then passing to Phitsanulok, visit “Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat”, housing one of the most revered Buddha images of Thailand, “Phra Buddha Jinnaraj“.  Learn about rural and traditional life at the nearby folk museum and a Buddha casting factory.

Arrival in Sukhothai at the end of the long journey for today where you will spend the night.  Dinner at a local restaurant or at the Hotel.

1night accommodation at hotel in Sukhothai

Day Six           Sukhothai – Sri Satchanalai - Lampang        (B/L/D)

„Sukhothai Historical Park“ consists of ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals, and the water dyke control system, which was the magical and spiritual centre of the kingdom. The Royal Palace lies in the centre of the old town and is surrounded by a moat and contains two main compounds; the Royal Building and „Wat Mahathat“,the sanctuary in the palace and here, the famous stone inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng was found in the 19th century.  King Ramkhamhaeng Monument situated to the north of Wat Mahathat, the bronze statue of King Ramkhamhaeng sits on a throne with bas-relief at the base depicting the King’s life.  „Wat Traphang-Ngoen“,with its square pedestal, main sanctuary, and stucco standing Buddha image in four niches.    „Wat Sa-Si“, its large viharn contains a stucco Buddha image and to the south stands nine chedis of different sizes.  „Wat Si Chum“ has a square Mondop containing a monumental stucco-over-brick Buddha image, width 11.30 meters in the attitude of Subduing Mara called “Phra Achana”.

At the Sukhothai Historical Park, there are dedicated cycle paths to take you round the majestic ruins, temples and palaces.

Continue to Sri Satchanalai, Twin City of Sukhothai where the kings who ruled Sukhothai Kingdom sent their crown princes to rule Si Satchanalai before becoming kings. Si Satchanalai has an interesting city layout with the land shaped like a conch-shell which signified God Narai’s victory.

„Si Satchanalai Historical Park“ is located on the bank of the Yom River and the ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the park.  „Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat“, an immense laterite huge Prang with a steep staircase leading to a room where a reliquary is enshrined.  „Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo“ is one of the most beautiful temples in Sukhothai, housing the Chedis of different artistic styles.  „Wat Chang Lom“, an important monument with a huge bell-shaped Chedi supported by 39 elephants, with 4 of them at 4 cardinal points elaborately decorated.  Above the chedis base, there are niches enshrining images of the Buddha subduing Mara.  „Wat Nang Phaya“ is famous for its delicate stucco reliefs, the pillars of this viharn are decorated with unglazed ceramic designs.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

Afternoon proceed to Northern Thailand heading to Lampang. The city boasts a long history of human settlements on the Wang River basin, dating back to more than 1,000 years. It is rich in archaeological evidence reflecting ancient civilizations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma and it is home to many the most elegant northern-style temples.  Before reaching the provincial town, stop to visit „Wat Phra That Lampang Luang“, an among the most revered temples in Northern Thailand which was built around the 11th century.  The Temple itself prominently sited on a hillock surrounded by wall ant the entrance arches, adorned with fine plaster designs. The wall-less main Vihan houses a bronze Buddha statue and to the back is a golden Chedi in Lanna architectural style containing a Holy Relic.

Lampang is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport within city limit.  You have a chance to do a tour around this historic town by horse-drawn carriage and to visit to „Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao“.  This centuries-old temple used to be the place where the Emerald Buddha (the same Budda statue situated now in „Wat Phra Keo“ in the royal compound of the „Grand Palaces“ in Bangkok) was once enshrined.

When time permitted, you then have a chance to visit local factories and shops of Terra-cotta or ceramics industries which are produced in Lampang and are of the best quality in Thailand.

Transfer by minivan and checking in at your hotel.  Dinner at the Hotel.

1night accommodation at hotel in Lampang

Day Seven             Lampang - Elephant Conservation Center - Phayao – Chiang Rai      (B/L/D)

Not far from the Elephant Conservation Center, located a local market in Baan Tung Kwien where many strange foods and drinks that you have never seen before are offering. 

On the way up North to Phayao Province stop at a pineapple farm where you are graciously allowed to visit.  Nang Leh sweet pineapple is a proud local specialty, more individualistic the other prize fruits.

Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a peaceful province.  An extensively fresh-water lake, Kwan Phayao is the largest fresh-water fish habitat in the upper North which provides the livelihood of many of the local people.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit „ Wat Si Khom Kham “, located on the bank of Kwan Phayao, housing the largest sitting Buddha with a lap width of 14 meters and height of 16 meters. It is said that it took no less than 33 years to complete it.

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand situated on the Kok River basin within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge.  Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization.

Check-in at the Hotel.  Visit “Wat Phra Keo”, Chiang Rai’s most beautiful temple, by local rickshaw.  Enjoy the “Khantoke Dinner”, the typical northern Thai dinner with presentation of ancient dances from the North of Thailand.  End the evening by strolling around the local market before returning to the Hotel.

2 nights accommodation at hotel in Chiang Rai

Day Eight             Chiang Rai – Mae Sai – Chiang Saen – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai   (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the Hotel.  The Kok River is one of the most scenic attractions in Chiang Rai. It runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City and flows on to meet the Mekong River at its end.  Today you have the opportunity for an elephant ride through the jungle scenery to hilltribe settlements nestled on the banks of the Kok River, exploring the village.  Enjoy a scenic ride over winding roads to proceed to Mae Sai, the farthermost northern town and a bustling market place at the border between Thailand and Burma.

Return transfer to the Hotel in Chiang Rai, dinner at the Hotel.

Another overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai

Day Nine            Chiang Rai –Chiang Mai – Overnight on Train back to Bangkok         (B/L/D)

Early morning, after breakfast, checking-out form the Hotel.  The last visit in Chiang Rai is at „ Wat Rong Khun“ or also known as the “White Temple“. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was just built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs.

Drive to Chiang Mai (approx. 2 1/2hrs) along the mountain highway via Wiang Pa Pao. 

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (Dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful.

Proceed to visit „Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep“, the Chiang Mai's best known exquisite hill temple, a holy pilgrimage site.  Seven-headed Nagas snarl menacingly at visitors, their ceramic tails undulating up the 290 steps leading to the main chapel.  From this hilltop look-out at 1056 meters above sea level, Thailand 's northern metropolis appears like a toy below.

A short stop for having lunch at a local restaurant, afterwards tour the handicraft centers in San Kamphaeng, at the outskirts of Chiang Mai, to see the art of making Thai silk, jewellery, lacquer and silver ware.

Before returning to town, drive to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, amid natural surroundings of trees and verdant hills.  The water has a high sulphur content and possesses curative and restorative properties.  Segregated mineral water bathing rooms are available.

Transfer to Chiang Mai Railway Station.  Free at leisure until departure time via train back to Bangkok.

Approx. 17.50h. – Departure via a special express overnight train from Chiang Mai heading South to Bangkok with a Dinner box served on board the train.

1 Overnight in 2^nd class air-conditioned train compartment (seated-in, upper or lower berth).

Day Ten           Arrival Bangkok - sightseeing tours & Shopping  (B/L/-)

Approx. 07.00h. – Arrival at Bangkok Railway Station,  Transfer by a private air-conditioned minivan to the Apartment with day-rooms reserved for you to freshen up, light breakfast will be served.

During this half-day tour, combining Bangkok’s two most important temples, you will drive to the historical part of Bangkok to, firstly visit “Wat Pho”, the oldest and largest temple complex of the city and home to its most reputable massage schools.  The temple houses the largest Reclining Buddha to be found in Thailand, a statue 46 m long and 15 m high with mother-of-pearl inlaid feet. The highlight of the tour is the impressive Emerald Buddha Temple, or “Wat Phra Keo”, renowned as being the most beautiful Buddhist temple of Thailand. The temple courtyard contains a dazzling sight of golden pagodas, exquisite mural paintings, mythical figures and monstrous demons and the highly revered Buddha image.  You will visit as well the adjacent „Grand Palace“, built in the 18th and 19th century as the residence for the former kings of the present Chakri dynasty.

Important note:  For religious reasons, ladies have their shoulders covered and do not wear shorts or very short skirts.  Gentlemen should wear trousers and short sleeved shirts.  No flip-flop or sandals allowed.  The shoes must be removed before entering the Emerald Buddha Temple.

Lunch served at a local restaurant before continuing on the next tour to „Jim Thompson House”.  An authentic Thai-style house built by Jim Thompson, the famous American and former CIA agent who revived the Thai silk industry after WW II, before disappearing mysteriously in the Malaysian jungle. The traditional house today is home to one of the most tasteful collection of Thai Art.

If time available, Transfer to a famous shopping center as per your selection.

Approx. 16.30h. – Transfer from the shopping centers to Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport.

Wishing you a pleasant holiday in Thailand, our “Land of Smiles”

Sawadee & Good Bye

Included in the package price are:

• Private escorted tour as per program.
• French speaking licensed local Thai guide.
• Transportation by air-conditioned minivan or other kinds of local vehicles as per details in program including 7 seats of the  2^nd class air-conditioned train compartment (seated-in, upper or lower berth) from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
• Accommodation hotel 3***star or 4****star
• As a favorable goodwill for your party, we confirm the following UPGRADED service and accommodation WITHOUT EXTRA SURCHARGE:

1.      Cruise with the Jao Ying Noi Cruise during the Canals Tour in Bangkok .

2.      Cruise and overnight with 3 meals on board the most luxury Benjarong Cruise replacing the overnight in a 3*** star Hotel Riverview Place in Ayutthaya.

• VAT (7%) & Service charge (10%) levied by the hotels and overnight cruise and train.
• Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• All entrance fees.
• Baggage handling.

Not included in the package price are:

• Airfare 
• Meals and services not mentioned
• Personal expenditures such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry etc.
• Tipping to driver and guide

Thai Cruises Benjarong Boat