LUXURIOUS THAILAND

Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai – Phuket ITINERARY BY DAY Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok After arriving in Bangkok, meet with your guide at the airport and be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the ambiance of your hotel or head out for a first taste of the distinct sights and sounds the Big Mango. Day 2: Bangkok city tour Begin your tour of Bangkok with a look at the city's traditional side. Visit one of the city's oldest and most iconic temples, Wat Po, and see the famous Reclining Buddha there as traditionally-dressed monks chant in the background. Then, visit the glistening Grand Palace. This sprawling complex is one of Thailand's most significant sites, and is the perfect place to witness the full majesty of Thailand's illustrious past brought to life. Later in the afternoon, head to the Cham Muslim village of Baan Khrua, and learn about the area's fascinating history. Local artisans here are direct descendents of a Cham civilisation which once spanned across much of Southeast Asia. Their famed silk-weaving skills fueled the rapid growth of a once-thriving silk industry. These skills have been passed down from generation to generation and are still on display today. After an eventful day, unwind in the comfort of your hotel while preparing for another full day of adventure. Day 3: Ayutthaya city tour After breakfast head to the ancient capital of Siam, Ayutthaya. This fabled city was once the thriving capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which dominated Southeast Asia for over 400 years. At its height, it was considered to be one of the world's most expansive and metropolitan cities. The legacy of this glorious past now remains in the form of ancient ruins spanning a large area known as the Ayutthaya Historical Park -a formally recognised UNESCO World Heritage site. After exploring the city's many historical wonders, board an elegantly restored rice barge for a relaxing journey down the Chao Phraya River. On the way back to Bangkok, visit local villages little-seen by outsiders and enjoy a sumptuous buffet while taking in the sights of Bangkok's unique river environment. Arrive back in Bangkok early in the evening and spend the rest of the time at your leisure Day 4: Bangkok floating market Today, visit Samut Songkram Province and experience its unique market environments. Wander a quirky market lining the tracks of a railway station, then explore a bustling floating market where goods are sold and traded on a patchwork of tiny boats tied together along a maze of canals. Get a taste of local culture with stops at Buddhist temples in the area before heading to Rama II Park for a walk around the scenic grounds of a unique Thai-style pavilion and museum. Day 5: Fly to Chiang Rai Today, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to the infamous Golden Triangle in the far north of Thailand. Explore Chiang Rai on a traditional pedal-powered rickshaw. As you make your way to some of the city's highlights, stop by the Hill Tribe Museum and several of the locally-revered temples for insight into the local culture of the area. Then, enjoy a scenic ride to the infamous Golden Triangle, the beating heart of a once-thriving opium industry that stretched across Asia. Check into your hotel and, with views of Laos and Burma across the Mekong River, enjoy a relaxing evening in the unique atmosphere of this far-flung destination. Day 6: Chiang Rai jungle exploration After breakfast, head for the hills for an adventurous day of exploring northern Thailand's verdant jungles. While travelling by elephant, boat and ox-cart, witness bamboo forest, woodlands, rice paddies and farmland. Then, visit a remote Akha hill tribe village on the top of Doi Sa Ngo Mountain. Enjoy stunning views of the Mekong River while learning about their unique culture. Later, visit the old capital of Chiang Saen on the steep banks of Mekong River before returning to your resort for a night of leisure and relaxation. Day 7: Transfer to Chiang Mai After breakfast, enjoy an incredibly scenic drive through lush mountain scenery on the way to Chiang Mai. Before arriving, stop at Doi Tung Royal Palace and Gardens. While enjoying the fresh mountain air of this picturesque area, walk through meticulously manicured gardens and visit the home of a Thai princess. Afterwards, stop by some little-visited tribal communities for your first look at the colourful local cultures that call the hills and valleys of this area home. After arriving in Chiang Mai, check into your hotel and either spend the night relaxing or head out to explore the famous night market in the city's Old Quarter. Day 8: Chiang Mai Get an in-depth look at the local Lanna culture of Chiang Mai, and the unique customs that make northern Thailand distinct from other areas of Thailand while visiting a local farmhouse. Then take a cruise down the Mae Pang River and enjoy a bowl of traditional noodles. Later in the afternoon, head to the city's surrounding mountains for a visit to one of Thailand's most spectacular temples, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. This sacred temple, nestled high atop a mountain, has an exquisitely local feel and spectacular views of the city and valley below. Witness resident monks praying and chanting before heading back to your hotel in the city. Day 9: Fly to Phuket Spend the morning either relaxing at your hotel or taking an optional sightseeing tour before catching your flight to the island paradise of Phuket. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and transfer to your luxurious hotel by the beach. Spend the rest of the evenning soaking up the sea-breeze or experiencing the area's famed nightlife. Day 10 - 13: Lounging in paradise at Phuket After an insightful and adventurous trip, the next few days are all about unwinding. While enjoying the famous beaches and unrivalled charms of Phuket, experience world-class ammenities and luxury. Relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful beaches and unrivalled charms of Phuket. Take guided tours of the island's interior to discover the unique history of Phuket. Enjoy an elegant dinner cruise to a secluded beach and cruise through tranquil waters under the star-lit sky with a cocktail in hand -the perfect end to an unforgettable holiday in Thailand. Day 14: Phuket Departure Today you will end your holiday with a transfer back to your airport for your departure flight back home.