THAILAND
13 DAYS

With its rich heritage and lush tropical landscapes, the exotic Thailand offers a wealth of cultural and sensual contrasts for the traveler. We start our exciting visit by exploring Bangkok.

We will take an unforgettable train ride crossing the famous bridge over the River Kwai. We will stay overnight in perfect serenity on a charming houseboat surrounded by mountains and jungle. We will travel into the past, to visit the first capital of the Thai Kingdom - Sukhothai, then former capitals Ayutthaya and Lopburi.

We will reach the center of the “Golden Triangle”, the meeting point of Burma, Laos and Thailand borders, and take a boat trip on the Mekong River. Cruising through the unspoiled mountainous landscape, passing hilltribe villages, we will go down the Kok River. We will be heading to Chiang Mai and its landmark Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. We will visit an elephant camp and will go on a jungle trek on the back of an elephant.

We will get a last glimpse of the illuminated by night landmarks of Bangkok during our leisurely dinner cruise on the Chao Phaya River as we will be wishing farewell to the fascinating country.

Day 1.    Bangkok

Upon arrival at Bangkok, you are met at the airport and transfer to our comfortable hotel. The rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the surroundings. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2.    Bangkok 

During our tour through Bangkok we visit three of the most important temples of Bangkok. Wat Traimitr, with a Buddha statue made of gold and weighing 5 tons. The statue was made in the Ayutthaya period, and its value was discovered by chance during construction work in the 1950th, when the outer covering, made of plaster to protect it from invading Burmese troops, broke off. Wat Po, the temple of the resting Buddha, is one of the main attractions for visitors to Bangkok. The Buddha statue is covered in gold, 46 meters long and 12 meters high and thus the largest Buddha statue in Thailand. The Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabopitr, was built by order of King Chulalongkorn with a view to show a classic example of religious architecture. White marble from Carrara was used for wall covering and flooring.

We then proceed to visit the Grand Palace. The Palace, Chakri Maha Prasad, one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Thai Court, was the former residence for the Thai kings. Here are several things to admire: The Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Funeral Hall and the beautiful Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keo. One can easily visualize the splendor and pageantry of the past. Ladies and gentlemen are required to dress suitably.

We will then travel by motor launch on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and klongs (or canals) to observe the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, which gave this city the name „Venice of the East“. We will pass the famous Royal Barges, excellent samples of Thai craftsmanship. On the return journey, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, whose 79 m spire silhouette has become so identified with Bangkok. There will be ample opportunity to photograph the magnificent multi-colored porcelain-studded towers.

In the evening we will go out for a Dinner & Dance at a Thai Style restaurant. Enjoy a selection of Thai dishes and watch some regal dances from the courts of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.

Day 3.    Kanchanaburi. River Kwai

We will leave Bangkok, ‘the City of Angels‘, early morning. Heading westwards, we will first visit the ‘Floating Market’ of Damnoen Saduak, approx. 80 km west of Bangkok.  The locals dressed in their colorful costumes sell all kinds of goods - fruits and vegetables, flowers, handicrafts etc. Riding along the canals of Damnern Saduak in longtail boats you can watch the colorful life. Onward to the town of Kanchanaburi, on the banks of the River Kwai that has become famous by the construction of the well known “River Kwai Bridge” during World War II. On the program is a visit to the cemetery and the JEATH Museum of War. An unforgettable train ride crossing the famous bridge takes us to the waterfall station. From here we drive through the beautiful landscape directly to our hotel on the banks of the river. A short boat ride will bring us there from the mainland.

Day 4.    River Kwai 

We will raft River Kwai all morning and have a picnic lunch on the river. Back at the hotel in the early afternoon. We will be transferred by boat to the Jungle Rafts, your accommodation for this night. Rest of the day at leisure for swimming and relaxing. The Jungle Rafts have a little piece of paradise to offer you in the heart of the jungle, and visit to this floatel moored along the historical river is a unique opportunity to step out of your everyday world into the harmony of nature. Rooms are very basic, with private bathrooms but without electricity.

Day 5.    Ayutthaya. Lopburi

Leaving the River Kwai, we will travel via rural areas in northeastern direction. Our first stop is Bang Pa In, the summer residence of the kings of Ayutthaya built in the 18th century. The Royal Palace amidst beautiful extensive park grounds is an exotic combination of Thai and European architecture. The Thai pavilion built in the middle of a lake will catch the visitors’ eye as well as the Chinese-style palace Vihat Chamrun. Another attraction is the bushes trimmed in elephant shape.

A short boat ride on the Chao Phaya River will bring us to Ayutthaya, which used to be the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767. The city was completely destroyed after an invasion by the Burmese in 1767 and today only the remains of the once so impressive temples and palaces remind us of its glorious past. Then we continue via Saraburi to our hotel located in a picturesque mountain valley in Lopburi province.

Day 6.    Lopburi. Phitsanuloke

Lopburi, the former summer residence and second capital of the Ayutthaya period, had its peak during the Daravati period. Especially worth visiting are Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple with three towers and impressive ornaments (some of them still intact) as well as the shrine of Hindu Goddess Kala at the Sarn Prakarn Temple. In ancient times the temple used to be a Buddhist sanctuary.

We continue to travel further north to Phitsanuloke, an important traffic meeting point at the River Nan. Many houseboats can be found along the river. Visit of Wat Mahathat with its famous shrine. The complex gives a good impression of the ancient religious Thai architecture.

Day 7.    Sukhothai. Sri Sathanalai. Lampang

Old Sukhothai is one of Asia’s most important historic sites and first capital (13th century) of the Thai Kingdom. Through Kampheng-Hak-Gate we enter these historic grounds. For protection against enemy attacks the inner part of the city was protected by no less than three rows of earthen walls and two moats. After a visit of the temples Wat Sa Sri and Wat Sri Chum we continue to Sri Satchanalai, the former sister town of Sukhothai, and visit its interesting temples. Onwards to Lampang.

Day 8.    Lampang. Chiang Rai

We start our day with a visit to Wat Phratat Lampang Luang. This temple lies 20 km south of the city and is one of the North’s finest. The chedi towers above surrounding trees. To the left of the chedi is a wihan with a carved wood facade and double–level roofs. Harmonious proportions and exquisite interior decoration make this temple one of the best examples of Northern style religious architecture. Another impressive building is the Wat Chedi Sao, attractively set in an open rice field. We then drive on to pay a visit to the famous Emerald Buddha of Ko Kah. From there we continue via Phaya, visiting Wat Sri Kom Kam, to Chiang Rai.

Day 9.    Chiang Rai. Mai Sai. Golden Triangle

Northern Thailand is well known for its hilltribes with their colorful costumes. In the morning we will visit some of the hilltribe villages. The drive on narrow hilly roads will take us through beautiful landscape with spectacular views.

Doi Mae Salong was founded by Chinese Kuomintang Soldiers who fled from China after the takeover by Mao Tse Tung in 1949. People sell traditional Chinese medicine made purely from herbs. Onwards we visit the villages of the Akha and Yao hilltribes, who still wear their beautiful traditional costume and live a simple life following the rules of tradition.

On to Mae Sai which is geographically the most northern town of Thailand on the border with Burma. The two countries are connected by a bridge over the Mae Sai River, which allows a lively cross border traffic between the Thais and Burmese (foreigners do require a special visa though).

From here we take off to the center of the “Golden Triangle”, meeting point of the borders of Burma, Laos and Thailand. To come even closer to the border of Burma and Laos, we take a boat ride on the Mekong River. We will visit the Opium Museum and then proceed to the provincial town of Chiang Saen, which is located at the scenic borders of the Mekong River. There are still some relicts of the original town left such as very valuable carvings, Buddha statues and old temples. Back to Chiang Rai.

Day 10.    Chiang Mai

Our trip down to Chiang Mai will start with about 3 hrs boat ride on the Kok River through unspoiled mountainous landscape, passing hilltribe villages of different ethnic groups. From there we continue our trip through scenic hillsides and jungles to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North”, where we start exploring the city with the landmark of Chiang Mai. We will visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep on top of a hill outside of the city. 290 steps will take us to the top where we can enjoy a panoramic view over the surroundings of Chiang Mai.

At night a traditional Khantoke dinner is on the program. Typical Thai dishes from the northern region are being served while elegant Thai dancers are performing.

Day 11.    Chiang Mai

Today’s program is filled with the highlights of Chiang Mai. In the morning we visit an elephant camp. “Mahouts” show us together with their elephants how these enormous creatures have been working in the jungles for the past centuries. It is fascinating to watch how easily and precisely these elephants handle the huge logs. After the work is done they enjoy a bath in the river. We will also take a jungle trek on the back of an elephant.

Chiang Mai is the main center for high quality handicrafts. In San Kampaeng the handicrafts are being produced in small to middle sized family businesses. Visitors are always welcome to watch them while working and of course to purchase some of their goods. You can watch all steps of the production of the famous Thai Silk as well as of the colorful paper umbrellas. Skilled hands form the well-known Celadon Ceramics. Other craftsmen transform teakwood into elegant furniture with delicate carvings. It is also fascinating to watch the production of lacquer ware; even eggshells are being used to achieve unusual designs.

We will finish the day off with a little sightseeing tour of the old part of the city leaving you with some time to explore Chiang Mai on your own or do some shopping in the street markets.

Day 12.    Bangkok

After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport. We fly back to Bangkok. We have some time for leisure or last minute shopping. But be ready for the farewell dinner! We’ll leave from the hotel around 7:15 pm to board a traditional rice barge for a leisurely dinner cruise on the Chao Phaya River, to get a last glimpse of the by night illuminated landmarks of Bangkok and wish the city farewell.

Day 13.    Bangkok and Departure

Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.

SUMMARY

Inclusions: 1 domestic flight, all meals, transportation, rafting on River Kwai, boat rides on the Mekong and the Kok River, jungle trek on the back of an elephant, entrance fees, escorted throughout

Start and Finish: Bangkok

Group Size: Maximum 16 travelers

Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation with private facilities throughout. 1 night on Jungle Rafts (rooms are very basic, with private bathrooms but without electricity)

Trip Grade: Easy

Dates:
Feb 1-13, 2007
Nov 29-Dec 11, 2007
Jan 31-Feb 12, 2008 (price TBA)

Land Cost: US$ 2,465

Note: Please note that all itineraries and prices are subject to change.

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