Thailand Temples & Elephants
10 days
Thailands fascinating capital city Bangkok and a trek through the mountains in the north are the most important elements of this journey. Bangkok has so much to offer that 3 days is still too short. You will visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, make a boattour through the canals of Bangkok and dine in an authentic Thai teakwood house while enjoying a classical Thai dance performance. Onward by nighttrain to the north, where you will make a 2 day nature trek through the wonderful mountains around Chiang Mai. The last days of this tour you will spend on the beaches of Phuket (2 flights included).
Day 1. Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, our local representative will wait for you in the arrival hall with a sign
with your name on it. Transfer by private airconditioned minivan to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 2. Bangkok
Morning visit to Bangkok's most famous landmark: the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (the national
Buddha image). Several religious ceremonies are performed here by the King. The entire complex contains more than 100
buildings that represent 200 years of history and architecture. It is one of the most holy places in Thailand. The
afternoon is free. In the evening a traditional Thai dinner will be served in an authentic Thai teakwood house. Artists
in beautifully decorated costumes and theatrical Khon masks give a dancing performance while you enjoy your evening meal.
The dancers move graciously on the rythm of the music of a classical Thai orchestra playing percussion instruments. Hotel
pickup and dropoff are included.
Day 3. Bangkok canal tour
Bangkok has long been known as the "Venice of the East" - for good reason. Bangkok and its suburbs have more than 20,000
km of canals. This exclusive tour has been specially designed to offer visitors an unforgettable insight in life along the
klongs (canals) of Bangkok. Different kinds of boats are used, the Praya Express boat, long-tails and small 3-4 person
boats to explore the smallest klongs, where you can see how many generations have been living. Your guide will take you
ashore to visit a small school or a local temple for lunch. On route we visit (if possible) a teakwood house of the Rama 5
period. In the afternoon transfer to Hualampong, Bangkoks central railway station. Travel by nighttrain to Chiang Mai (2nd
class airconditioned sleeper berths).
Day 4. Chiang Mai
Morning arrival in Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure in Chiang Mai.
Day 5 - 6. Chiang Mai mountain trek
Day 5 starts with a visit to an elephant camp in the Chiang Dao area north of Chiang Mai. Here you will see what these
loyal and intelligent animals are capable of. Next you will visit the caves of Chiang Dao and a white marble Buddha image
from Burma. After lunch you will go to an Akha village and a neighboring Lisu village. Then walk to the village of the
Palong tribe where you will stay the night. Your guide will prepare dinner according western standards. The next morning
starts with an elephant ride through the jungle. Enjoy the ride and the stunning views over the jungle from the back of
this animal. Onward to a camp on the banks of a river where bamboo rafts are prepared to go downstream over the river. On
the way back you will visit an orchid farm. In the afternoon arrival in Chiang Mai for overnight stay.
Day 7. Chiang Mai - Phuket
Morning flight from Chiang Mai non-stop to Phuket. Upon arrival at Phuket airport transfer to your hotel. You will stay in
a beautiful hotel on the peaceful beach of Kata (3-star) or Patong (4-star). The rest of the day is free.
Day 8 - 9. Phuket
Free at leisure. Enjoy sun, sea and sand in the daytime and after sunset Kata and Patong offer entertaining evening
activities with many restaurants and terraces.
Day 10. Phuket - Bangkok
Check out of your hotel. In the course of the day you fly to Bangkok for your connecting flight back home. This tour ends
upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport.
or via the Booking form
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Start: Day 1 at Bangkok International Airport (upon arrival from abroad); End: Day 10 at Bangkok International Airport (before departure to abroad); Included: All overnight stays based on twin sharing and including breakfast, other meals as indicated, all mentioned excursions and transfers, 2 domestic flights Chiang Mai - Phuket and Phuket - Bangkok, all admission fees, an English speaking tourguide during the excursions. Prices are based on the indicated number of persons. Our terms & conditions and payment terms apply. Not included: International return flight to/from Thailand, airport taxes, insurances, personal expenses. Surcharges: Some hotels apply surcharges, for instance for Christmas dinners, New year dinners or local holidays. These surcharges are not included. We will mention them before you book. Hotels Bangkok: 3-star: Bossotel Inn, standard room; 4-star: Royal Princess, superior room; Hotels Chiang Mai: 3-star: Chiang Mai Park Hotel, superior room; 4-star: Plaza Hotel, superior room; Hotels Phuket: 3-star: Orchidacea Hotel, superior room; 4-star: Impiana Phuket Cabana, superior room; |
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