Thailand Discovery

Arrive in Chiang Mai , you have a warm welcome from your guide, private transfer to hotel.
Tonight, enjoy welcome dinner at an authentic local restaurant.

Dinner

In the early morning participate in a truly memorable spiritual experience by offering food to the monks and receiving their blessing. This is a daily Thai ritual. See hundreds of monks and novices walk down the path with their alms bowls to receive food. After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the countryside of Chiang Mai to the beautiful valley, Baan Thong Luang. This village of Karen hill tribes is from Myanmar. We will explore the culture and lifestyle of the long neck Padaung. Visit Wat Ton Kwen, a temple dating back about 150 years and still preserved in the traditional Lanna Style. You will enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After lunch at local restaurant, continue to visit the Lanna Traditional House Museum and gain insight into the architecture and how people lived in the former times. Back to city center visit the oldest local market to see northern people sell and buy different varieties of local food. The evening is free on your own activities or scrolls down to the Sunday walking street market.

Breakfast, Lunch

Today we visit the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, located at the top of Doi Suthep Mountain. Once you have reached the temple, you can enjoy the best views of Chiang Mai city from 3,000ft above the ground. Learn about the history of this temple and how it came to be constructed so high up the mountain. Then continue transfer to Araksa Tea Garden. Araksa Tea Garden is a heavenly little tea plantation that specializes in producing high quality organic tea. Araksa is the first tea garden in Thailand to be certified both USDA and EU Organic for Farm & Factory. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the host who will explain the different processes and methods used to cultivate young tea plants. You will be invited to join resident tea pluckers, watch, and learn how tea leaves are processed according to age-old traditions. At the roasting station, you will see a demonstration of the art of processing tea by hand, from kneading to roasting. When the roasting is done, enjoy a cup of tea with a delicious Thai snack. You have free time to buy some tea related items or you can walk through lush tea garden. Homemade Thai food for lunch will be served. Transfer back to hotel in the afternoon. The rest of evening is free on your own activities.

Breakfast, Lunch

Today join a Thai textile workshop which includes instruction on some shibouri techniques and natural dye methods. 8:30 AM pick up from hotel to workshop. You will start with a quick introduction to natural dyes.The dyes provided: Indigo (Blue), Annatto (orange), Ebony (grey), Jackfruit wood (yellow). These colors can also be over-dyed to produce green, olive, tan, brown and black. The studio will provide two pieces of cotton fabric the size of a scarf for decorating with shibouri and then dyeing. If you wish to bring your own fabric it must be pure cotton, hemp or silk, un-dyed, clean, new and pre-washed. The maximum is 2 scarf size pieces each. Silk and cotton yarn is also available for purchase at the studio for dyeing. You will also be provided with gloves, aprons, dye vats, gas stoves etc. A snack with tea and coffee will be provided at the mid-morning and mid-afternoon break. Lunch is served at the local restaurant. Return to the hotel. The rest of evening is free at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we will take one hour drive through a scenic road for The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, the only government-owned elephant that is also known for its pioneering work in conservation and science. Here you have can watch the elephant taking a bath and see how to train these intelligent creatures. In addition, visit the onsite elephant hospital, a mobile clinic and rescue unit that treats elephants in distress free of charge wherever they may be in the kingdom. There is also a special area (the Pang La sanctuary) dedicated to looking after those elephants that are simply too old or have been badly injured and their former owners can no longer afford to keep them. Then visit one of the oldest temples in Thailand Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang – a monument of fine and authentic Lanna art and architecture, the temple stands on a small hill, surrounded by a brick wall and remains on the original site for more than 1, 000 years ago. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to drive about 2.5 – 3 hrs to the hotel in Sukhothai. Check in to the hotel and relax the rest of the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will spend the day discovering Thailand’s first capital,Sukhothai to get an insight into the history of this area. We will start out the day’s adventure at The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. The museum exhibits artifacts and antiques found during a series of excavations in Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai Historical Park in the 1960s. If so desired, a bicycle can be provided to discover the ruins of Royal Palaces, Buddhist temples, canals, ponds, and the water dyke control system which was the spiritual center of the Kingdom. Highlights of the museum are the Sukhothai-style Buddha images. These images are known as the most beautiful Buddhist style images in Thai history. Note: Motorbikes and cars are no longer allowed inside the park, bicycle and electric buggy are provided.

Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we drive the north of Sukhothai passing rice paddies and villages to The Historical Park of Sri Satchanalai. The twin city of Sukhothai, which was considered the second most important town and a great rival of Sukhothai Kingdom. Explore many hidden ruins and see the true jewels of Wat Chedi Jedtheaw, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Phra Sri Mahathat, and Wat Nang Phaya. Then wander down to the riverside to explore an archeological site showing the excavation of over 1,000 pottery kilns. Transfer to hotel. Late afternoon transfer to Sukhothai Airport for your flight to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok, transfer to hotel check in and free time at leisure.

Breakfast

Today, visit Wat Traimit, with its Golden Buddha Image. The Golden Buddha Temple is located right in the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown and it features a 5.5 ton solid gold Buddha image. Continue on to see Wat Po, Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple which was built nearly 200 years ago and houses the enormous Reclining Buddha. Have lunch at a local restaurant with a view of the Chao Phraya River. Then take a long-tail boat to enjoy scenes of life on the water. You will see a more traditional and serene way of living. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn”, officially named Wat Arun. Next, your guide will take you to the glittering and iconic Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is situated close to the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s River of Kings. The palace occupies nearly one square mile. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the center of power for more than 150 years. Take a walk around the vast grounds and visit the Emerald Buddha Image, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand. Learn about its mysterious origins. Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings. Explore the beauty of Bangkok at night by the iconic tuk-tuk and enjoy a fun evening activity when the temperatures are cooler, traffic is lighter, and there are few crowds. Stop and walk around a selection of local sights including temples (Wat Pho) and the Pak Khlong Talat flower market. Sample local food as your guide stops for snacks, a main course and dessert. Dinner is served at a Michelin guide restaurant, Elvis Suki that has been making the same recipe of sukyaki beef for 30 years. The suki can be ordered with or without soup, but the dry perfectly cooked sukiyaki beef with Elvis’ secret eggy sauce and smoky aroma from the coal stove is the best. (or other Michelin guide restaurant). End the tour by having a sip of cocktails mixed with Thai herbs at a rooftop bar or another famous hidden bar in Chinatown famous among the young hip crowd. Cocktail drinks at your own expense.

Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to the pier at Nonthaburi to board a boat for 20 minutes cruise up the Chao Phraya River to Baan Dvara-Prateep. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with true Thai hospitality. Then get together with a host family as they prepare and cook authentic Thai dishes. This program is not only to learn about Thai culinary traditions but also to create awareness of the application of natural herbs. In the health-conscious world of today, the herbs used in most Thai dishes play an important role in curing diseases and providing required ingredients for the body. After lunch, enjoy the taste of Thai sweets as you watch their preparation. Then we learn how to make Loy Krathong. Floating banana leaves decorated with flowers and lit candles are called krathongs. Floating on the rivers, the krathongs reveal the Thai belief of paying gratitude to the living river. On ordinary days krathongs floating on the river signify giving merit and happiness to living spirits along the river. Before farewell to the host family, gain merit by floating a Krathong into the river. This is a special opportunity to enjoy a holy and enchanting tradition. Return by boat to the pier Nonthaburi and transfer back to your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning you have free time for shopping, enjoy spa massage or leisure.
See Bangkok, the City of Angels skyline at sunset, lit up by the nightlights of Mahanakorn Skywalk, Thailand’s highest 360-degree observation deck and bar. Don’t miss experiencing the thrilling clear glass walkway which allows you to view and take birds eye’s photos of the street and buildings below your feet. Then, enjoy a 9-course set menu at the Michelin-starred restaurant featuring Thai-inspired cuisine with a modern twist at Saawaan (meaning heaven in Thai). Dishes are full of creativity and well executed, providing a truly special journey through Thai flavours, culture and art. The seasonal ingredients are locally sourced, such as organic rice paddy crab from Sing Buri, or squid from a small fishermen’s village in Krabi.

Breakfast, Dinner

Early morning, transfer to the airport for flight departure next destination.
Optional extension Phuket & Khao Sok.
Arrive in Phuket and receive a warm welcome from your guide and private transfer to your hotel.

Breakfast

Today is free to enjoy your own activities.
Resort activities are available, kayaking, sailing, hiking, or take option tour to Phang Nga Bay.

Breakfast

In the morning, pick up from hotel to Elephant Hills Camp in Khao Sok where our staff will welcome you. Buffet lunch will be served with a variety of delicious Thai dishes. After lunch you can relax during a jungle river canoe trip down the Sok River. The canoes are very stable and safe; life jackets are provided as well as a local river guide to paddle the canoe. Drift along the jungle river passing limestone mountains and cliffs covered with exotic tropical vegetation. Sometimes hornbill birds can be seen flying high overhead or reptiles basking in the sun on the riverbanks. From the canoe you can experience some of the last areas of primary rainforest, a world that has changed little in thousands of years. Get off the canoe and head over to the elephant sanctuary. Here you can see, touch and learn about the life of Thai elephants and about the Elephant Hills elephant conservation project. Your guide will also teach you about the mahout, the elephant caretaker. While participating in our amazing Elephant Experience you will get very close to and even get your hands on these magnificent animals. You will have the chance to interact with them and learn the secrets of their mahouts. You will prepare and feed them one of their daily meals, including their dietary supplements that help with their digestion and their overall well-being, then watch them bathe before you scrub and wash them clean. This is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to really experience the Asian elephant, the continent’s largest land animal!After all this activity close to nature it is time for a hot shower in the unique bathroom of your luxury safari tent. Relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle-covered mountains – this is 100% real nature! A wide selection of cocktails, wines and spirits is available at the “Jungle Explorer’s Club Bar”. Optional evening entertainment includes a movie presentation, a traditional Thai dance performances from local school children and a cooking demonstration, where you learn how to properly prepare Thai specialties. At 8:00 pm it is time for dinner in this unique location beside the rainforest, where the sounds and the atmosphere will make this a memorable meal. Spend the night in your luxury safari tent with a comfortable bed, reading lights, and hot water. The tents’ doors and windows are covered with mosquito netting as well as canvas flaps, so insects and reptiles will not bother you. Temperatures at night drop a little, and the tents are well ventilated; blankets keep you warm in the chill of the night. This is real luxury so close to the heart of the rainforest! Please kindly note that all mentioned activities depend on local conditions and may be subject to change.
Transfer from hotel – Khao Sok is joining transportation

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Good morning! Wake up to the sounds of nature and birds calling from the bushes next to the tent. By the time the sun comes up and the mist clears over the rainforest-covered mountains to the south of Elephant Hills, the territorial morning calls of gibbons echo down the valley. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in your tent for early risers; breakfast is at your leisure.Today you will explore Cheow-Lan-Lake by local long-tail boat. Cruise across emerald waters passing the towering rainforest-covered Limestone Mountains to the “Guilin” of Southern Thailand. The Cheow-Lan-Lake is a little known wonder of southern Thailand and features a first-class habitat for wild elephants, the rare Asian ox, hornbills and hundreds of other tropical birds, various monkey species, amphibians, reptiles and even tigers and leopards. This combined with a myriad of other species hidden in the rainforest-covered hills makes it one of the most unique and important areas of rainforest in Southeast Asia. Take your time to marvel at the majestic mountains rising sheer out of the water and experience nature at its best! Lunch will be served on the floating luxury camp. Head to the Floating Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp, situated in the heart of the national park, where our staff will check you in to your luxury tent with private en-suite bathrooms, solar- and wind-powered electricity and hot and cold water showers. Find all the conveniences of a modern hotel room inside, combined with solid beds, tea and coffee making facilities and totally unspoiled nature right at your doorstep. Sit back and enjoy the surrounding views of Cheow-Lan-Lake while enjoying a fabulous buffet lunch of Thai dishes which are prepared directly on the property.By now well-invigorated, you will come face to face with the jungle by exploring it on foot. It is not an army survival exercise, even though the trail is quite steep at times and can be slippery when wet – please talk to your guide if you are feeling unsure about the trek. But remember: There are no prizes for the fastest; snakes and spiders do not jump out at you. This is simply an excellent opportunity to explore the ecology of one of the world’s oldest rainforests, to see a great variety of exotic plants, tropical hardwood trees with huge roots, orchids, palms, ferns, bamboos, mosses… the variety is huge.Birds such as the hornbill live high up above, gibbons can often be heard calling to their mates, a macaque or a leaf monkey may be swinging through the branches, beautiful butterflies buzz around – every day is different, but it is always truly wonderful to discover the great variety of life-forms which co-exist here.Take this advice: Walk slowly. Look, learn and listen. Then you too will start to discover some of the rainforest’s secrets.Back at the camp, watch the sun set behind the towering limestone mountains from the deckchair in front of your tent after a refreshing dip in the water and the inevitable shower. Dinner will be served shortly, and then it is only you and the intriguing sounds of nature under a starlit sky… No fairy-tale will ever be that fabulous.Please kindly note that all mentioned activities depend on local conditions and may be subject to change.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the sounds of Gibbons calling high up in the trees, while the clearing mist unveils the true beauty of the lake. Don’t think twice: As the jungle starts to stir, you could already be out there exploring prehistoric beauty in your canoe! Or do you wish to submerge into the glassy surface of the lake first? Whatever you choose, by tomorrow you will already regret the things you have not done… Lunch will be served at the floating tented camp. Then it is time to return to the pier and transfer to Phuket. The real joy, though–this inner feeling of complete happiness–will not be transferred away. It stays with you, right there, right in your heart. What remains is the memory. Untouched. Untroubled. Unrivaled. Transfer to Phuket airport for departure. Have a safe trip.

Breakfast, Lunch