THAILAND TREASURES 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok (-)
Arrive Bangkok International Airport and transfer to your hotel downtown for check-in and overnight accommodation.  
 

Day 2 Bangkok (B)
Arrive Bangkok International Airport and transfer to your hotel downtown for check-in and overnight accommodation.  
The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. The architecture is vibrantly Thai though there are some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. Construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is actually carved from a single piece of jade, and though only 17 inches tall, is the most revered object in Thailand. Also within the grounds are several palaces, used for various occasions:  the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. The majority of halls and palaces can be viewed from outside only, but the exteriors are captivating enough to please. 
 

Day 3 Bangkok – Kanchanaburi (B/L/D)
Early morning pick up from your hotel and depart to Kanchanaburi. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum, an interactive museum, information and research facility dedicated to presenting the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway. The fully air-conditioned center offers the visitor an educational and moving experience. Continue to the War Cemetery, final resting place for over 6,000 allied prisoners of war, and the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Continue to Hellfire Pass Memorial. Late afternoon, arrive at your resort. Dinner, followed by a 45-minute presentation of Mon Dance and overnight at River Kwai Jungle Rafts
 

Day 4 Kanchanaburi – Ayuthaya (B/L)
Breakfast at the resort. Visit to the nearby ethnic Mon Tribal Village (Optional tour: Elephant Riding through the bamboo forest – payable on spot). Check out and boat transfer to Resotel pier. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a historic ride on the Death Railway Train. Then continue by vehicle to Ayuthaya for check-in and overnight accommodation

Day 5 Ayuthaya – Train (B/L)
Among the “must see” attractions in Thailand is a visit to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand.  The Thai capital for 417 years, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in the city, which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. 33 kings of 5 dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.During this day trip you will visit the principal sights: Wat Sri Sanphet - this important and outstanding monastery was used as a residential palace in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. Wat Phananchoeng: This monastery existed before Ayuttaya was founded as the capital. The principal 19 metres high Buddha image is made of stucco and is the most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya. Wat Yai Chaimongkhol: The chedi at this monastery is among the largest in Ayuttaya and was built by King Naresuan (15901605). There are many Buddha images and a beautiful garden behind this chedi. This tour also includes a trip to Bang-Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture. After board an overnight train for the journey north. 
 

Day 6 Arrive Chiang Mai (B)
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Railway Station you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in, though your rooms may not be ready for immediate occupancy, we have included a hot breakfast at the hotel coffee shop.

In the afternoon drive to the mountain to visit the temple Wat Doi Suthep, situated on a hill 1050 meters above sea level, on clear days, you will enjoy a fantastic view over the town and the province. Then drive back to old town area then change vehicle to Trishaw to ride through the most historic areas of Chiang Mai, Visit Wat Phrasing which houses the beautiful Lai Kham Chapel with its exquisite wood carving and northern style murals. Afterwards visit Wat Chedi Luang, containing an enormous Pagoda, which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. Continue on to visit real local life of Chiang Mai. Muang Mai market. Much of the food has come straight from the farm and in some parts of the market the farmers sell their wares direct from the back of their vehicles.
 

Day 7 Chiang Mai (B/L)
Today you will visit an elephant training camp and shown how the animals are trained from a young age. This is followed by the “students” demonstrating what they have learned. After take a ride on an elephant  through the jungle for approximately an hour, after take to the river and board a bamboo raft as you glide effortlessly through the green landscape by river raft.  Stop to visit an orchid  farm before returning to your hotel.
 

Day 8 Depart Chiang Mai (B)
Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.