Best of Thailand

Arrival at Bangkok Airport. You will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Bangkok.

For those who are early birds can take advantage of the opportunity to take a leisurly walk down to Lumpini Park and see locals taking part in their morning tai chi, yoga and aerobics classes, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. The day begins with a ride on the city's Skytrain, leading to the Chao Phraya River. Board a public boat, often used by Bangkok commuters, that travels upstream to the twin treasures of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. The guide will provide restaurant suggestions for lunch. Lunch is not included on this day.

In the afternoon, guests can take a Tuk Tuk to Soj Ban Bantra, where an artisan family is noted for handicrafts and art, including monk's alms bowls and selling them, then board a "bus boat" along the historic Saen Saeb canal. After traveling to Jim Thompson's House Museum, where famous American silk merchant's life is showcased. End the day with strolling through Bangkok's vast shopping malls. (b)

Morning pickup from hotel in Bangkok and transfered to the Kanchanaburi Province. On the way, witness a country market that is held along the railway tracks. See the speed that the vendors clear away their stalls just as the train is approaching at 10:20 am. When the train passes, the vendors reassemble their wares and continue their day.

Onwards onto Kanchanaburi and continue for a one hour train ride along the famous Death Railway, overlooking the awe-inspiring Kwai Noi gorge. Arrive in Kanachanaburi and visit the world renown Bridge Over River Kwai and then walk down the historical lanes in the Pak Preak community, surrounded by alluring shop houses built during the reign of King Rama V. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel and check in at your resort.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi. (b)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Kanchanaburi and transfer to the town Nakhon Pathom. Tour the Buddhist temple of Phra Pathom Chedi, which is the tallest stupa in the world with the height of 417 ft. Then transfer to the temple of Wat Bang Phra, which is an important pilgramage site for the the Thai people who seek strength, protection and luck from a ritual that involves receiving a holy tattoo given by the monks who reside there.

Then visit the market of Don Wai. The market is an important location for the trade of fruits, vegetables, rattan ware, woven cotton and varying food. The local food includes beef, desserts, curried fish patty and different types of fish.

Enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Nakhon Chai Sri River and have lunch on-board. Following the boat ride, drive to Ayutthaya.

Overnight in Ayutthaya. (b,l)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Thailand's ancient capital by boat and tuk-tuk. Spend the morning walking among the temple-dotted area with a tour of temples such as Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat, where it is said that the Buddha's face can be seen emerging out of a tree, and strolling through a local market to arrive at Wat Phra Srisanphet.

Continue on a trip to the Muslim Quarter of the town, which gives an opportunity to try the local delicacy of candy floss roti.

Proceed north to Phitsanulok with a stop over at the small monkey town of Lopburi where you will visit the local highlight, an ancient temple in Phra Prang Sam Yod which is totally inhabited by monkeys.

Dine at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, drive to the Phitsanulok Province and visit Wat Mahathat, featuring Thailand's most beautiful image of the Buddha, Phra Puttachinnarat.

Overnight in Phitsanulok (b,l)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Sukhothai. Upon arrival, tour the Sukhothai Historical Park, which was at one time walled and surrounded by a moat. The park holds almost 200 ruined chedis in great condition. Visit the main sites of the park and stroll around the ruins.

On the way to Chiang Mai, stop at Lampang, which is was an important trading center in the 19th century. Visit the famous Buddhist Lanna temple of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Lampang. Afterwards, drive on to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai. (b)

Depart your hotel at 6 a.m, a takeaway breakfast box will be provided by the hotel, and arrive at the foot hill of Doi Suthep mountain, so that you may buy offerings and join the locals in their daily alms giving ceremony. Witness the placid Buddhist procession of monks who stroll through the streets and collect alms from the locals. Proceed up the mountain to the golden pagodas of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which has a Golden Naga staircase of 309 steps.

Continue on to Wat Umong, which was built in the 14th century, which is blanketed with moss and plant-life. After exploring the otherworldly tunnels, reach the Viharn of the temple to take part in your own private blessing ceremony.

Then enjoy a tasty bowl of Khao Soy at the Lamduan Fah Ham Khao Soy Restaurant for lunch. This Thai dish includes coconut cream, crispy noodles and plenty of spice that is sure to wow you.

After lunch, embark on a tour of the highlights of the city on foot, which include visiting the banks of the Mae Ping River and the bustling Waroros market, which is a favorite locations for locals to buy exotic species , colorful fruits and local dishes.

Continue on by rickshaw to Thapae Gate and then explore the ancient sector of Chiang Mai on foot. The Thapae Gate is the entrance to the ancient walled city. Proceed onto the Three Kings Monument and the city's most striking temples, including Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, home to a very old and sacred image of Buddha.

Overnight in Chiang Mai. (b,l)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free morning at leisure. (b)