Amazing Thailand

Early this morning we'll leave for the Mae Klong Railway Market. As the name suggests, this market sits on a railway and whenever a train approaches, we can expect to see a flurry of activity as baskets of wares are moved and awnings come down so the train can travel right through the heart of the market. Next, we'll drive to the colorful floating market of Damnoen Saduak where we'll watch merchants sell food, produce, baskets and more from their boats. Before we return to Bangkok, we'll stop at a sugar palm farm where we can sample the local area's delights. We'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant as we make our way back to Bangkok. This evening, consider an optional Pearl Dinner Cruise.

Delight in a full day at leisure to explore Bangkok independently. Consider joining an optional full-day tour to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand to explore ancient temple ruins and crumbling pagodas. See some of the city's former glory in the giant bronze statue of Wat Mongkol Borpith and the three ancient pagodas of Wat Phra Sri.

This morning, we'll transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Chiang Rai, the northernmost city in Thailand. Upon arrival, we'll visit Wat Rong Kun, or the White Temple, one of Thailand's most recognizable temples. This contemporary Buddhist temple was designed by one of Thailand's most famous Thai artists and sits as a piece of art itself, with its white color representing the purity of the Buddha, and sparkling glass pieces symbolising the Buddha’s wisdom and teachings. Next, we'll visit Wat Rong Suea Ten or the Blue Temple, renowned for its magnificent blue interior, colorful murals and an immense white Buddha image. We'll then continue to our hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure.

Today we travel along scenic roads to Doi Tung Mountain, home to many local hilltribe communities. We'll visit the Doi Tung Royal project which has transformed an area that once cultivated opium into an area that produces one of Thailand's most famous coffee brands, Doi Tung Coffee, among other products. We'll visit Doi Tung Palace, a Lanna-Swiss-style chalet used by the Royal Family in the 1980s, and Mae Fah Luang Garden with its beautifully manicured flower beds. After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll visit the Karen Hilltribe village at Baan Ruam Mid for an unforgettable visit. The hilltribe members continue to maintain their own distinct culture, religion, and language and we'll see the way of life for this minority group. Afterward, we'll board a longtail boat for a ride up the Mae Kok River back to Chiang Rai.

This morning, we'll depart for Chiang Mai. En route, we'll stop to explore the lush Araksa Tea Garden where we'll learn about the age-old traditions and tea growing processes. We'll have a home-style lunch made from locally sourced and organic produce before we continue to visit Lisu Lodge. Here, we'll enjoy a guided walk through the herbal garden and stroll through the alleys of the village, observing village life as it happens. We may briefly meet the village spiritual healer and learn about their traditional and spiritual healing methods. We'll then continue on to Chiang Mai to check-in to our hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

This morning is free to relax or explore Chiang Mai independently. This afternoon, we'll travel to the revered mountainside temple of Doi Suthep. Each year, Buddhist pilgrims journey to the temple on foot which can take six to eight hours! We'll skip the challenging trek and drive up the winding road instead. From our drop-off point, we can choose to scale the 300 steps of the beautifully carved Naga Serpent Staircase or ride the cable car to the summit. We'll explore the temple's beautiful architecture, statues, murals, and shrines—which are nothing short of breathtaking. Next, we'll visit Wat Suan Dok, also known as Flower Garden Temple. Here we'll have the opportunity to interact and engage in conversation with local Buddhist monks to learn more about their role in Buddhism and Thai life. We might consider joining an optional Khantoke dinner this evening.

Today we'll meet Thailand's beloved national animal, the elephant, with a full-day visit to the Elephant Nature Park. This sanctuary isn't just for elephants—it's home to buffalo, dogs, cats, birds, and many other rescued animals. We'll hear the personal stories of the rescued elephants, learn how they've come together to create a new herd free from abuse, often for the first time in their lives, and enjoy the sight of the free roaming elephants and other rescued animals in the natural surroundings of this sanctuary. Our visit supports elephant conservation in the region and allows us to slow down and learn from these majestic creatures. Tonight, we'll enjoy a cooking class and dinner experience together. After our cooking experience, we'll enjoy our delicious results!

After breakfast this morning, we'll transfer to the airport for our domestic flight back to Bangkok. Our tour ends upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.