Classic Thailand Tour

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Classic Thailand Itinerary

Day 1 - London Heathrow/Bangkok
Your holiday begins with a non-stop overnight flight on EVA Air.

Days 2, 3 & 4 - Bangkok
Enjoy three days at leisure in this amazing city.
Hotel: Majestic Grande (RO)

Day 5 - Bangkok/Phitsanuloke
Visit the Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In. Highlights include the beautiful Thai style pavilion in the middle of one of the lakes, the tall observation tower and the Vehat Chamroon Hall containing interesting Chinese style furniture and artefacts. After strolling around the gardens then continue on to Ayuthaya, the 2nd capital of Thailand, at its peak in the 17th century it was said to have been one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, in 1767 the Burmese laid siege to the city destroying one of the greatest Kingdoms in Siamese history. Here you will be taken to several of the ruined temple compounds to see the still impressive remains of old stone temples, Chedis and Buddha images. After lunch continue to the town of Lopburi, home to literally hundreds of monkeys and several old temples.
Hotel: Amarin Lagoon Hotel. (L,D)

Day 6 - Phitsanuloke/Lampang
Morning drive to the ancient city of Sukhothai, founded in 1240, for hundreds of years Sukhothai was a lost city in the jungle until it was discovered in the late 19th century and is now an UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit several of the temple sites to see Mon-style chedis, Khmer prangs and huge standing Buddha images all dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. In the Sukhothai museum you can see a fine collection of Buddha images and sculptures unearthed in the Sukhothai area. After lunch continue to Sri Satchanalai. This entire area has become a historical park where you will see varied monuments such as Sri Lanka-style bell shaped chedis, Khmer Phrangs and old ruined stone temples.
Hotel: River Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Lampang/Chiang Mai
Drive to Lampoon to see the Wat Haripoonchai. This temple compound was built 900 years ago on the site of a former royal palace and is now a famous and venerated place for Buddhist teaching. After lunch arrive in Chiang Mai, the old capital of the kingdom of Lanna founded in 1296. At the Home Industries Village at Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng (on the outskirts of Chiang Mai) you can see how various handicrafts and local products are made such as hand painted parasols, Thai silk, laquerware and woodcarvings. Watch the craftsmen at work and buy some yourself to take home.
Hotel: Chiang Mai Plaza (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Chiang Mai
After breakfast drive out of the city to visit the Doi Suthep temple, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple and a very popular pilgrimage spot. It is situated at the top of the Doi Suthep hill up a steep winding road that climbs 1000 metres to the base of a 300 step naga (snake) staircase that finally leads up to the temple. For the less energetic there is a cable car that you will take you to the top. The present temple dates from the 16th century and offers spectacular views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside. After lunch the afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy an evening Kantoke Dinner with a show of hilltribe and Thai folk dancing.
Hotel: Chiang Mai Plaza (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai
Enjoy a morning drive to an elephant camp to see how the mahouts train their elephants to drag logs and respond to commands. You can see the elephants bathing in the river and can take an optional 1 hour elephant ride through the surrounding countryside. After lunch in Thaton take a long-tailed speedboat ride down the Mae Kok River to Chiang Rai, passing beautiful scenery along the way. During the boat ride you will stop at one or two of the hilltribe villages situated along the bank of the river to see how the villagers live.
Hotel: Dusit Island Resort (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Chiang Rai/Bangkok
In the morning visit a demonstration hill tribe village and then continue to the small trading town of Mae Sai, which is the border between Thailand and Burma and also the most northern point of Thailand. Here you have time to walk up to the actual gate to see the bridge that separates the 2 countries and also buy souvenirs and trinkets from the many market stalls. Carry on to the Golden Triangle, the most infamous region in Southeast Asia and the point where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet around the Mekong River. It is the second largest supplier of opium in the world and has a reputation of mystery and intrigue. After lunch continue to Chiang Saen, an ancient town on the banks of the Mekong River, before driving to the airport in Chiang Rai for the afternoon Thai Airways flight to Bangkok (ticketed locally).
Hotel: Majestic Grande Hotel (B,L)

Day 11 - Bangkok/London Heathrow
Transfer to the airport for EVA Air flight to London Heathrow.

Inclusions

• ■ English speaking local guide or driver/guide.
• ■ All entrance fees as appropriate
• ■ Air-conditioned transportation
• ■ Meals included as detailed: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D), No Meals, room only (RO)

Please Note:
Local conditions can and do change, sometimes at short notice and it is possible that we may be advised to change the programme or running of any excursions or tour, including accommodation, sometimes without prior notification. Local domestic airport taxes are not included and are payable locally (approx £10 each segment). This tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Please be aware:
2009 itineraries may vary slightly to the 2010 itinerary shown. Please contact reservations for more information. Prices can increase or decrease, you will be quoted the up to date price at the time of booking.