Thailand - Ancient Capitals
& Countryside
From traffic mayhem in metropolitan Bangkok, to mystical temples on Chiang Mai's mountains and the natural Eden of the Golden Triangle - where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, this tour is much more than a journey from south to north. It's a glimpse of the traditions of old Siam - with cultural shows to introduce you to Thai boxing,fingernail dance and hill tribe music. A gorgeous journey through a beautiful land.
Collette Experience
- Experience a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
- Spend one night relaxing in a river lodge located on the banks of the Wang River, a hideaway for nature lovers.
- Visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai.
- Breathe in the scent of paradise at a visit to an orchid farm.
special offers and discounts
■ Bangkok ■ Ayutthaya ■ Sukhothai ■ Golden Triangle ■ Laos ■ Hall of Opium ■ Chiang Mai ■ Elephant Camp ■ Night Market ■ 13 Days ■ 12 Breakfasts ■ 6 Lunches ■ 8 Dinners
Day 1 - Bangkok
An afternoon at leisure in Bangkok, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Hotel: Amari Atrium
Day 2 - Bangkok
A vibrant city, today Bangkok is a central economic hub for Southeast Asia. Blending with its modern-day might is a captivating
history that more than 10 million inhabitants call their own. A city tour of Bangkok provides you with insight into the fascinating
religious composition of this area during visits of two of Bangkok's famous temples: The Golden Buddha, clad in plaster
centuries ago to hide its value from marauders, was rediscovered by a fortunate accident in 1957; The Reclining Buddha is about
150' long and is clad in pure gold. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782. Tonight you will be treated
to a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River. Meals: BLD
Day 3 - Bangkok
Travel to the volourful and bustling floating market of Damnoen Saduak take an exciting long tail boat cruise through the legendary
canals, known as Klongs. Late youtravel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge inspired
the movie about its construction by Allied prisoners of war during WWII who were coerced into building it by Japanese troops. Meals: BL
Day 4 - Bangkok / Ayutthaya / Phitsanulok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350 by King UThong, Ayutthaya's
Golden Age of over 400 years of prosperity came to an abrupt end when the Burmese invaded and ravaged it before abandoning the city for
the jungle. The Ayutthaya Historical Park, located on the ruins of the ancient city, is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and
holds spectacular ruins dating from the 14th century. After a moving visit, continue to Phitsanulok for the evening.
Hotels: Amarin Lagoon Hotel (or Similar) Meals: BLD
Day 5 - Phitsanulok / Sukhothai / Lampang
Journeying north to Sukhothai, which presided as Thailand's capital from 1238-1376, you'll explore this walled city that created
a legacy of a unified nation of Thai people and has a phenomenal artistic heritage. The impressive assembly of elegant ruins is one of
the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Later, arrive in Lampang, the north's second largest town and an important centre for the
teak industry. Lampang is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains.Relax this evening at your hotel located on the banks
of the Wang River, a popular hideaway for nature lovers.
Hotel: Lampang River Lodge (or Similar) Meals: BLD
Day 6 - Lampang / Chiang Saen
Travel through the countryside to the northern most tip of Thailand in the heart of the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos
and Burma meet. Arrive in Chiang Saen, an important trading crossroads since the seventh century, coveted for its strategic location
guarding the Mekong. Chiang Saen was passed back and forth between the kings of Burma and Thailand for nearly three hundred years. Under
the reign of Rama I, King of Thailand, the city was destroyed as a sign of dominance over the Burmese who formerly used it as their home
base. The present village was established in 1804.
Hotel: Imperial Golden Triangle (or Similar) Meals: BLD
Day 7 - Chiang Saen / Doi Tung / Chiang Saen
A visit to the Hall of Opium takes you on a journey into this mysterious world. Using state-of-the-art multimedia, the exhibition depicts
more than 5,000 years of use and abuse of opiates, its spread throughout the world, and international efforts to control it. You will then
travel to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar borders; en route, you have the opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha villages
as well as picturesque terraced farming areas. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother of Thailand, realised that education was critical in
the reduction of opium cultivation. Her Doi Tung "Flag Mountain" Development Project was created to help improve the lives of the
local villagers by offering alternatives to opium agriculture and use. Next, take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular Mae Fah Luang
Foundation, "Mother to Us All Garden," inspired by the much-loved Princess Mother's living in Switzerland. Learn about many
traditional local crafts at the Cottage Industries Center and Outlets, where you will find woven textiles, hand-made mulberry bark paper
and mountain-grown coffee beans. Meals: BLD
Day 8 - Chiang Saen / Laos / Chiang Saen
The best way to enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Mekong River area is by long tail boat. Cross the river on this unique vessel to
Laos. You will have time to wander through a small village town, send a postcard, get your passport stamped or do some shopping. Return to
Chiang Saen for an afternoon at leisure. Meals: B
Day 9 - Chiang Saen / Chiang Mai
Begin the day travelling south to Chiang Mai, known as the "Rose of the North". This city is famous for diverse cuisine, dialects
and architecture, as well as the celebration of many festivals. Tour the cottage industries area and see the local artisans at work. You may
shop there for silk, silver and lacquer at bargain prices.
Hotel: Imperial Mae Ping Hotel (or Similar) Meals: BD
Day 10 - Chiang Mai
A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai brings you to the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness elephants at work & play at
Maesa Elephant Camp. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many varieties of the national flower of Thailand. Shop for umbrellas,
silk, and celadon, the distinctive Thai green stoneware.Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of
the Hill Tribe people. Meals: BD
Day 11 - Chiang Mai
This morning you will visit one of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Dio Suthep, which is situated 3,520 feet above sea
level. This temple is said to have been founded in 1383 and is a sacred site to many Thai people. Visit a jade factory and learn the history of
this luminescent stone. A short film explains the basics of the process of turning jade into jewellery and other products before you watch the
craftsmen at work and learn how to tell jade from its imitations.The remainder of your day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping
and bargaining at the Night Market. Meals: B
Day 12 - Chiang Mai / Bangkok
A short flight brings you back to Bangkok.Today you may wish to take an optional tour of legendary American businessman Jim Thompson's house.
This magnificent Thaistyled home contains an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. Thompson single-handedly revived the Thai silk
industry after WWII and then mysteriously disappeared. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.
Hotel: Amari Atrium Meals: BD
Day 13 - Bangkok
Day at leisure until transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Meals: B
