Treasures of Thailand & Songkran Festival

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 En route
• 3 Bangkok
• 4 Bangkok
• Optional Excursion: Chinatown Walk (purchased locally), $35
• Optional Excursion: Calypso Cabaret Show (purchased locally), $48
• 5 Bangkok
• Optional Excursion: Visit to Wat Trimitr & Wat Benchamabophit (purchased locally), $48
• Optional Excursion: Muay Thai Show (purchased locally), $76
• 6 Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak & Kanchanaburi
• 7 Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Bangkok, & Chiang Rai
• 8 Chiang Rai
• 9 Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai
• 10 Chiang Mai
• 11 Chiang Mai
• 12 Chiang Mai & Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA

Angkor Wat Extension

• 12 Bangkok/Siem Reap, Cambodia
• 13 Angkor Explorations
• 14 Angkor Explorations
• 15 Depart Siem Reap/Arrive USA

Phuket Extension

• 12 Chiang Mai & Phuket
• 13 Phuket
• Optional Excursion: Day Cruise by June Bahtra (purchased locally)
• 14 Phuket
• Optional Excursion: Day Tour of Phi Phi Island by Speedboat (purchased locally)
• 15 Depart Phuket/Arrive USA

Videos

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Check-in for your overnight flight to Bangkok, Thailand via Taipei

Day 2 En route

• Cross the International Dateline and lose a day (which you will recover on the return leg of your trip)

Day 3 Bangkok

• Upon arrival in Bangkok, transfer to your hotel for check-in
• Tonight, experience a lovely dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, arrive in Bangkok. After customs formalities, transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in.

Tonight, experience a romantic evening, Bangkok-style, on a lovely dinner cruise that will take you along the Chao Phraya River, passing the glittering sights of Bangkok. Enjoy sumptuous Thai cuisine as you take in stunning views of the Temple of Dawn, the illuminated Grand Palace, magnificent temples, striking bridges and other landmarks. The cruise offers a perfectly relaxing experience that you will never forget.

Day 4 Bangkok

• This morning, visit Bangkok's Royal Grand Palace
• See the mysterious Emerald Buddha and the Reclining Buddha at Wat Po
• Evening at leisure or optional excursions

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, visit Bangkok's number one ‘must see' attraction, as well as Thailand's most important landmark: the Royal Grand Palace. Your guide will take you on an in-depth journey through Thailand's history and royal heritage, where you'll be amazed at the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. This is also where you'll be treated to a special visit to see the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. At Wat Po, founded in the 17th century and the oldest temple in Bangkok, you'll view the amazing Reclining Buddha, whose face depicts the attainment of Nirvana and whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore Bangkok on your own, or join other locally available optional excursions.

Optional Excursion: Chinatown Walk (purchased locally), $35

This afternoon, drive to Bangkok's Chinatown where you'll head out on an exciting walk through one of the oldest parts of the city. Walk along Yaowarat Road filled with interesting shops selling unique objects. Continue to an old tea shop to enjoy a cup of Chinese tea with the locals before heading to Talad Kao, a busy local market offering a variety of fresh food, fruits, and Chinese herbs. End the walk at Wat Leng Nei Yi to visit the Taoist temple. Then proceed to Wat Trimitr on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha.

Optional Excursion: Calypso Cabaret Show (purchased locally), $48

This evening, transfer to the Thai dance show at Calypso Cabaret, one of Bangkok’s renowned shows. Calypso Cabaret is located at Asiatique the Riverfront, which is a famous night venue for dining, shopping and entertainment, and features its unique setting with a panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5 Bangkok

• Board a long-tail boat and cruise the peaceful Klong Bang Luang
• The boat stops at Baan Silapin, a local art gallery
• Visit the Royal Barge Museum, to see the ceremonial barges of the Royal family
• Marvel at the Temple of Dawn, also known as Wat Arun
• Afternoon and evening at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, board a private long-tail boat on the peaceful Klong Bang Luang. Pass by shop houses, local temples and vendors on this waterway which was once a major trading route, and is lined with the impressive homes of aristocrats. After observing this lively area, the boat stops at Baan Silapin, a 100 year old renovated house, now home to an art gallery. Spend some time to enjoy the gallery, take part in an art workshop or explore the local community. En route back to the city, visit the Royal Barge Museum, to see the decorated ceremonial barges of the Royal family. Later, stop at the Temple of Dawn, also known as Wat Arun, on the banks of the Chao Praya River.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore Bangkok on your own, or join other locally available optional excursions.

Optional Excursion: Visit to Wat Trimitr & Wat Benchamabophit (purchased locally), $48

Enjoy an afternoon tour through the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to visit some of Bangkok’s hidden gems. Visit Wat Trimitr, on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world’s largest solid 700-year old golden Buddha, and followed by a visit to Wat Benjamabophit, also known as the marble temple featuring a fusion of Thai and European styles.

Optional Excursion: Muay Thai Show (purchased locally), $76

In the evening, transfer to your Muay Thai live Show. Created by acclaimed director Ekachai Uekrongtham, Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives is a spectacular stage show about the history of Thai boxing, from its origins to present day. The show is presented in five thrilling chapters – The Tiger King, The Prisoner with Eight Limbs, The Warrior with Broken Swords, The Lethal Art of Muay Thai, and The Modern Action Hero. It also includes Muay Thai Live Boxing: Warrior Rising. A unique program that shows how the ancient and sacred art of Muay Thai has evolved into one of the most spectacular martial arts in the world.

Day 6 Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak & Kanchanaburi

• Discover the colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Continue to Kanchanaburi and visit the famous bridge of River Kwai and the World War II cemetery
• Visit the Hellfire Pass Museum and walk along the Memorial Walking Trail

U Inchantree Kanchanaburi or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast this morning, depart Bangkok for the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province. Take a boat ride along the canal to see the colorful floating marketplace, bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights.

Then, continue to Kanchanaburi and visit the famous bridge of River Kwai and the Second World War cemetery. Next, visit the Hellfire Pass Museum before embarking on a short trek through the nearby canyon. The walk is along the Memorial Walking Trail which looks out on to Myanmar. A free audio guide is provided to help re-create the scene, linking the context and location with real life experiences, narrated by POW's while working on the line. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 7 Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Bangkok, & Chiang Rai

• Depart Kanchanaburi and travel to the ancient city of Ayutthaya
• Discover the sculpture of a Buddha head woven in tree roots
• Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkol and see the statue of the Reclining Buddha
• Conclude the tour at Wat Chaiwattanaram monastery
• After lunch, return to Bangkok for your flight to Chiang Rai

Imperial River House Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast this morning, depart Kanchanaburi and travel to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King U-Thong founded the city in 1350 as the capital of his kingdom of Siam. By 1700, Ayutthaya had as many as a million inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time. But in 1767, the city was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese army. Magnificent ruins of the old city still remain, some having been restored. Exciting archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area. Among the ruins, discover the Wat Mahathat, a sculpture of a Buddha head sticking out of winding tree roots. Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkol, a temple best known for its enormous statue of the Reclining Buddha. Conclude the tour at Wat Chaiwattanaram, a monastery commissioned by King Prasatthong in 1630 in honor of his mother. However, its striking resemblance to Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat has led some to believe that the King also built the wat to commemorate his victory over Cambodia.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Bangkok in time for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8 Chiang Rai

• Embark on a full day tour to visit the Doi Tung region
• En route visit various hill tribe villages
• Visit the Mae Fah Luang gardens
• In the afternoon, drive to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge
• Embark on a long-tail boat and see the area from the majestic Mekong River's perspective

Imperial River House Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning embark on a full day tour to visit the Doi Tung region. En route to Doi Tung, visit various hill tribe villages. In the past, the forest area around Doi Tung was destroyed by shifting cultivation. In 1987, the Doi Tung Development Project was established according to the King's Mother's initiative in order to protect the region, eradicate the cultivation of opium, and encourage farmers to use sustainable agricultural practices. Visit the Mae Fah Luang gardens with its beautiful flowers and shrubbery.

In the afternoon, drive to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. Visit the ancient kingdom of Chiang Saen on the steep banks of the Mekong River, across from Laos, where you will see magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Then embark on a long-tail boat and see the area from the majestic Mekong River's perspective.

Day 9 Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai

• Depart from Chiang Rai and continue to Chiang Mai
• En route visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route to Chiang Mai
• Arrive in Chiang Mai late this afternoon
• Visit the Borsand Handicraft Village to learn about the work of local artisans
• Evening at leisure

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Chiang Rai and continue to Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest city, often called "Rose of the North" because of the abundance of flowers that thrive in its cooler mountain climate. En route visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple and one of the must-see sights of the northern region. The temple features unique architecture and amazing drawings. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive in Chiang Mai late this afternoon. Stop by the Borsang Handicraft Village to see a demonstration and learn about the work of local artisans. Afterwards, enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 10 Chiang Mai

• View celebrations of the Songkran Festival around the city
• Travel to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in Thailand
• Observe a Songkran water pouring ceremony
• Enjoy a delicious bowl of Khao Soy, a famous Northern Thai dish

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Today, enjoy the lively atmosphere all over Chiang Mai, as people gather in the open spaces splashing water on each other in celebration of Songkran, the Thai New Year's festival.

This morning, travel to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, built in 1384 and one of the most revered temples in Thailand. Climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach its golden pagodas. Inside the cloister of the temple, you will see one of the most sacred stupas. Walk around the compound and admire the many bells and statues of Buddha. Throughout the day, observe Songkran rituals of alms giving, sand castle building, and "Rod Nam Dam Hua," a water pouring ceremony to ask forgiveness and blessings from respected elders. Traditionally, multiple generations of a Thai family will gather for this ceremony.

Afterwards, enjoy a delicious bowl of Khao Soy. This famous Northern Thai dish is a combination of coconut cream, crispy noodles and plenty of spice that is sure to delight!

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure or take part in the Songkran celebrations of splashing water around Chiang Mai!

Day 11 Chiang Mai

• Explore the Palaung, Akha and Lisu hill tribe villages
• On the way back to Chiang Mai, visit an orchid and butterfly farm

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Visit the Palaung, Akha and Lisu hill tribe villages. Living separately from the lowland, the hill tribe people retain a different culture and unique way of life. On the way back to Chiang Mai, visit an orchid and butterfly farm. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Day 12 Chiang Mai & Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA

• Bid farewell to Thailand as you transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bangkok, and then your return flight to the USA via Taipei
• Or, take advantage of your already-included international airfare and join our optional extensions to Angkor Wat and Phuket Island or both!

Breakfast

Angkor Wat Extension

Day 12 Bangkok/Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Transfer to the airport to take a short flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park contains the ruins of more than 1000 stone temples dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries

Sokha Angkor Resort or similar Breakfast

Day 13 Angkor Explorations

• Tour the royal walled city of Angkor Thom
• Visit the Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Explore the temples of the Small Circuit
• Discover the famous Angkor Wat archaeological site
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Sokha Angkor Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, the temples at Angkor and the great city that surrounded them represent one of mankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. The structures you see today are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings—palaces, public buildings, and houses—were built of wood and have long since decayed and vanished.

Satellite photographs reveal Angkor to have been the largest preindustrial city in the world, with an urban sprawl of 3000 square kilometers (the closest rival is Tikal in Guatemala, at most 150 square kilometers) and supporting a population of up to one million people. Mysteriously abandoned in the 15th century, the Angkor site remained largely cloaked by the forest until the late 19th century, when archaeologists began to clear away the forest and embark on a long restoration process that continues today.

After breakfast, begin your explorations at the mysterious walled city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire. The city is surrounded by an 8 meter high wall, drawing a perfect square, 4km on each side. Enter the city through the South Gate, an impressive stone entryway flanked by larger-than-life carved elephants and capped with four giant smiling faces of the Buddha. On each side of the entrance path stands a row of 54 gods and demons, each holding a sacred Naga snake.

Continue to Bayon Temple, located in the exact center of the city of Angkor Thom. This monument includes dozens of towers featuring faces that some believe depict King Jayavarman VII represented as a Buddhist deity. While the scores of faces are nearly identical, the staggered height of the towers and the different viewpoint of each keep the design from appearing repetitious. Atop the temple, you are engulfed by the silent, enigmatic gaze of those faces, through half-closed eyes, staring out from a remote time in history.

After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the temples of the Small Circuit. The most famous is Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground, giving it the most mysterious atmosphere of the temples in the Angkor area.

Continue to the magnificent Angkor Wat archaeological site, built by Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the history of the region. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 14 Angkor Explorations

• Visit the "Citadel of Women"
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Afternoon tour of the Roluos Group: Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei temples

Sokha Angkor Resort or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning's excursion takes you to the "Citadel of Women" of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samré, considered to be the birthplace of Khmer classical architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit three early-Angkor era temples of the Roluos Group: Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei, built by King Indravarman I and his successor in the 9th century.

Day 15 Depart Siem Reap/Arrive USA

• Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok, then continue to the USA via Taipei

Breakfast

Phuket Extension

Day 12 Chiang Mai & Phuket

• Fly to Phuket and transfer to your hotel upon arrival
• Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure

Amari Phuket or similar Breakfast

Day 13 Phuket

• Full day at leisure on the island or enjoy an optional excursion

Amari Phuket or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Full day at leisure to relax, shop or tour this scenic island, Thailand's largest. Phuket and the 39 smaller islands to the southeast are studded with tropical forests, mountains, gravity-defying limestone formations, and pristine beaches, surrounded by coral reefs and the aquamarine water of the balmy Andaman Sea. The west coast of Phuket was hit severely by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, but the resilient people have quickly rebuilt, and almost no evidence of the damage now remains. Phuket is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims, and even sea gypsies, whom you'll find warm and welcoming.

With warm, humid weather year-round, you'll enjoy plenty of sun-drenched days lounging on the beach and all manner of water sports, including jet-skiing, parasailing, surfing, scuba and snorkeling. Most of the dive locations are suitable for all skill levels, and the waters abound with colorful coral forests, tropical fish and other marine life, including leopard sharks, moray eels, octopus and turtles.

Phuket is also the sailing and yachting center of Thailand and adjacent countries, with several races and regattas happening throughout the year. And in the unlikely event that you can pull yourself away from the beach, you'll find opportunities to ride horses or elephants, hike, mountain bike, and even golf. Afterwards, unwind at one of the many spas or one of the excellent acrobatic, theatrical or cultural shows.

Join an optional tour to the breathtaking Phi Phi islands. Take a trip by boat and bus to Phang Nha Bay and to the limestone spire known as "James Bond Island" for its role in The Man with the Golden Gun.

Optional Excursion: Day Cruise by June Bahtra (purchased locally)

Departing early this morning, experience the spectacular limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay onboard the June Bahtra, a traditional Chinese junk bearing designs from Thai, Malay and Dutch influences. Recline on comfortable deck cushions below the schooner’s striking red sails as the scores of beautiful islands and towering limestone spectacles unfold before you. Stopping at a deserted white sandy beach, a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters beckons. Later, a ride on a long tail boat will take you to the caves and grottoes scattered throughout the mangrove delta, with birdsong and monkey chatter keeping you entertained along the way. At James Bond Island, revel in the views of the iconic rock formation jutting out of the azure bay. Back onboard, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch followed by a leisurely afternoon of swimming, sunbathing and relaxation. Sailing the open sea on this idyllic cruise will definitely make an unforgettable memory. (Lunch included)

Day 14 Phuket

• Full day at leisure on the island or enjoy an optional excursion

Amari Phuket or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Day Tour of Phi Phi Island by Speedboat (purchased locally)

Departing this morning, escape to a quieter and more natural side of southern Thailand with this day trip from Phuket. Travel by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to the six scenic Phi Phi Islands. The journey to Phi Phi takes around 45 minutes, passing by spectacular limestone karsts that jut out from the blue seas. Sit back and relax, enjoying the views as the boat cruises closer to paradise.

See stretches of islands that boast swaying palm trees and white sands. There are also calm, clear waters brimming with fish for those who wish to discover Thailand’s underwater beauty.

During the day, enjoy lunch while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding sea. The afternoon is spent cruising around the islands, for more chances to snorkel and swim in the Andaman Sea. (Lunch included)

Day 15 Depart Phuket/Arrive USA

• Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok, then continue to the USA via Taipei
• Passengers returning to JFK must leave Phuket early in the morning before breakfast is served at the hotel

Breakfast

Hotels

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok

Deluxe

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is a contemporary and stylish hotel located in the central district of Sathorn. The hotel is located 10 minutes away from Silom’s vibrant nightlife scene with close access to train stations, including the Skytrain Station. COMO Metropolitan is a mixture of relaxation and excitement, quietly removed from Bangkok’s traffic, yet steps away from the areas nightlife, shopping and restaurants.

More information

U Inchantree Kanchanaburi

First Class

U Inchantree Kanchanaburi is a boutique hotel located along the north bank of the Kwai Yai River, within close proximity of the famous River Kwai Bridge. The hotel derives its name from the ancient “Inchantree” within its courtyard.

More information

Imperial River House Resort & Spa

First Class

Surrounded by a beautiful blend of scenic mountain and river views The Imperial River House Hotel & Spa is located in Chiang Rai on the River Kok. The hotel is a delightful retreat with a friendly and attentive staff. Engulfed by pristine gardens, this hotel is ideal for relaxation.

More information

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

Deluxe

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort is a charming hideaway nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai. Legendary stories combined with the history of the area are inspiration behind the creation of this unique resort.

More information

Sokha Angkor Resort

Deluxe

Sokha Angkor Resort is conveniently located in the heart of Siem Reap within walking distance of the famous Pub Street and Old Market. It is also a 10 minute drive from the majestic Angkor Wat temples. At the Sokha Angkor Resort, you will experience Khmer hospitality with excellent service.

More information

Amari Phuket

Superior First Class

Hidden on a secluded beach, Amari Phuket offers a prime location in Patong’s southernmost corner surrounded by the Andaman Sea. Less than an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport, Amari Phuket is conveniently set within a 5-minute walk to Patong Beach while Phuket Town and the island’s popular attractions are also easily accessible from the resort.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Cambodia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Thailand? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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