Thailand - Ancient Capitals & Countryside
From admiring the resplendent Reclining Buddha in vibrant Bangkok, to cruising into Laos on the Mekong River, this 14-day journey through Thailand offers you endless moments of wonder and discovery. See elephants enjoying their morning bath and playing at the Maesa Elephant Camp. Test your bargaining skills at Chiang Mai's famous Night Market. Explore the exotic and ornate Grand Palace, the royal residence built in 1782, and where school teacher Anna Leonowens lived, whose story inspired "The King and I."
Experience a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Spend one night relaxing in a river lodge located on the banks of Wang River, a hideaway for nature lovers. Visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Traveling by long tail boat, visit a small village in Laos.
HighlightsBangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, Laos, Hall of Opium, Chiang Mai, Elephant Camp, Night Market
Collette Experience
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2009
- Duration
- 14 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Air 1 | Overnight Flight | Overnight Flight : Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand. |
| Day 2 | Bangkok | Arrive Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins : You arrive in Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. |
| Day 3 | Bangkok | 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 to 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. |
| Day 4 | Bangkok | Bangkok : |
| Day 5 | Phitsanulok | Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Phitsanulok : A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, 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. |
| Day 6 | Lampang | 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 center 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. |
| Day 7 | Chiang Rai | Lampang - Chiang Rai : Travel through the countryside to Chiang Rai in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of Lanna Thai, the "Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields." Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time at your hotel situated on an island in the Mae Kok River. |
| Day 8 | Chiang Rai | Chiang Rai - Doi Tung - Chiang Rai : This morning, travel to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. En route you have the opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha Hill Tribe villages as well as picturesque terraced farming areas. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother of Thailand, realized that education was critical in the reduction of opium cultivation. Learn about her efforts at the Doi Tung "Flag Mountain" Development Project, created to help improve the lives of the local villagers by offering alternatives to opium agriculture and use. |
| Day 9 | Chiang Rai | Chiang Rai - Laos - Chiang Rai : 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. Next, enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Mekong River area in the most relaxing way - 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 Rai for an afternoon at leisure. |
| Day 10 | Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai : Begin the day traveling 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, celadon (the distinctive Thai green stoneware) and lacquer at bargain prices. |
| Day 11 | Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai : |
| Day 12 | Chiang Mai | 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 jewelry 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. |
| Day 13 | Bangkok | 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 Thai-styled 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. |
| Day 14 | Tour ends | Bangkok - Tour Ends : Today your tour concludes in the city of Bangkok. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
Imperial Queens Park Hotel Amarin Lagoon Hotel Lampang River Lodge Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort Le Meridien Chiang Mai Hotel Imperial Queens Park Hotel
- Disclaimer
- Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
