DAY 1 USA—Bangkok

Your voyage begins with an international flight from the US to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand

DAY 2 Bangkok

Meet your tour representative at the airport arrivals hall and transfer to your downtown hotel. Check in for four nights and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure—perhaps recharging at the hotel pool, or diving into the bustling city to discover its enticing restaurants, shops, and markets.

DAY 3 Bangkok

Today enjoy a guided introduction to Bangkok, one of Asia’s most captivating metropolises. Topping the sights is the Grand Palace, a sprawling 18th-century complex of residences and temples that were home to the kings of Siam and Thailand for 150 years. Stroll around the courtyards to view the gilded buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist shrine. While you’re exploring, stop for a delicious restaurant lunch and then , ride a boat across the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s ‘River of Kings’ and visit the stunning Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). Admire the Khmer-style, porcelain-mosaic covered spires of this riverfront temple as your guide reveals its religious significance and symbolism.The rest of the day is at leisure . Enjoy a Welcome Thai set dinner at the local restaurant.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 Bangkok – Railway Market - Floating Market- Bangkok

This morning, head for Maeklong Railway Market which is located near train tracks. Hearing the train long before you actually see it, the vendors and merchants begin to move their belongings and umbrellas away from the tracks as the train barrels forward, honking on its horn every now and then to warn people of its approach. Everyone is back on the track after the train passes. It is a shopping experience like no other. Then visit the Damnoen Saduak, one of Thailand’s most popular floating markets, and a fascinating window into local life. Gaze at lush paddy fields and salt farms en route, and on arrival, ride a boat along noisy canals packed with fruit, vegetable, and handicraft vendors. Spend time here soaking up the atmosphere and browsing for souvenirs and street foods before returning to Bangkok after lunch and getting more time to spend as you wish.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY 5 Bangkok – Bang Pa In - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

After breakfast, leave Bangkok and venture north to UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya, where a cluster of ruined temples, stupas, and monasteries mark what was once the medieval capital of Siam. Stroll the ruins, set on an island formed by three rivers—and stop, too, to see Bang Pa-in, a palace and garden complex that was once a summer retreat of Siam’s kings and their consorts. Admire the glittering, Thai-style lake pavilion with its multi-colored tiled roof, spires, and porches; and view the other ornate European-and Chinese-style halls that sprinkle the picturesque lawns. Having explored both Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-in, step aboard a modern riverboat and relax as you cruise back to Bangkok along the Chao Phraya river, enjoying the views and a delicious buffet lunch served on board as you sail. This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY 6 Bangkok – Chiang Rai

This morning ,check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your short flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, transfer to the Golden Triangle area to see the Thailand, Laos and Myanmar borders from the Golden Triangle viewpoint. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Free at leisure in the evening.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY 7 Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

In the morning, explore the famous Wat Rong Khun, also known as The White Temple, designed by the renowned local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Upon first glance, you’ll be taken aback by the striking, modern architecture of the White Temple. In contrast to traditional Thai temples you may have seen before, every inch of the exterior radiates white and is adorned with thousands of sparkling mirrors. Then visit the magnificent Blue Temple ( Wat Rong Seur Ten) which is new.The temple’s blue and gold stupa is unique and blends Burmese and Nepalese temple forms. Continue to Chiang Mai, often dubbed Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North.’ Surrounded by lush mountains, this history-steeped city was the capital of the independent Lanna kingdom until the mid-16th century and is rich in attractions, from Buddhist temples and national parks to tribal hill villages. Upon arrival, enjoy the welcome Lhantoke Lanna dinner.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY 8 Chiang Mai

After breakfast , journey into Chiang Mai’s mountains to visit the Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary, a jungle camp dedicated to the welfare of rescued elephants. Observe these magnificent animals as they’re fed and walked in the forest, and learn where they came from and how they’re cared for. After lunch, pay a visit to Chiang Mai’s premier attraction: the Buddhist Temple of Wat Doi Suthep. Crowning the top of Doi Suthep mountain, this revered and lavishly decorative shrine has 14th-century origins and is one of Thailand’s most important places of worship. Enjoy the night free at leisure to explore the night market on your own.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY 9 Chiang Mai – Phuket

Meet your tour guide after breakfast and travel to the airport for your flight to the island of Phuket, in south Thailand. Basking in the Andaman Sea, this gorgeous gem is famous for its rainforest-coated interior and palm-lined beaches fringed by luxury hotels and seaside resorts. After a transfer to your hotel, enjoy free time this afternoon to unwind in the island’s idyllic surroundings.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 10 Phuket

After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour to Phang Nga Bay in the north of the Strait of Malacca and one of southern Thailand’s most photogenic areas. Begin at Phang Nga province to see its Buddha Cave Temple (Suwannakuha), nicknamed the “Monkey Temple” for its colonies of monkeys; and then visit the Ao Phang Nga National Park for a longtail boat ride across its green waters famous for their 40 limestone karsts, evergreen mangroves, caves, and cliffs. Soak in the bay’s beauty from your boat and sail by “James Bond Island,” a limestone pinnacle that featured in the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” After lunch at a stilted Sea Gypsy village, return to Phuket. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner at hotel

DAY 11 Phuket

Today is yours to spend any way you wish—either lazing by the pool or enjoying independent shopping and sightseeing. You may want to consider an optional day trip to the Phi Phi Islands—an archipelago of paradise-like islets, a short speedboat ride away across the Andaman Sea. Cruise to several of these astonishingly beautiful gems to see their exquisite bays, forested rock pinnacles, powder-white shores and nodding palms, and to swim and snorkel in their fish-filled, aquamarine waters.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 12 Phuket – USA

Today brings your vacation in Thailand to a close with a transfer to the airport and your outbound flight back to the USA.

Included: Breakfast at hotel