14 days Best of Thailand – Private tour

Morning drive to Wat Pho – one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho houses the famous 45m (148ft) reclining Buddha as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, take a tuk-tuk ride via Pak Klong Taland Flower Market towards the spectacular Grand Palace, home to the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade or jasper, rather than emerald). Continue with a walk to the pier for a long-tailed boat ride along the “klongs” (canals) of Thonburi to get a flavor of local life. Stop at Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II. After lunch at a local restaurant, cross the river and drive to Chinatown for a first-hand look at Old Bangkok. Walk along Yaowarat Road with shops selling everything from gold and garments to antiques and musical instruments. Explore the bustling Talad Kao Market where a variety of food, fresh and dry fruits, and Chinese herbs are on offer before returning to your hotel.

This morning depart for a 1.5-hour drive through Bangkok’s rural outskirts to the Ayutthaya History Park and visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a beautiful collection of European, Chinese and Thai buildings built in the 17th century and restored by King Rama V. Continue to Ayutthaya, the capital of the Thai Kingdom for 417 years. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767 resulted in the collapse of the kingdom. The ruins of all the most important buildings have been consolidated, repaired, and sometimes reconstructed, giving visitors an idea of its past splendor and leading to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll around the ruins of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a former royal temple during Ayutthaya’s days of glory, and Wat Mahathat, best known for a stone Buddha head entwined in tree roots, before returning to Bangkok.  After lunch, we’ll transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Chiang Mai, Upon your arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel for the evening at leisure. Meals: B

This morning, rise at dawn and drive towards Doi Suthep Temple to witness dozens of monks streaming down the mountain to the city of Chiang Mai to receive alms from the locals – a visually striking daily ritual. Afterward, drive up the mountain to visit the picturesque Wat Doi Suthep set amidst the beautifully forested mountains. Founded in 1383 AD, Wat Phra is considered one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Inside the temple compounds, explore the pagodas, statues, bells, and shrines and enjoy the superb panoramic view over the city before returning to your hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take you on a deeper exploration of this ancient city. From the iconic Tha Phae Gate, ride through the old city’s labyrinth of narrow lanes before breaking out into the beautiful rural landscape of forest-lined roads. Stopping for a moment beside a serene 7th Century Buddha, admire the picturesque surroundings before hopping back on the Vespas for a cool ride downhill to visit the artisans of a bohemian craft village in a tranquil garden setting. Next, shift gears and join in the bustle of Chiang Mai’s most famous market, sampling exotic local produce and embracing the chaotic Thai market experience. Finally, visit Thailand’s most stunning temple, a truly spectacular sight with incredible photo opportunities, and a place to enjoy a light local snack.  Stops include: Tha Phae Gate, Wat Doi Kham Temple, Art & Craft Village, Warowat Market, Silver Temple Meals: (B)

This morning discover Araksa Tea Garden in Mae Tang District – a verdant plantation, specializing in producing high-quality Assam tea. Upon arrival at the tea plantation, you’ll be greeted by the staff, who will explain the different processes and methods used to cultivate young tea plants. Afterward, follow the resident plucker to the tea bushes and learn how to gather tea leaves. Feel free to join them in plucking tea leaves. Next, continue to the roasting station, to observe the art of making tea entirely by hand, from kneading to roasting. After the roasting, enjoy a cup of tea with a delicious Thai snack! After lunch, we’ll drive to Patara Elephant Sanctuary. The program teaches you how to approach the elephant, discern the elephant’s temperament, feed it and check its health. You can learn how to take care of the elephant, bathe and brush it in the river. Visitors will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience participating in giving daily healthcare for pregnant elephants and their babies. You can also have a chance to observe elephants interacting with their families in the natural environment. Drive back to your hotel in the early evening. Meals: (B)

After leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic ride to Chiang Rai near the famous Golden Triangle. Arrive at your hotel in time for lunch and have a quiet afternoon in these beautiful surroundings. Meals: (B)

This morning we’ll take you on a trip along the Upper Mekong at the Lao PDR border. Start at Chiang Saen, one of the oldest archaeological sites in northern Thailand, and make a stop at Wat Phrathat Chomkiti. Visit Ban Had Bai, a Thai Lue weaving village. Lunch is at Rai Saeng Aroon, a farm specializing in organically grown produce. Continue down the river to Chiang Khong. This major commercial crossing at the Thai-Laos border marks the beginning of the road to China. See how local people live and observe the trade between the two counties. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Meals: (B, L)

Chiang Rai is among Thailand’s most ethnically diverse provinces and home to many hill tribes. Start the day with visits to traditional Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The Akha originated in Tibet and are among the poorest of Thailand’s ethnic minorities. The Yao originated in China and are strongly influenced by Chinese traditions. Although different in many ways, they have managed to live peacefully for decades. Arrive in Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, and one of the very few official land crossing points between Thailand and Myanmar. Many people from Myanmar come over during the day from Thakhilek to work or do business, hurrying back home before sunset. Lacquerware, gems, jade, and other goods from Laos and Myanmar are sold in shops along the main street. After lunch, return to Chiang Rai, arriving in the late afternoon. Meals: (B, L)

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel and, depending on flights availability we’ll take you to one of the nearest airports for your flight to Phuket – the capital of beach life in Thailand. Here you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the resort. The guide will meet you again in the evening for your Simon’s Cabaret experience. Stunning costumes, bright lights, a state-of-the-art sound system, and expensive sets are all part of this theatrical extravaganza featuring glamorous “ladyboys” performing non-stop musical numbers and dance routines. Meals: (B)

Today enjoy the famous Thai beach and local food. Relax in the sun or explore the restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Whatever you do, don’t miss the spectacular sunset! Meals: (B)

Full-day tour by speedboat to explore Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park, famed for its rock formations rising out of the sea. On arrival, explore some of the area’s fascinating caves by inflatable canoe accompanied by an expert guide. Visit Hong Island as well as Dark Cave, Mangrove Cave leading to a lagoon with mangroves, and Diamond Cave, named for a glittering flowstone inside. Cruise to James Bond Island (Khao Tapu), famous for being in the film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. Continue to Panyi Island noted for its picturesque village built over small pilings and extending out across the water and inhabited mostly by Muslim fishermen. After a tasty Thai set lunch at a local restaurant, swim at Lawa or Naka Island before returning to Phuket and your hotel. Meals: (B, L)

Spend your morning on the beach and after check-out head back to the airport, escorted by your guide, for your flight to Bangkok. There we will transfer you to the hotel in the city center for your last night in Thailand. Don’t forget all the shopping and once again find your favorite food before the end of the day! Meals: (B)

Your driver will pick you up from the hotel for the ride to the Bangkok airport. Have a safe flight home! Meals: (B)