Thailand Jungles & Beaches

Day 1: Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok where you are transferred to the comfortable and centrally located Royal Benja Hotel. A pre-trip briefing is held in the evening, to meet the other members of your group and discuss the trip itinerary. Please check for a Welcome Notice on the hotel noticeboard located near the hotel lifts which will provide your tour leader's name and the exact time and location of your Welcome Meeting. Until this meeting we encourage you to get out and discover the delights that Bangkok has to offer, including trying some of Thailand’s famous cuisine. After the group meeting in the evening we may adjourn to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a meal together (this is optional and at your own expense). The rest of the evening is free - perhaps a quiet drink or a visit to the bustling night markets of Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok

Today is a full day to enjoy the sights of Bangkok. This city tour is all done on the different forms of public transport available to the citizens of Bangkok (Skytrain, canal boat, ferry and bus), to give you a true taste of life in this busy and varied city. First up it’s a stop at Jim Thompson’s House, a collection of unique antique Thai houses situated by a klong (canal). Here we get to appreciate its amazing Asian art collection. Jim Thompson was an American who arrived in Thailand during World War II and worked with the predecessor to the CIA, the OSS. When the war ended he changed professions and remained in Thailand. He is credited with reviving the Thai silk industry before mysteriously disappearing in the Cameron Highlands, in Malaysia, in 1967. We then visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), a must for first-time travellers to Bangkok. We also visit Wat Po, home of the famous Reclining Buddha. (When visiting temples and palaces in Thailand, please dress conservatively in order to respect the local culture). At the end of a busy day we also have a chance to discover the city’s shopping opportunities. For dinner we head down to the Chao Praya River to enjoy an optional Thai feast at a riverside restaurant. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Kanchanaburi Region

We depart Bangkok and make our way to Kanchanaburi by our private minibus (approximately 2 ½ hours). A tour takes us to explore the sights in town, including the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai, the sobering Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the JEATH War Museum. We also explore the beautiful countryside whilst driving out to the infamous Hellfire Pass, where we visit the fascinating museum that chronicles the events of World War II, as well as view a nearby section of the infamous Burma Death Railway. Following this we we take a short longtail boat ride up river and check into our idyllic and peaceful accommodation, set in the countryside on the banks of the River Kwai Noi, away from town. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Ayuthaya

We then head to Ayuthaya (approximately 4-5 hours). Situated 90 kilometres north of Bangkok, Ayuthya was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD. In its prime it was one of the largest and most glamorous cities in the world and the capital city of the then huge Siamese empire, that included large parts of Laos, Cambodia and Burma. Following a siege of nearly two years, the city suffered total destruction at the hands of the Burmese. We board our private rice barge for a two-hour lunch cruise around this ancient city and its major temples. After our cruise, we head to Ban Jorakae, where we spend a night in a traditional Thai teak house. The accommodation is basic, however it enables you to experience a slice of the life-style of our gracious Thai hosts. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 5: Sukhothai

After an early morning wake-up call to offer alms to the monks, we embark on a long drive to Sukhothai. Our journey takes us through the central plains of Thailand - the major rice producing region of the country (approximately 5-6 hours). We pass townships such as Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak, before reaching our destination. Most of these towns see very few foreign tourists. Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel situated between the new town and the archaeological site. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 6: Sukhothai - Lampang

Sukhothai, historically known as 'The Dawn of Happiness', was Thailand's first capital. Some of the finest Thai antiques, Buddha images and ceramic pieces date from this period. We have an early start and visit the Sukhothai ruins. Here we ride bicycles – a great way to explore the archaeological park. After the decline of Sukhothai, the site remained deserted for centuries. The first major restoration began in 1979 and the visitors’ centre displays the original layout of the city. In the afternoon, we travel by private mini-van to Lampang (approximately 4-5 hours), former centre of the teak wood trade. The chicken is the symbol of the province and can be seen everywhere. Legend has it that the god Indra was concerned that people wouldn’t get up in time to offer alms to the Lord Buddha, who was arriving the following day, so he descended on the province in the form of a chicken and started crowing to ensure everyone woke in time! In the late afternoon we visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Built in Lanna style, it is arguably one of the most beautiful temples northern Thailand. Your tour leader can teach you how to ‘tum bon’ (make merit), which ultimately should assist you in returning, in your next life, one step closer to enlightenment. We spend a special night in bungalows at the Lampang Elephant Conservation Center. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 7: Lampang - Chiang Mai

In the morning we see a demonstration of the skills that have made elephants such an intergral part of the Thai logging trade. It is a great chance to get close to these magnificent animals. After lunch, it’s an hour’s drive Chiang Mai. It is a moated city with the impressive backdrop of Doi Suthep, a 1,676-metre peak that offers impressive views of the surrounding countryside. Near the summit is a famous temple – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. We will visit the temple and also drop into the Hilltribe museum for an preview of the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand. The evening presents you with a fantastic opportunity to explore the famous Night Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise! The combination of the local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional wares of the hilltribe people on offer ensure that you won’t go away empty handed! Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 8: Chiang Dao - Chiang Mai

We catch a private mini-bus and drive for an hour and a half into the northern hill region around Chiang Dao. An elephant ride through the forest delivers us the hilltribe villages where we then trek around the area, visiting Palong, Karen, Lisu and Akha people. Meeting these colourful people gives you an insight into their unique lifestyle and customs. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 9 - 12: Ao Nang (resort)

We enjoy a realxing morning in soaking up the ambience of the ‘Rose of the North’, as Chiang Mai is sometimes called, before we make our way to our by flight to our beach paradise in Ao Nang. Please note that you will not be escorted by a tour leader for the rest of your trip, but the resort staff will be on hand to look after you. For further assistance and any other inquiries, you can also contact our local operator in Thailand. We then spen the next three full days in the Phu Pha Aonang Resort & Spa in Ao Nang. This idealistic location is a perfect for either relaxing on the beach or by the pool in this tropical paradise. It is also a launching pad to explore the outer islands. We also include a day trip out to Phi Phi island. Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Day 13: Ao Nang

The tour ends after breakfast in Ao Nang. A transfer to the airport is not included. You may wish to stay longer in Ao Nang simply book some post tour accommodation. Meals included: 1 breakfast