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Thailand Discovery:
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Phitsanulok, Lampang,
Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, & Phuket
From the sun-kissed island of Phuket to the buzzing energy of Bangkok and to the authentic charm of Chiang Mai, this thorough itinerary is a perfect introduction to the myriad activities and cultural experiences that abound in Thailand! Start in the City of Angels, Bangkok, where you'll tour some of the country's most revered temples and see its most adored artifacts. Then venture into the northern heartland where many of the country's traditional customs are still in practice and easily accessed by all. Finally, end the trip by relaxing on the photogenic whitesand beaches of Phuket.
ACCOMMODATIONS
• 2 Nights Bangkok
• 1 Night Kanchanaburi
• 1 Night Phitsanulok
• 1 Night Lampang
• 2 Nights Chiang Rai
• 2 Nights Chiang Mai
• 3 Nights Phuket
 
INCLUSIONS
• Private Arrival & Departure Transfers Per City
• Private Grand Palace Tour
• Private Transfer from Bangkok Hotel to Kanchanaburi Hotel with Excursion en route
• Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi Hotel to Ayuttahaya to Phitsanulok Hotel with Excursion en route
• Private Transfer from Phitsanulok Hotel to Sukhothai to Lampang Hotel with Excursions en route
• Private Transfer from Lampang Hotel to Chiang Rai Hotel with Excursions en route
• Private Golden Triangle Tour
• Private Transfer from Chiang Rai Hotel to Chiang Mai Hotel with Excursion en route
• Shared Phang Nga bay & Khai Island by Speadboat
• Daily Breakfast
 
Arrive Bangkok:
Upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and after you have collected your luggage, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall by your private driver who will transfer you to your hotel.

(Accommodations, Bangkok)

Bangkok:
You will be picked up at your hotel by your private driver and guide for your tour of The Grand Palace, a must see for every visitor to Bangkok. Located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings) the Grand Palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew) which houses Thailand`s most precious image of the Lord Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is believed to have supernatural powers and is dressed in robes according to the season by the King of Thailand himself.

NOTE: Please note that when visiting the Grand Palace you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, bare knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering all temple buildings as a matter of respect.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Bangkok)

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi:
This tour takes you to the world-famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Built during WWII by prisoners of war, the bridge is located near the town of Kanchanaburi 80 mile west of Bangkok. About 9,000 allied POWs died while building the bridge and the infamous death railway which passes over it. You will visit the JEATH War Museum, where you can view the many historical exhibits. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. After lunch you'll visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, a part of the Death Railway that was cut through the Stone Mountain during World War II. Nowadays there are walking trails and also a museum dedicated to all Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers who suffered and died at Hellfire Pass and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region during the WWII.

(Breakfast, Bangkok; Lunch & Accommodations, Kanchanaburi)

Kanchanaburi to Phitsanulok:
We leave Kanchanaburi in the morning, heading in northerly direction to Ayutthaya, which used to be the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767. The city was almost completely destroyed after an invasion by the Burmese in 1767 and today only the remains of the once so impressive temples and palaces remind us of its glorious past. We will visit the gigantic bronze statues of Wat Mongkol Borpitr, three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch and Wat Panancherng. Continue to Lopburi to visit Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple with three towers and impressive ornaments as well as the shrine of the Hindu Goddess Kali at the Sarn Phra Karn temple. Lunch at a local restaurant. We continue to travel further north towards Phitsanulok, an important traffic meeting point at the River Nan. Many houseboats can be found along the river.

(Breakfast, Kanchanaburi; Lunch & Accommodations, Phitsanulok)

Phitsanulok to Lampang:
After breakfast, stop at Wat Phra Sri Mahatat, a temple built in the 13th century with its sacred Buddha Jinaraj, one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in Thailand.

Proceed to Sukhothai to visit the Historical Park of Siam's former capital - Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum, and others. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before drive on to Lampang for overnight.

(Breakfast, Phitsanulok; Accommodations, Lampang)

Lampang to Chiang Rai:
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Lampang, a calming town that boasts an authentic Northern Thailand charm with its many monuments and temples. First visiting the Emerald Buddha of Ko Kah and Wat Phra Keo Don Tao, reputedly home to a strand of the Buddha's hair! Then visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the city's oldest and most sacred temples that prominently features a gold-embossed stupa while the main edifice of the temple is built into a hill. Enter beneath arches called Pratu Khong, adorned with ornate plaster designs. The main Vihan within the temple is where a large bronze statue of Buddha sits, this one known as the Phra Chao Lan Thong. The other Vihan;s in the complex are home to ancient relics, timeworn wooden murals, and more artifacts.

After the tour of Lampang's spiritual heritage sites, drive north to Chiang Rai and check-in at your hotel.

(Breakfast, Lampang; Accommodations, Chiang Rai)

Chiang Rai:
Chiang Rai region is a beautiful and mountainous area, and shares borders with Laos and Myanmar. As a result of the political instability in bordering countries, many groups of Hill Tribes migrated into northern Thailand over the centuries. On this tour, you will drive north, via up-country villages, to visit the colorful Yao and Akha tribal villages in Mae Chan district.

These Hill tribes have settled their homes at one location and have established improved standards of living under supervision of the Thai government and with the support of Royal Projects. The tour continues to Mae Sai - the northern-most town in Thailand, at the border of Myanmar. Visit high quality and skilled Jade cutting factory and find bargains at the colorful border town market of Mae Sai.

After lunch in a local restaurant, drive along the border to The Golden Triangle where three countries converge - Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. This area was well known as the World's largest Opium trading center. Enjoy wonderful views of The Golden Triangle from the hilltops.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Chiang Rai)

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai:
Depart in the morning and proceed further north throughout a beautiful landscape in the direction of Chiang Mai.

After arrival in Chiang Mai you will visit a landmark of the North, the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The temple originates from the 13th century and is located 1050m above sea level. From up there you can enjoy a beautiful view over the city of Chiang Mai.

(Breakfast, Chiang Rai; Accommodations, Chiang Mai)

Chiang Mai:
After breakfast, the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Chiang Mai on your own! Once capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom, this grand city still holds historic remnants of its past with its hundreds of temples, walls, and moats. Although the city has become a sprawling and thoroughly modern city, its historic center has retained its authentic charm and no matter where you are you are never far from the lush countryside of Northern Thailand. Experience the local way of life strolling down the Thapae Walking Street to shop for local trinkets and handmade goods, and venture outside the city to feel the cool breeze flowing through the rice fields.



(Breakfast & Accommodations, Chiang Mai)

Chiang Mai to Phuket:
Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel to transfer you to Chiang Mai International Airport for your flight (not included) to Phuket. After arrival at the Phuket International airport, you will be met by your driver for your private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.



(Breakfast, Chiang Mai; Accommodations, Phuket)

Phuket:
After breakfast, today is at your leisure to explore and experience the island paradise of Phuket to your heart's content! Known for its beautiful scenery, pristine beaches, and spectacular culinary scene that combines a multitude of influences, Phuket is a true island paradise. Phuket is Thailand's largest island and is one of the most popular destinations within the whole country because it effortlessly encapsulates all of the traits that travelers desire when it comes to an island getaway: blue skies, white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the tropical sun bearing down your face. Towering karst mountains rise above the turquoise-blue sea, depicting an indelible paradisiac image of heaven on earth. The natural beauty is equaled by its cultural allure, boasting giant Buddha statues, historic & eclectic architecture, the aforementioned culinary scene, and a multitude of unique museums.



(Breakfast & Accommodations, Phuket)

Phuket:
This special full-day trip offers you an excursion for exploring Phang Nga Bay with a visit to Khai Nai Island by speedboat. The discovery of Phang Nga Bay will make you excited with lots of fascinating islands and limestone outcrops. Along the bay, you will enjoy scenic views of fauna and flora at Panak Island and the amazing limestone mountains at Hong Island. This trip also offers you a visit to Tapu Island (James Bond Island), Talu Cave, the fishing village called Ban Tak Dad, and the landscape of mangrove forest. Another visit is the Muslim Village called Koh Panyi which has been entirely built on pillars for 150 years. Then you will have leisure time to relax, swim, and snorkel at Khai Nai Island, a small, lovely island surrounded by coral reefs featuring white sandy beaches and colorful fish.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Phuket)

Depart Phuket:
After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to the airport for your return home, or onward to your next Avanti Destination!





(Breakfast, Phuket)

 
** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
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