Thailand

Referred to as the “The Land of Smiles,” Thailand is a emerging as a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Thailand is well-developed country filled with the modern spoils, yet it is still wild enough to offer an off-the-beaten path adventure like no other. For modern tourists, cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok are bustling destinations filled with activities and shopping, but you haven’t really experienced Thailand until you’re hiked into the mountains or spent some facetime with elephants. This country’s attractions are diverse and there is an experience for everyone. 

Exotic Thailand Tour

  • Day 1: U.S. - Bangkok

    Depart U.S. for Bangkok.

    Day 2: Bangkok

    Arrive in Bangkok, transfer to hotel after immigration formalities.

  • A morning city tour will take you to visit Wat Traimitr (Golden Buddha Temple), where the 5.5-ton Golden Buddha is housed; then the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Board a boat at the Tha Chang Pier and ride along the Chao Phraya River where you can observe the lifestyle of the people along the river’s banks. Enjoy a dinner show at the Siam Niramit in the evening. (B/L/D)

  • Take a drive to the Floating Market, you’ll pass sea-salt farms en route. A stop will be made at Tao Tarn where you can see how coconut sugar is traditionally made. Continue on to the Pichai Pier for a boat ride along the canals, passing through orchid plantations and houses on stilts, and arrive at the Floating Market where fresh produces and food are sold from boats. Visit the Central Thai Handicraft Center to see the art of wood-carving and Mulberry’s paper making. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Rose Garden. (B/L)

  • Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Chiang Mai and tour the city after arrival. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khan-toke (northern Thai) dinner and a hill-tribe dance show. (B/D)

  • Day 6: Chiang Mai

    Tour the city of Chiang Mai. Visit Sankhampang, a village famous for its Thai silk and cotton weaving. (B/L)

    Day 7: Chiang Mai

    Tour to the Mae Sa Elephant Camp, observe how the elephants were trained to perform heavy labor, and experience an elephant ride. A visit will be made to a local orchid farm. (B/L)

  • Depart Chiang Mai for Tha Ton on a scenic journey. After lunch, onward to Chiang Rai by boat along the Kok River and visit some hill-tribe villages en route. (B/L)

  • A full-day tour of Chiang Rai and the surrounding area; visit the Yao and the Akha hill-tribe villages in Mae Chan. Drive on to Mae Sai, the northernmost town in Thailand and bordering Burma, with its bustling marketplace. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, onward to the Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos convene. A place of mystery and excitement, serving for many years as the mysterious background of many spy novels and drug movies about opium warlords. Visit the Opium Museum. Continue on to the city of Chiang Saen on the steep banks of the Mekhong river, opposite Laos. Witness some magnificent ancient ruins and temples.

  • Day 10: Chiang Rai—Bangkok

    Transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for a domestic flight to Bangkok. Transfer to hotel after arrival. (B)

    Day 11: Bangkok

    A free day for you to explore Bangkok at your own pace. (B)

    Day 12: Bangkok—U.S.

    Transfer to Bangkok for departure. (B)

Optional two-night Phuket extension after Chiang Rai:

  • Transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for a domestic flight to Phuket. Transfer to hotel after arrival. (B)

  • Morning tour of the island of Phuket. (B)

  • Transfer to Phuket for domestic flight to Bangkok. Transfer to your hotel after arrival. (B)