Explore northern Thailand’s cultural treasures in Chiang Mai and Lampang, delve into Bangkok’s iconic landmarks and vibrant markets, and unwind with coastal adventures and natural wonders in Hua Hin.
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Explore northern Thailand’s cultural treasures in Chiang Mai and Lampang, delve into Bangkok’s iconic landmarks and vibrant markets, and unwind with coastal adventures and natural wonders in Hua Hin.
Undertake a 13-day odyssey across northern Thailand, from the enchanting Chiang Mai to the captivating Bangkok and Hua Hin. Begin with a hands-on Chiang Mai cooking class, preparing an authentic Thai feast with fresh market finds. Absorb the serene ambiance of a local temple's evening prayers and explore the vibrant Warorot Market. Head north to Lampang, a realm of teak mansions, Burmese-style temples, and charming cafes. Hike to the golden pagoda atop Doi Pu Yak, appreciating northern Thailand's lush mountains while residing in luxurious tents along the Ping River for incredible chain-free, hands-off elephant encounters.
Venture south to Bangkok, discovering the splendours of Wat Pho Temple and the iconic Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace. Marvel at the world's largest solid gold Buddha, cruise the city's tranquil canals by long-tail boat and savour diverse culinary delights in Chinatown. Traverse the historic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a 400-year-old banyan tree, and the famous Bridge on the River Kwai in Samut Songkhram. Unearth the poignant history of WWII prisoners at the Hellfire Pass Museum and Memorial Walking Trail, culminating in a train journey along the infamous Death Railway.
Embark on a scenic route from Hua Hin to Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand's inaugural coastal national park. Explore a pineapple plantation and a bustling fishing village, and cruise along the coast for breathtaking ocean vistas. Revel in a pristine beach, followed by a stroll to Phraya Nakhon Cave's sunlit pavilion. Conclude the day with a beachfront feast and leisure time before returning to Hua Hin at dusk.
From Chiang Mai:
Daily
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Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
3 Night Stay
Meal Plan: Room Only
Located at the heart of historic Chiang Mai is Tamarind Village which is a unique boutique property that serves as the perfect base for exploring the city's ancient temples and shopping districts. The name Tamarind comes from the 200-year-old tree that gives shade to the hotel, creating a cool and relaxing ambience.
This morning, be picked up and taken to Chiang Mai train station for a train departing at approx. 08:50 bound for the town of Lampang. The journey is about 2 hours and passes through some impressive scenery along the way. The countryside of northern Thailand is a site to behold and there is no better way to view it than from the comfort of a train. On arrival in Lampang, be met by the guide. Lampang is a small traditional Northern Thai town and in parts is like stepping back in time. It is common to see the locals travelling by horse drawn carriages. Lampang has quite a long history dating back to the 7th century when Queen Chammathewi the first ruler of the Lamphun area founded the town to give her son a place to govern after her death. After disembarking from the train, head down to the riverside for a walk around the main town center. See how the locals live their daily life, unchanged for centuries but still embracing aspects of the modern world. There are some beautiful spots to stop along the way, cafes and restaurants. Be sure to look up while strolling along Talad Gao Road in Lampang as the buildings have fantastic architecture. Stop at Wat Koh Walugaram and marvel at the preservation of this unique temple. After the morning walk, head to a vintage noodle shop along the road and sample the traditional Northern Thai style of cooking egg noodles. The café's posters and wall artwork are interesting and the food is delicious. After lunch, head by van for a 1 hour drive to an area known as Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat or little Bhutan. On arrival at the visitor center at the foot of the mountain, switch to a songtaew (a local open-air bus) to be taken to the starting point of the hike. Then embark on a hike up the mountain. All of the hard work of the climb is well worth it and truly rewarding when you discover this incredible part of Thailand that remain unknown to most visitors. The site at the top offers a breathtaking view and the temple is like nothing else in Thailand. The Stupas are seated on top of the rocks at the top of the mountain and it feels like a smaller and untouched version of Bagan in Myanmar. Embrace the spiritual atmosphere here and take some time to relax. With some luck, there may be some local monks on the walk. Having spent some time embracing the spectacular views over the Northern Thailand, head back down to the songtaew van and then relax in a transfer back to Chiang Mai for the evening.
This morning, transfer from Chiang Mai to The Bush Camp. Arrive in the late morning and enjoy a delicious Thai lunch. After lunch check in and prepare for the day’s activities which are set around The Bush Camp’s Elephant and Mahout Experience. Visit the “Free-roaming chain free” elephant park to feed and interact with Asia’s largest land animal. A truly once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Thailand majestic giants in their natural home. Spend time in the Elephant Café as elephants roam peacefully in front of you. Explore the life of the mahouts by seeing how they live together with nature and their elephants. Experience the traditions of the mahout by watching their families pound rice, weave their own hand made clothes and go about their daily life. Sample some of their cooking and help them make paper from elephant dung!
After the day’s activities, enjoy a sundowner on one of the many mountain-top viewpoints which overlook the majestic Ping River, the lifeblood of northern Thailand. Experience barbequed delicacies and a drink or two while watching the northern-Thai sun set behind the mountains. After watching the sun set and having time to freshen up you will return to enjoy a buffet dinner off freshly prepared Thai and western dishes whilst overlooking beautiful mountain vistas.
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The Bush Camp Chiang Mai is located on the Ping river with stunning views overlooking lush vegetation and misty mountains, typical of Northern Thailand. The Bush Camp consists of 10 tailormade, luxury tents, resembling African safari accommodation – all built by highly skilled local artisans prioritizing sustainability and supporting the local community.
Start the morning with a fresh buffet breakfast at your leisure. Afterwards head to the “Free Roaming Forest” and sample “Kafee Boran” and “Kanom Krok” a traditional coffee and breakfast snack enjoyed by the mahouts and observe how the Elephants are cared for. Watch the elephants enjoy their morning wash and learn more about how mahouts work with elephants here at The Bush Camp. Understand more about good animal husbandry techniques and how to administer veterinary care for the benefit of the pachyderms.
After a full morning of activities return to your tent to check out before enjoying lunch overlooking the mountains and Ping River.
After lunch transfer to Chiang Mai.
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3 Night Stay
Meal Plan: Room Only
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G offers 469 modern, stylishly designed rooms that will make a stay extra special, by combining comfortable features alongside trendy vibes. With floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can take in a wide view of Bangkok from each room, without experiencing any interruptions from the busy city.
Start the morning with a trip to Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok's most enchanting temple. Arrive just as the resident monks gather for their morning chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand's Buddhist heritage. After the chants, take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display. The tour then continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered Royal family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls and museums within the compound. Visit the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand, and hear about its mysterious origins. Take a break for lunch in a riverside restaurant, enjoying delicious Thai food with fabulous views. Then continue onwards to visit Wat Trimitr, on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world's largest solid gold Buddha. Afterwards take a long-tail boat and move away from the high rises of the city and venture through the quiet canals upon which the city was originally built. Catch glimpses of the olden days, passing by charming neighbourhoods built on the water's edge. Return to the main waterway, the Chao Phraya River, to visit Wat Arun and admire its incredible decoration with ceramic tiles depicting figures of Chinese soldiers and animals. After a full day of exploring Bangkok, you'll be returned to your hotel in the late afternoon.
From the savoury bites of traditional Chinese dumplings to the sweet treats of fried sugary donuts, taste the delicacies of Bangkok's famous Chinatown. Discover the Chinese culture of Bangkok through seeing, smelling and tasting. As the sun sets, Bangkok really comes alive and just about every street is filled with the great smell of delicious food that really ignites the taste buds. The neighborhood is internationally renowned for the city's longest street food stalls, and definitely there is no other way to explore the area's best kept food secrets than by foot. You'll explore the glittering and energetic Chinatown's Yaowarat Street and be introduced to the history of the area and some favorite street food artisans. Grab delicious bites of various kinds of food, from the famous Chinese dumplings, peppered pork noodles, Chinese donuts, and many more! Enjoy sweet Chinese desserts and visit a tea shop house. Following your tour, you'll be returned to your hotel.
Early this morning, drive south from Bangkok to the garden province of Samut Songkhram (80km) in the Mae Klong River delta area. Visit a unique country market along the railway tracks where local people gather to buy and sell a variety of goods. From here, the journey continues to the very famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although quite touristy today, the market remains the best example to showcase what a floating market was like decades ago.
Take a fascinating paddleboat journey through the waterways to visit a family that makes coconut sugar syrup at their teak house, and taste a glass of the sweet juice. Visit some beautiful local temples, see a 400 year-old banyan tree and interesting statues depicting the traditional art of Thai boxing. Then visit Rama II Park, which houses a local museum with traditional artifacts.
The day continues with a drive to Kanchanaburi, where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The restaurant is situated near the famous "Bridge on the River Kwai", which was built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II. Visit Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum and stroll through the historical lanes in the Pak Preak community, lined with charming shop houses built during the reign of King Rama V.
Dinner and Overnight in Kanchanaburi.
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Elegant in it's distinctive boutique style, The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort aims to be the world's best floating resort. The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort is a fancy boutique hideaway and can be found in very few places in the world. The only way to reach the resort is by boat as it actually floats on a flowing river surrounded by thick green jungle. Each luxurious and spacious floating villa is totally private and rich in custom tailored-made teakwood furniture with thatched roofing. The design is delightfully impressive with exotic decorations including natural materials and ropes. The design concept for the resort is known as "Contemporary Boutique Folk Style," for a smooth blend of local artistic traditions with the natural environment, yet different from anywhere else in its characteristic rope designs that convey an oriental air.
After a hearty breakfast, take a one-hour drive (80km) to the northwestern part of the city. Visit the Hellfire Pass Museum before embarking on a trek through the nearby canyon. The walk along the Memorial Walking Trail overlooks the hills of Myanmar. A free audio guide, narrated by former POWs, is provided to help guests understand the conditions endured by those working on the line during World War II.
After lunch at a local restaurant, take a short train ride along the infamous 'death railway' through Kwai Noi gorge.
After the ride, transfer back to Kanchanaburi for dinner at your resort.
Meal
Elegant in it's distinctive boutique style, The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort aims to be the world's best floating resort. The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort is a fancy boutique hideaway and can be found in very few places in the world. The only way to reach the resort is by boat as it actually floats on a flowing river surrounded by thick green jungle. Each luxurious and spacious floating villa is totally private and rich in custom tailored-made teakwood furniture with thatched roofing. The design is delightfully impressive with exotic decorations including natural materials and ropes. The design concept for the resort is known as "Contemporary Boutique Folk Style," for a smooth blend of local artistic traditions with the natural environment, yet different from anywhere else in its characteristic rope designs that convey an oriental air.
After breakfast, visit Prasat Muang Singh, a Khmer temple complex dating back to the Angkorian period. Walk around the peaceful historical ruins and explore the history and culture of the area before driving to beach town of Hua Hin.
Meal
3 Night Stay
Meal Plan: Room Only
Hua Hin is magical in its old day charms. The quaint and quiet Hua Hin beach resort atmosphere, a place for a romantic seaside escape. Devasom Hua Hin Resort, an award-winning Hua Hin resort, is located on a peaceful private beach between Chaam and Hua Hin. With 24 sea view hotel rooms and villas, the small luxury hotel and beach resort offer a unique beachfront relaxing retreat.
Spend the day exploring the south's wild landscapes on this tour of Sam Roi Yot National Park. Meaning "Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks", Sam Roi Yot was Thailand's first coastal national park and covers an expansive stretch of wetlands, limestone mountains and beaches. Today's visit covers a mix of sights, giving a taste of the wonderful diversity of this part of the country. Set off from Hua Hin on a scenic drive to the south. After passing through the park's entrance, you'll visit a pineapple plantation and learn how these tasty fruits are grown and harvested. Continue onwards to Bang-Pu, a thriving fishing village for a glimpse into the lives of the fishermen. Then board a motorboat and cruise away from the shoreline to enjoy fabulous views of the ocean and coast. After 20 minutes, the boat will dock at a beautiful stretch of beach. Walk to the nearby entrance of Phraya Nakhon Cave where a longer, 430-metre walk awaits. Although called a "cave" Phraya Nakhon is actually a sunlit cavern formed by two sinkholes. Travel deeper into the earth, enjoying the surreal landscapes before reaching the centre of the cavern. Be amazed at the site of a royal pavilion, surrounded by dripping stalactites and illuminated by the sun filtering through. Return to the beach where a delicious lunch awaits. The afternoon is free to relax on the pristine sands and swim in the warm sea before returning to Hua Hin and being transferred back to your hotel.
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