Thailand - Ancient Capitals & Countryside
Departure Dates
Tour Rates
Tour Itinerary
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$1549
02/24/2010
$1549
04/14/2010
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NOTE: Specials are marked with a *
Land Only
Door to Door - your free ride from home to the airport.
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14 days, 27 meals
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand.
Day 2: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins
You arrive in Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
A vibrant city, today Bangkok is a central economic hub for Southeast Asia. Blending with its modern-day might is a captivating history that more than 10 million inhabitants call their own. A city tour of Bangkok provides you with insight into the fascinating religious composition of this area during visits to two of Bangkok's famous temples: The Golden Buddha, clad in plaster centuries ago to hide its value from marauders, was rediscovered by a fortunate accident in 1957; The Reclining Buddha is about 150' long and is clad in pure gold. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782.Tonight you will be treated to a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Travel to the colorful and bustling floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting long tail boat cruise through the legendary canals, known as Klongs. Later, you travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge inspired the movie about its construction by Allied prisoners of war during WWII who were coerced into building it by Japanese troops.
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya's Golden Age of over 400 years of prosperity came to an abrupt end when the Burmese invaded and ravaged it before abandoning the city for the jungle. The Ayutthaya Historical Park, located on the ruins of the ancient city, is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds spectacular ruins dating from the 14th century. After a moving visit, continue to Phitsanulok for the evening.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Journeying north to Sukhothai, which presided as Thailand’s capital from 1238-1376, you'll explore this walled city that created a legacy of a unified nation of Thai people and has a phenomenal artistic heritage. The impressive assembly of elegant ruins is one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Later, arrive in Lampang, the north's second largest town and an important center for the teak industry. Lampang is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Relax this evening at your hotel located on the banks of the Wang River, a popular hideaway for nature lovers.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Travel through the countryside to Chiang Rai in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of Lanna Thai, the “Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields.” Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time at your hotel situated on an island in the Mae Kok River.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
This morning, travel to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. En route you have the opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha Hill Tribe villages as well as picturesque terraced farming areas. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother of Thailand, realized that education was critical in the reduction of opium cultivation. Learn about her efforts at the Doi Tung "Flag Mountain" Development Project, created to help improve the lives of the local villagers by offering alternatives to opium agriculture and use.Next, take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular Mae Fah Luang Foundation, "Mother to Us All Garden," inspired by the much-loved Princess Mother's living in Switzerland. Learn about many traditional local crafts at the Cottage Industries Center and Outlets, where you will find woven textiles, hand-made mulberry bark paper and mountain-grown coffee beans.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
A visit to the Hall of Opium takes you on a journey into this mysterious world. Using state-of-the-art multimedia, the exhibition depicts more than 5,000 years of use and abuse of opiates, its spread throughout the world, and international efforts to control it. Next, enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Mekong River area in the most relaxing way - by long tail boat. Cross the river on this unique vessel to Laos. You will have time to wander through a small village town, send a postcard, get your passport stamped or do some shopping. Return to Chiang Rai for an afternoon at leisure.
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Begin the day traveling south to Chiang Mai, known as the "Rose of the North". This city is famous for diverse cuisine, dialects and architecture, as well as the celebration of many festivals. Tour the cottage industries area and see the local artisans at work. You may shop there for silk, silver, celadon (the distinctive Thai green stoneware) and lacquer at bargain prices.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai brings you to the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness elephants at work & play at Maesa Elephant Camp. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many varieties of the national flower of Thailand. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribe people.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
This morning you will visit one of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Dio Suthep, which is situated 3,520 feet above sea level. This temple is said to have been founded in 1383 and is a sacred site to many Thai people. Visit a jade factory and learn the history of this luminescent stone. A short film explains the basics of the process of turning jade into jewelry and other products before you watch the craftsmen at work and learn how to tell jade from its imitations. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the Night Market.
Today breakfast will be included.
A short flight* brings you back to Bangkok. Today you may wish to take an optional tour of legendary American businessman Jim Thompson’s house. This magnificent Thai-styled home contains an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. Thompson single-handedly revived the Thai silk industry after WWII and then mysteriously disappeared. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Today your tour concludes in the city of Bangkok.
Today breakfast will be included.
Click here for full details!
Fly with us! Check out the benefits of booking your air through Collette!14 days, 27 meals
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand.
Day 2: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins
You arrive in Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Accommodations
Day 3: Bangkok
A vibrant city, today Bangkok is a central economic hub for Southeast Asia. Blending with its modern-day might is a captivating history that more than 10 million inhabitants call their own. A city tour of Bangkok provides you with insight into the fascinating religious composition of this area during visits to two of Bangkok's famous temples: The Golden Buddha, clad in plaster centuries ago to hide its value from marauders, was rediscovered by a fortunate accident in 1957; The Reclining Buddha is about 150' long and is clad in pure gold. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 4: Bangkok
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Accommodations
Day 5: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Phitsanulok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya's Golden Age of over 400 years of prosperity came to an abrupt end when the Burmese invaded and ravaged it before abandoning the city for the jungle. The Ayutthaya Historical Park, located on the ruins of the ancient city, is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds spectacular ruins dating from the 14th century. After a moving visit, continue to Phitsanulok for the evening.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 6: Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Lampang
Journeying north to Sukhothai, which presided as Thailand’s capital from 1238-1376, you'll explore this walled city that created a legacy of a unified nation of Thai people and has a phenomenal artistic heritage. The impressive assembly of elegant ruins is one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Later, arrive in Lampang, the north's second largest town and an important center for the teak industry. Lampang is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Relax this evening at your hotel located on the banks of the Wang River, a popular hideaway for nature lovers.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 7: Lampang - Chiang Rai
Travel through the countryside to Chiang Rai in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of Lanna Thai, the “Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields.” Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time at your hotel situated on an island in the Mae Kok River.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 8: Chiang Rai - Doi Tung - Chiang Rai
This morning, travel to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. En route you have the opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha Hill Tribe villages as well as picturesque terraced farming areas. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother of Thailand, realized that education was critical in the reduction of opium cultivation. Learn about her efforts at the Doi Tung "Flag Mountain" Development Project, created to help improve the lives of the local villagers by offering alternatives to opium agriculture and use.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 9: Chiang Rai - Laos - Chiang Rai
A visit to the Hall of Opium takes you on a journey into this mysterious world. Using state-of-the-art multimedia, the exhibition depicts more than 5,000 years of use and abuse of opiates, its spread throughout the world, and international efforts to control it. Next, enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Mekong River area in the most relaxing way - by long tail boat. Cross the river on this unique vessel to Laos. You will have time to wander through a small village town, send a postcard, get your passport stamped or do some shopping. Return to Chiang Rai for an afternoon at leisure.
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Accommodations
Day 10: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
Begin the day traveling south to Chiang Mai, known as the "Rose of the North". This city is famous for diverse cuisine, dialects and architecture, as well as the celebration of many festivals. Tour the cottage industries area and see the local artisans at work. You may shop there for silk, silver, celadon (the distinctive Thai green stoneware) and lacquer at bargain prices.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 11: Chiang Mai
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 12: Chiang Mai
This morning you will visit one of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Dio Suthep, which is situated 3,520 feet above sea level. This temple is said to have been founded in 1383 and is a sacred site to many Thai people. Visit a jade factory and learn the history of this luminescent stone. A short film explains the basics of the process of turning jade into jewelry and other products before you watch the craftsmen at work and learn how to tell jade from its imitations. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the Night Market.
Today breakfast will be included.
Accommodations
Day 13: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight* brings you back to Bangkok. Today you may wish to take an optional tour of legendary American businessman Jim Thompson’s house. This magnificent Thai-styled home contains an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. Thompson single-handedly revived the Thai silk industry after WWII and then mysteriously disappeared. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Accommodations
Day 14: Bangkok - Tour Ends
Today your tour concludes in the city of Bangkok.
Today breakfast will be included.