Thailand Discovery

Upon arrival you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Bangkok is an intense place of movement ~ a cityscape of high-rise buildings, expressway flyovers, colorful advertising billboards and traffic. Yet in between the skyscrapers and sophisticated shopping centers, we find stillness in the elegant temples, pagodas, spirit houses and historic sites. Dine on the Chao Phraya River aboard The Manohra, a traditional barge converted into a floating restaurant serving fine royal Thai cuisine.

Explorations begin this morning by long-tail boat. Motor upstream to Wat Arun, a remarkable Buddhist temple constructed between 1809 and 1851. Again, notice the stillness of the peaceful surrounds amidst the hustle of the city. Continue by boat across the’ river highway’ to disembark at Ta Chang Pier. We continue on foot to the Grand Palace. One of the most spectacular palaces in Thailand, construction began in 1782, after King Rama I moved his capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. From the 18th century onwards it served as the residence of the Chakri Dynasty Kings. We also visit Wat Phra Kaew, housing the Emerald Buddha, it is considered to be the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Our explorations continue through the bustling Bangkok streets to visit Wat Po, which houses the enormous reclining Buddha as well as the Chedis (stupas containing the ashes) of the Kings. Further on is the impressive Wat Trimitr, which houses a huge five-ton solid Gold Buddha. Our afternoon rounds off in Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. A maze of small roads and crowded Soi (alleys) overflowing with restaurants, shops, street markets and food stalls, selling virtually anything you can imagine. (Ladies should wear short-sleeved top with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts. Gentlemen should wear trousers and short-sleeved shirts for religious reasons.)

We take an early flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival we transfer to the hotel for check-in or to deposit your luggage (early check-in is NOT included and subject to hotel’s availability). Our explorations begin at the Wanoros local market, before taking a short "samlor" (tricycle) ride to Wat Phra Singh. This 14th century Lanna style temple has been one of Chiang Mai's most important sanctuaries. Our route continues to visit Wat Suan Dok, where the ashes of the former Kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family are interred. Our last temple visit of the day is at Wat Chedi Luang. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Our cultural explorations continue as we’re introduced to the ethnic mosaic of the Hill Tribes. There are several groups of Meo Hill tribes but the Blue and White Meo’s are the largest grouping. The people are distinguished by their costume; for example the White Meo’s wear black costume. Their village is furthest away from the city and the experience is less commercialized. The journey offers spectacular views of Northern Thailand driving through mountains and forests, ending with a visit to the 600 year- old Doi Suthep Temple near the summit of Doi Suthep. The final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpents) staircase of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated chedi (stupa) topped by a five-tiered gold umbrella, which purports to contain relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are great views over the city and valley of Chiang Mai.

An option today is to participate in a cooking class at Chiang Mai Cookery School. Discover the secrets of Thai cuisine – its subtle flavors and unique presentation. The cooking program includes an introduction to the ingredients, preparation and cooking of traditional Thai food. Soups, salads, curries, satays and deserts. Learn the Thai way to stir-fry, steam, and serve food.