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. However, 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. Notice the stillness of your peaceful surroundings amidst the hustle of the city. Continue by boat across the ‘river highway’ to disembark at Ta Chang Pier. We continue by foot to the Grand Palace, one of the most spectacular palaces in Thailand. Construction on the Grand Palace began in 1782, after King Rama I moved his capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. From the 18th century and onward, it served as the residence of the Chakri Dynasty Kings. We also visit Wat Phra Kaew, the temple of the Emerald Buddha. This temple is considered 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, sells 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 drop-off 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.

(4-5 hours transfer by road) It’s a considerable transfer day as we journey through stunning scenery for Chiang Rai (the Golden Triangle). There are numerous stops en route including the Hot Springs at Mekajan. From a viewpoint set high on the hillside, there are magnificent views over the Mekong and Ruak Rivers, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before starting the return journey. Visits are made at the border town of Mae Sai and you’ll encounter the Akha and Yao hill tribe villages along the way. Anticipate a late afternoon arrival and check-in at the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

MAHOUT TRAINING and ELEPHANT TREKKING.
The tented camp experience offers a unique opportunity to interact with the elephants and participate in an elephant trek. Put on traditional mahout outfits and start by learning the golden rules of how to behave around elephants, then the basic vocal commands and finally how to get on and off safely. Accompanied by the elephant’s own mahout, you will learn the basic commands needed to drive an elephant and put those skills to work on a mounted exploration of the Thai jungle. Sundowners will be served when the sun begins to set over the horizon, after which the elephants will be released into the jungle for night feeding.

The jungle in the immediate vicinity of the camp is a haven of exotic tropical fauna and flora. Options include guided nature walks or jungle trekking, bird watching or exploration by long-tail boat. Or choose to rejuvenate with spa treatments and traditional Thai massage.

A leisurely morning takes us to a noon check-out before we transfer to the airport for your return flight to Bangkok. The afternoon is open to design with a designated guide and driver for flexible city touring or shopping.

We transfer you to the airport for your onward flight home.