Amazing Thailand Package 10 days

Bangkok

Bangkok is excess in all of its unrestrained glory. Bigger, better, more: the city is insatiable, a monster that feeds on concrete, shopping malls and diesel exhaust. The city demands that you be in the present and in the moment, not necessarily for a religious epiphany, but because the city is self-absorbed and superficial, blissfully free of wrinkle-inducing self-reflection. Smiles and sà·nùk (the Thai word for ‘fun’) are the key passports into Bangkok society. A compliment here, a joke there – the demands of social lubrication in this megalopolis are more akin to a small village than an anonymous city and a necessity for survival.

As Bangkok forcefully kneads out of you all demands for order and predictability, you’ll understand the famous Thai smile. It is the metaphorical brakes on the urban overdrive. Packed into these concrete corridors are religious spectacle, unapologetic consumerism and multi-flavoured hedonism – corrupting and purifying souls within footsteps of each other. A tragicomic confluence of human desires and aspirations best viewed through a detached smile.

Of the famous and infamous attractions, Bangkok’s best feature is its intermingling of opposites. A modern world of affluence orbits around a serene traditional core. Step outside the four-star hotels into a typical Siamese village where taxi drivers knock back energy drinks and upcountry transplants grill chicken on a streetside barbecue. Hop the Skytrain to the glitzy shopping malls where trust-fund babies examine luxury brands as carefully as the housewives inspect produce at the open-air markets. Or appreciate the attempts at enlightenment at the city’s famous temples and doorstep shrines, or simple acts of kindness amid the urban bustle.

You can jump between all of these worlds – wining and hobnobbing at a chic club, eating at a streetside market, getting plucked and pummelled into something more beautiful, or sweating profusely on a long unplanned march. Bangkok is an urban connoisseur’s dream come true.

Chiang Mai   Located more than 700km northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai has in excess of 300 temples (121 within the thêtsàbaan or municipal limits) – almost as many as are in Bangkok – a circumstance that makes the old city centre visually striking. Thais idealise their beloved northern capital as a quaint, moated and walled city surrounded by mountains with legendary, mystical attributes. In reality, Chiang Mai is a dynamic and modern city, which has successfully managed to combine its rich history and traditions with its increasingly modern side. However, a result of this rapid development has been the rise in traffic and pollution. Environmentalists are also voicing concerns about development of the verdant and auspicious Doi Suthep mountain (1676m), located to the west of the city, and sometimes referred to as Chiang Mai’s lungs.   Chiang Mai has always had many feathers to its bow with its cultural riches, relative peacefulness, fantastic handicraft shopping, delicious food and proximity to many natural treasures. Changes are afoot however, with the city becoming somewhere to watch in the style stakes. Chic, Thai-style boutique hotels are popping up everywhere, and one look at the trendsetters setting up shop (and bars and restaurants), particularly in the Th Nimmanhaemin area, shows that the city’s identity is changing. Yet, the northern capital still manages to retain the relaxed, temple-sprinkled, cultural capital atmosphere of yore, alongside these new hip happenings. With its many and varied attractions, the days of Chiang Mai just being a quick stop off point before heading to the hills are long gone.

  Chiang Rai   The quieter neighbor of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a land of outstanding natural beauty, where visitors looking to avoid the hordes can visit remote hill tribes, spot exotic wildlife, and check out the golden triangle, the former center of the world’s opium trade.     Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Meng Rai established it as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai and since that time Chiang Rai has lived in the shadow of its neighboring province, though for tourists this is a good thing.   Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is a magical experience; explore the mountains of the north along various hiking trails, many of which access the villages of diverse hill tribes groups, many of whom maintain their traditional lifestyles.    Chiang Rai town, which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ than its more popular neighbor, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to leave their troubles behind.    Chiang Rai, the former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders, including the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Burma come together; an area that was once the hub of opium production, a trade that had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Chiang Rai had stayed off the tourist radar for many years, its people enjoying very leisurely development and mostly traditional, rural lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character.    Recently tourism has boomed in Chiang Rai, where visitors have come to explore the pristine natural beauty of the countryside and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities. Fortunately for tourists, Chiang Rai is also a center for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.   

+ Phuket    What comes into the mind of travellers when we talk about sea, sun and sand? Phuket must definitely be one of the answers. Especially when we think about the island in which there is plenty of accommodation and all kinds of facilities. In addition, a number of various activities can also be found in this island.

In the early Christian Era, the cape of Phuket was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, while locals called it Thalang, which evolved to Thanlng the name of the main town to the north of the island. As the perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and aslo Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin. In 1785, Thaland town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united the local resedents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as 'Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, repectively. There are still hightly respected by Phuket residents even today.

When the city was in a peaceful state, the development of mining was so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving weath. The island's long history has shaped the distintive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket style of hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walk of life.

Duration : 10 days / 9 nights

Tour route : Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Pai-Mae Hong Son-Chiang Mai-Phuket

Brief description : The best cultures and backgrounds makes Thailand an interesting and memorable country to visit. More people visit Thailand than any other country in Southeast Asia. This is no surprise as the Royal Kingdom of Thailand has much to offer for the visitor: historic culture, lively arts, beautiful beaches, a good nightlife, friendly and hospitable people and last but not least one of the best cuisines in the world. Travel in Thailand is easy due to a good network of trains, busses and airplanes.

Day 01: Upon Arrival Bangkok     Upon arrival at Suwarnabhumi airport, meet and greet our tour guide and then transfer to your hotel to check in, free at leisure.  

Day 02: Bangkok City Temple Tour – Royal Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha. (B, L)    Breakfast at hotel and then sightseeing tour to visit: At first visit to Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the temple is famous for its 900-years old five-and-a-half-ton solid gold image, and then continue to visit Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok. After that, visit to Wat Po, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, as well as the largest single Buddha image: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas), also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage Reclining Buddha. Lunch on own, after lunch, we continue to visit the most famous tourist places in Bangkok, Royal Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound and is where you will end up after exiting Wat Phra Kaew. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Wat Phra Kaew and the more European inspired designs of the Grand Palace (the roof being the exception). After this place we back to the hotel and free at leisure.    Overnight in Bangkok      

Day 03: Half Day Tour Damnoensaduak Floating Market. (B)    Today, early morning, pick you up at the hotel and then transfer to one of the most attracting floating market of Thailand namely Damnernsaduak Floating Market. There, you have a chance to take a boat observing the lifestyle of local people along the small canals. You will only visit the coconut farm and taste some coconut juice but also you will find the variety of seasonal fruits such as rumbutan, mangoes, papaya and etc. Then, we return back to the hotel and free at leisure or shopping in the afternoon.    Overnight in Bangkok    

Day 04: Bangkok - Chiang Mai -- Doi Suthep Tour. (B, D) (By flight)    Today take flight to the north of Thailand - that is Chiang Mai. Arrival in Chiang Mai, meet the tour guide and then transfer to the hotel. After that, transfer to visit Doi Suthep Temple which is one of the most sacred temples in Chiangmai - Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Located on hilltop in Northern-Thai style and containing holy relic of Lord Buddha and enjoy seeing panoramic view of the whole city. Return to the hotel and relax on your own. In the evening enjoy the famous dinner "Khantoke Dinner" also known as the Northern welcome dinner including hill tribe dancing.    Overnight in Chiang Mai   

Day 05: Elephant Safari at Mae Taeng - Ox-Cart Riding - Bamboo Rafting. (B, L)    Breakfast at hotel, embark to the Elephants Camp to see the elephants at work in a jungle area. See how the elephants are trained for working with human and the elephant shows. Then, you will be on an exciting elephant ride along the trails and followed by Ox-Cart ride back to the camp. Lunch at the elephant camp. Afternoon, enjoy with local handicraft bamboo rafting along Mae Taeng river. Return to Chiang Mai and an additional stop will be at Orchid Nursery. Transfer to your hotel.    Overnight in Chiang Mai   

Day 06: Chiang Rai Golden Triangle. (B, L)    After breakfast, transfer to Mae Sai Border. One of the biggest border market of Thai (Thai - Myanmar Border). There you see several products such local foods, clothes, jewelry, silverware, stones and etc. Lunch at the local restaurant. Continue to Golden Triangle where the 3 borders (Laos, Myanmar & Thailand) are met and also connected to China by the boat as well. In the past, Chinese used this route for delivering the opium to Siam Country before spreading to any others. Later on, visit the Opium House, which is located nearby. You will find the Opium routing, the history, galleries, accessories and etc. After that, return to the hotel and free at your leisure.    Overnight in Chiang Mai  

Day 07: Chiang Mai – Phuket (B) (By flight)    Breakfast at hotel and free at leisure till transfer to airport to flight to Phuket. Arrive at Phuket airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel, check in and free at leisure.   

Day 08: Full Day Join Phi Phi Island Tour. (B, L)    Breakfast at hotel, and then join transfer by minivan to the pier to take a speed boat trip to Phi Phi Island.  09.00  Departs from Chalong Pier to “Phi Phi Islay Island” for swimming and sightseeing at “Maya Bay” (The Beach of movie was taken here). Enjoy snorkeling and feeding colorful fishes at “Loh Samah Bay”. Sightseeing at “Peleh Cove” and Viking Cave” 12.00   Arrive at “Phi Phi Don Island” enjoy feeding the Monkey by a piece of bananas. 12.30   Lunch will be served at Phi Phi Don. 02.00   Enjoy swimming with crystal clear water and snorkeling with plentiful coral reefs and feeding fishes at Monkey Beach 03.00   Arrive at “Khai Nok Island” enjoy your activities like swimming, sunbathing and feeding fishes. 04.00   Back to Chalong Pier and transfer to your hotel.   Overnight in Phuket    

Day 09: Phuket Free Day. (B)    Breakfast at hotel, then free at leisure or relax on the beach.   Overnight in Phuket    

Day 10: Phuket – Bangkok – Departure. (B)    Breakfast at hotel, then free at leisure till time transfer to Phuket airport for your flight back to Bangkok.