Day 01: Arrive Bangkok

Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel (Check in time 1500hrs). Balance of our day is free. Bangkok, the city of smiles is the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam. The City of Angels never sleeps, so there is a lot to see, do and taste.

Overnight: Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Hotel, Bangkok (2 nights)

Day 02: Bangkok

We start with exploring Bangkok with a visit to the famous Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful samples of the architecture of ­­an ancient Siamese court and residence of the Kings of Thailand. We will see palaces for different occasions, such as the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the highlight of the compound: The stunning Emerald Buddha Temple. Cross the Chaophraya River to explore the western part of Bangkok and visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Explore the local way by taking a long-tailed boat, cruising down the river to Lhong 1919, one of the very few remaining examples of classic Chinese architecture in Bangkok. It reflects the history of Thai-Chinese community dating back 130 years ago. Currently it has reclaimed a group of old warehouses and a Chinese shrine, dating back to King Rama IV (1851-1868). We then enjoy a Thai lunch at Rong Si Rim Nam, a unique warehouse restaurant by the river. After lunch, we cross the river back to the eastern part of Bangkok to Warehouse 30, Bangkok’s newest creative center and visit Pak Klong Talad, the biggest fresh flower market in Bangkok. Evening, we head out for the Yaowarat Foodie Walk & Culture Tour (not operating on Mondays). Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, is the world’s most renowned street food destination and the local favorite dining district. During this late evening adventure, we discover the sophisticated flavors of Bangkok’s 200-year old community that featuring Thai Chinese traditions and delicious food. During the tour we will walk to explore and actually taste local cuisines from 7 famous eateries, varied from street food vendors to renowned Sino-Thai diners. Between each tasting location, we get a behind-the-scenes peak of this unique neighbourhood, hearing memorable stories while we visit religious and cultural landmarks. (B, L, D)

Day 03: Bangkok/Kanchanaburi (Drive)

Morning drive to Kanchanaburi province to visit the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum, featuring a research facility dedicated to presenting the history of the Thailand–Burma Railway. The centre offers visitors a moving educational experience.  We also visit the Allied War Cemetery memorial to over 6000 allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the Death Railway during World War 2. We then visit the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai, made famous by the movie directed by David Lean taking a long–tailed boat on River Kwai to our hotel.  After some rest time and lunch, we take a long–tailed boat upstream to visit the nearby ethnic Mon Tribal Village. Here we visit the local school and meet children who are anxious to practice their English language skills. Enjoy dinner in the village followed by a performance of Mon dances.

Overnight: River Kwai Resotel Hotel, Kanchanaburi (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Kanchanaburi/Ayutthaya (Drive)

Today we head to Hellfire Pass to visit a memorial dedicated to Australian and other Allied Prisoners of War and Asian labourers who suffered and perished at Hellfire Pass and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region during the World War 2. After lunch at a local restaurant we take ride on the historic Death Railway Train, passing over the original wooden viaduct constructed by Allied POWs. Disembark from the train and drive via Suphanburi to the former capital city of Siam, Ayutthaya known as the "Venice of the East" and is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.  Check-in at our hotel with the balance of the day free at leisure.

Overnight: Kantary Hotel, Ayutthaya (1 night) (B, L)

Day 05: Ayutthaya/Sukhothai (Drive)

Today we explore Thailand’s first capital by Tuk-Tuk, a unique Thai motorized 3-wheeler, to discover the magnificent ruins and ancient temples in the historical park. Sample the famous dessert “Roti Sai Mai”, the Thai-style candyfloss. A brief stop to see the Buddha’s head entrapped by the roots of an overgrown banyan tree at Wat Maha Dhat. We have our lunch at Lopburi and visit the Prang Sam Yod (Sacred Three-Spired Pagoda) and Monkey Temple. We then proceed to Sukhothai, visiting en-route Wat Maha Dhat Phitsanuloke, home to Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image. After our arrival at Sukhothai we check in at our hotel. Remainder of our day is free at leisure.

Overnight: Sukhothai Heritage Hotel, Sukhothai (1 night) (B, L)

Day 06: Sukhothai/Chiang Mai (Drive)

We start the day with a visit to the Sukhothai Historical Park. Once a walled city surrounded by a moat, it has now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a number of fine monuments, illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture. The great civilization, which evolved in the Kingdom of Sukhothai, absorbed numerous influences and ancient local traditions; the rapid assimilation of all these elements forged what is known as the 'Sukhothai style'. We visit the Ganesha pottery village where local artisans use the ancient Sangkhalok skills to produce wonderful hand-painted dishes and other objects. After lunch at Lampang we visit Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang, housing the only Emerald Buddha other than the one in Bangkok. Arrive some rest time at our hotel in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai we are treated to a Khantoke Dinner, a tradition of the Lanna people. This is followed by a cultural show performed by various members of Yao, Lahu, Meo, Lisu, and Karen hilltribes. After dinner, we visit Chiang Mai’s colorful Night Bazaar, the city’s most popular and typical market. There are plenty of stalls selling from local crafts to fun imitation goods. It is a wonderful place to wander around and meet the local folks.

Overnight: The Rim Resort Hotel, Chiang Mai (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 07: Chiang Mai

Drive up the serpentine road to the magnificently situated Wat Doi Suthep.  Perched at the top of a forested mountain, featuring sweeping views of the city below, this is most Chiang Mai’s sacred of temple, housing a wealth of images of the Buddha and Buddhist murals and art. We then climb the 306 steps of the Naga Staircase to reach the temple.  Returning to the city, we visit  Wat Chedi Luang, “The temple of the Great Stupa” and Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple, famous for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan), which is entirely made of teakwood, it is one of the few remaining wooden structures of its sort in Chiang Mai. Our last stop will be at the city’s biggest market – Talat Warorot. (B)

Day 08: Chiang Mai

Early morning, we are transferred on Samlor (tricycle) to a nearby temple for the wonderful opportunity to make merit with the monks.  Thai Buddhists believe that by making merit, they earn happiness, peace in life, and the chance for progress in their next life, while this sacred experience creates a harmonious way to start the day for all. After breakfast at our hotel we have the day free to enjoy Chinag Mai on our own. (B)

Day 09: Chiang Mai/Phuket (Flight)

Morning, transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for our flight to Phuket.  At Phuket we are met and transferred to our hotel.  Balance of the day is free to enjoy the many attractions and sea activities that Phuket is known throughout the world.

Overnight: Mandarava Resort & Spa Hotel, Phuket (3 nights) (B)

Day 10: Phuket

Day at leisure. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Phuket. (B)

Day 11: Phuket

Day at leisure. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Phuket. (B)

Day 12: Depart Phuket

After an interesting highlight tour of Thailand, we are transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Hotel check out time is 11:00 AM. Join one of our small group tours of Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam or Malaysia. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
Email us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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