Bangkok - Northern Thailand: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Phuket

Day 1: Bangkok

BANGKOK
Transfer from the airport (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang) to the hotel. Half day visit to the Royal Palace, symbol of the nation and the most glorified monument in the whole country. Inside we visit Wat Phra Keo which houses the Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Colored Towers. Photography is permitted outside the palace and around the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, but not inside the buildings. Suitable clothing is required for the visit of the palace: T-shirts and shorts are not allowed, it is necessary to wear long-sleeved shirts or in any case have shoulders covered and trousers or skirts up to the knee. You are required to take off your shoes to enter the temples. Back to the hotel.

Day 2: Bangkok

BANGKOK (Breakfast)
Early morning departure from Bangkok to reach the Damnersaduak pier in the Ratchaburi province, where one of the liveliest and most colorful floating markets in the whole of Asia is located. We pass through Mae Klong and visit the so-called Railway Market, unique in the world in that a train passes through slow speed through the market at certain times of day, forcing vendors to move their wares quickly. We arrive at the floating market, where people, aboard traditional pirogues loaded with fruit, vegetables and other products, meet to buy and sell. Trade takes place from boat to boat creating a floating market. Return to Bangkok and transfer to the hotel. Daily excursion on SIC basis with departure only in the morning at 7:00.

Day 3: Chiang Rai

BANGKOK - CHIANG RAI (Breakfast, Lunch)
Transfer from hotel to airport (Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang). Flight to Chiang Rai (not included). Transfer to the hotel. Lunch at the hotel. Continue to the center of Chiang Rai to visit the most important temples of the city, Wat Phra Kaew. It is here that the Emerald Buddha was found in 1434, which is now visible at the homonymous temple inside the Royal Palace in Bangkok.

Day 4: Chiang Mai

CHIANG RAI – CHIANG MAI (Breakfast, Lunch)
Departure for Chiang Saen to embark on motor launches for a trip on the Mekong River, which here marks the border between Thailand and Laos. We arrive at the famous Golden Triangle viewpoint, from which we observe the shores of Burma, Laos and Thailand. Visit to the interesting Opium Museum. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Return to Chiang Rai to visit the famous Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple. One of a kind, this temple was conceived in a dream by a world famous local artist and built entirely at his expense. The style, extremely modern and imaginative, is totally different from any other Buddhist temple. Departure to reach Chiang Mai via Doi Sakhet, passing by national parks and through a very luxuriant nature typical of the north of the country. Arrive in the city and visit the temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most revered and famous temple in the North. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 5: Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI (Breakfast, Lunch)
Early morning departure for the visit of the famous long-necked women of the Padaung ethnic group Departure for the visit of “Wiang Kum Kam” an ancient city located in the Saraphi district about 3 km south of the south-eastern corner of the center of Chiang Mai. According to chronicles and archaeological evidence, the old city was built by King Mangrai around the latter part of the 13th century. The city was established as a new capital by the king after his victory over the Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai, modern-day Lamphun. Due to repeated flooding, a new capital, Chiang Mai, was built a few years later. Wiang Kum Kam flourished during the reign of the Mangrai dynasty until the end of the 16th century. Traces were then lost for many years, until 1984, when Unit 4 of the Department of Fine Arts discovered the remains of the old city around Wihan Kan Thom at Wat Chang Kham and excavations were subsequently started; many new remains have since been found and restorations have continued ever since. The main temple in the city is Wat Chedi Liam (originally Wat Ku Kham), which is still occupied by monks. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Return to Chiang Mai and visit of the old city on board the cyclo, the traditional means of transport in many Asian countries. Visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Sing. At the end, some local handicraft factories are visited. Free time for shopping. Back to the hotel

Day 6: Phuket

CHIANG MAI - PHUKET (Breakfast)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Phuket (not included). Transfer from Phuket airport to Phuket hotel. (No Guides)

Day 7: Phuket

PHUKET (Breakfast)
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Phuket

PHUKET (Breakfast)
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Phuket

PHUKET (Breakfast)
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Phuket

PHUKET (Breakfast)
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11:

PHUKET (Breakfast)
Transfer from Phuket hotel to airport. (No Guides)