Thailand Temptations - 13 Days

Today you will board your flight to Bangkok.

Arrive at the Bangkok Airport and proceed towards the exit gate and you will be met by our local representative to assist and transfer you to the hotel.

Check in and afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening, meet your group and the guide and depart for Wanfah Dinner Cruise.

Wanfah is an open-air antique teakwood barge lavishly fitted out and inspired by traditional Lanna architecture; serving its guests authentic Thai dishes. You will also be entertained by classical Thai music and cultural performances. Needless to say, this is one of the most traditional and romantic dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River.

Overnight: Pullman Bangkok Hotel G (Deluxe Room)

Pullman Bangkok Hotel is close to various shopping, business and entertainment centres. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Featuring modern and stylish interiors, rooms at Pullman Hotel G features spectacular views of the city. Each room has a flat-screen satellite TV, an iPod docking station and a minibar. Complimentary bathroom amenities are provided. Guests can enjoy an invigorating fitness session at the gym or relax at the sauna and spa pool. The Hotel houses on-site drinking and dining options.

Meals: Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, interact with Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, co-founder of the Blue Elephant Group, which she started with her husband, Karl Steppe in Brussels in 1980. Chef Nooror continues to play a significant role as an ambassador in promoting Thai cuisine and culture worldwide. Chef Nooror has established her name not only for her original and historical knowledge of Thai cuisine, but also her culinary skills also extend to Indian and French cuisine, and this is frequently reflected in some of her innovative dishes and presentation.

The interaction and presentation is followed by lunch at the Blue Elephant restaurant itself.

In the afternoon depart for a Half Day Tour to Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn.

The Grand Palace, the former residence of Thai kings, is a “must see” for every visitor in Bangkok. Located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings), the Grand Palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which houses Thailand’s most precious image of the Lord Buddha. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is a giant lying Buddha, covered in gold leaf.

Then visit the most photographed sights in Bangkok, the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). The majestic shrine has a pagoda of 76 m high. It is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces which reflect the rising sun and gave the temple its name. It is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location, but also because the design is very different than the other temples you can visit in Bangkok. Wat Arun is partly made up of colorfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water.

You will then be transferred to Asiatique – The Riverfront, on a long tailed boat.

In the evening the enjoy the Joe Louise Puppet Show with Dinner.

A performance of traditional Thai puppetry from the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre in Bangkok has won the highest accolade in the World Festival of Puppet Art held recently in Prague. The bi-annual competition attracts the best puppeteers in the world and this year’s success by the Joe Louis troupe emulates their achievement in 2006 when they won the award for Best Traditional Performance. It’s a remarkable story for an art form that had virtually died out in Thailand and is testimony to the efforts of the late Sakorn Yangkhieosod (nicknamed Joe Louis) who revived the ancient art and whose legacy can be seen at the Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre in Bangkok.

Overnight: Pullman Bangkok Hotel G (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Start your day early (assisted by a wakeup call). Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for an Excursion to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (100 Km) and Maeklong Railway Market.

Discover the way Bangkok used to be, at the Damnoen Saduak Floating market with its many colors, flavors and exotic fragrances. Start with a scenic ride on a narrow longtail-speedboat, passing riverside villages and fruit plantations, before entering the vibrant market. There will be many photo-opportunities along the way and on the colorful market on the water.

Afterwards proceed to the Railway Market in Samut Songkhram. The market- stalls are literally on the railway tracks, so when a train approaches, vendors scramble to clear away their produces from the tracks. A truly unique experience!!

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (Baan Amphawa or similar) and return to Bangkok.

Evening is at leisure.

Optional: Evening Skybar & Street Food Tour with guide (Join-in group by public transport / Time: 5:30PM - 9:30 PM)

Enjoy cocktail drink at the famous Sky bar in Bangkok and taste authentic Thai foods at the local street food restaurants.

Pick up from your hotel in Bangkok and transfer to Village of Love (Bangrak district) by public transport. Taste some traditional Thai dessert and drink Chinese herbal drink and proceed to the famous Sky bar at "Le Bua hotel". Enjoy your cocktail drink "Hangovertini" which made for the cast and crew for Hangover movies part 2. Walk in the hidden area of the Village of Love and taste the authentic Thai foods at the local E-sarn food restaurant which has the main ingredient "Sticky rice". Take Tuk-Tuk, the famous mode of transport in Bangkok to Chinatown, World Best Street food in 2017. Enjoy walking in the Chinatown at night and taste the famous "Guay Jab", Roll noodle with pepper soup as well as the desserts at the famous street vendor before return to your hotel in Bangkok by public transport.

Tour Features:

• Pick up from your hotel in Bangkok at 5:30 p.m.
• Transfer to Village of Love in Bangkok by public transport
• Taste some traditional Thai dessert and drink Chinese herbal drink
• Enjoy your cocktail drink "Hangovertini" at the famous Sky bar at "Le Bua hotel"
• Taste the authentic Thai foods at the local E-sarn food restaurant
• Take Tuk-Tuk to Chinatown, World’s Best Street Food (2017)
• Enjoy walking in the Chinatown, taste "Guay Jab" and desserts at the famous street food vendors
• Return to your hotel in Bangkok by public transport

Remarks:

• Time above is approximate
• Smart casual dress for the sky bar
• Minimum drinking age is 21 years
• Please advise for any food allergies or special requirement
• Program may be subject to change according to the weather conditions

Overnight: Pullman Bangkok Hotel G (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Early Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out and you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Chiang Rai.

Arrive at the Chiang Rai Airport and you will be met by our local representative to assist and transfer you to the hotel.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant followed by a Half Day Sightseeing Tour of Wat Rong Khun (The While Temple) and Baan Dam (Black House).

Wat Rong Khun is absolutely one of a kind amazing masterpiece. It is considered the most beautiful temple built in this century. The masterpiece of the artist Chalarmchai Kositpipat, who is famous for his extravagant and unique Buddhism-related paintings, Wat Rong Khun reflects the artist’s grand visions of heaven, hell and Nirvana.

After spending some time at the temple, visit Baan Dam (Black House). It is the house of the other National artist, Mr. Thawan Duchanee. The house is a huge teak hall with several other teak buildings decorated with unique art work. Contrasting to the white temple, this Black House presented the belief in Death and Darkness.

Rest of the evening is at leisure. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Imperial River House Resort (Deluxe Garden Room)

River House Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai boasts a privileged location on the banks of the River Kok. Its luxurious rooms offer views over the river or outdoor swimming pool, as well as free WiFi access. Rooms at the Resort provide stylish furniture, fresh white walls and wooden floors. Each room provides a flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels and equipped with tea and coffee makers and bathroom toiletries. The large outdoor swimming pool overlooks the river, guests can enjoy the spa pool and well-equipped fitness centre. At the spa and wellness centre, a range of beauty treatments are on offer, as well as relaxing massage therapies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Set out from your hotel in Chiang Rai and drive to the mountains to visit the villages of the Akha and Yao people. The Akha hill tribe is known for their beautiful and exotic traditional dress, which you can see being spun, woven, and dyed as you wander through town. Learn about the elaborate headdresses worn by women of the tribe and their significance. In the Yao village, learn about the group's traditional culture, religious habits, and tumultuous history from your guide as you walk through the streets.

Continue on to the Golden Triangle area where the mighty Mae Khong River joining the Ruak River and forming the triangle with the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos convene. Lunch will be provided at local restaurant. Visit Hall of Opium Museum then continues on to the old city of Chiang Saen (A.D.1260) on the steep banks of Mae Khong River opposite to Laos, to witness some magnificent ancient ruins and temples.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight: Imperial River House Resort (Deluxe Garden Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, you will get a Hands-on Experience of Thai cooking and understanding of traditional Thai ingredients. Head out to a local fresh market to buy the ingredients needed to start your culinary journey, with your chef to select the right ingredients that make Thai cuisine such delectable. Back in your class room, depending on the season, you will be cooking various famous Thai dishes, together with learning more about the abundance of fruits and vegetables that too are part of this world-renowned cuisine. At the end of the class, it is trying out what you’ve cooked.

After lunch depart by road to Chiang Mai and stop at the Raintree Foundation enroute. Enriching Lives Exclusive Excursion: Participate in a charity for local female hill tribes support by Raintree Foundation (donations not included). https://raintree-foundation.org/

Arrive and Check in. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

After dinner depart to visit the night market.

Overnight: Dusit D2 Chiang Mai (Deluxe Room)

DusitD2 offers 5-star accommodation and boasts a beautiful décor, an outdoor pool and restaurant. The design of the hotel blends the modern interiors with a touch of traditional Thai décor. Each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and minibar. They have large seating areas and some rooms have a dressing room. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage in the award-winning Devarana Spa’s luxurious treatment suites, or admire city and mountain views while exercising at the well-equipped DFit Health Club on the top floor. Moxie Restaurant offers a regularly updated international menu. Mix Bar boasts of a lighted wine wall behind the bar. Guests can avail of 24-hour room service.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for a Half Day Visit to the Elephant Eco Valley. Experience elephants up-close and personal while feeding and bathing them, learning about herbal treatments, and helping make their herb ‘n’ fruit vitamin balls. At this no-riding elephant adventure, you hang out and walk beside your new buddies. Tour the Elephant Culture Museum and learn about their heritage, anatomy, amazing abilities, and the profound relationship between these gentle giants and people. Elephant EcoValley lies in the lush green Maetaman Valley about an hour north of Chiang Mai.

Activities include:

* Harvest grass/vegetation for elephant snacks along the way

* Hike to Upper Eco Valley with your personal elephants (no riding)

* Plant a banana tree or herbs. Make herb ‘n’ fruit nutritional vitamin balls & these to the elephants (they love them!)

* Share a mud bath with your new buddies (Watch or wash’ em yourself!)

* Shower outdoors overlooking a mountain stream.

Enjoy lunch with the beautiful scenery in the elephant camp.

In the afternoon experience Bamboo Rafting. The raft is about 7.5 m long and 1.5 m wide can accommodate up to 4 people float leisurely down a beautiful 3 km stretch of the Mae Taman River, with a few faster flowing sections along the way. During approximately 45 minutes rafting, one can enjoy the flora and fauna and the beautiful scenery along the river.

In the evening enjoy Khantoke Dinner at Khum Khantoke or similar.

Overnight: Dusit D2 Chiang Mai (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Depart to visit the Chiang Mai Women’s Prison Massage Centre; however, a massage cannot be guaranteed for all participants, as they do not take advance reservations. A relaxing Thai traditional massage at regular massage shops can be arranged outside the Centre after the visit.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Depart for a Half Day Sightseeing of Wiang Kum Kam and Horse Carriage Ride.

Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city dating back to the eighth-century Haripunchai Kingdom. It served as the capital of the then Lanna Kingdom for a short while until Chiang Mai was chosen to replace it in 1296. Rather than being left in ruin, the city was completely submerged under the Ping River, which suddenly changed its course and swept the whole city under. Had it not been accidentally rediscovered (in 1984), the story of Wiang Kum Kam would just be a legend.

Take a horse drawn carriage to enjoy the ruins during the sunset.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Dusit D2 Chiang Mai (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out and depart for a Half Day Chiang Mai City and Temples Tour.

Your guide will take you around the famous city for an up-close and personal look at some of its most notable temples. Visit the Wat Phra Singh which houses the beautiful Lai Kham Chapel with its exquisite wood carving and northern style murals. Afterwards visit Wat Suan Dok, which was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch's pleasure gardens. There are several white Chedi's, which contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. Wat Suan Dok is now one most famous temple for Monk School in Chiang Mai.

Conclude your tour with a visit of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain, and the most sacred in Northern Thailand. Your experienced guide will explain the story of the temple, the white elephant and lead you around its impressive chedi and show its beautiful murals. In the late afternoon, the tourist masses have already left the temple grounds and dusk will give a very special atmosphere. After your private blessing ceremony, witness the magical evening chanting of the monks and city lights looking back over Chiang Mai.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Phuket.

Upon arrival in Phuket, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Phuket. The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the surroundings.

Overnight: Andaman Sea view Hotel (Superior Room)

Situated across the road from Karon Beach, this Phuket property faces the Andaman Sea. Boasting 2 dining options and 2 outdoor pools, it features spacious rooms with a private balcony and Wi-Fi access. Offering 24-hour room service, Maneekram Restaurant serves the daily breakfast, offering a set menu at lunch and dinner. The Pool Snackbar serves drinks, along with light meals like sandwiches, salads and desserts.Fitted with tiled flooring, contemporary air-conditioned rooms at Andaman Seaview Hotel feature Sino-Portuguese influence. A TV with cable channels, tea/coffee making facilities and a minibar are included.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional: Full day Phi Phi Island tour by shared speedboat (join-in tour).

Explore the beautiful Phi Phi Islands by traveling onboard a speedboat on this tour. The Phi Phi Islands are widely regarded as a must-see while staying in Phuket. They feature striking limestone cliffs surrounded by white-sand beaches and crystal-clear tropical seas full of vibrant corals and friendly fish. Maya Bay is the most famous of the sites to see, it being the setting for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. Viking Cave is also a very interesting spot, where ancient paintings appear to depict Viking long ships. Along with these and other sites, the day-long tour includes an international buffet lunch and round-trip transport to and from your hotel.

Highlights of this tour:

* The set of The Beach on Maya Beach

* Wall paintings of Viking ships in Viking Cave

* Wild monkeys on Monkey Beach

* Swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear seas

* Relaxing on soft white-sand beaches of Bamboo Island

* International buffet lunch

* Local English-speaking guide 8-hour tour

Overnight: Andaman Sea view Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Andaman Sea view Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the afternoon, check out and you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast