Tour Detail

13 Days-12 Nights BANGKOK + PANORAMA SIC

DEPARTURE EVERY SUNDAY (AUG 24 + 01 NOV 24 -31 OCT 25) - ITALIAN SPEAKING GUIDE

HOTEL STANDARD

GALLERIA 10 BANGKOK CHILL ROOM 2 NIGHTS + HOME PHUTOEY KANCHANABURI SUPERIOR ROOM GALLERIA 10 BANGKOK CHILL ROOM 2 NIGHTS + KRUNGSRI RIVER LUXURY ROOM + SUKHOTHAI TREASURE SUPERIOR ROOM + LA LUNA CHIANG RAI GARDEN BUNGALOW + EURANA CHIANG MAI PREMIER ROOM 2 NIGHTS + FERN RESORT DELUXE ROOM + BELLEVILLA PAI DELUXE ROOM + EURANA CHIANG MAI PREMIER ROOM 1 NIGHT

HOTEL SUPERIOR

EVERGREEN LAUREL BANGKOK DELUXE ROOM 2 NIGHTS + RIVER KWAI RESOTEL KANCHANABURI SUPERIOR ROOM + EVERGREEN LAUREL BANGKOK DELUXE ROOM 1 NIGHT CLASSIC KAMEO DELUXE ROOM + LEGENDHA SUKHOTHAI DLX ROOM + THE MANTRINI CHIANG RAI SUPERIOR ROOM + THE EMPRESS CHIANG MAI DLX ROOM 2 NIGHTS + FERN RESORT DELUXE ROOM + BELLEVILLA PAI DELUXE POOL ACCESS + THE EMPRESS CHIANG MAI DLX ROOM 1 NIGHT

HOTEL DELUXE

MODE SATHORN BANGKOK DELUXE ROOM 2 NIGHTS + RIVER KWAI RESOTEL KANCHANABURI DELUXE ROOM + MODE SATHORN BANGKOK DELUXE ROOM 1 NIGHT + KANTARY AYUTTHAYA STUDIO + LEGENDHA SUKHOTHAI DELUXE ROOM + THE LEGEND CHIANG RAI SUPERIOR ROOM + AKSARA HERITAGE CHIANG MAI DELUXE ROOM 2 NIGHTS + FERN RESORT SUITE ROOM + THE QUARTER PAI DELUXE ROOM + AKSARA HERITAGE CHIANG MAI DELUXE ROOM 1 NIGHT

DAY 1 - BANGKOK - ARRIVAL. TRANSFER

DAY 2 - BANGKOK. UNUSUAL TOUR AMONG PALACES, TEMPLES, AND KUDI CHEEN. Full Day

DAY 3 - BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI, River Kwai: War Museum, Allied Cemetery, Train Ride, Prasat Muang Singh

DAY 4 - KANCHANABURI: Erawan National Park - BANGKOK

DAY 5 - BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA: Maeklong Railway, Damnoern Saduak, Bang Pa In, Ayutthaya Historical Park

DAY 6 - AYUTTHAYA - ANG THONG - SUKHOTHAI. (B.L.). Wat Muang & Wat Sang Kratai Temples, Sukhothai Historical Park

DAY 7 - SUKHOTHAI - SRI SATCHANALAI - PHAYAO - CHIANG RAI: Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkol Khiri, Vonburi House, Phayao Lake

DAY 8 - CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI: Golden Triangle, Wat Phra That Pu Khao, Opium Museum, White Temple, Mae Krachan

DAY 9 - CHIANG MAI: Elephant Sanctuary - Doi Suthep

DAY 10 - CHIANG MAI - MAE HONG SON: Doi Inthanon

DAY 11 - MAE HONG SON - PAI: Local Market, Long-necked Women, Fish Cave, Lod Cave

DAY 12 - PAI - CHIANG MAI: Santichon Village, Pai Canyon, Pong Duet Geyser, Mae Malai Local Market

DAY 13 - CHIANG MAI: Transfer

Day 1

DAY 1 - BANGKOK - ARRIVAL. TRANSFER Arrival at Bangkok airport. After collecting your luggage, proceed to Gate 4, where our English-speaking airport assistant will be waiting for you. Transfer to the hotel with a driver. Please note that rooms are guaranteed from 3:00 PM. Our Italian assistant will be waiting for you in the lobby or will contact you to arrange an appointment. The rest of the day is at your disposal for individual activities.

Day 2

DAY 2 - BANGKOK. UNUSUAL TOUR AMONG PALACES, TEMPLES, AND KUDI CHEEN. Full Day (B.L.) Breakfast at the hotel and meet your guide. The first stop of the day will be the “Temple of the Reclining Buddha.” Wat Pho is the oldest Buddhist monastery in the city and also hosts the oldest Thai massage school. Next, we will take a public boat to reach Wat Arun, or the “Temple of Dawn.” From here, it is a short distance to the characteristic Kudicheen (Kudi Chin) neighborhood. We will continue on foot to reach the small village and get to know the local community, where time seems to have stood still! We will visit the ancient bakery (Thanusingha Bakery House) that still bakes delicious sweets, the small Baan Kudi Chin museum, and the exotic Kuan An Keng Shrine. After the visits, we will proceed by car to the restaurant, which offers a splendid panoramic view of life along the Chao Praya River and the old city. In the afternoon, the last stop will be the majestic and stunning Royal Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew, the “Temple of the Emerald Buddha.” The Royal Palace also includes the Chakri Palace (visit only from the outside), Dusit Palace, and Montien Palace, the latter two being visitable only during certain periods. Around 4:30 PM, the visits will conclude and we will return to the hotel.

IMPORTANT

• Please dress appropriately, covering your shoulders and legs down to the knees.

• Please bring your passport, as it is often required for entry checks.

Day 3

DAY 3 - BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI, River Kwai: War Museum, Allied Cemetery, Train Riding, Prasat Muang Singh. (L.)

 At 06:30, meet with the guide and depart for Kanchanaburi, arriving around 09:30 to begin the tours. Kanchanaburi is a city in western Thailand, famous for the Death Railway built during World War II. The line crosses the Khwae Yai River via the Death Railway Bridge. Exhibits at the JEATH War Museum honor the prisoners of war who died building the bridge. The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre explores the broader history of the railway. Nearby, thousands of Allied soldiers are buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. At 10:45, board the train for a scenic ride to Tham Krasae. Stop for lunch and visit the area around the Tham Krasae Bridge next to the cave of the same name. In this area, the train slows to a walking pace as it crosses the precarious-looking Wang Pho Viaduct. A wall of towering rock is a short distance to the right, with a steep drop to the river and phenomenal views to the left, another highlight of the trip. After lunch, visit the Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park, where we find the remnants of the once-flourishing Khmer Empire in one of the most famous religious structures in Thailand. Historians estimate that Prasat Mueang Singh and its surrounding architectures on the banks of the Kwai Noi River were built between 857 and 1157 as a religious temple of the Khmer Kingdom. Later, the temple was abandoned until the reign of King Rama I when the Mueang Singh area became one of Kanchanaburi's border towns. However, the restoration of the structures was not completed until 1987. The main remaining structure is Prasat Mueang Sing (the Tower of the Lion City), an architecture in Khmer style with influences from Lop Buri arts. It is framed by city walls measuring 800 x 1,500 meters. During excavations, historians found valuable artifacts, antiques, ceramics, and religious ornaments over 2000 years old. Around 15:00, transfer to the hotel. Check-in. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 4

DAY 4 - KANCHANABURI: Erawan National Park - BANGKOK (B.L.)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide around 08:30, we will head to Erawan National Park. Upon arrival at Erawan Falls, we will begin our exploration. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for a short trek, bringing swimwear and towels. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant or as a packed meal. Erawan National Park holds significant importance as one of Thailand's major national parks. Located in Kanchanaburi, the park has received numerous awards, the most prestigious being the award in the natural attractions category at the sixth Thailand Tourism Industry Awards in 2006. Here you will discover the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Kanchanaburi, Erawan Falls, which flows from the mountain 2,100 meters above sea level, originating from the Huai Mong Lai River. The waterfall stretches for a length of 1,500 meters and includes seven levels, each offering a spacious and safe area for swimming and relaxation. Additionally, you can take a 30-minute walk along the Erawan Nature Trail to appreciate the beauty of the evergreen hills and deciduous forests. Around 15:00 - 15:30, we will start our journey back to Bangkok, with an estimated travel time of 3-3.5 hours. Subsequently, check in at the hotel for the overnight stay.

Day 5

DAY 5 - BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA: Maeklong Railway, Damnoern Saduak, Bang Pa In, Ayutthaya Historical Park (B.L) 260 KM

Breakfast at the hotel. At 06:30-07:00 meet the guide and depart for a beautiful day of visits to the nearby provinces of Song Khram and Ratchaburi about 100 km from Bangkok. We start with the Railway Market (Hoop Rom Market), commonly also called Siang Tai Market (life-threatening market). It is considered one of the fantastic attractions of Thailand. Spread over a length of 100 meters, the market is located on the railway near Mae Klong station. Then we proceed to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, arrive at the pier, and take a long tail boat ride through the canals for about 30 minutes to reach the Floating Market. The Damnoen Saduak market in Ratchaburi is one of the most popular floating markets in Thailand. Every day many Thai and foreign tourists arrive here to shop, eat, and absorb the atmosphere of the water markets of Thailand built over a hundred years ago. At around 11:00, depart to discover the ancient capital of Thailand. Before reaching Ayutthaya, stop at Bang Pa In, which is about 60 kilometers north of Bangkok along the banks of the Chaopraya River. It is one of the summer palaces of the Royal Family of Thailand. The palace dates back to the seventeenth century, used before Bangkok was established as the capital, then fell into disuse for a long period. All the buildings you will visit date back to its revival, made possible by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the nineteenth century. Proceed to Ayutthaya Historical Park, the city was founded in 1350 and became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which it became one of the largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas in the world and a center of global diplomacy and commerce. Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers that connected the city to the sea. This site was chosen because it was above the tide of the Gulf of Siam as it existed at that time, thus preventing the city's attack by maritime warships from other nations. Lunch is served in a local restaurant during the excursion. Check-in at the hotel is expected between 17:30-18:15.

Day 6

DAY 6 - AYUTTHAYA – ANG THONG – SUKHOTHAI. (B.L.) Temples Wat Muang & Wat Sang Kratai, Sukhothai Historical Park. 390 Km

Breakfast at the hotel. At 07:00, meet the guide and proceed to Ang Thong, where we visit Wat Muang Temple. This temple, located in Ang Thong, about ten kilometers from the city center, is best known for its huge golden sitting Buddha, 95 meters tall. It is the tallest in the country. The curiosity here is the Buddha's right hand that visitors can touch from a small stage and under which they look really tiny, and Wat Sang Kratai Temple, an ancient temple surrounded by the Bodhi tree, the tree of Enlightenment. At 09:30, depart for Sukhothai, stopping at a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, around 14:00-14:30, we arrive at Sukhothai Historical Park. The park is open daily and also offers tram service in addition to bike rentals to explore the vast area. The main points of interest are: the city walls are located in the center of the Historical Park and are surrounded by ramparts. The rectangular city measures 1330 meters in width and 1800 meters in length. The walls contain four main gates. An inscription on the stone mentions that King Ramkhamhaeng placed a bell on one of the gates. If his subjects needed help, they could ring the bell and the King would come out to make decisions on disputes and dispense justice. Inside the city are 35 monuments, including Buddhist temples and many other structures, including the Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat. Arrival at the hotel in Sukhothai is expected between 17:30 and 18:15. Overnight.

Day 7

DAY 7 - SUKHOTHAI - SRI SATCHANALAI - PHAYAO - CHIANG RAI: Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkol Khiri, Vonburi House, Phayao Lake (B.L.) 400 Km

07:00 Meet with the guide and depart for Chiang Rai, with pleasant stops along the way. Si Satchanalai Historical Park is situated on the banks of the Yom River. The ancient city, originally called Muang Chaliang, was renamed Si Satchanalai during the reign of Phra Ruang when a new administrative center was established to replace Chailang. The ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within this park. Although not an ancient temple, Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkol Khiri has beautiful architecture inspired by traditional styles, such as the Ubosot (Ordination Hall) and the Lanna style, with a teak building. The Vonburi House, built in teak wood at the end of the 1800s and early 1900s in European colonial style, is now an interesting and well-preserved house museum. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Phayao Lake is very popular among local tourists and is also an important fishing resource. Early in the morning, fishermen go out and return mid-morning to supply the lake’s restaurants, which prepare for another day of serving, featuring, of course, grilled lake fish. The lakeside is a popular recreational area with afternoon aerobics classes, families picnicking, and couples strolling in the evening along the promenade among the adjacent cafes and restaurants. Various activities are available (not included in the quote, to be arranged and paid for on-site), including renting a boat to explore the waters up to Wat Tilok Aram or renting a bicycle to wander around the lake. Arrival in Chiang Rai around 18:00-18:30. Check-in at the reserved hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 8

DAY 8 - CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI: Golden Triangle, Wat Phra That Pu Khao, Opium Museum, White Temple, Mae Krachan (B.L.) 320 Km

Breakfast. Today we begin exploring this province, the northernmost in Thailand, starting with the famous Golden Triangle, the point where the borders of Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, and Laos meet. The visit includes Wat Phra That Pu Khao, which offers a wonderful view of the Golden Triangle, the Mekong River, and the wooded mountains. Two large multi-headed Naga serpents at the base of the staircase protect the temple. Continue to the Opium Museum, which educates visitors about opium production and its use in the lives of hill tribe populations. The museum provides significant insights into the history of opium in this notorious area. Lunch at a local restaurant. On the way to Chiang Mai, stop at the famous White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, one of Chiang Rai's many religious sites. Created by the renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kosipipat, the temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha with the intention of building a heaven on earth that represents justice and encouragement of good karma. Also, visit the Mae Krachan Hot Springs. Arrival in Chiang Mai in the evening between 17:00 and 17:30. Check-in at the reserved hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 9

DAY 9 - CHIANG MAI: Elephant Sanctuary and Doi Suthep (B.L.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will have a wonderful day at an elephant sanctuary, to learn more about these pachyderms. A half-day visit offers visitors a pleasant experience with the opportunity to spend time with the elephants in their natural environment and gain an overview of their history and behavior, creating lasting memories with these wonderful animals. Approximate Itinerary: 06:30-07:00 Pick up from your hotel or accommodation by the Elephant Sanctuary. Drive for about 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forests, and local agricultural areas. 08:30 Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Meet the elephants and change into traditional Karen clothes. 09:00 Interact with the elephants. Feed, play, and learn about their behavior and history in a natural environment. Take photos with the elephants. 09:45 Mud Spa with the elephants. 10:30 Walk with the elephants to the river and bathe them. 11:30 Have lunch with a traditional meal and then say goodbye to the elephants. 12:00 Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive back to Chiang Mai, about 1.5 hours. In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, situated on a mountain offering panoramic views of the Chiang Mai hill area. Built in the early 19th century Buddhist era (now the 26th), the beauty of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is marked by seven-headed serpent statues flanking the stairs to the temple, where there is a golden pagoda in Chiang Saen style and exquisite Lanna architecture. The view of Chiang Mai from here is simply phenomenal. Return to the hotel around 16:30, time to relax.

Day 10

DAY 10 - CHIANG MAI - MAE HONG SON: Doi Inthanon (Wachirathan Waterfalls, Ang Kha Trail, Pagodas), Mae Chaem (L.)

07:00 Meet with the guide and depart for Mae Hong Son. Along the way, observe beautiful mountain landscapes, passing through Doi Inthanon National Park and beautiful waterfalls, and small rural centers like Mae Chaem and Khun Yuam. Arrival in Mae Hong Son is expected in the evening. 08:30 Arrive at Wachirathan Waterfalls, free time available. 10:00 Arrive at the summit of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, just over 2,500 meters. Free time for a walk in the evergreen forest. 11:30 Visit the Pagodas dedicated to the King and Queen. 12:30 Lunch at a local restaurant. 15:30 Pass through the small rural town of Mae Chaem. 18:30 Arrival in Mae Hong Son. Check-in at the selected hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay. DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK Located in Chiang Mai province, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, standing 2,565 meters above sea level. The Doi Inthanon National Park features many surprising variations in its lush geography and forest. It is home to rainforest, mixed forest, and pine forest. The climate is cool year-round, especially during the cold season when there is almost constant fog cover and an extraordinary phenomenon of Mae Kha Ning (frost) in the early morning. The main attractions of the park are the summit of Doi Inthanon for its spectacular morning views, several waterfalls, a few trails, and the two chedis (stupas) dedicated to the King and Queen for their 60th birthday anniversaries. Most of the waterfalls in the park have a relatively good water flow year-round, but the best season is during the rainy season from May to November. One of the park's seasonal attractions is the blooming of Thai cherry blossoms, which color the trees pink between late January and February. The park is also one of the country's main destinations for bird lovers. MAE HONG SON Bordering Burma, in northern Thailand, lies the idyllic town of Mae Hong Son. Mountains and some of Thailand’s tallest waterfalls surround the town. The easiest way to get here from Bangkok is by bus or plane. Many passengers come from Chiang Mai. The climate varies from very hot in summer to potentially dropping to zero degrees in winter. April is statistically the hottest month, while January is the best time to visit. The province's population has long been isolated from the outside world and consists of a variety of ethnic groups. Mae Hong Son has a couple of nicknames: "The Land of Three Mists" and "The Switzerland of Thailand." Both are appreciated, but the second better immerses itself in the scenery of this romantic hideaway on the border with Burma. Mae Hong Son is one of the most forested provinces in the nation, attractive to those who love cooler climates and more mountainous terrain. The cooler temperatures are one reason for the mists mentioned above, which appear throughout the year, mostly in the early morning.

Day 11

DAY 11 – MAE HONG SON – PAI. Local Market, Long Neck Women, Fish Caves, Lod Caves (B.L.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At 08:00, meet with the guide and set off to explore this beautiful green province. Start with the morning local market, then visit the two city pagodas, Wat Chong Kham and Wat Chong Klang, followed by Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu. Next, visit the village of the so-called "Long Neck Women" at Ban Huay Sua Tao. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. On the way to Pai, stop at the Fish Caves and Lod Caves, including a brief bamboo rafting journey. Arrive in Pai in the evening. Free time to relax in this magical town. Overnight in Pai.

MORNING MARKET The morning market is near Wat Hua Wiang on Sihanatbamrung Road. This bustling market is crowded from early morning until 9:00 AM. Visitors can see the local lifestyle and buy various local food products and produce.

WAT CHONG KHAM This is an old temple on the shore of Nong Chong Kham swamp. It was built in 1827 by Thai Yai craftsmen. The pillars are gilded with gold leaf. The temple houses a large Buddha statue with a width of 4.85 meters made by Burmese craftsmen. Another statue is a replica of the Buddha image in Wat Suthat in Bangkok.

WAT CHONG KLANG Wat Chong Klang, next to Wat Chong Kham, is a temple with a replica of the Phra Phuttha Sihing on the altar. There are several interesting wooden figures depicting humans and animals described in the Phra Vejsandon Jakata (pronounced Cha-dok, which means one of the strange stories of the Buddha's former incarnations) created by Burmese craftsmen and brought here in 1857. The glass paintings depict the Jakata and Prince Siddhartha, as well as represent the lifestyles of the time. The captions are in Burmese. There are also notes that the paintings were by Thai Yai craftsmen from Mandalay.

WAT PRATHAT DOI KONG MU Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu, erected by the first governor of Mae Hong Son, reflects the strong influence of the Burmese. The highlights of this attraction are the two richly decorated pagodas. Additionally, this hilltop temple offers an exceptional aerial view of the city and the surrounding mountains and valleys.

THAM PLA - PHA SUEA NATIONAL PARK Tham Pla (Fish Caves) is located about 17 kilometers from the city on Highway No. 1095 (Mae Hong Son-Pai). Tham Pla is a popular attraction in Mae Hong Son. The surrounding areas have streams and cool hill forests suitable for relaxation. A special feature is the hollow cave filled with numerous freshwater fish known as Pla Mung or Pla Khang, which are from the carp family. These sacred fish are safe from being caught.

THAM LOT Tham Lot is a massive cave system, once home to prehistoric humans. Archaeologists have discovered ancient clay pottery and a number of carved wooden coffins within the cave chambers. Tham Lot is about 77 kilometers from the city. Here, nature has created an exotic underground wonder of darkness and mystery. A stream flows from the cave mouth to the other side of the mountain. Visitors can take a raft or walk through the cave, which is about a kilometer long, filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 12

DAY 12 – PAI – CHIANG MAI. Santichon Village, Pai Canyon, Pong Duet Geyser, Mae Malai Local Market (B.L.)

Breakfast at the hotel. At 08:00, meet with the guide and depart for Chiang Mai. Along the way, stop to visit Santichon Village, in Chinese style, the geysers at Pong Duet, Pai Canyon, and the local market in Mae Malai. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Arrive in Chiang Mai in the evening. Check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay.

SANTICHON VILLAGE Santichon Village, or Yunnan Cultural Center, was settled by Chinese fleeing Mao Tse Tung's revolution. After all these years, the descendants still living here, adhering to traditional ways, have benefited from Pai's economic recovery. Santichon Village has a population of 2,000, including Yunnanese, Thai hill tribes, and former Kuomintang soldiers. Opium was once the village's mainstay, with old Chinese soldiers wandering the streets in their old Republican uniforms, automatic rifles in hand. Today it has become popular among Thai tourists, with a large tea-tasting area replacing opium as the main crop, and a souvenir market at the village entrance.

PAI CANYON Pai Canyon, known locally as Kong Lan, is described in some tourist brochures as Thailand's answer to the Grand Canyon. The geological and topographical features of the canyon are quite surprising. This unique geographical area has been formed by continuous erosion over decades to its current state. The narrow ledges and slabs carved by erosive elements have steep cliffs dropping 30 meters and a series of narrow passages cut along the ridges of giant rock walls winding through the densely forested valley. The panorama from up here is majestically beautiful and the view is impressive. The best times for a walk are before sunrise or at sunset. The entire panorama is very picturesque when the sun hits the mountain tops.

PONG DUET HOTSPRING Pong Dueat Pa Pae Hot Spring is a geyser hot spring. To be precise, it is the largest geyser hot spring in Thailand! The water is about 99 degrees Celsius and will spout about 2 meters high every 30 seconds. It is a beautiful sight. You may smell sulfur, which is found in the water, but don't worry. The smell won't be bad. You should find three separate ponds on the site. The hot water spring is the largest. There are also bathhouses for tourists who want to enjoy a bath with hot mineral water. Additionally, it can cure some types of diseases and will make you feel comfortable.

Day 13

DAY 13 – CHIANG MAI. Transfer (B.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Room available until 12:00. 2.5 hours before the flight, meet with the driver and transfer to the airport. End of services.