ThaiMazing Cultural Odyssey

Arrive at Bangkok International airport, where you will meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel.

This morning, begin your tour through the bustling streets of Bangkok. The first stop is Wat Trimit, housing the impressive three-meter high, five-ton solid gold Buddha.  Next you will visit Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.  Then, marvel at the sea of colors at the flower market in Pakklong Talad. Finally drive up Rajdamnern Avenue, lined with mid-century hotels and shops.

(canals) in a long tail boat, in which you can enjoy scenes of Bangkok life.  We will bring you to a more traditional and serene way of living around Thonburi residential areas, away from all the skyscrapers and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre.  Stop by the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun).  Continue with a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand is a must. The palace, which is the former royal residence of the Chakri Kings, is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years.  Today, the palace is Bangkok’s major landmark and most popular tourist attraction.

The afternoon will be free at leisure.

Depart from Bangkok to the world-famous River Kwai. On the way, stop at the Damnern Saduak Floating Market. Arrive at Kanchanaburi (River Kwai) and board a train to travel on the historical railway passing by the viaduct. After lunch at a local restaurant visit Hell Fire Pass and the JEATH War Museum, then in the late afternoon, board a long tail boat and transfer to your Jungle Raft, a Thai-style accommodation that floats on a bamboo raft. Dinner will be served at the resort.

After breakfast, transfer from your resort by boat to the pier. Begin your journey northward to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. On the way, visit Don Rak War Cemetery, the final resting place of the 6,982 Alled POWs who perished during the construction of the railway and learn more about this enormous endeavor at the interactive Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum featuring photographic and physical memorabilia dating from the Second World War.  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by visits to Ayutthaya’s Historical Parks and ancient temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Chai Watanaram.  Check in at the hotel where dinner is served.

Today you will leave Ayutthaya to Sukhothai.  Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13thh and 14^th centuries.  It has several fine monuments, illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture.  En route stop for lunch in Lopburi and briefly view the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot.  Upon arrival in Phitsanulok, we visit Wat Pra Sri Rattana Maha Dhat which contains Phra Buddha Chinnarat, one of the most beautiful Buddha images in the country.  Later transfer to Sukhothai for check in at your hotel and relax.  Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, a short drive to Sukhothai and looking around the splendid ancient city. Begin exploring the Sukhothai Historical Park with a stop at the Ramkamhaeng National Museum, home to a great collection of sculpture, notably a walking Buddha.  The museum provides a good starting point for an exploration of the ruins of Sukhothai.  A replica of the famous Ramkhamhaeng inscription is kept here amongst a good collection of Sukhothai artefacts.  Following on, we will visit Wat Mahathat, the most magnificent of Sukhothai’s temples, it features a chedi in the form of a lotus bud.  Go on to the Khmer style Wat Sri Sawai possible built as a shrine to the Hindu god Shiva and later converted to Buddhist use.  Lunch at a local restaurant, then travel to the northern city of Chiang Rai. Upon Arrival, visit Wat Rong Sua Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, the new landmark of the area.  The temple presents its own unique architecture and fine scripture art worth visiting.  Check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, drive out of Chiang Rai to Mae Chan district and get into touch with ethnic groups emigrated from different parts of China and now settled down in northern Thailand. Visit simple Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The Akha, originated in Tibet, and the Yao originated in China, are heavily influenced by Chinese traditions. Learn about their living style nowadays and how they pursue cultural customs of their ancient, Chinese ancestors. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, check-in to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a Lanna-style Kantoke dinner and a traditional Northern Thai dance performance.

Experience a day of adventure at Elephant Day Care Pattaya Farm, an ideal trip to share love and care for elephants. “Elephant Caregiver for a day” emphasizing on care taking of pregnant and young elephants. Program is suitable for elephant lovers of all ages to have quality time interacting with Thai elephants. Visitors will have once in a lifetime experience participating in our elephant breeding program and giving daily healthcare for our pregnant elephants and their small babies. You will be trained in how to approach and be near elephants, feed them, give the elephant a morning health check, walk the elephant to drink water and give them a proper bath in the river. Then together, we are going to take elephants for walking exercise to feed on the mountain. Thai picnic lunch will be set up in the middle of the forest while you can observe elephants resting and feeding in the natural environment.  After the visit, return to Chiang Mai city to visit Phra That Doi Suthep Temple.  Enjoy a local dinner in the evening at The Gallery Restaurant (Thai Set Dinner).

After breakfast, visit a local handicraft centre to see how traditional paper umbrellas are made. In the afternoon you will transfer to Chiang Mai airport to board your flight back to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight to Canada.

B – Breakfast          L – Lunch          D – Dinner          SD – Special Dinner