Thailand Express

Grand Palace and Temples in Bangkok

Longtail Speedboat on the Mekong River

Chiang Saen, the Former Capital of the First Thai Kingdom

Exclusive Cooking Lesson and Market Visit in Chiang Mai

DAY 1

Bangkok Arrival

Welcome to Thailand! Upon exiting customs, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a bustling and vibrant city of contrasts. Evening at leisure and overnight in Bangkok.

DAY 2

Bangkok

Morning at leisure to rest after your journey. In the afternoon, explore the highlights of Bangkok. The tour includes three of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable Golden Buddha; Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok with its colossal Reclining Buddha; and the Chedis of the Kings.

The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Afternoon at leisure and overnight in Bangkok.

DAY 3

Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Saen

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide for a city tour including Wat Phra Keo, where the much venerated Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined, and Wat Phrasing, where beautiful Buddha images in Chiang Saen style are preserved.

Continue to Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Kingdom, situated directly on Mekong River at Thailand-Laos border. Visit Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti by climbing 383 steps to the top of the hill. Also explore Wat Jedi Luang and the small museum nearby. Continue by longtail speedboat upriver on the Mekong toward the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Return to your hotel and overnight.

DAY 4

Chiang Saen - Mae Salong - Chiang Rai

Depart from Chiang Saen to visit Lisu Village at Ban Mae Kaotom and continue uphill via Mae Chan to Yao and Akha hill tribe villages. Proceed to Doi Mae Salong, passing through beautiful mountain scenery. Enjoy the stunning views of Thailand, Myanmar, and the Mekong Valley.

After lunch, depart Doi Mae Salong for Mae Sai, a northernmost Thai town on the Myanmar border. Stroll through the markets and engage with the locals. Later, return to Chiang Rai with a short stop at fish cave. Overnight.

DAY 5

Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

In the morning, board a simple longtail motorboat for the three-hour journey up Kok River, passing tiny hill tribe villages, bamboo huts, and jungle scenery. Disembark at Ban Pha Tai and continue to Ban Lorcha, a Phami Akha hill tribe community center. The community-based tourism project promotes sustainable, self-reliant development to improve the quality of life of Akha villagers.

After lunch, continue to Chiang Mai via Fang and Chiang Dao. Arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. It has emerged as a leisure destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. Evening at leisure to explore the famous night market. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

DAY 6

Chiang Mai and Departure

In the morning, enjoy a cooking demonstration at Pantawan Cooking School. The program starts with a visit to the local market with the instructor. Return to your Thai-style classroom for further demonstrations before enjoying lunch in the garden.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!

Hotel Accommodations

Daily Breakfast

Private vehicle and driver

Economy airfare from Bangkok - Chiang Rai

Comprehensive touring with a private guide

Entrance fees to the monuments

Airport transfers with assistance

Road/interstate taxes, fuel surcharges, and parking fees

Mineral water during transport and touring

The World is Waiting

International airfare

Any items of a personal nature

Gratuities

Travel insurance

6 Days 5 Nights

Sawasdee.

Tour Highlights