DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK

Welcome to Bangkok! On arrival you will be met and transferred by private car to your choice of hotel. Today is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. Overnight: Bangkok, Novotel on Siam Square (Standard), Royal Orchid Sheraton (First Class) or Shangri-La Bangkok (Deluxe) for 3 nights.

DAY 2: FLOATING MARKETS & RIVER KWAI

Travel through Bangkok’s rural edges before boarding a long-tailed boat for a cruise to the famous floating markets. Continue on to the River Kwai and its infamous bridge. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the bridge, the JEATH War Museum and the Allied War Grave Cemetery. (L)

DAY 3: TEMPLES TOUR & DINNER CRUISE

Visit three of the most distinguished temples in Bangkok – The temples of the Golden Buddha, Reclining Buddha - the largest and oldest in Bangkok - and Marble Temple, built with white Italian marble. This evening, enjoy a variety of Thai cuisine and entertainment while cruising along the River of Kings. Pass the Temple of Dawn and Grand Palace. (D)

DAY 4: BANGKOK – CHIANG MAI

Transfer by private car to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, the gateway city to Thailand’s lush northern region and its rustic hilltribe villages (flight not included). The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Chiang Mai, Novotel Chiang Mai (Standard), Holiday Inn Chiang Mai (First Class) or The Chedi (Deluxe) for 3 nights.

DAY 5: CHIANG RAI & GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Visit the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. Travel through scenic countryside, stopping at the Hot Springs at Maekajan. From high on the hillside, there are magnificent views over the triangle made by the convergence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. Stop for lunch at the northern most border between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) before continuing past Hill Tribe villages, whose cultures are virtually untouched by the modern world. Return to Chiang Mai this evening. (L)

DAY 6: HALF DAY CITY & TEMPLES TOUR

Visit the most sacred temple in the north, the 600 year old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Climb the 290 steps to the temple for panoramic views of the city. Continue on to visit Wat Suandok and Wat Chedi Luang, home to a chedi built in 1411.

DAY 7: CHIANG MAI – PHUKET

Today is at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Phuket (flight not included). Located off the southwest coast of Thailand, Phuket offers some of the finest beaches in the region. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Phuket, Novotel Phuket Resort (Standard), Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort (First Class) or Sheraton Grande Laguna (Deluxe) for 4 nights.

DAY 8: HALF DAY PHUKET SAFARI

Travel by 4WD through the Chalong highlands to Siam Safari Elephant Camp. Learn about these amazing creatures and the mahouts who take care of them. On elephant back, journey through the jungle, with views over Chalong Bay and Phi Phi Island. Later, see a Thai cooking demonstration, watch monkeys pick coconuts and ride in a buffalo-pulled cart. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (L)

DAY 9: PHANG NGA ECO TOUR

Cruise to Phang Nga Bay, better known for the location of James Bond Island. Pass spectacular limestone cliffs, mangroves and grotto caves. Enjoy lunch at a sea gypsy village, then stop at a secluded beach ideal for relaxing and swimming. (L)

DAY 10: PHUKET AT LEISURE

Enjoy a day at leisure to discover this incredible island. Perhaps visit the lively local markets to hunt for souvenirs, relax at one of the many beautiful beaches, or take a safari into the lush jungle.

DAY 11: DEPART PHUKET

Transfer to the airport by private car for your onward flight (flight not included).

Departs: Daily

EXTEND YOUR STAY IN THAILAND
This is a suggested itinerary to give you a “Taste of Thailand.” Add additional nights to your vacation in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket and choose from our wide selection of additional sightseeing available.

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS 2 days/1 night Bangkok-Chiang Mai Price from US$1299 per person twin share Discover rural Thailand—its rice fields, villages and water buffalo—in luxury  on this legendary overnight rail journey. Relax in style aboard the elegant Eastern & Oriental Express — designed to recreate the ambience of the 1930’s. Enjoy refined style and splendor, delicious cuisine and superb service. There are 3 categories of sleeping compartments to choose from: – Pullman Superior Cabin – State Cabin – Presidential Suite Departs: September–April, select dates OTHER LUXURY RAIL JOURNEYS AVAILABLE 2 nights Chiang Mai – Bangkok (departs select Wednesdays) 3 nights Bangkok – Singapore (departs select Sundays) 2 nights Singapore – Bangkok (departs select Thursdays) Itineraries/departure dates subject to change. Special deposit and cancellation fees apply.

Prices are “from” and seasonal surcharges may apply. Room category is run of house unless otherwise specified. Ask for details on higher room categories. Flights not included.

Tour Code: THAI