Jewels of Thailand Uncovered

Discover the lifestyle and traditions of the Thai people on this full-day guided trip of Bangkok, using public transport. Start early with a ride on the air-conditioned elevated Sky Train (BTS). Disembark at BTS National Stadium Station and take a short walk to Jim Thompson House. Explore the idyllic gardens and traditional buildings, showcasing the life of this famous, mysterious American silk merchant. Next, board a ‘bus boat’ that takes you along the city’s canals, giving you an insight into the lives of locals. On arrival at the terminal station, hop on one of Thailand’s famous three-wheeled ‘tuk tuks.’ Whiz through quieter city streets to Soi Ban Batra to visit the family-run workshop that produces monks’ alms bowls. Watch the artisans at work as you learn about the daily lives of Buddhist monks. Finally, visit the outstanding temple of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, before heading back to the hotel. (Duration: Full Day; Time: 0800 hrs; Private Activity; Included: Use of Public Transport; Meal not included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please dress appropriately for visits to palaces and temples. Wear comfortable walking shoes; Important Note: Shorts, mini-skirts, tight fitting trousers, sleeveless shirts or vests, and sandals are not allowed)

Experience rural Thailand when you drive from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. Stop at the Maeklong Railway Market, and walk through this unusual bazaar along a railway track. Locals set up shop just outside the station and a train rolls through the marketplace eight times a day. A warning bell sounds when the train is two minutes away, and within seconds the shopkeepers recede the awnings to reveal the passage. Once the train passes, the vendors extend the canopies back in place and continue their business. Next, head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where hawkers sell their wares from longtail boats. On weekends, venture further inland to the Tha Kha Floating Market, set amid sugar plantations. Here, you will come across several boat vendors selling a variety of ready-to-eat foods. Then, take a paddle boat ride to visit a family-run palm sugar factory and see how palm sap is harvested, refined and molded. Finally, stop at the iconic Bridge on the River Kwai, before heading to your hotel in Kanchanaburi. (En route; Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: no; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy)

Discover Erawan National Park and its seven tiers of cascading waterfalls, near the Myanmar border. Reach this beautiful park and trek along a dense forest trail, while taking in a series of smaller cascades along the way. Pass the first level, Lai Kheun Rung and follow your guide to Wang Mat Cha. Continue hiking to arrive at Oke Nang Phee Suae and Bur Mai Long falls. From here, the route leading toward Dong Pruk Sa gets slightly steeper. Traverse footbridges and ascend steps carved on the mountain face, to arrive at the crest of Erawan Falls. Spend time at the top cataract, which resembles the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology. While returning to base, you could take a dip in one of the pools, before heading to the River Kwai station. Take a short ride on the historic Death Railway. Travel across the Kwai Noi Gorge, pass through Tham Krasae Bridge and disembark at Wang Pho Viaduct. Stroll along the original wooden trestles of this iconic landmark, before returning to your hotel in Kanchanaburi. (Duration: full day; Seasonal: Oct-April; Time: 0830 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meal included: no; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance)

Visit first the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace, an excellent architectural blend of the East and West, with beautiful gardens. Ayutthaya, was once the Thai Kingdoms capital for 417yrs. The ruins of this former city are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the ruins of Wat Prasrisanphet, a former royal temple during Ayutthaya’s days of glory; Wat Mahathat, where the roots of a tree surround the head of Buddha.

In the late 13th/14th century, Sukhothai was the first capital city of the former Kingdom of Siam. Today it is a UNESCO protected historical park as it exemplifies the glory of original Siamese architecture and houses over 190 ruins related to the first Thai state. Discover the temple zone, especially the Wat Mathathat, the kingdom’s spiritual center with its prominent yet unique Sukhothai lotus-bud chedi (stupa or Buddhist shrine). The Wat Phra Pai Luang showcases early 13th century Khmer and Lopburi architecture, whilst the Wat Sri Sawai boasts floral stucco reliefs and Lopburi-style ‘apsaras’ (celestial nymphs). Don’t miss the Wat Sri Chum that holds much mystery with its ‘Phra Atjana’ or ‘immovable Buddha’ that stretches 15 meters tall and 11 meters wide!

There’s so much to see and do when driving down from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai! Follow the route via the mountains to Lampang, where just a few kilometers away from the city you will stop at Wat Phratat Lampang Luang. Built largely of teak wood, this wat (temple) once contained the famous Emerald Buddha Statue, which is today housed in the Wat Phra Keio. Drive further for another 20 km before reaching Tungvien market, where the inhabitants from the surrounding mountains gather to sell all kinds of exotic animals to eat ..if you have the stomach for it! Then visit Lampuhn city, to see Wat Haripunchai – one of the oldest temples in northern Thailand. Arrive in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai by late afternoon.

Explore the wonders of Chiang Mai by foot! Begin your walking tour of this charismatic city at the banks of Mae Ping River. At Warorot Market, you will be greeted by excited locals hunting for exotic culinary delights, colorful fruits and spices, and a variety of household staples. Walk down to the historic Tapae Gate and the Three Kings Monuments, before visiting Wat Chiang Man, which is the oldest temple in the region. Take a fortifying lunch break at a local restaurant, sampling local delicacies. Afterwards, drive up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, an iconic temple site in Northern Thailand. The climb up the famous Naga staircase offers spectacular photo opportunities of the city spread out below in all its glory. At the top, admire the enormous temple gong and unending row of temple bells. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Timing: 0800-1700 hours; Included: Local guide & lunch; Please be suitably attired for temple visit with covered and loose fitting clothes – shorts, mini-skirts, tight-fitting trousers, sleeveless shirts or vests are not allowed inside the temple).

Discover the fantastic natural beauty of Thailand’s northern region. Set out for Ban Mae Klang Luang, a picturesque Karen village featuring wooden stilted houses. Get a glimpse into the intriguing culture of this hill tribe, engaging with locals and learning about their livelihood at mountainside coffee plantations. Further, hike inside the Doi Inthanon National Park, passing by several trickling streams and beautiful cascades. Soak in the pristine and diverse forest ecosystem teeming with interesting wildlife, and dotted with several shrines and stupas. Situated at the edge of the Himalayas, a few rare species of flora and fauna call this region home. Enjoy ambling along a fairytale-like wooden bridge trail above the Ang Ka Luang swamp forest, known for myriad birdlife. Conclude the Doi Inthanon hike at one of the most spectacular sites, the Wachiratharn Waterfall. Be amazed at the stunning 70-metre fall which crashes into refreshing shallow pools at the base. Rest, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before heading back. (Full day; 08:00 – 17:00; Private activity & transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate to difficult 2 hours trek, Notes: Suitable only for guests with good fitness and a sense of uphill/downhill balance, suitable for families with teenage kids but not younger than 13 years old).

Set off on a drive to Chiang Rai stopping en route to explore Mae Kampong, a village that sits nestled in the mountains surrounded by lush greenery. Wander around the local market with its exotic aromas and colorful displays, interacting with locals and browsing through their wares. Traverse across the nearby forest until you come upon a lovely waterfall. Capture images of the natural beauty of the region before making your way back to the village. Rest your feet and savor a cup of freshly brewed coffee before returning to your vehicle for the drive into the mountains. Relish a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Chiang Rai. (Full Day; Duration: 6 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meal Included: Lunch; Fitness Level: Easy. Drinking water will be provided.)

Explore the temples of Chiang Rai on this fabulous tour, which showcases a fascinating fusion of Thai and Burmese architecture. Begin your exploration at the modern temple of Wat Rong Khun, which was designed and constructed in 1997 with intricately carved white glass. With its sparkling exterior, it is a delight to witness in the daytime! Continue onwards to Wat Rong Sua Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, which is known for its fine sculptures and unique architecture. A short drive away from the heart of the city lies Baan Dam, or The Black House. This beautiful studio, museum and home was created by celebrated artist Thawan Duchanee to showcase an artful blend of traditional Thai architecture and quirky modern design. Afterwards, lunch is served at a charming restaurant on the banks of Kok River. (Half Day; Time: 0830 to 1330 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meal Included: Lunch. Please note that shorts, miniskirts, tights, sleeveless shirts, vests and sandals are not allowed inside temples.)