Thailand Shrines and Shores 8-Day Cultural Tour (Deluxe)

Discover the cultural and natural riches of Thailand on this 8-day tour to one of the most dynamic destinations in Southeast Asia. Explore important historic sights, cruise along breathtaking shorelines, and wander through traditional rural villages on the Thailand travel experience of a lifetime. Join This Adventure Tour Supplier for a high-end adventure to experience the endless cultural wonders and scenic landscapes of this exciting Southeast Asia destination.

Our carefully crafted 8-day “Shrines and Shores of Thailand” itinerary (outlined below) features a variety of the top monuments, attractions, and destinations throughout Thailand. Enjoy six days of fascinating cultural tours and unique Thai experiences in and around the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai, followed by two days of peace and relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Phuket.

Highlights of the journey include guided tours to visit important sites, such as the ruins of Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Siam; a scenic boat cruise to explore the famous Golden Triangle region; and the rare opportunity to visit the villages of the Karen Hill Tribes. Guests will also enjoy the exclusive chance to meet and work one-on-one with a Thai chef to learn about local ingredients and culinary practices.

Throughout the journey, guests will be accompanied by trained, knowledgeable guides for a stimulating immersion into Thai life and culture. Guests will also stay in comfort in deluxe or superior accommodations. This Adventure Tour Supplier specialized in high-end tours to Southeast Asia; therefore, we guarantee first-class service throughout your trip. Join us for a memorable experience to discover the cultural delights of Thailand, one of the top destinations in Indochina.

This Adventure Tour Supplier offers various Thailand tour options, including deluxe and superior packages. Outlined below are pricing options for both high and low season.

Price Description: The tour cost is based in $USD for deluxe or superior hotel accommodations. Prices are outlined below. The price is per person and based on twin/double shared, and is not to be applied for December 20, 2009 – January 10, 2010. Prices are subject to change due to space availability when making reservations as well as airfare increases. Compulsory gala dinner might be applied on Dec 24th and/or Dec 31st.

May 1st to July 15, 2009 AND September 1st to October 31, 2009:
Deluxe Hotels:
- 2-3 pax: $2,634
- 4-6 pax: $2,432
Single Room Supplement: $1,212

July 16th to August 31st, 2009:
Deluxe Hotels:
- 2-3 pax: $2,655
- 4-6 pax: $2,353
Single Room Supplement: $1,233

November 1s, 2009 to January 10, 2010 AND April 11th to April 30th, 2010:
Deluxe Hotels:
- 2-3 pax: $2,839
- 4-6 pax: $2,667
Single Room Supplement: $1,376

January 11th to April 10th, 2010:
Deluxe Hotels:
- 2-3 pax: $3,002
- 4-6 pax: $2,830
Single Room Supplement: $1,539

Included in this tour:
- Accommodations with daily breakfast
- Stationed English speaking guides – one guide in Bangkok, one guide in Chiang Rai, and one guide in Chiang Mai
- All private transfers and transportation
- Entrance fees
- Air-tickets (economy class, including airport taxes): BKK-CEI (Bangkok to Chiang Rai); CNX-HKT (Chiang Mai to Phuket); HKT-BKK (Phuket to Bangkok)
- Meals as per itinerary (no water/drinks)
- Special activities as specified
- Cold water & towel on sightseeing days

Excluded from this tour:
- All flights and taxes not specified
- Other meals not specified and all drinks at meals
- Hotel early check in/late check out
- Donations to orphanages
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips & gratuities
- Other services not listed in the itinerary

Note: The check in time is at 1400 and the check out time is 1200 at all hotels.

Detailed Itinerary:

DAY 1: Bangkok – Arrival (Own ticket)
Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will meet your guide and be transferred to the hotel (early check-in is subject to availability). In the afternoon, guests will enjoy a boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River. This tour will be on a long tailed speedboat and allow us to observe the daily life and activities of local Thai people. We will also visit other top Bangkok attractions, including the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace, and the Emerald Buddha Temple. After the city tour we will return to the hotel by road. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Meals: None
Accommodation: In Bangkok

DAY 2: Full day trip to Ayuthaya and Bang Pa-In Palace
Today guests will enjoy a full day-trip to Ayuthaya, a fascinating historic site located 85 kilometers north of Bangkok. This important complex was once the proud and powerful ancient capital of Siam (the former name of Thailand) until its destruction approximately 230 years ago. Much of the fabulous and ornate city was lost at this time; however, the ruins that remain provide visitors with an excellent idea of life during the four centuries of the Kings of Ayuthaya’s rule. Today’s cultural tour will also take us to the nearby Bang Pa-In Palace, the summer palace of the present day Chakri Dynasty.

After a day of sightseeing, we will board our cruise boat for a leisurely ride down the Chao Phaya River for our return to Bangkok. Along the way, we will take in all of the splendid scenery of typical Thai water life. Guests will enjoy a delicious and sumptuous buffet lunch, served onboard (food only).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Bangkok

DAY 3: Bangkok to Chiang Rai (Air)
After breakfast guests will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival we will explore Chiang Rai, the northernmost city of Thailand. During our city tour, we will visit several interesting architectural works that combine Thai and Burmese influences. A highlight of the tour is the temple of Wat Phra Kaew, an ancient structure that was built in the 12th century during the Lanna Empire. It was here that the Emerald Buddha was discovered and later moved to Bangkok (today a replica stands in the spot where it was found).

After our city tour, we will board a rickshaw to visit a local market, where we will enjoy the colorful sight of the Thai people and their lifestyle. Guests will also have the opportunity to buy some local gifts. After a visit to the market, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. In the afternoon, we will visit the Hall of Opium, an excellent museum that traces the fascinating history of opium and details how the drug trade made its way to the Golden Triangle. We will then cross the Burmese border at Mae Sai before embarking on a boat cruise to explore the famous Golden Triangle region. During our outing, we will briefly venture across the Laos border. After the boat tour, guests will be transferred back to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Chiang Rai

DAY 4: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
After breakfast guests will check out of the hotel before beginning the day’s activities. Today we will have the rare opportunity to visit the Karen Hill Tribes (Long Neck People). This indigenous group is well known for their long neck women who begin wearing heavy brass necklaces around their necks at a very young age (a woman who wears a great number of brass necklaces signifies a woman of great beauty). It is believed that this group of people migrated from a territory to the far north of Burma (possibly Tibet). The Karen people, renowned for their weaving skills, produce beautifully colored garments. We will have the opportunity to stop by the village of the Lisu Hill Tribe, a group that is well known for their elaborate clothing. During festive occasions, the women are endowed with abundant amounts of jewelry.

We will stop for lunch at Tha Thon, a strategic landing point between Burma and Thailand. After lunch our day-trip continues to Phatai with a visit to the Lahu Hill Tribe Village, where visitors will embark on a boat cruise on the Kok River. The trip is a lively experience as the river is filled with rocks and small rapids. The journey offers a picturesque view of natural riverbanks and another glimpse of local river-life. The boat cruise ends at the Pong Nam Lon Hot Springs, where guests will transferred to Chiang Mai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chiang Mai

DAY 5: Chiang Mai
After breakfast guests will enjoy a family atmosphere as we learn cooking secrets with Chef Sawat. Our teacher for today’s culinary experience is an accomplished local chef who first worked with travelers during his experience as a trekking guide. After working as a guide, Chef Sawat eventually turned to his passion for cooking by setting up an organic farmhouse and garden of Thai herbs and tropical fruits with his Belgian wife, Natalie. He is now an experienced chef who knows about local ingredients and how to use them in delicious meals. Guests will have the exclusive chance to work with him and learn his secrets – a rare treat!

Our culinary experience will begin with a visit to local Ruamchook market with Chef Sawat. Ruamchook is a large and clean market, located just outside the city on the way to Chef Sawat’s farmhouse. At the farmhouse, guests will visit the organic garden, pick some fresh herbs, and cook one-on-one with the chef. During the process, you will learn how to pound the curry paste and make authentic Thai curry. This delicious meal will be topped off with a dessert featuring the sweet fruits picked right from the trees.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a cultural tour of the historic city of Chiang Mai. The tour will feature three of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai; Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chedi Luang and lastly Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the highlight of our outing. Situated high in the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep is the guardian temple of this enchanting city. After a 290-step climb, we will be rewarded with the sight of this beautifully gilded temple and superb panoramic views of the city. After exploring the temple, guests will be transferred back to the hotel for a chance to unwind and relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chiang Mai

DAY 6: Chiang Mai – Phuket (Air)
After breakfast guests will be at their leisure until their transfer to the airport for the flight to Phuket. Upon arrive arrival in Phuket, guests will be picked up and transferred to the hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city or relax. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Phuket

DAY 7: Phuket (Sun, sand & sea)
Today is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beach in Phuket.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Phuket

DAY 8: Puhket – Bangkok (Air), Bangkok – Departure (Own ticket)
Guests are free at leisure until their transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok and connection to onward flight home after an unforgettable journey to Thailand (check out time 1200).
Meals: Breakfast
End of Services