Essential Highlights of Thailand 10 days

You will start out with a visit to the Grand Palace and the “Emerald Buddha Temple”, Wat Phra Kaeo. Before entering the main gate to the temple of the Emerald Buddha, you can stop by the Royal Regalia Museum to see the beauty of its decorative jewelry, which used to be the ornaments of royal officers and consorts. You’ll continue exploring Wat Pho, the “Reclining Buddha Temple,” the oldest and biggest temple, with the largest number of pagodas (95 in all).

This afternoon, you will visit "Arts of the Kingdom", a magnificent exhibition of exquisite but rarely seen traditional Thai crafts, reflecting decades of work initiated under The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques or the Support Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

You will have free until time transfer to the airport for the flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, located on a mountain overlooking the city and the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. It contains a holy relic of Lord Buddha, with a challenging climb of over 300 steps, flanked by enormous mythological Nagas. A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level.

You will then drive down to Chiang Mai's old town and proceed to Wat Suan Dok for an exclusive monk chat. Experience Dhamma of Buddhism and the local lifestyle which is deeply tied to Buddhism. The Monk Chat Session gives you an opportunity to have an interactive communication with Thai monks by talking informally. Buddhism and Thai culture, as well as general topics about Thai ways of living, can be discussed at the session. You will then transfer to your hotel for check in and free time before an overnight stay in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, you will head out on an excursion to visit an elephant working site located at Ta Yaak Village, Chiang Dao District, approximately 70 km from Chiang Mai. On the way, you can observe the way of living of people who live on the outskirts of the Chiang Mai area and pass by Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and many hill tribe villages, including that of the long neck hill tribe.

Upon arrival in Chiang Dao, you’ll visit the elephant working camp on the banks of the Mae Ping River and then enjoy an exciting trek on an elephant around camp, through the jungle and along the river. Afterward, you will board bamboo rafts along a very picturesque stretch of the Mea Ping River to see the beautiful scenery down the river. The rafting lasts about an hour but depends on the depth of the water and the speed of the current. You will transfer back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

You will be picked up from the hotel at approximately 07:30 am. and transferred to the embarkation pier at Yacht Haven Marina by air-conditioned bus. Embark on board the "June Bahtra" for a 09:00 am. departure and enjoy your cruise through enchanting and breathtaking Phang Nga Bay.

Around noon, you will arrive at “James Bond Island” and continue your journey by long tail boat through the mangrove delta and the Grotto Cave to the Sea Gypsy village. A delicious Thai buffet lunch is served back on board. In the afternoon you are free to relax, sunbathe and swim. You will cruise back to Phuket Island and transfer to the hotel. You will arrive back in your hotel at approximately 18:00 where you will stay overnight.

Note: (SIC, German/ English speaking guide: every Wed, Fri & Sun) (SIC, French / English speaking guide: every Mon, Tue, Thu & Sat)