Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in the vibrant capital of Bangkok, its soaring cityscape lined with street vendors and traversed by tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws). Settle into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Days 2-3: Bangkok | Venice of the East
Visit the spectacular Grand Palace complex, its 100-plus brightly colored, golden-spired structures dating back to 1782. Witness the iconic Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha), located on the grounds, and one of the nation’s most important shrines. Continue to Wat Pho with its lovely Reclining Buddha. Following lunch on your own, set out on a private boat to explore the Thonburi klongs, a network of canals traversing Bangkok that have earned the city the moniker “Venice of the East.” Stop to visit the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), embedded with pieces of multi-colored porcelain that catch the rays of the sun. Spend the next day at leisure exploring on your own.
Days 4-5: Chiang Mai | Seat of Buddhism
Board a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and check into your luxury boutique resort. The balance of the day is at your leisure to enjoy your idyllic setting. This evening, you may wish to venture out to Chiang Mai’s famous Night Market, the largest and most colorful market in Southeast Asia and a swirling kaleidoscope of merchants, entertainment and food carts. The next day, head to the Waroros Market, and take a rickshaw ride past the city walls to Wat Phra Sing, home to one of the city’s oldest and most sacred Buddha images. Continue to Wat Doi Suthep, a stunning Buddhist temple clinging to the mountainside. Absorb breathtaking views of Chiang Mai and the Ping Valley beyond.
Day 6: Chiang Mai | Extraordinary Locals
Visit the Chiang Dao Elephant Training Camp for an opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Watch the elephants take their morning bath in the stream, and then observe as they go about their daily work. Continue in the afternoon to the Lahu and Palong hill tribe villages. The Palongs are easily recognizable by the striking costumes worn by their women, red sarong-like garments accompanied by a blue jacket with red collar and broad silver waistbands. Returning to your hotel in the afternoon, stop at an orchid farm in Mae Sa.
Day 7: Depart Chiang Mai
Transfer to the airport to board your domestic and homebound international flights.