ITINERARY
Wed – Jan 11: Depart JFK this evening on board Singapore Airlines to Singapore.
Thu – Jan 12: En route to Singapore, relax and enjoy the fine hospitality for which this carrier is renowned.
Fri – Jan 13: Arrive in Singapore this morning and connect with the onward flight to Bangkok. You will be welcomed upon arrival and escorted to the deluxe Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. This evening enjoy a Thai dance and music performance, featuring exquisite costumes and elegant movements, followed by delicious Thai cuisine at the enchanting Pimarn Restaurant. (D)
Sat – Jan 14: After breakfast take a boat trip of various canals of “klongs,” stopping at the stupendous Wat Arun and also at the site of the Royal Barges. Visit the spectacular Grand Palace this afternoon, home to the Thai Monarchy (you’ll see the throne room) and the sacred Emerald Buddha. Also visit the Golden Buddha Temple, the Marble Temple, and the Reclining Buddha Temple. (B, L)
Sun – Jan 15: In the morning, depart for Ayuthaya. Visit the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace, the summer palace of Thai monarchs since the 17th century and Wat Phra Sri San Phet, the largest temple in Ayutthaya, used as the royal temple-cum-palace by several Ayutthaya kings. You will also see Wat Chai Wattanaram, a replica of Angkor wat with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones, symbolizing mount meru, the abode of the heavenly gods. In the afternoon, you will embark on the cruise at Bang Sai pier, the royal folk arts and handicrafts center. Buffet lunch will be provided while cruising along the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok. In the evening, you will arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotels. (B,L)
Mon – Jan 16: Breakfast at the Hotel. Transfer from Hotel to Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport for the flight to Mae Hong Sorn via Chiang Mai. Upon arrival proceed on a visit to Wat Phra Thad Doi Kong Moo, a hilltop temple offering a panoramic view of the surrounding beautiful mountains and valleys. Next visit Wat Chong Klang, a temple which features historic glass paintings and woodcarvings that were brought from Burma over 100 years ago, followed by a visit to the prehistoric Fish Cave, situated at Ban Huai Pha, where hundreds of multi-colored fish can be seen. Continue on to the Imperial Tara Mae Hong Sorn Hotel. (B,L,D)
Tue – Jan 17: Breakfast at the hotel. Today, experience a trek in the verdant forest on Elephant back, followed by a long-tailed boat ride on the Pai river to the Shan village of Baan Nai Soi on the Myanmar border. Visit with the exotic Long Neck Karen hill tribe. (B,L,D)
Wed – Jan 18: This morning is at leisure for you to independently explore this quaint town. Early this afternoon, depart Mae Hong Sorn for Chiang Mai by flight. Transfer upon arrival to the hotel. This evening enjoy a Kantoke Northern Thai dinner accompanied by dancing and a special tribal show performed by the Karen tribe. Overnight at Sheraton Chiangmai Hotel. (B,L,D)
Thu – Jan 19: Breakfast at the hotel. Drive through the city, past old city walls, gates and city moat, markets and residential areas and the Chiang Mai main street. Drive up to Doi (Mount) Suthep to visit Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep, 3,500 feet above sea level. The most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, it contains a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the summit. This afternoon, visit local cottage industries. Thai Silk and cotton looms; Bo Sang, the paper and umbrella making village; the Celadon kilns, with its exquisite, traditional high-fired stoneware, lacquerware, teak-wood carving, jewelry, and silverware factories. Meet and observe local artisans and craftsmen produce their crafts by hand. (B,L)
Fri – Jan 20: Day at lesiure in Chiang Mai for independent pursuits. (B,L)
Optional: Thai cooking class which starts at 10:00am and ends at 4:00pm. The course offers a basic introduction to the techniques of Thai cooking and includes the ingredients, lunch, beverages, a full color Thai cook book & round trip transfer from hotel to course venue.
Sat - Jan 21: After breakfast, transfer for the flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival connect with the Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore. Arrive in Singapore, where you have rooms reserved at the Ambassador Transit Hotel for rest during transit. Depart Singapore on the overnight flight to JFK.
Sun – Jan 22: Arrive in JFK this morning.
phone 800-480-4448
