Good Idea To Spend 2 Weeks With Your Family In Thailand

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.

The first destination is the Grand Palace. This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there. 

Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. Wat Pra Kwae is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue will bring back fortune and prosperity for the nation.

Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho - the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage. 

After having lunch on your own, we visit the last destination of the day: Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power. The Golden Statue was defined to be built in Sukhothai period, the 13-15th century – one of the most famous periods of Thai Buddhism architecture.
We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.
On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. “Arun” means sunrise, but it is most beautiful in the sunset. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style. 
 
Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok
Meal: Breakfast

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Meaklong Railway Market - a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed.

We continue our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating market, which is specialized in trading fruits, vegetables, etc… by small boat. In the old days, floating markets were formed because roads and means of road traffic have not developed. Due to the demand for buying and selling goods, people gather in the river by means such as boats. Nowadays, despite the fact that the road network has developed everywhere, floating market still exists and develops more and more.

Proceed to Kanchanaburi for overnight.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Kanchanaburi
Meal:  Breakfast

Today we visit Erawan Waterfall, considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Thailand. This is such an impressive series of seven tiers, each with a shape and character on its own. Originating from the Monglai Stream, water flows down from the hill at height of 2000m and flows into the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest.

We have your free time there to swim and relax at the waterfall then transfer to Ayutthaya overnight.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Ayutthaya
Meal:  Breakfast

Having a breakfast then we will transfer to pay a visit in some sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park, situated in the old city of Ayutthaya. The city was constructed by Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by Burmese – Myanmar army in 1767. Being a ruin with many temples which characterize this handicraft type of architecture built with red bricks, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.

- Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields and can be seen from afar. Built by King Ramesuan in 1395, the pagoda is unique with the combination of 2 architectural styles: Thai – style and Mon – style. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.

- Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Ayutthaya Grand Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The highlight of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style, has the same architecture with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

- Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand. It was considered to be built during the Ayuttaya period of King Srongta, who transferred the location from the east side to the west and has been the location since then. After that he ordered to build a dome on top.

- Wat Lokaya Sutha is considered as the sacred place for pilgrims since it’s famous for the reclining Buddha statue, which is the statue of the Blessed Buddha intact compared to other monuments in the entire Ayutthaya ruins. It is also the most important relics in most of those in Wat Lokaya Sutha. Thai people believe that if they paste the golden leaf onto Buddha statues, they will be protected by Buddha.

Heading back to Bangkok. En route, we visit the Royal Summer Palace in Bang Pa-in district.

Situated about 60 km northern away from Bangkok, this palace is called Royal Summer Palace since it is a favorite resort of royal. The first palace had been built in mid-early of the 17th century, then was the ruins and be forgotten when Burman occupied Ayutthaya.

It was not until the rule of King Rama IV – did the palace rebuild. King Rama IV was the first Siamese king came to Europe and was sharply impressed by the architecture there. Therefore, the whole architecture of the palace is in the way of 19th century European style.

Return to Bangkok and we take a flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for checking-in hotel then free to relax.
Note: The flight from Bangkok airport to Chiang Rai airport should be arranged at around 19:30 pm

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai
Meal:  Breakfast

We start a tour today with a visit to Wat Rong Khun. Only a transparent white color from the towers to the Buddha statues, Wat Rong Khun is equally noteworthy as the gold-plated temples typical of Thailand's smiley country. This is a combination of unique Thai architecture and realistic depiction style Completed in the late 20th century, the temple is one of the attractive destinations to both a large number of Thai and foreign tourists.

We can’t miss Wat Rong Seur Ten. It stands out among other magnificent temples in Thailand thanks to the enchanting green. This unique green building is one of the pride of Chiang Rai city.  Not only by the rare and magical blue, the temple is covered by meticulous, sophisticated and gilded decorative details.

Visit  Baan Dam (Black House), the proud work of Thawan Duchanee, a Chiang Rai born Thai artist who has developed a own style of work representing the darkness in humanity. With lots of red and black hues, skins, skulls and various other animal parts made into artwork.

Lastly, we end the tour today by visiting Wat Huay Pla Kang. It is a quite recent temple but quickly become a must-see place for any visitor here. The temple is also named the "9-tier temple" for its 9-storey pagoda that you can climb to the top for a view of the surroundings. A staircase with impressive dragon heads goes up inside the apgode where another Guan Yin image in carved wood is installed in the center.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai
Meal:  Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, we head to Doi Mae Salong Mountain, one of Chiang Rai's main attractions. We will first visit to the remote Akha ethnic village where you can explore the delicious Chinese Cuisine, tea & coffee plantation as well as their traditions & life style.

Lastly we will continue to the village of Santi Kiri known for tea and coffee plantations, local wines and medical herbs. The locals come from Yunnan Province and are descendants of Chinese refugees from 50 years ago. The region is famous for its Chinese tea traders – so enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains and tea fields.

We continue taking a boat trip along Mekong River to see Thailand, Burma & Laos, confluence at the Golden Triangle. 

The Golden Triangle is known for its beautiful scenery. Some of the sights in the area include a large golden Buddha image seated in a boat, an ancient temple on a hill.

Then, move to your hotel in Chiang Saen for checking in and relaxing.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Saen
Meal:  Breakfast

After your breakfast, we will visit Chiang Dao cave. There are four interconnected caverns to see. Be prepared to bend down and perhaps even crawl between incredible stalactites.
Then, take two hour boat trip along the Mae Ping River is an excellent way to spend an afternoon, you get to watch as the scenery along the river changes, you will also get to see many beautiful traditional teak houses as well as a lot of rural greenery along the wat.
Transfer back to hotel for your free time. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai
Meal:  Breakfast

Today morning, we have a walking tour to the old town with a stop at the old wall, the moat and a door of the old town. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai: Wat Phra Singh temple. 

The temple, which is also known as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha” or “The temple of the Lion Buddha” is an active temple, with hundreds of monks and novices living there. The Wat Phra Singh houses a number of highly revered and very old Buddha images. Moreover, it is one of the finest examples of classic Lanna style temple architecture in Northern Thailand.

The next is Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple sitting right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai town. It is known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan) entirely made of teakwood, which served as a throne hall during the reign of King Mahotara Prateth.

Next to Wat Phan Tao is Wat Chedi Luang. This is a Buddhist temple in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The current temple grounds were originally made up of three temples — Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmin. Wat Chedi Luang's massive chedi (pagoda) was built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty and is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline.

Then you will stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take a rickshaw tour. After that, you will take a walking through the central market of Warorot. 

Among the numerous markets in Chiang Mai, this is one of the most well-known, located right in the center of town. Warorot Market is a great spot for travelers wanting to experience the true Thai culture and daily life. You can buy almost anything at Warorot Market, a real mixed bag of everything.

In the afternoon we visit the Doi Suthep hill. The mountain's temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand and, as such, large numbers of Thais and foreigners alike come to experience the special magic of this holy place. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an impressive embodiment of the Lanna (northern Thai) culture and is a symbol deeply cherished by the people of Chiang Mai.

Return to the hotel and you can relax or enjoy going to the night market.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai
Meal:  Breakfast

08:00 – 08:30: Pick up from your hotel or accommodation
08:30: Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
10:30: Arrive at the Sanctuary. Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing. Enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.
11:00: Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
12:00: Enjoy a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit.
13:00: Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the Elephants and then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.
14:00: Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.
15:00: Change clothes and say good bye to the elephants
15:30: Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.
Then, our driver (no guide) will bring you from Elephant Camp to Chiang Mai train station and you will take an overnight train back to Bangkok.
Estimate train time: Chiang Mai (18:20) - Bangkok (06:30) 
 
Accommodation: On the train

Pick up from train station and transfer for  breakfast at local restaurant. We transfer to the airport for a flight to Trat. Upon arrival, we continue with a ferry trip to Koh Chang, check-in hotel and free to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Koh Chang
Meal:  Breakfast

The time is on your own to relax on the beach.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Koh Chang
Meal:  Breakfast

The time is on your own to relax on the beach.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Koh Chang
Meal:  Breakfast
 

The time is on your own until we take a ferry trip back to Trat for a flight to Bangkok, connecting with an international flight back to your hometown. Our service will be end at Trat airport !

Accommodation: Not available
Meal:  Breakfast