Thailand Journey - CODICE VIAGGIO: THA1
8 giorni 7 notti
Delve into the wonders of northern Thailand on a trip packed with unforgettable experiences. Explore the elegant stone stupas and sprawling palaces of Ayutthaya Historical Park; then venture to Chiang Mai, where we’ll craft local dishes with ingredients gathered from a town market and visit a rural village for a traditional meal. While discovering Buddhist temples and lush mountain landscapes, gain an intimate perspective on Thailand’s rich history and cultural heritage.
ITINERARIO:
DAY 1: Bangkok
Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included.
Private vehicle: Upon arrival at the airport, head to the arrival hall and door number 10. Look for a driver holding a G Adventures sign with your name, who'll take you to your hotel so you can check-in and start exploring.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation: Shanghai Mansion Bangkok (or similar)
DAY 2: Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
After breakfast, travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. Board a train for a winding journey into World War II history as you cross the bridge made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learn about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma; then visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where the prisoners of war who worked on the railway were laid to rest.
Private vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bridge on the River Kwai Visit: Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. You've seen or at least heard of the famous movie, "Bridge on the River Kwai" -- tour the real thing and take a train ride over the bridge. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, and offers fabulous views of the river below.
Thai/Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery Visit: Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.
Accommodation: Royal River Kwai Resort (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 3: Kanchanaburi/Phra Nakhon SI Ayutthaya
This morning, hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan. This afternoon, transfer to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. Sample traditional Thai dishes during dinner on a converted rice barge from the 1930s.
Private vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Erawan Waterfalls Vsit: Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.
Dinner Cruise: Cruise down the river aboard a converted 1930s rice barge. Have a delicious Thai meal while taking in the incredible views of the city.
Accommodation: Kameo Classic Ayutthaya Hotel (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner)
DAY 4: Phra Nakhon SI Ayutthaya/Chiang Mai
Set out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world. Stroll down well-planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture for generations to come. Later, return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Visit a traditional village in the countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner, served on low pedestal trays.
Private vehicle: Travel back to the city and to the airport by private van.
Ayutthaya Historical Park Guided Tour: Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ayuthaya served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Late in the 17th century its population reached one million, and foreign visitors wrote awestruck accounts of its size and splendour.
Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Thai Home Dinner
Visit a village outside Chiang Mai and sit down to an authentic Khantoke dinner in the home of a local family. Dishes typically include sticky rice, hang-le curry, and crispy pork with chilli paste. Over tea, learn about life in rural Thailand and visit the family garden to learn about herbs and spices popular in local cooking.
Accommodation: Siripanna Villa Resort & SPA (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner)
DAY 5: Chiang Mai
Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colourful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Sit down with one of the resident monks to discuss daily life and the tenets of Buddhism. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand.
Private vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Doi Suthep Temple Visit: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with Monks
Visit a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai’s Suthep district. Sit down with young monks to discuss daily life and Buddhism, and leave feeling spiritually refreshed. Monk Chats are informal discussions at a round table with a prepschool age Monk, usually accompanied by their teacher.
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class
Pick out the best ingredients at a local market and learn how to make delicious Thai dishes.
Accomodation: Siripanna Villa Resort & SPA (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch)
DAY 6: Chiang Mai
Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and forested hills on your own, or choose between a variety of optional activities. Traverse the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk, or opt to take a cycling tour through verdant rice paddies and the elegant historic district. In the evening, choose to visit Chiang Mai’s vibrant night market.
Free Time: Chiang Mai is a mecca for shopping and handicraft production, so take advantage of this opportunity to do some shopping if you wish.
Accomodation: Siripanna Villa Resort & SPA (or similar) (Meals included: Breakfast)
DAY 7: Chiang Mai/ Bangkok
This morning, fly to Bangkok and board a traditional klong boat for a ride along the winding canals that have earned the city the nickname the “Venice of the East.” Glide past colourful temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water. Visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple complex, and often considered Thailand’s first public university—its many inscriptions were intended to instruct visitors. Marvel at the magnificent statue of the Reclining Buddha, glittering with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl.
Private vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane: Take a quick flight back to Bangkok.
Klong Riverboat Tour: Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
Wat Po Visit: This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Accommodation: Shanghai Mansion Bangkok (or similar) (Meals included:Breakfast)
DAY 8: Bangkok
Depart at any time. Meals included: Breakfast
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
ATTIVITA’ CHE PUOI FARE DURANTE IL TEMPO LIBERO:
DAY 5:
· Chiang Mai Cycling Tour: Meander through Chiang Mai by bike and get an alternative view of this bustling city. (30$ PER PERSON)
DAY 6:
· Night Market: Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts. (Unspecified price)
· Chiang Mai Cycling Tour: Meander through Chiang Mai by bike and get an alternative view of this bustling city. (30$ PER PERSON)
· Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure: Learn how to drive a classic Thai mode of transport—the tuk-tuk—then set off for a full-day Northern Thailand adventure like no other. With your very own guide, explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai, drive past rice fields and temples as you weave through the countryside, and experience Thai hospitality at its finest over lunch and chatting with the local people. Drinking water throughout the day, as well as pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai, is included. Please note: if you wish to drive the tuk-tuk, you must have a valid drivers license (manual drivers license for certain countries) and successfully learn tuk-tuk manual gear/stick shift during the training session, otherwise you will be chauffeured. (Unspecified price)
