Thailand Soft Adventure And Fun-13D|12N

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival

• Arrive at the airport in Bangkok, where you will meet our licensed and experienced guide, then transfer to the hotel. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
• In the evening journey to Asiatique Night Bazaar. Asiatique on the Riverfront is themed according to the city’s architecture of old Siam and features a distinctive atmosphere. Divided into several sections, the Charoenkrung District has a total over 1,000 boutiques. The Town Square combines eastern and western culture with a variety of eateries, beer gardens and an outdoor activity square, whilst the Factory District is located in a 100-year old refurbished sawmill with over 500 fashion stores, international restaurants, wine bars and panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel (Choose between Standard/Superior/Deluxe Hotel)    

Day 2: Bangkok

• Breakfast at hotel, then set off to uncover the history of Bangkok, travelling through this magical capital using public transportation such as skytrain, Express Boat and long-tailed boat. Your time in the grandeur of Bangkok has just begun. After breakfast, start your journey in Bangkok, one of Asia's most cosmopolitan centres, and ride on a BTS (Sky train) to the Chao Praya Central Pier. Continue to travel along the waterway to the majesty of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
• The splendid Grand Palace enclosure is home to many ornate temples and buildings, in a variety of architectural styles. Gold leaf, reflective tiling and Buddha Images are to be seen everywhere. The magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo - a treasure trove of Thai arts and home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered Buddha image - is at the heart of the complex. Walk to one of the oldest temples in Bangkok: Wat Pho (or the temple of the Reclining Buddha). The famous reclining Buddha, constructed in 1932, is enshrined in this temple. The 46-metre-long and 15-metre-high gold-plated Reclining Buddha, with eyes and feet inlaid with mother-of-pearl brings, to mind the Lord Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. Wat Pho was also the first centre of public education in the Kingdom. Nowadays, it is an important centre for the teaching and administering of traditional Thai massage.  Set off along the Waterway of Chao Praya River on a private long-tailed boat to discover the Thonburi canal and get an in-depth look at daily life along the canals. Before returning to your hotel, discover some of the main landmarks of Bangkok.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel (Choose between Standard/Superior/Deluxe Hotel)    

Day 3: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi

• After breakfast at the hotel, we'll journey about 75 miles west of Bangkok to Ratchaburi, set on the banks of the Mae Klong River. We begin with a stop at the amazing Railway Market to witness a train running through the middle of the market. Then continue our day to Damnoen Saduak floating market, to take a paddleboat ride along the canal. Then, after a walking tour of the market, we’ll stop at a palm sugar workshop and coconut farm to see how this staple of Thai cuisine is made.
• In the afternoon, we travel overland to Kanchanaburi Province, a green region where the riverside scenery belies its dramatic history, portrayed in the film The Bridge on the River Kwai. It was here that Allied POWs and Asian conscripts were forced to build the infamous World War II railway. Lunch is included in Kanchanaburi. We will have the chance to walk across the original Bridge on the River Kwai, and then visit Kanchanaburi's War Cemetery and Thai-Burma Railway Museum. The area is now peaceful, but many lives were lost during the construction of one of the most difficult sections of the railway during World War II. Check in at hotel and dinner is at your own expense.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel  (Choose between Standard/Superior /Deluxe /First Class Hotel)

Day 4: Kanchanaburi

• Breakfast at hotel, then set off by train along The Death Railway; a route built by the Japanese during the Second World War, using forced labour made up of prisoners of war. It is said that for every sleeper laid down on the track, at least one life was lost. The area retains many poignant reminders and relics of the past. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, then you will drive to Erawan Waterfall - a beautiful 7-tiered waterfall located in Erawan National Park, where you can walk up to see each of the picturesque falls (it is best to bring good walking shoes). Also, do remember to bring your swimming suit if you wish to swim in the natural pools. The best time to visit is during rainy season from May until September.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel  (Choose between Standard/Superior /Deluxe /First Class Hotel)

Day 5: Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya

• Breakfast at your hotel. Today, you will venture away from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya, the Capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1776, when it was sacked by an invading Burmese army. In Ayutthaya visit the most important of the ruined temples in Ayutthaya historical park, Wat Mahathat and Wat Pra Sri Sanphet. Enjoy lunch at Local restaurant.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel  (Choose between Standard/Superior/Deluxe Hotel)

Day 6: Ayutthaya – Phitsanuloke - SukhothaI

• After breakfast at hotel, continue driving north and arrive in Phitsanulok for a brief visit to Wat Mahathat, featuring Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image – Phra Puttachinnarat.  Following lunch at local restaurant in the afternoon, we take you to Sukhothai, a name meaning “dawn of happiness” that was founded in the 13th century and became the kingdom's first capital, overseeing a period renowned as the golden age of Thai history. Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, which was once a walled city surrounded by a moat, the park contains almost 200 ruined chedis in remarkable condition. See the main sites of Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum, Wat Sri Sawai, War Sra Sri, Wat Trapang Ngoen and Ramkamhaeng Museum before checking into your hotel. Cycling through the park is a relaxing and fun way to see the ruins at your own pace.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel  (Choose between Standard/Superior/Deluxe Hotel)

Day 7:Sukhothai – Lampang – Chiang Mai

• After breakfast at the hotel, head north to Lampang with a stop on the way at the villages of Sri Satchanalai and Baan Na Ton Chan. Take a walk through these charming small villages and experience the heartbeat of Thailand on an experiential tour that seeks to bring travelers and locals together while exposing a side of the country that is rarely seen by outsiders. On the visit, you will pick fruit alongside locals and see what it is like to work in rice paddy fields. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how communities in this region are adopting sustainable living practices. Observe the innate craftsmanship of locals with a visit to a wooden toy manufacturer and a local silk weaver. On the way to Chiang Mai visit at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the most spectacular temples in Thailand dating back to 1486. Here, there is an opportunity to take a horse cart ride through town. Also, visit Wat Pong Sanook, a temple awarded by UNESCO for cultural heritage conservation due to its inspirational model for community-led conservation in saving a unique Lanna temple.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel  (Choose between Standard/Superior/Deluxe Hotel)

Day 8: Chiang Mai – Lisu Lodge

• After breakfast at your hotel, your day in Chiang Mai will begin with a drive to the mountain temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep; the most famous landmark in Chiang Mai, situated 1,676 metres above the city. Climb up the staircase adorned with imposing-looking Nagas - mythical Thai water spirits - to visit the exquisite golden pagoda. The sound of temple bells fills the air and the view overlooking the city makes for an irresistible photo opportunity. Depart for Lisu Lodge, where a traditional welcome drink will be served, followed by a briefing. We will propose a choice of activities and you can decide how you want to spend the afternoon. Our Lisu guide will take you for a walk through the village. You will start from the Ton Lung temple to view the herbal garden and visit some local families with a stop for a cup of tea and a spot of traditional medicine at the shaman’s house. Return to Lisu Lodge for a tasty Thai Lunch.
• Afterwards you have a choice of activities: Guided bike tour around the Lisu Lodge area, steam bath or
• Massage. Then, enjoy some time at leisure until a Thai dinner with a traditional Lisu dance show.
• Overnight at Lisu Lodge

Day 9: Lisu Lodge - Chiang Mai

• After an early breakfast, the morning starts with a three-hour walk. You will first walk through a Lisu village before entering the jungle path. Walk uphill along a small mountain trail for approximately 90 minutes.  While walking, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding area. After reaching the mountain top, you will trek through a forest, passing splendid scenery on the other side of the mountain and visit another hill tribe community in the afternoon before transfer back to Chiang Mai.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel  (Choose between Standard/Superior/Deluxe Hotel)

Day 10: Chiang Mai – Phuket

• After breakfast at the hotel, meet our guide for departure transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for flight to Phuket. Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, your guide and driver will assist with transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure to explore your surroundings or simply rest and recuperate at the hotel.
• Overnight at your choice of hotel  (Choose between Standard/Superior/Deluxe Hotel)

Day 11: Phuket – Khao Sok Paddling and Wildlife Watching in Khao Sok

• After pickup at your hotel, drive to visit Monkey Cave Temple. Enjoy bathing the elephants at Khaosok Discovery Elephant Camp, then continue sightseeing with a stop that enjoys great panoramic views of Khaosok. After lunch, set off downriver on a canoeing trip, during which you can spot a range of flora and fauna and view spectacular limestone cliff formations. Transfer back to check in at your hotel. Dinner at the hotel then enjoy time at leisure, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
• Overnight at Khao Sok Boutique Camps—Double/Twin room.

Day 12: Khao Sok Full day Cheow Lan Lake

• After breakfast at the resort, drive to Cheow Lan Lake and board a longtail boat to cruise the turquoise water. Take a jungle walk to enjoy the flowers, butterflies, birds, insects and reptiles on your way to Rai Lake. Cross the lake on a bamboo raft to Pakarang Cave (Coral Cave). The stalagmites have a similar shape to coral, which is how the cave came to be named. After lunch, take the longtail back to your hotel for dinner.
• Overnight at Khao Sok Boutique Camps—Double/Twin room

Day 13: Khao Sok – Phuket

• After breakfast, pickup is at 8:30 AM, then it’s time for jungle hiking on foot in Khaosok National Park, an inland haven tucked away from the throng of beach crowds; Khaosok is Thailand’s secret jewel. This ancient rainforest dates back 160 million years and it wears its age well. Delve into the tranquility and beauty of nature as you explore the secluded trails in search of wild encounters. At 2 PM depart from the camp and head back to your hotel in Phuket.   

Good to know

• Suitable for FITs, families and small groups. Minimum 2 persons per booking
• Not suitable for those to travel with wheelchairs or walking gear
• Private basis, except 2days 1Night Lisu Lodge and 3Days2Nights Khaosok Jungle & Lake Discovery are Join in Basis.
• Operated daily, with 48 hours advanced reservation required (subject to availability of the hotels/resorts)
• Compulsory Christmas’s Eve dinner on December 24Th  and New Year’s Eve dinner on December 31st  (price varies depending on hotel policy – to be advised)

Other Useful Information

Passport & Visa

You will need a passport valid for six months after arrival date and appropriate visas to enter Thailand. We cannot accept responsibility if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct visa documentation.

Insurance

The tour price does not include personal insurance, so we highly recommend you arrange your own insurance prior to departure, including the cost of medical evacuation by air.

Local Currency

The local currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).  The current exchange rate is approximately USD 1 = THB 32-33. Major  credit  cards are widely  accepted and  foreign currency  is accepted  at most  of the  large hotels  and authorized moneychangers. There are local banks as well as ATM machines in all main towns.

What do bring

Casual and comfortable lightweight clothing is suitable for travelling in Thailand. Clothing in layers is recommended if travelling to higher altitudes. Dress modestly and don’t wear shorts or sleeveless tops when visiting religious  buildings. Comfortable  walking  shoes are  recommended and should be removed before entering a private home. Wear a  sarong  and  waist  sashes  when  visiting  temples (both are provided at  additional costs). Prepare a change of dry clothes for a day including water activities such as snorkelling or canoeing.

Electricity
220 V / 50hz is used in Thailand. We recommend you bring along a travel adapter.

Weather
Thailand enjoys a warm, tropical  climate  year-round with  the most  pleasant  weather  from  October until February when the trade winds blow. The rainy season normally starts in June and usually lasts until September.

Language
The national language, Thai, is taught  in all  schools and spoken at home or in the  markets, although the local people speak their local dialects in rural areas. English is increasingly spoken in the main tourist centres.

Tipping and Gratuities

It is generally accepted to tip local restaurant staff, luggage porters, drivers and guides. It is however not mandatory. Recommended tipping for guides is between THB300-500 (USD 10-15) per day and for drivers it is THB150-200 (USD 5-7) per day.

Notes
This itinerary has been carefully designed by our team to showcase unique and recommended experiences. Should you have any question in regards to this tailormade programme, please contact us.