Saturday, February 1 – Arrival in Bangkok – Tour Begins
Arrive in Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok today. Since most of the international flights from North America will arrive in the evening, the remainder of the day is free for leisure and relaxation.
Sunday, February 2 – Bangkok
This morning, meet your fellow traveling companions for an Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation. Thailand’s capital since the 18th century, Bangkok is a city of gleaming modernity firmly rooted in ancient Buddhist traditions and beliefs. Today we explore Bangkok’s rich heritage as we experience it by taking a long tail boat cruise down the Chao Phraya River. We’ll see the traditional way of living. Along the way, stop to visit the Temple of Dawn, officially named Wat Arun, and an extraordinary feat of architecture. It’s one of the most revered sights along the river. Then we visit the exquisite Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. The famed palace occupies nearly one square mile. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the center of power for more than 150 years.
After an authentic Thai lunch at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon visiting the Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Klong Talad), the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. The market has all kinds of popular flowers and flora including roses, orchids, lilies and more. We’ll then head to Wat Pho, the world-renowned reclining Buddha Temple.
Tonight we will enjoy dinner at one of the authentic local restaurants. (B, L, D)
Monday, February 3 – Bangkok
We’ll meet our guide bright and early this morning and drive to Maeklong Railway Market (Hoop Rom Market), located in Samut Songkhram Province. This market sells seafood, vegetables, fruit, fresh and dried food, meats and other miscellaneous goods. This well-known market is also called the Life-Risking Market because its stalls are attached to the still active Mae KlongBan Laem Railway. When the train comes down the track, vendors rush to clear all the goods that will obstruct the incoming train and visitors hop to the side as the train sneaks by.
After, we’ll continue with a visit to the site of the world-famous floating market of Thailand. From dawn till mid-morning, a multitude of farmwives paddle in with fruit, vegetables and other products for bartering or selling until the main canal is choked full of sampans carrying every edible plant, some which may be unfamiliar to you.
After, return to the Bangrak District where you will explore amazing tastes and sights in this century old culinary neighborhood. This signature food tour combines delectable food tasting with unusual sightseeing. Experience local cuisines that have been served for more than 30 years in Bangrak, the district which is famous among Thais for its diverse local flavors. This area is a true melting pot where you can find Thai delicacies from various religions and ethnicities. You will enjoy five different authentic tasting locations and more than 12 food and drink samples. On the way, you will meet and engage with restaurant owners, sample their generations-old artisanal recipes and visit fascinating local attractions hidden away from major tourist paths. Not only you will get full exposure to the Thai gastronomy, this tour is also a great support to the local community. The rest of the day and evening is free to explore on your own. (B, L)
Tuesday, February 4 – Bangkok
This morning, we’ll head to Farm Ang-Thong Pier in Nonthaburi to board our boat for a 15-minute ride to Baan Dvara-Prateep on Koh Kred Island. We’ll arrive in Baan Dvara-Prateep where we will be welcomed with true Thai hospitality. Breathe in the deep embrace of nature and take part in a relaxing group Oriental stretching exercise to improve blood circulation and respiration. This will assist balance and self-healing.
Explore by bicycle (or on foot), to experience the ambiance, serenity and simple beauty on Koh Kred island. A well-prepared Thai traditional lunch will be served.
After lunch, learn how to artistically fold palm leaves and how to use natural scents to enchant the ambiance of your room. Sip tea and enjoy the taste of Thai sweets as you watch them being prepared. Depart from enchanting Baan Dvara-Prateep and transfer back to Bangkok. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure. (B, L)
Wednesday, February 5 – Bangkok – Chiang Rai
This morning, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, we’ll head out to the Long Neck Karen Village, Baan Nang Lae, a real-life National Geographic Magazine experience you to have to see to believe. The mystery and beauty that sound the tradition of using brass rings for exaggerated jewelry is something better seen in person than in a book. After lunch, we visit Doi Tung – a site of major importance to the Thai people since Her Royal Highness, The Princess Mother, initiated and developed numerous socio‑environmental projects including reforestation and working together with the hill tribes to grow various crops. We will take the opportunity to visit The Mae Fah Luang Garden and The Royal Villa, residence of The Princess Mother. Later, we’ll check into our hotel and the rest of the evening is free. (B, L)
Thursday, February 6 – Chiang Rai
Today we will be visiting the Golden Triangle along the idyllic Mekong River, where three countries meet. First, we’ll visit the town of Chiang Saen, one of the norths most interesting and attractive towns, blessed with over 60 historical monuments. Then take an exciting boat trip along the Mekong River, which leads us to the convergence of the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, known as The Golden Triangle. We have short stop to one of the Laotian Islands, Don Sao. Visit The Hall of Opium, an interesting museum with a detailed insight in to the history of the opium industry, beginning in 17th century. Return back to hotel where the evening is left free to explore on your own. (B, L)
Friday, February 7 – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
Today we’ll be leaving Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai. After breakfast, we’ll visit the unique Wat Rong Khun known as the White Temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Chiang Mai. Once in Chiang Mai, we will visit the area of Thailand’s famous handicrafts at Sankampaeng Road Village. Here, you will see handicrafts such as silk, teak wood, silver and umbrella making. This evening, we will check into our hotel and have free time at leisure. Tonight, we’ll join together for an Amazing Journeys Shabbat service, Thai style! After, enjoy dinner at an authentic local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Saturday, February 8 – Chiang Mai
In the morning, we’ll visit the Baanchang Elephant Park. Here, you will meet rescued elephants and share in an experience as you care for them. Some of the daily activities with the elephants include giving a daily health check, feeding them, taking the elephant for walk for exercise through jungle (no riding), observing the elephants resting in their natural environment and bathing and scrubbing the elephants. Enjoy lunch as well as a tea and coffee break in the park. We promise, you won’t be able to stop smiling during this experience with healthy and happy elephants.
Tonight enjoy an Amazing Journeys farewell dinner at a famous Thai restaurant in town. (B, L, D)
Sunday, February 9 – Chiang Mai – Tour Ends
Today, our Thailand adventure draws to a close. Spend the day free at leisure until it’s time to head to the airport for your flight home or for those continuing onward, to the beach resort destination of Phuket. (B)
Our Hotels
Day 1-4 The Landmark Hotel, Bangkok
Day 5-6 The Legend, Chiang Rai
Day 7-8 Aruntara, Chiang Mai
Please note:
Alternate hotels may be used.
The order of the tour may be change.
This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, be able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until July 11, 2019, there is a $100 penalty for cancellation. From July 12 – November 6, 2019 the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From November 7, 2019 – January 6, 2020, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price including the post-tour package to Phuket. From January 7, 2020 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price including the post-tour package. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation after the start of the journey.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Flights: One flight segment within Thailand is included in our pricing. One flight segment is included on our post-tour package to Phuket. International flights are not included. It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.
Transfers: The meeting location for the tour begins and ends at our starting and ending hotels. Transfers from and to the airport are not included. Further details will be provided in the weeks prior to the tour departure.
Taxes and Gratuities: All taxes, government fees and gratuities have been included in the cost of the tour package. These include baggage handling (one bag per person), local guides and drivers. Taxes, surcharges and government fees are subject to change.
Passport and Visa: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. There are no visas required at this time for entry into Thailand for US, Canadian and UK citizens. If you are from a country other than those mentioned, please check with the Royal Thai Embassy to find out if a visa is necessary.
This tour is operated by V’Explore
