Learning to make all your favorite Thai dishes in a cooking class, experiencing Buddhist ceremonies, learning about the history and conservation of elephants, supporting a school project in Siem Reap with a visit, walking into the past with visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites of Angkor Wat, Sukhothai and Ayuthaya
Just a few minutes into the bustle of Bangkok and you realize why Thailand is known as the 'Land of Smiles'. Explore the region’s charming temples, take a canal tour and enjoy a break from the fast pace of Bangkok in the hills of Chiang Mai. Inhale fragrant lemongrass as you indulge in a Kantoke dinner and learn to cook. Our experts will season your adventure with local spice and colour. And, for a memorable finish, explore the jungle-choked ruins of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat—the largest religious monument in the world.
What's Included
- Welcome gift - Introductory language lesson - Walking tour of Bangkok's flower market and Chinatown - Boat tour of Klong canal - Tour of the Grand Palace and the emerald Buddha Temple - Visit the Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple - Thai cooking classes - Traditional Thai massage - Visit to Chiang Mai night market - Visit and tour of Lampang Elephant Conservation Center with elephant ride - Cycling tour of Sukhothai ruins - Tour of Ayuthaya Temple - Visit Erawan Falls National Park - Tour of the Allied War cemetery, Thai/Burma War Museum and train ride on the Death Railway - Tours of the Angkor Wat Temple complex - Lunch at New Hope project, a local school in Siem Reap.
- 13 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner (Allow USD265-350 for meals not included.)
- Comfort hotels (13 nts)
- Mini-bus, van, Thai boats, tuk-tuks, elephants, plane, walking
- Discovery Adventures guide, local guides
- Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10
Places Visited
- Cambodia
- Thailand
Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included.
Day 2 Bangkok (B)
Participate in an alms-giving ceremony with local monks and have an introductory Thai language lesson. Take a walking tour of Bangkok's bustling flower market and Chinatown, than take a boat along the Klong canal to visit the Grand Palace and sacred emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaeo Temple.
Day 3 Chiang Mai (B,D)
Flight to Chiang Mai where we visit Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple and have the chance to listen to Monks chanting. Also enjoy a Kantoke dinner of local specialties and enjoy traditional music and dance.
Day 4 Chiang Mai (B,L)
We participate in a Thai cooking class with a local Chef and enjoy our creations for lunch. Later we have a traditional Thai massage and visit the famed Chiang Mai night market. Option for shopping.
Day 5 Lampang (B)
Visit the Lampang Elephant Conservation Center to learn about the history, care and conservation of the animals with an included elephant ride. Visit the hospital, nursery and dung paper factory for a demonstration on how elephant dung is turned into lovely paper products and handicrafts.
Day 6 Sukhothai (B)
Cycling tour of the Sukhothai ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 7 Ayutthaya (B,L)
Travel to Ayutthaya for an extensive exploration of the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Days 8-9 Kanchanaburi (2B,1L)
Visit Erawan Falls National Park for swimming and hiking. On day 9 we have an interactive WWII history lesson with visits to the Allied War cemetery, Thai/Burma War Museum and train ride on the Death Railway along the River Kwai.
Day 10 Siem Reap–Angkor (B)
Travel to Bangkok then fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Option to visit the bustling night market.
Days 11-12 Siem Reap–Angkor (2B,2L)
Spend 2 days touring the Angkor Wat Temple complex with a local expert guide. Visit and local lunch at New Hope, a local school and Planeterra-supported project. Option to visit Angkor national museum and Tonle Sap floating village.
Day 13 Bangkok (B)
Fly back to Bangkok for our last day. Option to shop, visit Wat Po or the National Museum.
Day 14 Bangkok (B)
Depart at any time.
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