Glimpses of Thailand

Fly to Bangkok

Arrive Bangkok. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax, take a leisurely swim or head out and start soaking up the atmosphere of this incredible city.

Two full days to explore buzzing Bangkok. Perhaps take an optional excursion (at extra expense) to the elaborate Grand Palace with its plethora of stunning temples, see the exquisitely decorated Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) or the solid gold Wat Trimitr Buddha. Bangkok is also a great shopping city, whether at one of the gleaming malls or colourful markets, and with over 50,000 places to eat, the city has just about everything on the menu.

Transfer to the airport and fly to the "Rose of the North", Chiang Mai. On arrival, visit the celebrated cottage industry centres and see the craftsmen mastering Thai handicrafts. After settling into your hotel, be sure to step out to the night bazaar and haggle for a bargain or two!

Transfer this morning to the Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for elephants, as well as many other animals. Spend time observing the animals, which can now live free of fear in natural surroundings. After lunch, leave the camp for the Taeng River Pier where you board a bamboo raft for a gentle trip along the river. Travel onwards by road to visit the Padong long necked hill tribe village then continue to the Orchid and Butterfly Farm before returning to your hotel.

Take in the natural landscapes this morning as you drive through scenic winding roads to visit the White Meo hill tribes and glimpse their simple way of life. Continue to the Wat Phra That temple which is 3,000 feet above Chiang Mai and one of Northern Thailand's most sacred temples. Journey north for 3.5 hours to Chiang Rai and the infamous "Golden Triangle".

Travel to Doi Mae Salong and en route visit the Santi Kiri KMT Yunan Chinese Refugee settlement, where wine, medicinal herbs and other locally grown products are sold. Doi Mae Salong enjoys a year-round cool and refreshing climate and in January, Japanese Sakura flowers cover the hillsides. After lunch, drive to the Padong Hilltribe Village (Long-necked Karen), whose settlers migrated from Southern Burma only a few years ago.

Fly to Bangkok and onward by road to Pattaya for a beach stay. Alternatively, you can opt to stay in Phuket, Hua Hin, Cha Am or Koh Samui.

Three full days at leisure in bustling Pattaya, which has great beaches, excellent shopping and a renowned colourful nightlife.

Return to Bangkok where your tour concludes with your onward journey.