Upon arrival in BANGKOK, the fabulous metropolis of Thailand that rushes past in vibrant colors and endless energy, you will be met at the airport by our Asia Senses travel guide then transported to your hotel for check in.

There is a vivacious mixture of past and present swimming around Bangkok‟s streets, filled with sparkling temples and pagodas, equally as impressive as the rising skyscrapers. It is easy to get lost amongst the wonders, from the effervescent aroma of the food to the quiet charm of the Golden Mountain.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After a luscious breakfast of fresh juice, fruits, and so much more you will step out into the city to discover its stunning history set beside the riverbanks and beyond. The Royal Grand Palace is the nation’s landmark and the most revered royal monument. Construction began under King Rama I and has since displayed such spectacular culture such as Wat Phra Kaew, housing the famous and mysterious Emerald Buddha, the symbol of Thailand. The palaces were used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House. Appropriate dress is required (or can be rented on site). Continue your visit to Wat Pho, the home of Thai massage and the Reclining Buddha.

After lunch, have some time to refresh then stroll through Chinatown where you visit interesting shops, tea shop, markets and temples to get a first-hand feel for old Bangkok. Next, pay a visit to The Bangkok Folk Museum, a seventy-year-old Thai house converted into a small but fascinating museum.

NOTE: Bangkok Folk Museum is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.

Chao Phraya River is known as the “River of Kings,” and was once the most bustling highway in the city. Hop on a long tail boat for a ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet klongs (canals) of Thonburi where you see how Thai people have lived next to the water for centuries.

Now the water is calm and quiet as you come to the chedi of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, where the spire gleams in the light and acts like a lighthouse against the backdrop of the city where the gentle trickle of the river runs through. The central spire ascends over 210 feet high, decorated with colored glass and porcelain to help catch the light at various angles. You can even climb the stairs to get an expansive view of the river and the surrounding cityscape.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Today, depart Bangkok to the country’s former capital of Ayutthaya by road. On this trip, you will escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and visit many old temples, ancient palaces and meditation centres used many years ago.

Along the way, pay a visit to the famous Summer Palace (Bang Pa In), a gorgeous palace formerly frequented by King Rama IV during the steamy summer months. It was built in very different architectural styles, some in classical Thai, some Chinese and some European design.

Afterwards, we head a little further north to AYUTTHAYA, former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and a prosperous international trading port, from 1350 until razed by the Burmese in 1767. Upon arrival, stroll around this archaeological site to explore the crumbling pagodas and ancient temple ruins.

After the visit, enjoy a delicious Thai lunch onboard while cruising back to Bangkok. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful views of traditional Thai houses, emerald rice paddy fields on river’s banks. The rest of day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will provide a 100 km transfer southwest of Bangkok to RATCHABURI where you can see the famous Floating Market of Damnoen Saduak. Walk around and check out the many stalls or take a boat tour to explore the area and there are boats serving as shops, selling food and drinks like noodles, beer, cold drinks, coconut water, corn etc...

Our next destination is Maeklong Railway Market, a most unusual market because a train passes through the market 8 times a day. You can find everything here from the traditional to modern, every kind of food, fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, clothing, and much more. As soon as the siren signals the arrival of the train, everything stops. Shoppers take their goods inside and vendors pull back their umbrellas, open and close their stalls in a matter of seconds! Once the train is gone, all the goods go out again, the umbrellas unfold and its business continues as usual as if nothing happened.

Return to BANGKOK as the day concludes. The rest of day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, a transfer is provided to the airport, where you board a domestic flight to CHIANG RAI. Upon arrival, be meet and greeted by the Asia Senses local guide and driver. They will then take you to the hotel to leave your luggage. After that, set off towards Mae Chan area.

The first stop is Wat Tham Pa Acha Thong or "Golden Horse Monastery". This remote monastery is one-of-a-kind in Thailand as its monks collect their daily alms by horse instead of on foot. Learn the tale of how this unique procession came to be while walking around the grounds. There may be an opportunity to make an offering to the monks as they pass by on horseback. Continue to a nearby hilltop temple where monks and novice monks are often practicing Muay Thai martial arts.

Following this, drive to Chui Fong Tea Plantation, one of the famous tea plantations in Chiang Rai. Get a brief introduction on the process of tea making and enjoy tea tasting. Then grab a cup of coffee at the plantation's coffee shop overlooking a nice panoramic view of the plantation.

After lunch, continue the afternoon with a drive up on Doi Tung Mountain, one of the famous regions of Chiang Rai that colours the morning hours. Visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa and the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Gardens. This is the former residence of King Rama IV‟s mother built around natural scene for perfect rest. Depart back to Chiang Mai, check in hotel then free at leisure.

OPTIONAL: In the evening, free to discover the local night bazaar. Enjoy a local dinner of Thai cuisine at the night bazaar then purchase hill-tribe handicrafts and products.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out then jump on a 3-hour drive to Chiang Mai. En route, make a stop to visit the beautifully fascinating Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. Soak up the amazing beauty of the unique kanok architecture by the famous artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

Arrive in CHIANG MAI, visit the city’s old town, venturing through the crumbling city walls and admiring the blend of old and new buildings. Catch glimpses of glittering pagoda spires illuminated by the late afternoon sun. Then step into one of the city’s most revered pagodas, Wat Suan Dok. Witness local devotees deep in prayer or paying homage to the mausoleum where the ashes of the former Royal Family are interred. Learn about the beliefs and traditions of Thailand’s Buddhists.

Continue onto the spiritual trail, leaving the city centre, and taking a winding drive into the hills. Climb up the staircase of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. Upon reaching the top, explore the 14th century pagoda and hear about its origins. Wander around the towering gilded stupa and take a moment to enjoy the views of Chiang Mai in the distance.

Before the sun sets, visit one of Doi Suthep's monks and receive a blessing of good health and good fortune. Then witness the magical evening chanting of the monks, a serene way to end the day's Chiang Mai spiritual tour.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

The day begins with a ride, heading northward to Mae Taeng Valley. The destination is Mae Taeng Elephant Park, offers the greatest, up-close elephant experiences in Northern Thailand including Mahout elephant experience, bamboo rafting, ox cart rides, an introduction to rural life in Thailand, and more.

Upon arrival at the park, receive a warm welcome from the elephants and staff, followed by a feeding of the elephants. At the main lodge, change into a mahout’s outfit which can be taken home. Meet the elephants and the mahout before starting the basic mahout course with easy command, learning how to ride on the elephant’s bare back for a short practice or ride on the elephant with the mahout for 30 minutes along the beautiful trail.

There will also be an opportunity to witness the elephants' artistic skill in painting or participate in painting a personalized masterpiece to take home as a unique souvenir. Following this, watch the elephants bathe in the river or enjoy bathing them (during dry season only). The lunch will be served at the sanctuary. After that, enjoy bamboo rafting along Mae Taeng River for 30 minutes before returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Be picked up from the hotel and drive visit a silver workshop area. Learn how these silver plates are made and create a personalized one using patterns taught at the workshop.

Then continue to Wat Srisuphan, a silver temple that was first constructed at the beginning of the 16th century. Almost everything in the temple is made of silver and aluminum. The ordination hall is surrounded by sema stones, having remnants of the original wat with its intricate designs. The beautiful murals decorating the interior is a stunning tribute and example of the rich tradition for which the area is renowned for. Have lunch with a bowl of khao soi, Chiang Mai‟s most famous dish which combines crispy noodles and coconut curry sauce.

Check out the hotel, then a transfer is provided to the airport for your domestic flight to PHUKET. Upon arrival, meet and greet with your local guide and driver who will facilitate the transfer to prehistoric jungle of KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK. Here, you can check into the tree house lodge nestled amongst the trees.

In the evening enjoy a walking jungle safari where your guide will be able to point out various types of flora and fauna – so keep an eye out for monkeys, bats and even a deer or two!

Overnight in Khao Sok NP.

On the morning of day 09 set off for the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake, a beautiful body of water within Khao Sok National Park. Spend the day here exploring by boat, swimming, trekking in the jungle and relaxing on floating bungalows.

The following day go canoeing on one of the local rivers and enjoy the natural surrounds of the jungle for one last time before starting your drive south back to the beach resort of PHUKET. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your own leisure - perhaps get a drink at the bar!

Overnight in Phuket.

You're free to relax on the beautiful island of PHUKET or KOH YAO NOI ISLAND for the next two days. Your hotel is ideally located on beautiful beaches which are amongst the best ones in the area and their gentle shelving and calm waters mean it's perfect for swimming all year round. Golden sands lead up to an infinity pool and the rooftop bar offers spectacular sunsets with delicious cocktails.

OPTIONAL: There are numerous activities that you can do on the island, but one of the most popular is kayaking amongst the rocky caves of nearby Phang Na Bay, which is home to the iconic James Bond island. Or perhaps try your hand at scuba diving, there are plenty of dive schools nearby that offer 'taster' courses for the curious. In the evenings enjoy Kamala's mellow bars and restaurants or take a short drive to lively Patong. From ladyboys parading in their glamorous costumes to street bars, sizzling food and loud music, Bangla Road in Patong feels like carnival every night!

Overnight in Phuket or Koh Yao Noi Island.

Today marks the end of your Thai adventure. After breakfast at the hotel, check out and board a speedboat to the shore where your driver is awaiting to transfer you to Phuket Airport for your onward flight.