* Edenia | 11 Days Bangkok and Golden Triangle and Phuket Extension

Begin this Thai journey discovering the best of Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital city. Then see a different side of this beautiful country as you explore the north of Thailand and discover its main cultural attractions during four magical days, travelling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. This region is overflowing with historic monuments, dreamlike landscapes, gastronomic delights and wonderful wildlife. Travel to magical Southern Thailand, boasting all types of impressive scenery, and tropical forests packed with flora and fauna. Giving a rich mix of cultures, wildly different from the northern regions, from their traditional cuisine to landscapes, and even language. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Chiang Rai: home of the unconventional and famous white temple, Chiang Rai is also a great place for street food and learning about the hill tribes. 

Golden Triangle: this natural wilderness gained unwanted notoriety in the 1960s because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area, but today has been restored to a problem-free area.

Chiang Mai: the fragrant ‘Rose of the North’ was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom founded by Mangrai the Great in the 13th century.

Phuket: among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. Blessed with more than 30 amazing beaches to choose from.

Day 1: ARRIVAL BANGKOK (30km – 30min)

After you land in Bangkok International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you before you hop on the transfer to your hotel (unescorted transfer). The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this bustling city at leisure. Perhaps you might like to indulge yourself with a traditional Thai Massage, surprise your taste buds with the amazing local flavours and cap off the day by enjoying the sunset in any of the stylish rooftop bars that have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent years… the options are limitless (own expense). 

Overnight in Bangkok. 

Day 2: BANGKOK: ROYAL GRAND PALACE & TEMPLE TOUR (5km – 15min)

Today’s tour includes three of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Wat Traimit, also known as the temple of the Golden Buddha, houses a 3-metre tall statue made from solid gold and weighing in at 5.5 tonnes. We then pass through Chinatown on our way to Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha and home to the Chedis of the Kings. At 46 metres in length and 15 metres high, the Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. Next, we make our way to the Grand Palace*, one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese royal court and used to be the residence of the kings of Bangkok. Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions including the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guesthouse and Wat Phra Keo - the beautiful Emerald Buddha temple. To round off the outing, we stop in at a local lapidary factory and showroom where you will be able to get locally made jewellery, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices. (*The Grand Palace is closed to the public during special royal ceremonies and official government visits)

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3: BANGKOK – MAEKLONG RAILWAY MARKET – DAMNERN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET – BANGKOK (185km – 3hrs)

Depart from Bangkok after breakfast at the hotel and head to Maeklong Railway Market, as knows as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival, the guide will introduce you to the history of this area. See the action in several minutes before the train passing through the market. The process happens so quick it will amaze you for the unique moment. Then go to the world-famous floating market of “Damnoen Saduak”, there are countless floating markets throughout the country, the colourfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruits and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. This is an exciting and fun way to see the local like and to go bargain hunting. Transfer back to Bangkok. 

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 4: BANGKOK – CHIANG RAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE – CHIANG RAI (75 mins flight, not included, 130km – 2hrs by land)

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport (domestic flight not included). Arrive in Chiang Rai meet our Spanish guide at the exit door and drive to visit the "Blue temple", still little known to tourists. It was built on the ruins of an abandoned temple and follows the lines of Thai temples but with an intense blue color that makes it unique. We visit the famous area where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) meet, now known worldwide as Golden Triangle and famous for the trade in opium. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and transfer to the hotel in Chiang Rai. You can enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool in the evening free at leisure. 

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day 5: CHIANG RAI – WAT PHRA KAEW – WAT PHRA DOI SUTHEP – WAT PHRA SINGH – CHIANG MAI (80kms – 3hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to Wat Phra Kaew was built in the 12th Century during the Lanna Empire. The Emerald Buddha was discovered here and later moved to Bangkok. A Replica was made and placed in the same spot where it was found. Next, visit White Temple a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, gives it a resplendent appearance, which makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Mai and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.  After lunch visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city. The temple is reached by climbing a 309-step naga staircase or via cable car (included). The views are stunning, and the temple itself is even better and boasts a number of dazzling structures. Next, visit the historic Wat Wat Phra Singh in the old town and appreciate the beauty of this large complex of more than 60 buildings and then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 6: CHIANG MAI – ELEPHANT CARE CENTER – CHIANG MAI (90km – 2.5hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and drive approximately 1 hour from Chiang Mai through rolling hills and forest to arrive at the elephant camp where you will do the elephants care activity. Change into Karen Hill tribe cloth, and prepare healthy banana rice ball vitamins for the elephants before meeting them. Feed, interact and walk with elephants in a natural environment, take photos and enjoy mud spa with elephants followed by bathing and brushing the elephants. Then change your clothes and learn how to cook papaya salad before saying goodbye to elephants. After lunch (included), return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai. 

Day 7: CHIANG MAI – PHUKET (120min by flight, not included)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and transfer to the Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Phuket (domestic flight not included). Upon arrival meet our representative at the exit and transfer to your hotel in Phuket. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 8: PHUKET

Breakfast before a free day at leisure. Phuket truly is paradise on earth. Thailand's largest and most famous dream destination is as colourful as it is cosmopolitan. Full days at leisure to relax by the pool or at the beach or to take one of the many optional activities available on the spot. Phuket is a great base for island hopping with Phi Phi and James Bond Islands within easy access and you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to discover Phuket shimmering temples and colonial mansions. Your local representative will be able to help you choose and make the necessary arrangements

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 9: PHUKET

Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a slow day of rest and relaxation. Alternatively, book a full-day excursion to Phi Phi Islands (optional extra).

Full Day Phi Phi Island By Speed Boat (min 2 participants):

Visit Phi Phi Islands and all their highlights with an early tour to guarantee the best day experience. Pick up early morning from your hotel and transfer to the Royal Phuket Marina Pier. Depart to Phi Phi Island and visit Phi Phi Lay Island. Stop for swimming from the boat in the crystal clear waters. The tour will pass by the Viking Cave for sightseeing. Your next stop is Tonsay Bay where you can hike up to the spectacular viewpoint or stay to enjoy the beach. Enjoy two long snorkeling stops from the boat to see the amazing underwater world. Enjoy delicious lunch at Bamboo Island. Relax and enjoy swimming at Bamboo Island. Approx. 15:30 return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel. (Note: for safety reasons, the program does not allow children under 3 and adults over 70 years old)

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 10: PHUKET

Indulge in a tasty breakfast before a full day to discover Phuket on your own pace, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the wonders of this beautiful area!

Day 11: DEPARTURE PHUKET (30km – 40min)

Begin your last day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Phuket Airport to continue with your travelling arrangements. The transfer is unescorted.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.