Collette > Thailand Ancient Capitals and Countryside

Thailand Ancient Capitals and Countryside
14 Days starting from $1,199

Countries Visited:
Thailand

 

Length: 14 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Asia Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3482
   
 
 
 
About This Tour


Beautiful countryside and colorful cityscapes you're sure to find the ancient beauty of Thailand eye-opening. It is a land of enchantment, with a temple at every corner, colorful spirit houses, and long-tail boats traveling the canals and rivers. This tour includes the captivating city of Bangkok where a city tour introduces you to Thai religious beliefs and Thai royalty. Travel through the countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya, where you'll see ancient ruins dating from the 14th century. Overnight in Phitsanulok and Lampang and take an exciting excursion across the Mekong River to Laos. In Chiang Mai, inhale the scent of orchids - Thailand's national flower - watch local artisans at their crafts and learn about the culture and traditions of the Hill Tribes. This tour also features a visit to the Maesa Elephant Camp
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
12 Breakfast(s), 6 Lunch(es), 8 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

BANGKOKRadisson Hotel
PHITSANULOKAmarin Lagoon Hotel
LAMPANGLampang River Lodge
CHIANG SAENImperial Golden Triangle Hotel
CHIANG MAIImperial Mae Ping Hotel

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand.

Day 2
Arrive Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins
You arrive in Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Day 3
Bangkok
A vibrant city, today Bangkok is a central economic hub for Southeast Asia. Blending with its modern-day might is a captivating history that more than 10 million inhabitants call their own. A city tour of Bangkok provides you with insight into the fascinating religious composition of this area during visits to two of Bangkok''s famous temples: The Golden Buddha, clad in plaster centuries ago to hide its value from marauders, was rediscovered by a fortunate accident in 1957; The Reclining Buddha is about 150'' long and is clad in pure gold. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782. Tonight you will be treated to a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River.

Day 4
Bangkok
Travel to the colorful and bustling floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting long tail boat cruise through the legendary canals, known as Klongs. Later, you travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge inspired the movie about its construction by Allied prisoners of war during WWII who were coerced into building it by Japanese troops.

Day 5
Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Phitsanulok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya''s Golden Age of over 400 years of prosperity came to an abrupt end when the Burmese invaded and ravaged it before abandoning the city for the jungle. The Ayutthaya Historical Park, located on the ruins of the ancient city, is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds spectacular ruins dating from the 14th century. After a moving visit, continue to Phitsanulok for the evening.

Day 6
Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Lampang
Journeying north to Sukhothai, which presided as Thailand’s capital from 1238-1376, you''ll explore this walled city that created a legacy of a unified nation of Thai people and has a phenomenal artistic heritage. The impressive assembly of elegant ruins is one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Later, arrive in Lampang, the north''s second largest town and an important center for the teak industry. Lampang is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Relax this evening at your hotel located on the banks of the Wang River, a popular hideaway for nature lovers.

Day 7
Lampang - Chiang Rai
Travel through the countryside to Chiang Rai in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of Lanna Thai, the “Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields.” Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time at your hotel situated on an island in the Mae Kok River.

Day 8
Chiang Rai - Doi Tung - Chiang Rai
This morning, travel to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. En route you have the opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha Hill Tribe villages as well as picturesque terraced farming areas. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother of Thailand, realized that education was critical in the reduction of opium cultivation. Learn about her efforts at the Doi Tung "Flag Mountain" Development Project, created to help improve the lives of the local villagers by offering alternatives to opium agriculture and use. Next, take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular Mae Fah Luang Foundation, "Mother to Us All Garden," inspired by the much-loved Princess Mother''s living in Switzerland. Learn about many traditional local crafts at the Cottage Industries Center and Outlets, where you will find woven textiles, hand-made mulberry bark paper and mountain-grown coffee beans.

Day 9
Chiang Rai - Laos - Chiang Rai
A visit to the Hall of Opium takes you on a journey into this mysterious world. Using state-of-the-art multimedia, the exhibition depicts more than 5,000 years of use and abuse of opiates, its spread throughout the world, and international efforts to control it. Next, enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Mekong River area in the most relaxing way - by long tail boat. Cross the river on this unique vessel to Laos. You will have time to wander through a small village town, send a postcard, get your passport stamped or do some shopping. Return to Chiang Rai for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 10
Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
Begin the day traveling south to Chiang Mai, known as the "Rose of the North". This city is famous for diverse cuisine, dialects and architecture, as well as the celebration of many festivals. Tour the cottage industries area and see the local artisans at work. You may shop there for silk, silver, celadon (the distinctive Thai green stoneware) and lacquer at bargain prices.

Day 11
Chiang Mai
A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai brings you to the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness elephants at work & play at Maesa Elephant Camp. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many varieties of the national flower of Thailand. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribe people.

Day 12
Chiang Mai
This morning you will visit one of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Dio Suthep, which is situated 3,520 feet above sea level. This temple is said to have been founded in 1383 and is a sacred site to many Thai people. Visit a jade factory and learn the history of this luminescent stone. A short film explains the basics of the process of turning jade into jewelry and other products before you watch the craftsmen at work and learn how to tell jade from its imitations. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the Night Market.

Day 13
Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight* brings you back to Bangkok. Today you may wish to take an optional tour of legendary American businessman Jim Thompson’s house. This magnificent Thai-styled home contains an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. Thompson single-handedly revived the Thai silk industry after WWII and then mysteriously disappeared. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

Day 14
Bangkok - Tour Ends
Today your tour concludes in the city of Bangkok.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
10/8/2008 - 10/21/2008
$1,199
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
10/22/2008 - 11/4/2008
$1,199
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
11/5/2008 - 11/18/2008
$1,249
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
11/12/2008 - 11/25/2008
$1,249
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
1/21/2009 - 2/3/2009
$1,249
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
2/25/2009 - 3/10/2009
$1,249
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/4/2009 - 3/17/2009
$1,249
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/18/2009 - 3/31/2009
$1,249
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/15/2009 - 4/28/2009
$1,199
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
6/17/2009 - 6/30/2009
$1,499
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/16/2009 - 9/29/2009
$1,499
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
10/14/2009 - 10/27/2009
$1,499
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
12/2/2009 - 12/15/2009
$1,549
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
2/24/2010 - 3/9/2010
$1,549
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/14/2010 - 4/27/2010
$1,549
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
         
Package Notes:
*The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through the tour operator.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
This tour features Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Lampang, Chiang Saen, Chiang Mai and more.
Experience a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Spend one night relaxing in a river lodge located on the banks of Wang River, a hideaway for nature lovers.
Visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai.

Breathe in the scent of paradise at a visit to an orchid farm.

Dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chai Phraya River

Travel to the colorful and bustling floating market of Dammoen Saduak and take an exciting long tail boat cruise through the legendary canals

Take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular Mae Fah Foundation, "Mother to Us All Garden."

Visit to the hall of Opium

Maesa Elephant Park
Visit a jade factory
Package Notes:
*The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through the tour operator.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
   
Send This Tour to a Friend:
   
Your Name: Required.
Your E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Your Friend's Name: Required.
Your Friend's E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Comments:  
Required.