DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailand's capital city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok

DAY 3, Monday - Bangkok City Tour
Begin your day with a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Drive through Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 50 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace. Later in the afternoon, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5:00PM, followed by a light dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Tuesday - Full Day in Bangkok
Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or, take the optional tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You'll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the afternoon, embark on the optional canal tour along the Chao Phraya River passing by Wat Arun and other iconic landmarks as well as a scenic view of local life along the river. Then travel on a tuk-tuk to dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Bangkok Canal Tour with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Wednesday - Flight to Chiang Mai, Dinner at Private Home
Morning is at leisure before flying to Chiang Mai, ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The afternoon is free for individual interests, before a unique experience tonight. Join a local Chiang Mai family for an authentic Thai dinner in their home. Enjoy a tour of the home, conversation about life in Chiang Mai and savor the great flavors of home-cooked food
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Full Day in Chiang Mai
Morning is free to explore Chiang Mai independently or, join the optional tour of the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, established in 1993, as the first botanical garden in Thailand. Stroll through the lush grounds covered with exotic types of trees, plants and flowers. After your visit, stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Sankampang Street, center of handicrafts, for on-site demonstrations on how the silk, lacquer, and silver wares are made. Later, visit the world's largest gem factory, to watch while the gem stones are cut and set. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Optional: Half Day Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden Tour with lunch (AM)
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Friday - Doi Suthep Temple
Start today's morning tour with Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Northern Thailand's most sacred temple, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with 306 steps leading up to the temple grounds. Visit a local jade factory, followed by an afternoon at leisure, or pamper yourself with an optional Thai massage
Optional: Thai Traditional Massage (PM)
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Saturday - Travel to Chiang Rai
This morning, depart Chiang Mai and drive to scenic Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Or, join an afternoon optional excursion to Mae Chan, still inhabited by hill people, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Palong tribes. Visit one of the tribes to see their unique way of life and learn more about their culture
Optional: Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe (PM)
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Sunday - Mae Sai Border Town & Golden Triangle
Travel to the border town of Mae Sai, at the tip of Thailand. At this border crossing, arrangements may be made to enter Myanmar*. Ascend to the hilltop viewpoint to see the famous "Golden Triangle" of Southeast Asia - the meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The locals call it "Sop Ruak", as this is also where the Mekong meets the Ruak River. Continue to the dramatic House of Opium at Golden Triangle, offering an informative exhibition on the history of opium which dates back almost 5000 years. This afternoon, enjoy a locally prepared lunch before embarking on a long tail boat ride along the banks of the Mekong River between Myanmar, Laos and Thailand where you will see local farmers and fishermen at their craft and learn more about how this river played a role in the opium trade. End the day with a stop at an old teak forest and view centuries old giant Teak trees before returning to Chiang Rai for the evening*Entering Myanmar (Burma) requires a border crossing fee of approx US$45, payable locally. The opportunity to cross the border will depend on local conditions and cannot be guaranteed. If the border crossing is not possible, alternate arrangements will be made
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Monday - Travel to Sukhothai
Travel southward to Sukhothai, birthplace of the Thai nation, founded in the 13th century by King Ramkhamhaeng. The country's first capital was established here in 1238 and lasted over two centuries. Sukhothai is world-famous for its over 100 historical sites and treasures, including some of the most beautiful Thai art and architecture in the country, created during the city's "golden era", between the 13th and 14th centuries. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore historical Sukhothai independently
Overnight: Sukhothai
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Tuesday - Sukhothai Historical Park, Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
After breakfast visit the Old Town of Sukhothai with its impressive Historical Park, immaculately restored and set among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this astonishing site, most of the remains of the original city can be seen. Marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palaces, temples, and historical monuments and feel yourself drift back in time to a bygone era. Depart Sukhothai to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the center of the city. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, conceived as a replica of the Angkor Temple - this is a serene place where one can reflect and enjoy the tranquility. Tonight, gather together for dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Wednesday - Travel to Bangkok
This morning, time permitting, meet children at a local school* before departing for Bangkok. En route, visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, Bang Pa-In served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai Kings. Arrive at your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy all of the delights of Bangkok on your own. Shop to your heart's content, visit the many amazing markets and try some of the fabulous restaurants in this energetic city*School visit is subject to changes due to school scheduling
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Thursday - Depart Thailand
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast