A Taste of Thailand12 DAYS & 11 NIGHTS Bangkok, Sukhothai,Chiang Mai & Chiang RaiLuxury Private JourneyChiang RaiChiang MaiSukhothaiBangkokA land of pristine mountain jungles, virgin beaches, exotic islands, historic culture, and lively arts; of a warm and hospitable people whose traditions forcenturies have been embedded in culture, all combine to make Thailand the preferred destination in Southeast Asia. Experience the rich variety and diversityof one of the most sought after travel destinations for millions across the globe.Day 1: Arrive BangkokUpon arrival in Bangkok, you will be welcomedby your <strong>Cox</strong> & <strong>Kings</strong> local representative andtransferred to your hotel. The Peninsula (Deluxeroom) – 4 nightsDay 2: BangkokAfter breakfast, proceed to Wat Po in time toexperience the monks early morning chantingritual. Visit the temple grounds and the famous 147ft reclining Buddha. Continue to the magnificentGrand Palace, where the sheer grandeur of itsthrone halls will leave you spellbound. Marvelat the most revered image in Thailand – theEmerald Buddha.Following a traditional Thai lunch at a riversiderestaurant, embark on an exhilarating boat ridealong the bustling Chao Phraya River (River of80 I Asia & Pacific 2011<strong>Kings</strong>), venturing down remote klongs (canals)and passing through some significant landmarks.Visit Wat Kanlayanamit temple housing thebiggest sitting Buddha in Bangkok. Continue toWat Rakhang, a riverside ancient temple built inthe Ayutthaya period. Afterwards, enjoy shoppingat a local market in the neighbouring area. (B, L)Day 3: BangkokVenture south of Bangkok to the island ofAmphawa. Stop at an amazing country marketalong the railway tracks. Continue to the Tha Khafloating market (held every Saturday and Sunday;during weekdays, the market day is subject to thelunar calendar) and take a fascinating paddleboatride through the labyrinth of canals and villages.Stop to enjoy a coconut drink, talk to localfamilies, and take a boat ride through the maze ofcanals before arriving at Rama II Park with its Thaistyle Pavillion Museum. Return to Bangkok andspend the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)Day 4: River KwaiFull day tour of Kanchanaburi and the bridge overthe River Kwai. Visit the JEATH Museum and theallied war cemeteries, travel by train across thebridge along the “death railway” and cruise alongthe river. (B, L)Day 5: To SukhothaiThis morning, fly to Sukhothai. On arrival, checkinto your hotel.In the afternoon, visit Ramkamhaeng Nationalmuseum before proceeding to Sukhothai HistoricalPark. See Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum, Wat SriSawai, Wat Sra Sri and Wat Trapang Ngoen.Sukhothai Heritage (Superior room) – 2 nights (B)
Luxury EscapadesPrivateJourneyHighlightsDay 6: SukhothaiAfter breakfast, drive along scenic rice fields toKampaeng Phet province. Its very name meansDiamond Wall. More than 900 years old, it ishome to a selection of fascinating ruins bearingtestament to its splendid past. Return to Sukhothaiand enjoy a delicious organic lunch.This afternoon, venture out into rural Thailandwhen you visit an organic rice farm. Don thedistinctive indigo coloured cotton uniform wornby Thai farmers and participate in fun activitiesincluding planting seedlings, harvesting, or millingrice; there is also an opportunity to plough thepaddies with water buffalo. This is a completelyunique experience that offers an insight into‘rural living’ in Thailand. Continue on to SukothaiAirport complex where you will learn moreabout the skilled arts of ceramic making andtextile weaving. (B, L)Day 7: To Chiang MaiThis morning, drive north to Si SatchanalaiHistorical Park on the banks of the Yom River.134 ruined monuments have been discoveredwithin the park. Visit the main sites of Wat PhraSi Rattana Mahathat, as well as Wat Chang Lomand Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo. Continue to ChiangMai via Lampang (a drive of 3-4 hours). Stop atthe National Elephant Institute which promotessustainable elephant conservation and theLampang Elephant Hospital. On arrival in ChiangMai, check into your hotel. Chedi / MandarinDhara Dhevi / Four Seasons - 3 nights (B, L)Option: Elephant ride through nearby jungle fromthe grounds of the National Elephant Institute(30 minutes).Day 8: Chiang MaiThe morning is at leisure. In the afternoon,explore ancient Chiang Mai, including its oldcity walls, gates and markets. Visit the historicWat Jed Yod. Built in 1453 to host the eighthWorld Buddhist Council, it is named for its sevenspires. Continue on a drive up the mountainby ‘songtaew’ (converted pick-up truck) to thewww.coxandkings.comChang Khien Coffee Research Project and savoura cup of the local ‘arabica’ coffee. Continue tothe Hmong village of Chang Khien where theinhabitants still wear their traditional hill tribeclothes and practice a culture that dates back 500years. Finish the day with a visit to Wat PrathatDoi Suthep, a temple perched at the top of apeak more than 3,500 ft above sea level. Afteryour private blessing ceremony, witness themagical evening chanting of the monks. (B)Day 9: Chiang MaiEarly this morning, head west of the Old Cityto Ton Payom Market in time to join the localsduring the daily alms giving ceremony to themonks. Proceed to the heavily forested WatUmong temple built in the 14th century. After awalk through its mysterious tunnels, enjoy yourown private blessing ceremony. Continue to WatSuan Dok, famous for its whitewashed Lannastupas. The International Buddhist Studies centeradjacent to the temple offers a unique opportunityto learn and exchange ideas informally with themonks about Buddhism.Following lunch, travel to a local farmhouse in MaeRim and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds.Then board a long-tail boat for a 30-minute cruisealong the rural Mae Ping River. Arrive at a boatlanding and walk for about 10 minutes to visit theWaroros fresh food market. Enjoy a trishaw ridepast city walls to Wat Phra Singh. (B, L)Day 10: To Chiang RaiLate this morning, drive east towards MaeKampong village. En route make a stop at a localmarket to select fresh ingredients for your lunch.Upon arrival, meet some of the villagers beforeproceeding on a walk through the communityforest to a waterfall. Return to the village to preparelunch with your host family. Continue through themountains to Chiang Rai. Anantara Golden TriangleResort (Deluxe room) - 2 nights (B, L)Day 11: To Chiang RaiThis morning, journey by 4-wheel drive to BaanTaak on Doi Mae Salong Mountain. The village• Discover Thailand’sattractions while stayingin luxurious hotels withsuperb Thai service• Visit Wat Po, Temple of theReclining Buddha, thelargest and oldesttemple in Bangkok• Explore the exotic andornate Grand Palace• Cruise along the bustlingChao Phraya River• Tour Kanchanaburi and thebridge over the River Kwai• Visit an elephant conservationcenter in Lampang• See exotic temples,mountains and marketsin Chiang Mai• Cruise the Mae Ping Riverby longtail boatOptionals• Ride an elephant throughthe jungle from theNational Elephant InstituteNote: Please contact your tourconsultant for further details.used to be a former stronghold of Khun Sa, theinfamous drug lord and leader of the State LiberalArmy. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Continue onthe dirt road to Baan Hua Mae Kham, a villageshared by the Yao, Akha and Lisu hill tribepeople. (B, L)Day 12: Depart Chiang RaiFollowing breakfast, enjoy a short tour ofChiang Rai to see Wat Pra Kaew. Later, youwill be transferred to the airport for your flightto Bangkok to connect with your internationalflight. (B)Asia & Pacific 2011 I 81