Thailand Highlights

Thailand will most certainly delight all who visit with its unique and fascinating culture. This is a country full of beautiful palaces, fascinating temples and ancient ruins that echo with memories of a bygone era.

From energetic Bangkok you will travel to Kanchanaburi, where you are immersed in war history at the Bridge over River Kwai and the Hellfire Pass. The fascinating province of Chiang Rai is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area and is perfect for exploring the nearby tribal villages.

Experience life as a local with your host family in Mae Kampong and gather a sense of deeper meaning to your journey as you give alms to the monks. At Chiang Mai meet children at an orphanage, enjoy a peaceful ride on a bamboo raft down the Mae Ping River and take an elephant ride at the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp.

We believe that Thailand has so much more to offer than the traditional beach holiday and this tour aims to give you just that.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: AUCKLAND TO BANGKOK

Fly with Thai Airways International to Bangkok for a two-night stay.

DAY 2: BANGKOK

Embark on a tour of Bangkok, visiting Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Board a longtail boat for a cruise along Chao Phraya River to the Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market and take a walk through Chinatown.

DAY 3: BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI

Rise early this morning and visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Railway Track Market. Continue to Wang Po and take a train ride on the Death Railway through the Kwai Noi Gorge to Kanchanaburi. Visit the Bridge over River Kwai, the Allies Cemetery and War Museum.

DAY 4: KANCHANABURI

Drive to the Hellfire Pass, a vast embankment of stone cut out during World War II by allied Prisoners of War for the Burma railway. Visit the museum and choose to either trek through the pass or visit the nearby Saiyoke Noi Waterfall.

DAY 5: KANCHANABURI TO SUKHOTHAI

Head north to Uthai Thani where you cruise along the Sakaekrang River on an authentic ice barge. After lunch onboard drive to Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam.

DAY 6: SUKHOTHAI TO LAMPANG

Take a motorised tram ride this morning around the Sukhothai Ruins. From here, travel to Lampang where you ride on a horse-drawn cart around the Old Town. Visit Phra That Lampang Luang and Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, as well as the local market.

DAY 7: LAMPANG TO CHIANG RAI

Depart for the Golden Triangle, the point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar’s borders meet. Here you will take a boat ride along the Mekong River to visit Done Sao Island in Laos before continuing to Chiang Rai.

DAY 8: CHIANG RAI

Travel to Mae Salong Mountain where you will ride in a truck to the tribal village of Yao. Stop at a tea plantation and walk through thevillage of the Karen Tribe (Long Necks).

DAY 9: CHIANG RAI TO MAE KAMPONG (HOME STAY)

See the exquisite White Temple this morning before travelling to the village of Mae Kampong where you will stay overnight with a local family.

DAY 10: MAE KAMPONG TO CHIANG MAI

Rise early this morning to give alms to the monks. After breakfast with your hosts you will continue to Chiang Mai where you will visit the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam, the temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, and a handicraft village.

DAY 11: CHIANG MAI

Visit the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp where you will experience an elephant ride and gentle bamboo river rafting. After dinner you will visit the colourful night market.

DAY 12: CHIANG MAI

Partake in a cooking class this morning where you will learn the secrets of traditional Thai cuisine. After lunch you will visit Baan Kingkaew Orphanage, followed by Wat Doi Suthep in time for sunset. This evening you will see a performance of ancient dances and songs from northern Thailand.

DAY 13: DEPART CHIANG MAI

This morning you will be transferred to Chiang Mai airport to board your overnight flight to Auckland (via Bangkok).
 

DAY 14: ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from Thailand Highlights