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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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 4: Bangkok Travel to the colourful 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. Today breakfast and lunch are included.

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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

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 centre 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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 7: Lampang - Chiang Saen Travel through the countryside to the northern most tip of Thailand in the heart of the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Arrive in Chiang Saen, an important trading crossroads since the seventh century, coveted for its strategic location guarding the Mekong. Chiang Saen was passed back and forth between the kings of Burma and Thailand for nearly three hundred years. Under the reign of Rama I, King of Thailand, the city was destroyed as a sign of dominance over the Burmese who formerly used it as their home base. The present village was established in 1804. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 8: Chiang Saen - Doi Tung - Chiang Saen 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. You will then travel to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border…en route, you have the opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha 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. Her Doi Tung "Flag Mountain" Development Project was 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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 9: Chiang Saen - Laos - Chiang Saen The best way to enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Mekong River area is 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 Saen for an afternoon at leisure. Today breakfast is included.

Day 10: Chiang Saen - Chiang Mai Begin the day travelling 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 and lacquer at bargain prices. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

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. Shop for umbrellas, silk, and celadon, the distinctive Thai green stoneware. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribe people. Today breakfast and dinner are included. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 jewellery 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. Today breakfast is included.

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. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 14: Bangkok - Tour Ends Today your tour concludes in the city of Bangkok. Today breakfast is included.

ABTA No J5209