Explore imposing temples amongst the colourful markets of Bangkok. This vibrant city is perfectly contrasted by the lush green mountainous Golden Triangle. Bond with elephants in Chiang Rai, go walking in the old Opium country and watch the spiritual procession of monks collecting alms in Chiang Mai.
ELEPHANTS & OPIUM
HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploring the atmospheric backstreets of Bangkok with a guide.
- Walking with elephants and watching them bathe in the valleys an streams of the Golden Triangle.
- Walking through the terraced landscape of Doi Mae Salong, known as the Switzerland of Thailand for its beautiful mountainous scenery.
- Spiritual enlightenment in Chiang Mai, meeting Buddhist monks at Wat Chedi Luang.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Relax on the banks of the Chao Phraya in luxurious surroundings designed by Bill Bensley.
Overnight: The Siam
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Day 2 Explore Bangkok
Exploring the beauty and chaos of Bangkok. Lose yourself in the haunting chants of worshiping monks at Wat Pho and marvel at the Grand Palace. Experience all modes of transport including boats, tuk tuks and the Sky Train before an after dark walking tour of the hidden gems of Bangkok with cocktails!
Overnight: The Siam
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Day 3 Bangkok-Chiang Rai
Fly to Chiang Rai in the Golden Triangle to bond with elephants and understand the history of the Opium Country. Your balcony commands views of The Mekong with Myanmar and Laos providing the backdrop.
Overnight: Anantara Golden Triangle
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Day 4 Walking with elephants
Join the elephants on their daily walk into the jungle and watch them bathe in the river and play in the mud. Immerse yourself in the Hall of Opium Museum, gaining a deeper understanding of the illicit trade which made the Golden Triangle so infamous.
Overnight: Anantara Golden Triangle
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Day 5 Cooking and spa in the Golden Triangle
Try your hand at Thai cooking, starting with a visit to the local market to select your ingredients and finishing with a delicious lunch cooked by you. Swim in the hotel's oversized pool with views of Myanmar and Laos or try one of Anantara's renowned spa treatments.
Overnight: Anantara Golden Triangle
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Day 6 Golden Triangle to the Mountains
Drive through open farmland towards the highlands and thrilling mountain passes. The view of the Thai-Myanmar border from Doi Chaang Mub is superb. Visit the Royal Gardens of Doi Tung, try the home grown coffee and learn about the hill tribes.
Overnight: Katiliya Mountain Resort
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Day 7 Doi Mae Salong and Chinatown
Doi Mae Salong is one of the Kingdom's most stunning areas and the king himself named it the "Switzerland of Thailand". The first settlers were the Ahka and Lahu tribes and more recently the Chinese who fled the communist revolution in China in 1949. Go walking through terraced tea and rice plantations - once Opium country and now home to Thailand's premier Oolong tea production.
Overnight: Katiliya Mountain Resort
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Day 8 Wat Rong Khun and Chiang Mai
Drive 4.5 hours to Chiang Mai through beautiful countryside. Stop at the incredible white temple of Wat Rong Khun and enjoy natural hot springs on the way. Your hotel was once the private home of Louis Leonowens, son of Anna from the film "Anna and the King".
Overnight: 137 Pillars
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Day 9 Buddhism and culture in Chiang Mai
Spend the day with your guide exploring the Buddhist culture of this mountain city. Learn about Lanna culture, talk with monks at Wat Chedi Luang, absorb the peace at the Flower Garden Temple and finish at the impressive Wat Doi Suthep with views over the city.
Overnight: 137 Pillars
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Day 10 Depart
Fly home, via Bangkok or if you have a few more days we can arrange an extension to relax on one of Thailand's island or beach resorts.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
Currency
| Low | £ 3,200 | $ 4,337 |
| Mid | £ 4,200 | $ 5,692 |
| High | £ 5,000 | $ 6,776 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a twin/double room throughout.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
