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
- Discovering the art of Northern Thai cooking at the private home of Mr Prapat.
- Cycling with a private guide through Northern Thailand's lush valleys, mountain landscapes and rice paddies.
- Eating a jungle lunch with the Lahu hill tribe in their village in the Golden Triangle.
- Walking, feeding and bathing the elephants with their mahouts.
- Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya by bicycle with a private guide.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Chiang Mai
On arrival in Chiang Mai you will be transferred to your luxurious boutique hotel; 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 2 Chiang Mai - Life and Legend
Spend the day with your guide exploring the Buddhist culture of this mountain city. Start the day by ascending Doi Suthep; the 5,499-foot mountain overlooking the city of Chiang Mai. Stop to taste delicious Khao Soi at a local restaurant before learning about Lanna culture, exploring the archaeological site of Wiang Kum Kam by the Ping River before talking with monks at Wat Chedi Luang; one of Chiang Mai's first temples.
Overnight: 137 Pillars
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Day 3 Chiang Mai - Flavours of Northern Thailand
Today you will have the unique opportunity to learn Thai cooking from a local family. Mr Prapat lives in a village outside Chiang Mai and will introduce you to his family home and teach you about authentic Northern Thai flavours cooked in the traditional way. Back in Chiang Mai this evening, take a private tuk-tuk to explore the vibrant city, finishing at a local restaurant for dinner by the Ping River.
Overnight: 137 Pillars
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Day 4 Chiang Mai - Pedal Lanna
A full day in the saddle with your private guide! Escape the city and cycle into the heart of Northern Thailand's lush valleys, mountain landscapes, local shrines, rice paddies and rural charm. Your adventure takes you through the communities and great outdoors north of the Mae Rim Valley, along the Ping River. The roads are mostly flat with a few gentle hills and you will be able to sample delicious Northern Thai food.
Overnight: 137 Pillars
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Day 5 Chiang Mai to The Golden Triangle
Today you will be driven to the Golden Triangle via the scenic route through Fang town. The journey will take 7 hours, broken by memorable experiences along the way. Lunch will be a traditional jungle meal in a Lahu hill tribe village, followed by a short walk to see how the villagers live. Drive on to Wat Tha Ton temple with views across to Myanmar, before arriving at your 5-star resort where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet.
Overnight: Anantara Golden Triangle
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Day 6 The Golden Triangle - 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 7 The Golden Triangle - Cooking and Spa
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 8 Fly to Bangkok
Take a morning flight direct to Bangkok where you will be met and privately transferred to The Siam, a Bill Bensley designed hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Overnight: The Siam Hotel
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Day 9 Bangkok - Multi-Transport Adventure
Today is an outstanding introduction to frantic Bangkok, using a variety of local transport such as Sky trains, tuk-tuks, canal boats and two feet. Your private guide will show you the highlights whilst avoiding traffic and at the same time supporting local businesses. You can expect to visit the Erawan Shrine, Golden Mount at Wat Saket, Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha and the backwater klongs (canals) of Thonburi.
Overnight: The Siam Hotel
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Day 10 Bangkok - Ancient Ayutthaya
The ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya was the crowning glory of the kingdom for hundreds of years. Today it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, partially restored after being obliterated by the Burmese army in 1767. Explore the archeological site with your private guide by vehicle and on Mary Poppins-style bicycles, stopping for lunch at a riverside restaurant, finishing with a long tail boat ride around the historical island.
Overnight: The Siam Hotel
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Day 11 Depart
Leave Thailand today on your international flight home.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
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Addition to Day 11
Extend for a few days on a perfect Thai beach by flying to Phuket and staying at the stunning Rosewood Phuket; a tropical hideaway on Emerald Bay. Price from £3,600 for 4 nights in a Partial Ocean View Pavilion including domestic flight from Bangkok.
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Low | $ 8,764 |
| High | $ 14,201 |
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.
- Private longtail boat trip on Day 9.
- Semi-private cooking class on Day 3.
- Drinks and snacks during experiences.
- Meals and drinks and one activity per night stayed at Anantara Golden Triangle.
- Domestic flights.
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.
- Beach extension.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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