9 Days Exploring Thailand and Cambodia

ITINERARY

Day 1: Bangkok | Arrive in Bangkok

International Flight: Excluded
Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival in Bangkok, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then you are at leisure to explore the Chao Phraya riverfront, go shopping, or visit a Muay Thai boxing gym on your own.

Beginning as a small trading village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok has expanded to be both Thailand’s largest city and serves as its booming and cosmopolitan capital. As a gateway to South East Asia, this city has grown in international business significance and yet still maintains its grandeur, mystery, and tropical beauty. With its many markets, world-class restaurants and street food, extraordinary Royal Palace, and a myriad of pagodas, it continues to attract millions of visitors each year and is consistently rated as one of the world’s foremost Destination Cities.

Accommodation: Chatrium Hotel Riverside

Day 2: Bangkok – Chiang Mai | Bangkok by Boat | Flight to Chiang Mai

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the early morning, take a traditional long-tail boat past Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view. Continue through the Thonburi Klongs(Canals) to see local life in Bangkok.

Temple of Dawn along Chao Praya River – 9 Days Exploring Thailand Cambodia

Then visit the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782- and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.

Then, take a flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

About Chiang Mai

The old city walls still stand formidably against the ravages of time, inviting pilgrims to come rest, and explore the lost treasures of the Lanna Kingdom. Established as the capital in 1296AD of the vast “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, Chiang Mai carries a heritage lurking around every quiet cobble-stone alley and corridor. These days, cafes, boutiques, pubs, and spas are auspiciously peppered throughout, while colorful Meo and Akha hill tribes make their daily ritual visit to the valley to offer their hand made tapestries and handicrafts to curious adventurers. The Ping River weaves through the valley to the East of the Old City while a peaceful moat surrounds the time-worn walls.

Accommodation: Rachamankha Thai Villa

Day 3: Chiang Mai | Elephant Day Care

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will visit an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai.“Elephant Day Care” is the ideal trip to learn about, and to care for our elephants. The emphasis is caring the pregnant elephants and mothers with small babies. You’ll have quality time with us to learn about our conservation philosophy “Elephant Conservation in Action”. Then take a part in the daily healthcare routine which includes health inspection, feeding, walking with the elephants for exercise, and also to the water for drinking and bathing. You will be able to observe them interacting among their families in a natural environment. The staff will be providing you with information regarding their daily care.

This trip will not include riding any elephants. It is suitable for all, especially friends, family with children, and lovers. The sanctuary has a photographer who will capture these moments in high quality for you throughout the day and provide you a CD of the experience. Enjoy a picnic spread before returning back to Chiang Mai for leisure time.

Accommodation: Rachamankha Thai Villa

Day 4: Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Temples

Meals: Breakfast
Then, continue to the most prominent temples in Chiang Mai. Start with Wat Phra Singh which houses the famous Phra Singh Buddha image. It features Lanna art throughout and illustrates many famous Buddhist stories. Continue on to Wat Chedi Luang, which once contained the Emerald Buddha. The temple is partially in ruins due to an earthquake in the 1500s. Then stop at Wat Chiang Man which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and also houses one of Thailand’s greatest treasures: the Crystal Buddha.

You’ll return to the hotel for some leisure in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Rachamankha Thai Villa

Day 5: Chiang Mai | Butterfly and Orchid Farm | Mae Sa Waterfall

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit the Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm. Then continue to Mae Sa Waterfall area for some hiking and cooling off at the falls. Return back to the hotel for some leisure time in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Rachamankha Thai Villa

Day 6: Chiang Mai – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap | Royal Gardens

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.

Today, take a flight to Siem Reap with a short stopover in Bangkok (2h30m) with Bangkok Airways. Feel free to use Bangkok Airways Lounge which is complimentary. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our guide will greet you at the airport and continue to the Royal Gardens of Siem Reap Town. It’s home to an old temple and giant trees. Then, you will transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 7: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom Ancient City | Water Blessing Ceremony | Ta Prohm Jungle Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, you’ll be visiting the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way to Angkor Thom, you’ll catch a glimpse of the front of Angkor Wat as you pass by, which will leave you with a tingling feeling on the back of your neck as you take your first glance of the enormity and wonder of the largest religious complex to ever exist.

Bayon Temple – 9 Days Exploring Thailand Cambodia

After that, visit the local monastery to chat with monks and see their daily life. Then take part in a Water Blessing Ceremony. We will provide a change of clothes for you – a traditional Sarong which you will wear during the ceremony.

However, we’ll be saving the best for last as you go on today to see some other equally impressive structures of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure hidden under the canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the movie set of a treasure hunt adventure. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition.

Afternoon Activities

After you’ve had lunch, your exploits will continue as you visit Banteay Kdei Citadel of Chambers. You’ll also visit Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon and Bayon.

Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, this temple will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

As the sun approaches the horizon, you’ll enjoy a sunset from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. After sunset, you’ll be taken back to the hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa

Day 8: Siem Reap – Bangkok | Angkor Wat Temple | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Be prepared today to enjoy one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat.

Enter Angkor Wat and learn about the stories and amazing architecture that has stunned archaeologists leaving more questions than answers. Angkor Wat possesses some of the most intricate and longest stone carvings in the world. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the morning adventuring through the many passages, levels, and exploring chambers that once housed many treasures of the ancient world. It will be an experience you won’t forget.

Angkor Wat Temple – 9 Days Exploring Thailand Cambodia

Then, take a flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Chatrium Hotel Riverside

Day 9: Bangkok | Weekend Floating Market | Midnight Streetfood Tour | Transfer to Airport

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning is at your leisure.

In the afternoon, check out from the hotel and go with our guide to one of the most attractive floating markets of Thailand: Khlong Lat Mayom. There, you will have a chance to take a boat observing the lifestyle of locals along the small canals. Enjoy some leisure time until the evening.

After dusk, go beyond tourist zones for the most enjoyable midnight eating adventure in Bangkok. After the moon comes up, cruise along the streets via this city’s iconic 3-wheel, Tuk Tuk, to visit Bangkokian’s favorite places to eat. Taste a variety of savory menus, including the local favorite Northeastern Thai Food (Esan Food), the town’s Best Pad Thai, and the popular home-style Thai snack. Between the bites, visit old-town landmarks and temples for a different perspective compared to the busy day time scene. Discover the side of Bangkok wholly unknown to visitors. We will finish the tour by Cinderella’s time. This tour is not suitable for vegetarians.

Then, our guide will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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