13 Days Thailand and Cambodia Exclusive Holiday

ITINERARY

Day 1: Chiang Mai | Arrive in Chiang Mai

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

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: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 2: Chiang Mai | Elephant Sanctuary Experience | Khantoke Cultural Dinner Performance

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will join in a tour to an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai by 4WD truck (2-hour transfer). First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. Learn how they became a proud herd free from abuse and misuse. Then have an opportunity to feed them. Next, enjoy a picnic spread. Then take a stroll with the herd to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff.

After you have said your farewells, return back to the hotel for some leisure time.

Around 7 PM, we will transfer to an outdoor courtyard theater. Take a place in traditional Thai seating as Thai dishes are brought to you. Enjoy colorful performances in traditional Lanna Thai apparel with live cultural music. It introduces you to many kinds of unique musical instruments used by the various hill tribes during their ceremonies. Then return to the hotel after the show.

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 3: Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Temples

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, visit 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.

Then continue to Wat Suan Dok, which houses many of the remains of generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family. Finally, visit Wat Jet Yot – this peaceful temple is surrounded by green and was built in the Mahabodhi style from India to house the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1453. You’ll return to the hotel for some leisure in the afternoon and evening. Feel free to explore the night markets in the ancient city or take a stroll along the Ping River on your own.

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 4: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai | Road Trip Chiang Rai | The White Temple | Golden Triangle Discovery

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer in the morning to Chiang Rai. On the way, you’ll stop at Wat Rong Khun(the White Temple). This unique and modern temple features Hindu and Buddhist architecture along with very contemporary and peculiar art and sculptures. You’ll continue to Katiliya Mountain Resort for check-in with pleasant views of the valley.

In the afternoon, visit the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak River and the Mekong river meet forming the borders of three countries – Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos – the area is known for it’s stunning views. Visit the Hall of Opium museum to learn about the history of the Opium War. Continue on to the ancient city of Chiang Sean at Wat Chedi Luang – a stone city and the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Then return to the resort for leisure in the evening.

Chiang Rai is a quiet city nestled between two mountain ranges in the valley along the Mae Kok River. It has a colorful history, is the birthplace of the Lanna Kingdom, and was once home to the Emerald Buddha – during a short time when the priceless Buddhist relic was brought for hiding. The friendly town makes a great base camp for visiting the Golden Triangle, Ancient City of Chiang Saen, Mae Salong Mountain, and the “Island on the Clouds” (Phu Chi Fah viewpoint). Aspiring local artists have produced world-acclaimed pieces of architecture and art such as “The White Temple” and “The Black House”.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Day 5: Chiang Rai | Mae Fah Luang Gardens & Cave

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Start the morning with a visit to Tham Pla Cave. This cave temple is an important religious site for locals.

Then take a trip up to Doi Tung Development Project of her Royal Highness the Princess Mother, the beloved Mother of His Majesty the King. Drive up to admire the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Tung, about 2,000 meters above sea level. The temple is a special place for all the people of Chiang Rai. The royal family helped ween many of the tribes in this region off opium crops by introducing produce and other crops with this project. Many kinds of fruit and coffee cherries are produced here along with perennials. Enjoy some walking around the gardens. Return back to the resort around noon.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Day 6: Chiang Rai | Mae Salong Hill Tribes and Tea Terraces

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to Mae Salong mountain, a scenic peak in the Shan Highlands. First, stop at a tea plantation to try some fresh hot tea in the morning while taking in the splendid views. Learn about the Chinese military KMT village that resettled at Mae Salong and their interesting story. Have lunch at a Yunnanese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Akha, Yao, and Lisu hill-tribe villages. Then return to the resort for leisure time.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Day 7: Chiang Rai – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Take a morning flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport then transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

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, Bangkok 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.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a trip to one of the oldest communities in Bangkok. After the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767, the Kudi Chin relocated to Bangkok along with the Siamese. It hosts the oldest church in Bangkok, Santa Cruz Church (Catholic) built in 1769 after the Thai king Taksin granted land to the Kudi people. The diverse community is also home to Kanlayanamit Temple (Buddhism), Kudi Khao Mosque (Muslim), and the Kuan Un Keng Shrine (Chinese Buddhism). Explore the community with our guide and visit the main religious monuments to get a feel for the culture. Feel free to have our guide assist with communication and translation as you make new friends. Return to the hotel when you’re finished exploring.

Accommodation: Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel

Day 8: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat

Meals: Breakfast

In the early morning, take a traditional long-tail boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view and explore the gem of Bangkok.

Continue to one of the must-see sights, 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 return to the hotel for some leisure time in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel

Day 9: Bangkok | Ayutthaya

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Start early and transfer for first visit Royal Palace at Bang Pa In, which is the Summer Palace of the Thai Royal Family. Then continue to the North to the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Start by visiting Wat Phu Khao Thong – a temple outside of Ayutthaya started by the invading Burmese who built the base when they overtook Ayutthaya and was finished by Siam who later took back their city. Continue to Ayutthaya and start with the Royal Palace and Royal Temple – dating back to the 14th century. Continue to the nearby Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit where the largest bronze Buddha in Thailand is housed. Enjoy a Thai lunch and some free time. Have a short visit to Wat Lokaya Sutha – the image of the reclining Buddha. Return back to your hotel in Bangkok for leisure time.

Accommodation: Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel

Day 10: Bangkok – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap | Phare Cambodian Circus

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by flight today to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and you’ll continue to the hotel for check-in.

In the evening, you’ll go to visit Phare Cambodian Circus. Be amazed by stunts and choreography unique to Cambodia’s performing arts. You’ll watch as a story written by locals is acted out with an impressive stage show. Be prepared for laughter and wonder as you enjoy the performance. After the hour-long spectacle, you’ll return to your hotel for leisure and overnight.

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.

Accommodation: Heritage Suites Hotel

Day 11: Siem Reap | Vintage Car to South Gate | Angkor Thom by Bicycle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll hop in a Vintage Mercedes-Benz. Circle around Bayon temple with it’s giant stone smiling faces and stop for photos with the classic automobile if you like. Return back to the South Gate of the ancient capital where you’ll continue with our guide. (Note: Vintage car will return and a standard vehicle with air conditioning will provide transportation for the rest of the tour. No camera is provided for photos. Please bring your own.)

Biking in the stone city of Angkor Thom

Continue with a relaxing cycling tour in the morning in ancient Angkor Thom – a stone city built around the time of Angkor Wat.

The biking tour will start at the South Gate – a photogenic bridge at the gateway of the stone city of Angkor Thom which has made its way into many Hollywood movies. Angkor Thom which was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Enter the stone city and explore shaded trails and ancient monuments. Visit Bayon Temple where you will be surrounded by 216 gigantic stone faces which fame as “Khmer Smile”, you will also visit the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Stop your cycling trip with a visit to 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.

In the afternoon, go to visit Ta Prohm Temple – a jungle monastery with trees overcoming stone. This temple has been featured in many Hollywood films, including Tomb Raider and Transformers 3. On the way back, stop to see the Killing Fields of Wat Thmei. Our guide will relay to you the history of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, and the war. Cambodia is still healing from these atrocities.

Accommodation: Heritage Suites Hotel

Day 12: Siem Reap | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Village Visit and Filter Donation | Banteay Srei: The Citadel of Women | Apsara Dinner Performance

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Before the light of the day, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Our guide will arrange a light picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in front of the world’s #1 Heritage Site. Then in the early hours, you’ll explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day.

Angkor Wat Temple

In the afternoon, go with our guide to visit a small village where a water filtration system* has been donated on your behalf. You’ll have a chance to meet with locals. The water filtration system will be able to provide potable/drinking water to the family. We can also arrange to have your logo or names painted on the filter ahead of time. The guide will help to translate.

Optional recommendation

We suggest that if you have any used children’s books in your home that you no longer need, you may bring them with to donate to the children in the village.

*More information on the slow sand water filtration system provided can be found on the Center for Disease Control website here: https://www.cdc.gov/safewater/sand-filtration.html. We coordinate with waterforcambodia.org to have the filters made and for coordinating with local government authorities in establishing which families need a filter. Water for Cambodia is a non-profit supported by Rotary International and The Singapore International Foundation.

After that, you’ll continue to a remote temple deep in the jungle called Banteay Srei: The Citadel of Women. Banteay Srei was carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are still well preserved to this day. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale to the other collosal temples around Siem Reap, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a precious gem, or the jewel of Khmer art.

Dinner Show

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

In the evening, transfer to Angkor Village Hotel Theater for a traditional Apsara Dinner Show. where you will have a unique dinner experience which will bring ancient Khmer culture to life in spectacular surroundings while you enjoy the very best in Cambodia cuisine. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.

Accommodation: Heritage Suites Hotel

Day 13: Siem Reap | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast

Today, our guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight onward and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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