2 Weeks Thailand and Cambodia Through Your Lens

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 Praya Palazzo Boutique 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, 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.

Accommodation: Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel

Day 2: 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 3: Bangkok – Chiang Mai | Ayutthaya | Flight to Chiang Mai

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Ayuthaya Capital – 2 Weeks Thailand Cambodia Your Lens

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 Bangkok and catch the flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Rimping Village 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 4: Chiang Mai | Elephant Sanctuary

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will visit an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. You will have an elephant just under both of your care for the day-with the mahout (elephant guide) to help you learn about your elephant and get acclimated with their behavior and personality. Learn how she became free from abuse and misuse. You’ll be shown how to approach your elephant, what spoken commands she respond to, how to read her body language, and how to check her health. Then have an opportunity to feed her. The mahout will also show you how to ride on her neck(no heavy howdah seats are used) or you can walk alongside your elephant if you prefer.

Continue to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff. 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. Next, enjoy a picnic spread.

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

Note: Please note not to wear any perfume or strong fragrances as elephants are sensitive to smell. Also, bring a change of clothes for swimming, odorless sunscreen, and a towel.

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 5: Chiang Mai | Hill Tribes and Doi Suthep Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a trip up in the hills and visit a tea plantation. Take a seat above the terraces flowing with arched rows of green tea shrubs while you sip on a fresh cup of hot green tea. Explore the tea plantation to learn a little about the process of cultivating and harvesting tea. Then continue to a Meo hill tribe village. Have the opportunity to see their unique apparel and simple way of living. Meo families take a great deal of pride in their herbal gardens.

Continue to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple perched on the mountain. Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddhist relics and is considered sacred to adherents. Climb around 300 steps to reach the temple. On the way, ring some of the temple bells, if you like. The temple has a set of impressive murals picturing scenes from the life and teachings of Buddha. Our guide will elaborate on some of the history and stories as you explore the temple compound. Return by cable car to the base road. After the visit, return to the hotel for the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 6: Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Highlights | Kantoke Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

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 music. Then return to the hotel after the show.

Northern Thai Tea Plantation – 2 Weeks Thailand Cambodia Your Lens

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 7: Chiang Mai – Phuket | Flight to Phuket

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Today, take a flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to The Mangrove Panwa Phuket Resort for check-in.

Accommodation: The Mangrove Panwa Phuket Resort

Day 8: Phuket | Sea Caves by Starlight

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

World-famous kayaking inside marine limestone karst islands with macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, and Sea Eagles. Meet at the hotel around 11 AM to transfer to the pier (1 hour). Then continue by boat with a light lunch served on board. Self-paddle with your own sea cave guide through tunnels and lagoons.

When darkness falls, stars shine overhead in the circle of the black night, fireflies flash in the cliffside jungle, and most of all, the sea glows with phosphorescence. Enjoy a spiritual ceremony with your own made “Krathong”.

Have a magnificent dinner onboard. Then return to land. A truly magical and out of this world experience (Listed among National Geographic’s “World’s Top 50 Adventures”).

Accommodation: The Mangrove Panwa Phuket Resort

Day 9: Phuket | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at your leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Phuket. Head south to visit Panwa Beach and Ao Yon Beach on your own or simply enjoy the views of Chalong Bay.

Phuket Beach – 2 Weeks Thailand Cambodia Your Lens

Accommodation: The Mangrove Panwa Phuket Resort

Day 10: Phuket – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap | Apsara Dinner Show

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you’ll take a flight to Siem Reap with a short layover in Bangkok(2h 15m). Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Heritage Suites Hotel for check-in.

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

In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and transferred 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 11: Siem Reap | Vintage Car to Angkor Thom | The Ancient City of Angkor Thom

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.)

Then begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Go on to see the 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 is 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.

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, Bayon will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

Ta Prohm Jungle Temple – 2 Weeks Thailand Cambodia Your Lens

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: Heritage Suites Hotel

Day 12: Siem Reap | Banteay Srei: Citadel of Women | Kulen Mountain and Waterfalls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you’ll wake early to visit Kulen Mountain National Park(Mountain of Lychees). Explore the jungles brimming with wildlife and tropical fruit. Discover stone carvings under the streams that predate Angkor Wat. It is commonly known as the Valley of a 1000 Lingas or The River of a Thousand Lingas. The motifs for stone carvings are mainly myriads of lingams (a phallic symbol of the Hindu god Shiva), depicted as neatly arranged bumps that cover the surface of the sandstone bedrock with lingam-yoni designs. Trek to the 16th-century temple on the mountain where Buddhists and Hindus pilgrimage frequently.

For lunch, enjoy a picnic next to Kulen Waterfall where Angelina Jolie was filmed for the movie Tomb Raider. Take a swim if you like before we continue to the rice fields and countryside below the mountain. Next, you’ll visit Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This smaller temple in the jungle features some of the most intricately preserved carvings of all the temples in Cambodia. Then you’ll take an ox-cart ride through the rice fields and give Palm Sugar and Palm Wine a try if you fancy. Then you’ll return to the hotel to relax at your own leisure or stop at a local souvenir market on the way back.

Accommodation: Heritage Suites Hotel

Day 13: Siem Reap – Bangkok | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia – 2 Weeks Thailand Cambodia Your Lens

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.

After your explorations, you will transfer by flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, the hotel shuttle will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Golf Resort and Spa for check-in.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Golf Resort and Spa

Day 14: Bangkok | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast

Today, the hotel shuttle will transfer each of you to the airport for your flights onward. Thank you for traveling with us!

GET FREE QUOTE