Thailand the Active way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival (–,–,D)

Welcome to Bangkok, the quintessential eastern metropolis and the most vibrant capital of Southeast Asia. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel according to your own arrangements. (optional private transfer without guide from airport to hotel with supplement). At 18:00, guide to pick up from the hotel and transfer to welcome dinner. Meal included: Dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok Hotels check in from 14:00

Day 2: Bangkok (B,L,–)

Full day visit Bangkok like a local Duration: 8:00 - 17:00 Meeting with the local guide at 08:00am at the lobby. You will take the sky train, also known as the BTS and glide through the city to reach the river, from where you can take a short boat trip to Tha Tien Pier starting with a visit of Wat Pho. Wat Pho is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha statues: the Reclining Buddha. You will likely hear the monk’s morning chanting ritual emanating from the main hall during your visit. You will continue your walk to Wat Phra Kaew, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and one of the most respected temples in Thailand. Your next unmissable stop will be the Grand Palace, home of the Kings of Siam of the Chakri Dynasty, originally built by King Rama I. Afterward, you will continue walk to the fascinating Amulet market. For a bit of adventure, jump on a Thai tuk tuk to visit Wat Saket and climb the heavenly Golden Mountain, which offers an incredible view over Bangkok. One last ride by BTS or taxi will bring you back to your hotel after a day full of striking emotions. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok Note: Wat Pho – Monk Chanting - Wat Phra Kaew - Grand Palace – Amulet Market - Wat Saket

Day 3: Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak – Bangkok (B,L,–)

Bizarre Traditional Markets near Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak and Talad Rom Hoob Duration: 7:00 - 13:00 In the early morning, you will travel to the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a destination that has captivated visitors for centuries with its unique tradition of trading goods on water. Step aboard a longtail boat and glide through the canals, passing lush green plantations along the banks, traditional local houses, and glimpses of daily life unfolding by the water's edge. After the boat ride, take some time to explore the market, where you’ll discover shops offering freshly cooked street food, traditional Thai snacks, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Continue to Talaad Rom Hoob, better known as the train market. This market is located along the railway tracks and if you are lucky you will get to see the train pass within inches of the goods and produce on sale. The train announces its arrival with great blows of the horn, leaving just seconds for the merchants to repack the goods then reinstall them just as quickly once the train has passed. Returning back to the city in the early afternoon, you will start your visit to a lively and vibrant district of Bangkok – Chinatown which is known as a haven for foodies and photographers. This bustling urban center is filled with a dense concentration of gold shops, the flowing streams of vehicles passing by and the thousands of local shops selling every kind of item and food you can imagine. Then, you will go to Wat Traimit which is also referred to as the Temple of The Golden Buddha. Wat Traimit is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Bangkok thanks to its unique beauty, its history and its monolith golden Buddha statue. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, then free at leisure. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok Transfer distance Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak: 1,5 hours per way

Day 4: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Overnight Train To Chiang Mai (B,L,–)

Ayutthaya’s glorious Wats Duration: 7:00 - 13:00 Around 75 kilometers north of Bangkok, proudly stands Ayutthaya, former capital of Thailand. On your way from Bangkok, you will visit the Summer Palace, commonly known as Bang Pa-In, an impressive architectural blend of East and West dating back to the 17th century. You will then explore the glorious ruins of Ayutthaya, which bring back to life the early splendor of the city destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. During your visit you will stroll around the most impressive remains of this UNESCO World Heritage Site: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a royal temple during Ayutthaya's glory days and Wat Mahathat, where embedded in the roots of a tree, hides the head of Buddha. Then, you will be checking in your day-use room at the hotel, take time for refreshment. At 18:00, continue transfer to train station for overnight train to Chiang Mai. Estimated train schedule: 19:45 - 07:15 (+1) Meal included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Overnight train to Chiang Mai (2nd class Sleeper Berth with air conditioner). Note: Day use room available in Ayutthaya before taking the night train. In the night train there are no restaurant, the guide will escort the group to have dinner before taking the train.

Day 5: Chiang Mai Arrival (B,L,–)

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai train station, you will be welcomed by our guide and transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast, explore Chiang Mai Old City Classic Walk. The second city of the country with the mountains of Doi Suthep –Pui in the background, Chiang Mai offers a unique atmosphere, between authenticity and modernity. The city unveils its attractions during a visit to some must –see attractions such as the Wat Chedi Luang temple, a large temple dating from the late 14th Century that once housed the Emerald Buddha (today it can be found in Bangkok); the Wat Phra Singh temple, hosting one of the main Buddhist festivities, and well –known for its Lai Kham chapel; the temple Wat Chiang Mun, former residence of King Meng Rai who chose Chiang Mai to build the capital of the North in 1290. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon, check in hotel then free at leisure to relax the hotel facilities. Meal included: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai Hotels check in from 14:00

Day 6: Chiang Mai (B,L,–)

Today's journey start with A Taste of Chiang Mai – Kaad Luang Walking Tour. Your tour will start at the Ping river bank and then take you through the hustle and bustle of Kaad Luang, or the great market, as the locals call it. It is actually made up of 3 different markets and has been a favorite shopping spot since the late 1800s. During the tour you will get to know all about the history of the market and its surroundings while enjoying fresh produce and local specialties along the way. During this morning, it is also an opportunity to try some delicious local food and also taste some of the locally produced coffee in some of the trendiest coffee shop. After lunch, continue taking a trip to the centuries –old Doi Suthep, one of the highest hills near Chiang Mai. Doi Suthep is also one of the most spiritually remarkable temples. Witness the chanting of monks: an awe –inspiring and exotic experience that will give you plenty to think about. You will gain a sense of balance between earth and sky as you behold the sky bursting into different colors during sunset. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

Day 7: Chiang Mai – Karen Hill Tribe Village (B,L,D)

2 Days 1 Night Experience Trek Mae Tang Area Meet your local guide at the hotel lobby. You will depart from Chiang Mai and travel north with a stop at a local market in Mae Malai to pick up fresh ingredients for the trek. Continue to Mok Fah Waterfall for a refreshing swim and some relaxation time before heading to a Karen hill tribe village by truck. After lunch at a local restaurant, begin a three –hour trek around 10km to another Karen village at Bann Pa Kao Lam. Explore the village and learn about the traditional Karen way of life. Participate in a special elephant experience, including feeding and bathing the elephant in the nearby river. Spend the night in the village in a local homestay and enjoy a delicious dinner cooked by the family. Enjoy a relaxed evening with light –hearted entertainment provided by the guide, such as jokes, games, and stories. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Local homestay – share room Today you need to check out the hotel in Chiang Mai, feel free to leave your luggage at hotels reception for storage. Duration of the hiking: 10 kilometers – 5h including stops and visit Level: 2 – moderate Elevation: less than 300 meters Note - Join in basis activity available only Mon, Wed, Sat - The Elephant experience are organized in a responsible way and we do not offer any elephant riding.

Day 8: Karen Hill Tribe Village – Bamboo Raft – Lahu Village – Shan Village – Chiang Mai (B,L,–)

After breakfast, begin a short trek to the rafting point. Enjoy a scenic bamboo rafting adventure along the Tang River, navigating through several rapids (approximately 2.5 hours depending on the water level). Stop en route at the Lahu hill tribe village at Bann Pong Ngan for a cultural visit. Arrive at the Shan village of Bann Sob Kai and enjoy a late lunch before transferring back to Chiang Mai. Return to your hotel for the late afternoon. Evening free with optional experience. Meal included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai Duration of the hiking: about 5 kilometers – 1h including stops and visit Level: 1 – Easy Note: Bamboo rafting is a simple activity where travelers will be seated on the bambù raft and guided by the locals along the river. It is suggested to bring a dry bag to store your personal belongings.

Day 9: Chiang Mai Departure (B,–,–)

Depends on flight schedule, transfer on your own arrangement to the airport for flight out. Meal included: Breakfast Hotels check out at 12:00