Depart on your international flight to Thailand. 

DAY 3, Tues., Nov. 9 | Arrive in Bangkok Arrive in the capital city of Thailand. What originated as a 15th-century trading outpost has since developed into a hub of intensity. A kaleidoscope of sights lay all around, from the ancient temples to the modern scooter taxis, from the street food vendors to the neon lights that pierce the night. Visit three of Bangkok’s coolest neighborhoods by private tuk-tuk. Sample some of the city’s local food and explore the “City of Angels” on your own for a bit. Ride to Chinatown before settling down at your hotel. (D) Dinner included. Overnight in Bangkok. 

Visit awe-inspiring religious centers. An early morning start ensures the opportunity to witness Wat Pho’s monks gather for the morning chant. Explore the spiritual grounds, including the gilded 45-meter reclining Buddha. Next up is the Grand Palace. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into Roger’s and Hammerstein’s King and I. Sunlight bounces off golden tiles. Curvaceous rooftops protect hidden statues and figures. The Grand Palace has been the seat of the Thai monarchy for more than two centuries. Water means life to Thailand. Akin to Egypt’s Nile River, Thailand’s seasonal monsoons bring fertility to the land. A river cruise is the perfect way to see how the locals revere their waterways. Make a stop at Wat Arun. Then travel to central Thailand, making your way to Kanchanaburi to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum. Finally, visit the River Kwai Bridge. (B, D) Breakfast and dinner are included. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

With sunlight streaming through jade-colored leaves, weave through the mystical rainforest of Sri Nakharin National Park. Your inner child is sure to come alive! Tiered waterfalls cascade along easy hiking trails. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as gibbons, peacock-pheasants, hornbills, and barking deer. From there, head out to one of Thailand’s largest lakes, Srinkarin, created by a dam built in 1980. (B, L, D) Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Travel to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital. Its mythical ruins hold a temple once said to be the center of the universe. True or not, the temple certainly leaves its mark. Hundreds of figures line the pathways. Formidable stairways climb so long and steep they seem to stretch towards heaven. These icons of foregone Siamese royalty whisper declarations of conviction that permeate the culture. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and glean insight seldom available to the Western world. Next, you will visit Aranyik Village, if time permits, and the building is open. Aranyik Village in Ayutthaya is a traditional community known for its centuries-old knife-making craftsmanship, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. (B, D) Breakfast and dinner are included. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Fly to Chiang Mai to celebrate. Upon arrival, travel to Chef Garden where you will enjoy an exclusive dining experience at Chef Gee's private table. After a delicious meal, return to Chiang Mai to celebrate the Loy Kratong Festival.** (B, D) Breakfast and dinner are included. Overnight in Chiang Mai. ** To enjoy the Festival, there will be optional activities (S), or they can be explored independently by taxi. There will also be an option to join the lantern festival ($) outside the city. Your tour guide will assist you with these arrangements.

Be a part of a historical effort in Thailand – transforming the treatment of elephants. For thousands of years, the Thai people have relied upon elephants for their livelihood. Now, thanks to the ChangChill Elephant Experience, they are learning to respect these exquisite creatures harmoniously. (B, D) Breakfast and dinner are included. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Enjoy Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, named after two mountains within the park – Doi Suthep and Doi Pui. Numerous waterfalls, lookout points, and trails make it one of the best parks in the country. Doi Suthep Temple is the most popular attraction within the park and offers great views of Chiang Mai’s cityscape. Next, we’ll retrace our steps down the mountain and dive into the bustling old city. Here, we’ll visit the crumbling ruins of Chedi Luang. Built in the 14th century, the temple is the historic center of Chiang Mai and another focal point for Buddhist worship and learning. Now crumbling, it may not be as ornate as other temples in the old city, yet the sprawling complex of ruins, often populated by dozens of orange- and yellow-clad monks, makes for a mystical setting. The final stop of the morning is Warorot market. Tucked neatly beside the Ping River to the East of the old city, Warorot Market has long been a key feature of local life. Explore the bustling market for local delicacies, delicious street food, beautiful flowers, clothing bargains, and Lanna handicrafts. Fly back to Bangkok. Transfer to your international flight. (B) Breakfast included. Overnight flight or overnight in Chiang Mai.

Return home a changed person with rare and unexpected perspectives to share!