Mysterious of Thailand 15 Days

Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailand's capital city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone

Overnight: Bangkok

Orientation meeting this morning with your Tour Manager highlights the exciting journey that awaits you. Afterwards, continue on a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Drive through Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace before returning to your hotel. Tonight, dinner at a local restaurant with entertainment, including a performance of Khon-traditional Thai dance

Overnight: Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Full day at leisure to explore Bangkok on your own. Or, don't miss the optional morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom - together they form the most impressive sights in Bangkok. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the evening, attend the optional Buffet Dinner and stunning performance of the "Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam". Boasting over 150 performers, this lavish production delves into Siam's history and culture

Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)

Optional: Siam Niramit Show & Dinner (PM)

Overnight: Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

Depart Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the center of the city. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Tong in 1632, Bang Pa-In served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai Kings. Continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Tong to honor his mother, conceived as a replica of the Angkor Temple - this is a serene place where one can reflect and enjoy the tranquility. Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight: Ayutthaya

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your morning with visit to a local school on the way to Ayutthaya. Travel northward to Sukhothai, birthplace of the Thai nation, founded in the 13th century by King Ramkhamhaeng. The country's first capital was established here in 1238 and lasted over two centuries. Sukhothai is world-famous its over 100 historical sites and treasures, including some of the most beautiful Thai art and architecture in the country, created during the city's "golden era", between the 13th and 14th centuries. Visit to the Old Town of Sukhothai with its impressive Historical Park, immaculately restored and set among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this astonishing site, most of the remains of the original city can be seen. Marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palaces, temples and historical monuments and feel yourself drift back in time to a bygone era

Overnight: Sukhothai

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, depart Sukhothai and drive to scenic Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand for overnight

Overnight: Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore this city that remained completely isolated from the world until the 1920s. Travel to the border town of Mae Sai, at the tip of Thailand. At this border crossing, arrangements may be made to enter Myanmar*. Ascend to the hilltop viewpoint to see the famous "Golden Triangle" of Southeast Asia - meeting point of the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. The locals call it "Sop Ruak", as this is also where the Mekong meets the Ruak River. Savor a locally prepared lunch in a nearby farming village. Late, a short cruise then takes you along the banks of the Mekong to the small island of Don Sao in Laos; leisure time at the lively markets before returning to Thailand. Continue to the dramatic House of Opium at Golden Triangle Park, offering an informative exhibition on the history of opium which dates back almost 5000 years before returning to Chiang Rai for overnight

* Crossing into Myanmar (Burma) requires a visa which may be obtained locally at the border crossing, at your own expense. The opportunity to cross the border will depend on local conditions and cannot be guaranteed. If the border crossing is not possible, alternate arrangements will be made

Overnight: Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning at leisure before departing to Chiang Mai, ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. En route, stop at a local gem gallery before arriving in Chiang Mai, cultural heart of Northern Thailand, located in the rolling foothills of the Himalayas. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure

Optional: Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe (AM)

Optional: Kantoke Dinner & Show

Overnight: Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Morning at leisure to explore Chiang Mai independently. Or, join the optional Elephant Kingdom Tour, where you'll see elephants bathing in the running streams, attend a lecture on the Thai Elephant and learn how the mahout train and care for these majestic animals. In the afternoon, visit Sankampang Street, center of handicrafts, for on-site demonstrations on how the silk, lacquer, silver, wood and bronze wares are made. At the end of the day, pamper yourself with an optional Thai massage

Optional: Half Day Elephant Kingdom Tour with lunch (AM)

Optional: Traditional Thai Massage

Overnight: Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Morning tour of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai. Begin at Wat Suan Dok, where the remains of the Chiang Mai Royal family are enshrined. Continue to Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep, Northern Thailand's most sacred temple, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with 290 steps leading up to the temple grounds. Visit to a local jade factory, followed by an afternoon at leisure to wander independently in Chiang Mai. Tonight, a unique experience. Join a local Chiang Mai family at an authentic Thai Dinner in their home. Enjoy a tour of the home, conversation about life in Chiang Mai and savor the great flavors of home-cooked food

Overnight: Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Chiang Mai this morning by flight to magical Phuket, the largest island in Thailand; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin your exploration of this “paradise on earth" with its world-class beaches and chic jet-set atmosphere. Tonight, perhaps sample some of the island's delicious Malay, Sri Lankan, and Thai cuisine in lively Phuket Town

Overnight: Phuket

Meals: Breakfast

Today is yours to just relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There is plenty to do and much to see in Phuket, including the Aquarium, Butterfly and Orchid Gardens and the Thai Village. In the older quarters of the town, discover the 19th century buildings with their distinctive Sino-Portuguese architectural style. Be sure to stop at the buzzing market with villagers shopping for their daily meals, or watch the stoic monks on their daily alms rounds. Non-stop bustle characterizes the daytime and lasts well into the evening. Or, travel by speedboat on the optional full day excursion to the magnificent Phi Phi Islands. There'll be time to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, watch the fantastic colorful marine life or feed the monkeys at Monkey Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing or just people-watching on the beach before returning to your hotel

Optional: Full Day Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands by Speedboat with lunch

Overnight: Phuket

Meals: Breakfast

Full day at leisure to explore Phuket independently. Spend time in Patong, the island's center where there is always a "happening" on its busy beach. Watch the trendsetters coming in droves to the many restaurants, boutiques and luxurious spas. Or, join the full day optional excursion by cruiser through mangrove jungles and limestone peaks, where cliffs rise vertically from the sea. Stop at Phang Nga Bay, one of the most unusual and beautiful coastal locations in the world and Lawa Island with its pristine white sand beaches before returning to Phuket. On your last night in Phuket, enjoy the island's nonstop entertainment scene, at a choice of bars, clubs with live music and fabulous cabaret shows

Optional: Full Day Phang Nga Bay and Lawa Island by Cruiser with lunch

Overnight: Phuket

Meals: Breakfast

Depart Phuket this morning by flight to Bangkok. Enjoy your last day in Thailand at leisure in Bangkok revisiting some of the city's fantastic sights, or shop to your heart's content for souvenirs and treasures at the city's many markets, boutiques and choice of different shops. Treat yourself to a delectable Thai dinner tonight at a world-class restaurant - a lasting memory before your departure home

Overnight: Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

Bon Voyage! Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Meals: Breakfast