Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok (D)
Welcome to Bangkok!
Upon your arrival at the airport, meet our representative depending on destination – they will be holding a sign with your surname. Enjoy a convenient, hassle-free transfer to your accommodation.
At evening, welcome dinner will be provided at hotel or similar place.
Day 2: Sightseeing Bangkok (B/L)
After a fulfilling breakfast, we will embark on an exciting tour of the Suan Pakkad Palace Museum. Here, we will delve into the fascinating history of Thai women by exploring captivating art, ancient artifacts, and intriguing cultural displays.
Next on our itinerary is a visit to the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, where we will have the opportunity to learn about the rich tapestry of Thai textile traditions. We will gain insights into the pivotal role that women have played in preserving and advancing this exquisite art form throughout the ages.
After our enriching cultural adventures, we will take a break to indulge in a delectable lunch at a local eatery conveniently located on our route.
Afternoon. Take on Bangkok’s finest attractions and journey around the city’s fascinating canal network. Start at the magnificent Grand Palace to take in the beauty of this sprawling temple complex boasting some of the finest Thai-Buddhist architecture in the entire country. Explore the vast grounds and numerous dazzling buildings, including the highly revered Wat Phra Kaew, home to the prized Emerald Buddha statue dating back to the 14th Century. Afterwards, head across the road to Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok home to more than 1,000 Buddha images. The temple is considered as the first public university in the Kingdom and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage housing one of the oldest massage schools in the country. After that transfer back to hotel.
Optional tour: 1. Grand Pearl Dinner Cruise with Shared Transfer
- Street Eat by Tuk Tuk
Day 3: Thai Dipping Sauce Workshop Tour Private (B/L)
The journey begins with a trip to the western outskirts of Bangkok. The first destination is a huge wholesale flower market to view the enormous range of brightly coloured flowers on sale. Then, continue to a local Buddhist temple, next door to an authentic open-air market by the Tha Chin River. The host will provide information on the regional fruits and vegetables at their preferred vendors in the market. Try out local Thai desserts and snacks. From here, the adventure continues with a boat ride down the river. Enjoy the river breeze while passing local homes on the riverside and see their exciting water farming and lush river vegetation. Arrival at the tropical riverside restaurant is greeted with a welcome drink. The host will share insights into Thai herbs, spices and the Thai people’s obsession over dipping sauces. Together with the host in the open-air kitchen, create three Thai signature dipping sauces. Sit down and enjoy the stunning riverside setting and a delectable meal. Devour grilled options of seafood (shrimps/sea bass/river prawns) or meat (pork/beef), specifically prepared to go with dipping sauces. After lunch, the journey concludes with transfers back to the hotel.
Day 4: Arrive in Chiang Mai – Afternoon Doi Suthep Trip (B)
Meet our representative at the lobby of your accommodation, pick-up time will be confirmed beforehand but is typically 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
*Exclude Flight ticket*
Welcome to Chiang Mai!
Upon your arrival at the airport, meet our representative depending on destination – they will be holding a sign with your surname. Enjoy a convenient, hassle-free transfer to your accommodation.
First, we will be hosting a private handicraft workshop at Kee-Sa-Lak in the Bang Kang wat area. During this workshop, participants will receive step-by-step guidance on creating a handicraft item and will each get to take one home.
In the afternoon, we will embark on a journey to the enchanting Suthep temple, the pride of Chiang Mai. However, before we reach this iconic destination, we will make a delightful stop at the hidden gem known as Wat Pha Lat. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the mountainside, this jungle temple reveals itself with its ancient stone structures, meticulously carved decorations, and majestic stairways adorned with protective serpent-like creatures called nagas. Buddhist statues grace the serene grounds, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and spirituality.
As we wander along the pathway, a breathtaking sight awaits us: a picturesque view of Chiang Mai unfolds before our eyes, framed by a gentle cascade of water flowing over the rocky cliffs. This extraordinary setting has remained a well-kept secret until recent years when its beauty began to captivate travellers and expatriates.
After immersing ourselves in the serene ambiance of Wat Pha Lat, we will continue our journey to Doi Suthep. Here, a golden pagoda glistens in the sunlight, casting a mesmerizing glow that beckons us closer to its spiritual allure. The soothing chants of the monks resonate throughout the temple, guiding us into a state of peaceful contemplation. If fortune favors us, we may also witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of a vibrant sunset, painting the sky with a symphony of colors.
Our final adventure takes us to Malin Plaza, where culinary delights and cultural exploration await. This bustling local market offers an array of tantalizing dishes, allowing us to indulge in the vibrant flavors of Chiang Mai. The vibrant atmosphere of the plaza invites us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and aromas that define the local community.
Day 5: Chiang Mai old town highlight by EV Tuk Tuk – Ex woman prisoner massage (B/L)
This beautiful morning, we shall begin our day with an invigorating Yoga session guided by a highly skilled and professional lady instructor.
Following this revitalizing experience, we shall return to our hotel to change into the stunning attire of Lanna ladies, embracing the rich cultural heritage of Chiang Mai. Adorned in these traditional costumes, we embark on a unique adventure, exploring the enchanting city in style, aboard an EV Tuk Tuk.
Our delightful EV Tuk Tuk chauffeur will expertly navigate us through the narrow streets of the old town, revealing the splendid wonders of Chiang Mai’s revered temples. Among these architectural marvels, we shall have the privilege to witness the magnificence of Wat Chedi Luang and the serene tranquility of Wat Phrasing. Immersed in their sacred aura, we will be awestruck by their intricate details and profound spirituality.
Our journey then takes us to the vibrant and bustling Warorot Market, affectionately known as Kad Luang among the locals. This iconic market stands as a true emblem of Chiang Mai, renowned as the largest and most renowned market in the northern region of Thailand.
After our sensory adventure in the market, our taste buds yearn for a flavorsome treat as we indulge in a delectable lunch at Naree de Glang vieng.
But the indulgence doesn’t end there. As the afternoon unfolds, we surrender ourselves to the skilled hands of women who were once prisoners, now trained in the art of massage. In this peculiar yet remarkable experience, we shall embark on a journey of deep relaxation as our bodies are pampered and rejuvenated by these extraordinary women.
Day 6: Morning: Chang Chill Elephant – Farewell Dinner (B/L/D)
Spend an enlightening day at an ethical elephant camp. Drive an hour and a half from Chiang Mai to Chang Chill, a sanctuary that has spent the last few years working with World Animal Protection and leading travel companies to transform into a truly elephant-friendly venue. Upon arrival, staff members will present an introduction of the sanctuary’s past, its transition process, its current programs, and its vision for the future. Follow the guide on a path through the forest to watch the elephants from a safe distance. For ethical reasons the guides will explain that visitors here aren’t allowed to interact with the elephants, instead observing them in their natural habitats, grazing and socialising without human disruptions. Listen to a “live lecture” along the way to learn some new facts about the needs, behaviours, and conservation of Asian Elephants. Stop at a rest station to enjoy some traditional Thai refreshments. Just below the rest station is a mud pit where the elephant’s bath and play during hot days. Enjoy the snacks and watch the elephants splash around in the mud. Move on to the riverside sala to learn about elephant enrichment and assist staff with filling feeding tubes up with yummy healthy treats and supplements like bananas, corn, and grass. After preparing food for the elephants, dig into a human lunch of Thai vegetarian food on the elephant observation deck. Enjoy the view from here of the elephants eating their own meals. Visit the Karen Cultural Centre after lunch to get to know the history and culture of the Karen community. Finish the epic day with a recap of elephant conservation and an illuminating brainstorm session about how to continue the mission outside of Thailand.
At the evening, Farewell Dinner at The Gallery Restaurant or Similar.
Day 7: Departure from Chiang Mai (B)
Meet our representative at the lobby of your accommodation, pick-up time will be confirmed beforehand but is typically 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
*Exclude Flight ticket
Tour Inclusions:
- Admission fees, transportation and licensed tour guides as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation & meals as listed
- Tour insurance, service charges and any government taxes
Tour Exclusions:
- Any airfares (domestic and international)
- Meals other than mentioned in the programme
- Drinks with meals unless specified in the itinerary
- Visa fees (if required)
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels,
- Any optional tours and services
- Tips and gratuities
- Expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, souvenirs, laundry, etc.
- Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness)
Trip Notes:
– Travelers are highly recommended to purchase Travel Insurance upon commitment of the booking in case of force majeure. Travel Insurance covers such costs as emergency and medical evacuation, hospital fees, property loss, etc. which could possibly happen during the trip.
– Rooms at hotels are available only from 1400 on arrival day till 1200 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
– The itinerary may subject to change depending on weather conditions and the local situation.
– Reservations during peak times such as Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays may be subject to supplementary charges.
– If any proposed service is not available at the time of booking, we will try to find alternative and similar option and minimize changes to the program.
– Domestic flights may subject to change or reschedule before departure date
– Vietnam Travel and Cruise is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time. Additional expenses incurred due to delays, accidents, natural disaster, political actions and unrest, must be covered by the clients. Vietnam Travel and Cruise will make every effort to recoup any losses from the service providers.
Booking condition:
Payment:
– A Deposit of AUD$300 per person is required upon confirmation of your booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
– The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. If you fail to pay by the due date we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit.
– If you make a booking less than 30 days prior to departure, full payment is due within 48 hours.
Cancellation: Any cancellations must be made in witting.
– Cancellation fees apply to all cancelled reservations. The fee is determined by the date written cancellation received by Vietnam Travel and Cruise.
– Cancellation more than 30 days – Loss of deposit
– Cancellation at 30 or less days – 100% of total booking cost
Special conditions: Depending on airlines, hotels, cruises’ cancellation policies, the above conditions may be modified.
Claims and refunds for unused services
No refunds or exchanges can be made in respect of accommodation, meals, sightseeing tours, transport or any other services, which are included in the tour prices but not utilized by the client.
