CHARISMA VOYAGE

TRIPS OF DREAMS 2007/08

LEGENDS OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS : ( LGT-87 )

 

BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA - CHIANG MAI - THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG RAI

 

Day 1 :  Bangkok

Arriving at Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel.  Rest of the day is free at leisure.  O/N in Bangkok.

 

Day 2 :  Bangkok  (B+L)

Bangkok City Round-up begins with a visit to Wat Traimitr (Golden Buddha Temple), a drive through busy china town.  Continue to visit the Grand Palace and the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple), then to Wat Po (Reclining Buddha Temple.  After a buffet lunch at a Thai restaurant, we board a long-tail for an exciting trip along the Chao Phya River and the inner canals of Bangkok and Thonburi. We stop to visit the majestic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and the mooring site of the Royal Ceremonial Barges. Back to land, our day trip ends after a visit to serene Wat Benjamabophit (Marble Temple).  O/N in Bangkok. 

 

Day 3 :  Bangkok - Damnearn Saduak – Bangkok  (B+L)

Heading out of town, we drive to Damnearn Saduak and explore Thailand’s famous floating market where the scenes are always crowded and colorful.  From there, we visit the world’s tallest pagoda at Nakorn Pathom, a “Mon’ style temple, then to the Rose Garden where we enjoy a sumptious buffet lunch and afterwards, it’s admission to the Thai village show – xee Buddhist ordination and Thai wedding ceremonies, sword fighting, cock fighting, elephants parade, Thai classical and folkloristic dances, etc...  O/N in Bangkok. 

 

Day 4 :  Bangkok - Chiang Mai  (B+D)

We take a morning flight to Chiang Mai, the delightful northern capital with its misty mountains, green valleys and reputedly beautiful women.  On arrival, we check in our hotel.  This afternoon, we visit the villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see silk weaving, wood carving, lacquer, silver ware, hand painted umbrellas, etc..  The cottage industries and the  various hill tribe handicrafts offer an excellent shopping opportunities.  This evening, we enjoy a traditional northern style dinner (Khan Toke) while being entertained by classical  and folkloristic dances.  O/N in Chiang Mai. 

 

Day 5 :  Chiang Mai  (B+L)

Today, we see the elephants at work in the tropical forest, visit an orchid nursery, a butterfly farm and the Mae Sa waterfall.  Thereafter, we visit the Doi Suthep Mountain Temple with its famous naga-staircases and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside from atop.  Tonight, you can stroll around the popular night bazaar and look for some local souvenirs.  O/N in Chiang Mai. 

 

Day 6 :  Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai  (B+L)

Leaving Chiang Mai, we drive along the scenic countryside and mountain road to Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand bordering Burma and Laos.  On arrival, we check in our hotel and embark on a long-tail boat for an exciting trip up the Mae Kok River to visit the various hill tribe villages (Karen, Lisu, etc..) along the riverbank.  O/N in Chiang Rai.  (B+L)

 

Day 7 :  Chiang Rai - The Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai  (B+L)

Excursion to the Golden Triangle.  We go uphill to visit the large Akha and Yao hill tribe settlements near Mae Chan, then to ancient Chiang Saen, the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom with its lovely setting on the bank of the Mekong riverbank overlooking Laos.  We visit the town’s major sights including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum.  Driving along rugged road, we visit the famous Golden Triangle where warlords have fought for control of the opium trade.  Finally, after exploring the border town of Mae Sai, we return to Chiang Rai.  O/N in Chiang Rai. 

 

Day 8 :  Chiang Rai - Bangkok - End of Trip  (B)

At leisure till transfer to Chiang Rai airport to board your flight for Bangkok.  The trip ends on arrival at Bangkok airport.

 

PACKAGE INCLUDES :

All transfers and transportation, domestic flight Chiang Rai / Bangkok by budget airline, hotel accommodation on bed & breakfast, other meals where specified (B= breakfast / L= lunch / D= dinner), visits & sightseeing with entrance fees where applicable, service of English, French or Russian speaking guide.  Other foreign language speaking guide subject to availability and extra charge.

 

EXCLUDED :

Visa fee, insurance, tips to driver/guide, phone calls, laundry, drinks, other expense of personal nature.

 

YOUR HOTELS

D2 Hotel / Chiang Mai

Royal Princess / C. Mai

Maninarakorn / C.Mao

Rimkok Resort / Chiang Rai