THAILAND

Day 02 - Bangkok

Wake up early this morning, and visit Wat Po in time to experience the monks’ morning chanting ritual. 

Followed by a short but exciting ride on Bangkok’s Tuk Tuk to Royal Grand Palace - the most important and impressive royal palace in Thailand and do not miss the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. 

Continue with a long-tailed boat ride along the “klongs” of Thonburi to get a flavor of local life. Stop at Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II.  

After lunch, cross the river to Chinatown and get a first-hand look at old Bangkok. Walk along Yaworat Road where there are many interesting shops selling everything imaginable.  Enjoy a cup of Chinese tea with the locals at a very old tea shop before exploring the bustling Talad Kao market, where a variety of food, fresh and dry fruits, and Chinese herbs are on offer. 

Day 03 - Bangkok

About 1 hour drive from Bangkok to the outskirt of Bangkok with its beautiful countryside scenery. It will give you an idea of how Thai people live, how to cook Thai food with the Thai Villagers. Stop at the Orchid Garden where you can see a wide variety of orchids from local species to the hybrid ones. Here you can see the demonstration of the orchid's cultivation and nourishment. Then, take a hands on experience cooking Thai food at the garden house. Around noon, enjoy your lunch with the Thai cuisines that you have cooked. Fruits, tea, coffee and water will be served. 

After lunch, visit the pottery home factory and the wickerwork village which demonstrate the local home-made handicraft industry. Depart the village, and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok

Day 04 - Bangkok / Chiang Mai via flight

After breakfast, check out of hotel and transfer to Bangkok airport for flight to Chiang Mai. 

Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel for check in. Remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Day 05 - Chiang Mai

Wake up in the early morning and take part in a daily Buddhist ceremony " Tak Bat " or merit making by giving food and other items to monks on their arms-rounds at the Status of Kruba Sri Vichat, the holy monk of Northern Thailand.  Then, visit Wat Suan Dok to offer some requisites to monk and receive blessings from him on this special time. Return to hotel for breakfast. 

After breakfast, take part in a lecture from a Buddhist monk to understand more about the Buddhism. Then, drive to Doi Suthep and visit the most secret temple of Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat. Then, take a 20mins rickshaw ride through the quiet streets of the old town.  

Day 06 - Chiang Mai 

Visit an Elephant camp, watch a herd of elephants taking their morning bath in a mountain stream and know how elephants work in the jungle nearby and what kind of tasks they undertake. Then, take an elephant ride through the jungle to visit a local ethnic minority village of the Lisu tribe, learn about the fascinating lifestyle and customs of the local people. 

End your day with a bamboo raft, float down the river and take in the tranquility and beauty of this area. Set foot again on the mainland and transfer back to Chiang Mai.

Day 07 - Chiang Mai 

Visit the local Ruamchook market with the chef. Then, drive to the chef’s farm home, visit his organic garden, pick some fresh herbs and continue with a hands-on cooking which you will experience how to pound curry paste and how to make authentic Thai curry. Create a dessert with the sweet fruits you picked right from the trees. 

Return in the afternoon to the hotel in Chiang Mai.  

Day 08 - Chiang Mai / Bangkok via flight

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight back to Bangkok and then take your connecting flight from Bangkok to next destination or onto your home.