Day 1: Depart USA

En Route

Depart West Coast on your flight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok

Oriental Hotel

Depart early this morning as the sun rises across the river. Travel by private longboat along the river and then up a series of klongs (canals) to visit the floating market at Nontaburi. While the city of Bangkok has many such markets, they have become increasingly commercialized to suit the tastes of foreign visitors. The market at Nontaburi is a refreshing change -- it is strictly a local Thai market. As you travel along the klongs you get a good look at Thai life -- the importance of the water highway, the lifestyle of the urban residents and the unique chance to see a city awaken and start the day. The traditional floating market is set in a small klong where buyers and sellers come in dugout canoes selling and bartering fresh produce and fruit for the day. The scene is enriched by dockside buyers and small vending canoes selling fragrant morning snacks such as fried bananas, fresh noodles or piquant chili sauces. Continue to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), the most haunting wat (temple) in the city area. Rising above the river, the temple is of Khmer design, ornately carved out of sandstone; its rich pantheon of demons, monkeys and guardians cast an eerie image across the surrounding city setting. Next visit the Royal Barge Museum housing the ceremonial barges used by the royal house for festivals, royal funerals, coronations and marriages. The barges, exquisitely carved and painted, represent symbols, animals and figures from the pantheon of Hindu and Buddhist legend. Visit to the Grand Palace, the royal palace of the kings of the Chakri dynasty, founded in 1782 and the current ruling house. Although the present royal family no longer resides in the Grand Palace, the structure is still the official seat of the king's power and ceremonial occasions are celebrated here. Your tour of the palace complex includes a survey of the distinctive styles of the different halls and pavilions reflecting the disparate influences on the Thais. The Hindu-influenced Khmer structures recall the ornate carvings of the subcontinent; Chinese pavilions and statuary signal contacts with Qing dynasty China and the Victorian architecture of the throne in the late 18th and 19th centuries. You also see the famous Emerald Buddha -- symbol of the regency of the House of Chakri.
 
This afternoon, following lunch at the Spice Market in the Regent Hotel, continue to the home of the American adventurer, Jim Thompson. Credited with re-establishing the Thai silk industry, Mr. Thompson was an enigmatic figure who had a passionate love for all things oriental. After settling in Thailand following the Second World War, he developed the silk industry as well as amassing a considerable collection of oriental antiques and artworks. Mr. Thompson mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in 1967 and today his home has been opened to the public for visits. His exquisite eye for detail and appreciation of the art of this region make this a very special place. There is time to peruse the Jim Thompson Silk Shop, considered the finest of its kind in Thailand. (B,L)

Day 3: Bangkok

Oriental Hotel

Day at leisure for independent exploration, relaxation or shopping. (B)

Day 4: Bangkok

Oriental Hotel

Start today with a visit to the most popular of Bangkok's many wats -- the Wat Po, housing the largest of Thailand's reclining Buddhas -- representing Buddha's death and imminent attainment of nirvana. The majestic image measures 152 feet in length and 50 feet in height. The soles of Buddha's feet are 51 feet and inlaid with the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha, all in exquisite mother of pearl. While the image of Buddha is the overwhelming center of the attraction, the mural paintings adorning the hall are remarkable and represent some of the most artistic depictions of Thai life. Continue to Wat Suthat, located on Bamrung Muang Road, slightly southwest of Wat Rachanada. This temple was built in the first half of the 19th century and is impressive for the size of its bot and viharn (the former is probably the tallest in Bangkok). The interiors are no less remarkable with superb murals and fine collections of Buddha images, including the massive Phra Buddha Chakyamuni that originally came form Sukhothai and is a masterpiece of that period's sculpture. You also visit Wat Rajaphobit, constructed in 1863 and interesting for its stylistic originality, reflecting Rama V's fascination with Western art and architecture. The Italian Gothic interiors of the chapel and the relief carvings of soldiers in European-style uniforms at the main entrance demonstrate these influences.
 
This afternoon visit the Prasart Museum, a private family gallery and garden highlighting the artistic splendor of Thai culture. Opened in 1989, the Prasart Museum represents a lifetime labor of love by Khun Prasart, a wealthy industrialist who has made the collection and study of Thai culture his passion. The complex is made up of two exquisite teak houses (built in the traditional Thai style) displaying a wealth of Thai handicrafts as well as a mansion in the style of 19th century France exhibiting an extensive collection of objects d'art from both the Thai royal family and Europe. The beauty of the galleries is complemented by the lush grounds planted in hundreds of tropical plants and trees, many native to the forest of Thailand. (B)

Day 5: Bangkok/Chiang Mai

Westin Chiang Mai Hotel

Morning transfer to Bangkok's domestic airport for your Thai International flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to the Westin Chiang Main Hotel. This afternoon is a city orientation tour. Chiang Mai is Thailand's gateway to its great north country; a region of rugged mountains, rich stands of hardwood forest and the last domain of the complex web of tribal groups which have migrated into the relatively isolated region of the north over the past 1000 years from their original bases in central and south China. Visit a local farmhouse in Mae Rim then board a private long tail boat on the Ping River to the landing pier near Waroros market where you disembark and spend some time exploring the market. Next stop is Doi Suthep. The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps (optional), flanked by Naga Balustrade on either side. The monastery was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. The center is a big Chedi (spired pagoda) containing partial relics of Lord Buddha. (B)

Day 6: Chiang Mai/Lampang/Chiang Mai

Westin Chiang Mai Hotel

This morning depart for the town of Lampang to visit the elephant training school. Take an elephant trek into the forest (45 minutes) and also see the elephants taking daily baths and giving work demonstrations. Continue to Wat Phra Keo Don Tao, an interesting Burmese-style temple and another Emerald Buddha Temple besides the one you have seen at Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. On to Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang, one of the most sacred monuments in the north with fine lacquered doors, one of the largest bronze gongs in the world and two fine bronze Buddha images. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon return to Chiang Mai and your hotel. (B,L)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Westin Chiang Mai Hotel

Today visit the Lisu village of Baan Pa Mai Daeng. There are approximately 20,000 Lisu in Thailand, mostly established here since the beginning of the century. All speak the same dialect but about half of them live in Chiang Mai province. The women wear colorful red-and-turquoise dresses and during New Year festivities, the girls are adorned with spectacular silver jewelry that covers the whole breast like a suit of armor. Lunch today is at the Gallery Restaurant, one of Chiang Mai's most enjoyable eating venues. Afterwards, spend time exploring the arts and crafts traditions of northern Thailand. The wealth of craft traditions -- lacquerware, silver work, wood carving, silk weaving, celadon production -- have been rejuvenated and given a new lease on life through the continued growth of travel in northern Thailand. Workshops and galleries have been set up in the city allowing guests the chance to see first-hand the wonderful legacy of art traditions still thriving in northern Thailand. (B,L)

Day 8: Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai

Le Meridien Baan Boran Hotel

Depart this morning for a 4-hour overland drive to Chiang Rai, called the 'Golden Triangle'. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai transfer to the Le Meridien Baan Boran Hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 9: Chiang Rai

Le Meridien Baan Boran Hotel

This morning embark on a 1.5-hour boat trip along the Mekong River to Chiang Khong. Upon arrival, travel overland to visit the Yao Hill Tribe Village -- called by the Thai and generally know by that name -- the tribe that most clearly reflects Chinese origin, both in appearance and in religious beliefs. They tend to be more adventurous than other tribes and are often see in markets and towns. They are the only Hill Tribe to have a tradition of literacy dating back several centuries. The Yao utilize Chinese ideograms to write in their own language, as instructions for religious rituals and for historical chronicles and business documents. Yao women are very skilled in the art of embroidery and wear elaborately embroidered loose pants. Silver ornaments are usually worn only at ceremonies and festivals.
 
Hmong Hill Tribe Village at Baan Muang Karn and Baan Kewkarn. Hmong villages are always built on the crest of hills at the highest possible altitude. Refugees resettled in valleys suffer enormously from the heat and are easily decimated by malaria and other lowland diseases. The Hmong are an independent and strong willed people, always ready to fight back attempts to encroach upon their individualistic lifestyle; thus, they have been directly involved in virtually every recent conflict in Indochina. They were the first Hill Tribe to practice opium cultivation on a large scale in North Vietnam at the instigation of the French colonial government. Until recently they have actively practiced opium cultivation in Thailand as well.
 
Visit the Opium Museum at the Golden Triangle. The name 'Golden Triangle' was coined by journalists and repeated usage in the media and sensational fiction has given it an absurd popularity. The surrounding rugged hills, cloaked in verdant forests, mark a no-man's land where isolated Hill Tribe groups still engage in the cultivation of the poppy, the flower that gives this area its international renown -- a place where secret drug trade funnels heroin to the major centers of the world. The 'triangle' is roughly an equilateral one with the base running through Chiang Mai, or just below, into Burma to the west and Laos to the east; the sides take in large chunks of Burmese and Laotian territory, and the apex lies well up in the Shan States of Burma. Return to Chiang Rai for overnight. (B,L)

Day 10: Chiang Rai

Le Meridien Baan Boran Hotel

This morning visit Chiang Saen, once the capital of Thailand's first Thai Kingdom. Following successive waves of immigration from their home bases in central and south China, the ancestors of the modern Thai established a thriving kingdom in the Chiang Rai area. Today, the scattered ruins of the ancient stone stupas, many overgrown with lush foliage, stand testament to the past glories of Thai culture. Continue to Mae Sai, Thailand's northern-most town. The town rests on the banks of the Mae Sai River, forming the border with Myanmar (Burma). The balance of the afternoon is free for independent exploration of Chiang Rai. (B)

Day 11: Chiang Rai/Bangkok

Amari Hotel

Morning at leisure for independent exploration and final shopping. Afternoon return flight to Bangkok. Walking transfer to the adjacent Amari Airport Hotel for overnight.

Day 12: Depart Bangkok

En Route

Morning departure from Bangkok International Airport, arriving the West Coast the same day. Welcome Home! (B)

INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM

• 4 nights in Bangkok at the Oriental Hotel (River view room) including a la carte breakfast.
• 3 nights in Chiang Mai at the Westin Chiang Mai Hotel (Deluxe double room) including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Chiang Rai at Le Meridien Baan Boran Hotel (Deluxe double room) including breakfast.
• Sightseeing as specified with private vehicle/boat, English-speaking guides and all entrance fees.
• Meals as indicated by (B), (B,L), (B,L,D).
• All required transfers and sightseeing by private vehicles/boat.
• Meet & greet services at all airports for arrivals and departures.
• Internal flights in Thailand Bangkok/Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai/Bangkok based on economy class service.
• Gratuities for two pieces of luggage per person.

SORRY, NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM

• Cost of visas and departure taxes.
• Items of a purely personal nature such as laundry, fax, telex or telephone charges, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, incidental expenses at hotel, and sightseeing or meals that are not included in the day-by-day itinerary, etc.
• Tips for guides and drivers. These are at the clients' discretion.