Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Asia sticks to you - a spiritual space infused with the Gods of past & present: the ancient spirits of the land & the family, the deities of Buddhism & Hinduism & the rules of Islam. As dawn breaks, pots of rice bubble over & the smoke of Incense wafts from earth to heaven. Barefoot Monks embark on their call to alms among the faithful; the Muezzin's call reverberates from Mosques urging devotees to prayer & family Altars are flush with fruit & flowers for the guardian Spirits. The region’s great monuments were wrought from divine inspiration, from Angkor’s heaven incarnate to Bagan’s shimmering Spires. From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a Continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace & spirituality that it has fixated & confounded travellers for centuries. The spiritual side of life is omnipresent & travellers can boost their karmic balance at Meditation Retreats or by hiking to a golden Temple atop a sacred mountain. Wrapped in Rainforests, edged by golden Sands, crowned by Volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost Civilisations: this is Asia as you have always imagined it.

Friendly & food-obsessed, hedonistic & historic, cultured & curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering ornate Temples displaying figures of Buddha, opulent royal Palaces, ancient Ruins & tropical Beaches. The joss sticks lit for the household Shrines impart a sweet perfume to the thick air.

Arrive in Bangkok - the city where the familiar & the exotic collide like the flavors on a plate of Pat Tai. It's popularity stems from its diverse attractions & experiences. It is renowned for its vibrant street life with delectable Cuisine, bustling Markets, lively Nightlife & rich cultural heritage, majestic Temples, the Grand Palace.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative outside Door B, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer   Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the start hotel.

Enroute to the hotel, the Rep will introduce you to some landmarks of Bangkok & offer suggestions to make the most of your visit & the options available for free time.

Check-in at your centrally located hotel & relax.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city, your way or opt for one of the optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Fun Folks | Food | Urban Exploration | Contrasts

Bangkok is excess in all of its unrestrained glory. Bigger, better, more: the city is insatiable, a monster that feeds on concrete, & diesel exhaust. The City demands that you be in the present & in the moment, not necessarily for a religious epiphany, but because the place is self-absorbed & superficial, blissfully free of wrinkle-inducing self-reflection.

Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is the Capital & most populous City of Thailand. The City’s cultural underpinnings are evident in virtually all facets of everyday life & most enjoyably through its residents' sense of fun (known in Thai as sa·nuk).

The history of Bangkok dates at least back to the early 15^th   century, when it was a village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, under the rule of Ayutthaya. Because of its strategic location near the mouth of the River, the town gradually increased in importance & initially served as a small Customs & Trading outpost with Forts on both sides of the River. It was the site of a siege in 1688 in which the French were expelled from Siam.

Much later, after the fall of Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese in 1767, the newly crowned King Taksin established his Capital here which became the base of the Thonburi Kingdom.

In 1782, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) succeeded Taksin & moved the Capital to the eastern bank's Rattanakosin Island, thus founding the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The City Pillar that he erected on 21 April 1782, is regarded as the date of foundation of Bangkok as the Capital of Siam. Bangkok's economy gradually expanded through international trade, first with China, then with Western merchants returning in the early-to-mid 19^th century. 

Bangkok was at the heart of the modernization of Siam, later renamed Thailand, during the late 19^th century, as the country faced pressures from the West. The City was at the centre of Thailand's political struggles throughout the 20^th century, as the country abolished absolute Monarchy, adopted Constitutional rule & underwent numerous Coups & also several Uprisings.

Administration of the City was first formalized by King Chulalongkorn in 1906, with the establishment of Monthon Krung Thep Phra Maha Nakhon as a national sub-division. The City in its current form was created in 1972 with the formation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), grew rapidly during the 1960s through the 1980s & now exerts a significant impact on the country’s Politics, Economy, Education, Media & modern society.

As Bangkok forcefully kneads out of you all demands for order & predictability, you will understand the famous Thai smile. Smiles & sa·nuk are the key passports into Bangkok society. A compliment here, a joke there - the demands of social lubrication in this Megalopolis are more akin to a small village than an anonymous City & a necessity for survival.

Packed into these concrete corridors are a religious spectacle, unapologetic consumerism & multi-flavoured hedonism - corrupting & purifying souls within footsteps of each other. The language barrier can seem huge, but it is never prevented anybody from getting along with the Thai people. Ordering food, changing money & haggling at Markets will usually involve a sense of playfulness – a dash of flirtation, perhaps - & of course, a smile. It is a language that doesn’t require words & one that is easy to learn.

Of the famous & infamous attractions, Bangkok’s best feature is its intermingling of opposites. A modern world of affluence orbits around a serene traditional core. Hop on the Skytrain to the glitzy Shopping Malls where trust-fund babies examine luxury brands as carefully as the housewives inspect produce at the open-air markets. Or appreciate the attempts at enlightenment at the City’s famous Temples & doorstep Shrines, or simple acts of kindness amid the urban bustle. Or you can jump between all of these worlds - wining & hobnobbing at a chic Club, eating at a street side Market, getting plucked & pummelled into something more beautiful or sweating profusely on a long unplanned march. Bangkok is an urban connoisseur’s dream come true

With so much of its daily life conducted on the street, there are few cities in the world that reward exploration as handsomely as Bangkok does. It is the contradictions that provide the City of Angels with its rich, multifaceted personality. Here, climate-controlled Megamalls sit side by side with 200 year old village homes; gold-spired Temples share space with neon-lit strips of sleaze; slow-moving traffic is bypassed by long-tail boats plying the royal river; Buddhist Monks dressed in yellow Robes shop for the latest Smartphones. A stroll off Banglamphu’s beaten track can lead to a conversation with a Monk. Cap off an extended boat trip with a visit to a hidden Market. Get lost in the tiny lanes of Chinatown & stumble upon a Chinese Opera performance. Or after dark, let the BTS (Skytrain) transport you to Sukhumvit, where the local Nightlife scene reveals a cosmopolitan & dynamic city. And as Bangkok races towards the future, these contrasts will never stop supplying the city with its unique & ever-changing strain of Thai-ness.

The culture of Bangkok reflects its position as Thailand's centre of wealth & modernisation. The City has long been the portal of entry of Western concepts & material goods, which have been adopted & blended with Thai values to various degrees by its residents. A distinct feature is the ubiquity of street Vendors selling goods ranging from food items to clothing & accessories. It has been estimated that the there may be over 100,000 Hawkers.

And streets lined with Food Carts are overlooked by Restaurants perched on top of Skyscrapers & perhaps Bangkok has got to be one of the best-value dining destinations in the world. Until you have eaten on a street, noodles mingling with your sweat amid a cloud of exhaust fumes, you haven’t actually eaten Thai food. It can be an intense mix: the base flavours - spicy, sour, sweet & salty - aren’t exactly meat & potatoes. But for adventurous foodies who don't need white tablecloths, there is probably no better dining destination in the world. And with Immigration bringing every regional Thai & international cuisine to the capital, it is also a truly diverse experience.

Traditional Thai Art, developed for centuries within religious & royal contexts, continues to be sponsored by various official government Agencies. Communities throughout the city still practice their traditional crafts, including the production of Khon Masks, Alms Bowls & classical Musical Instruments, with active encouragement from the Government. The Palace & various official Agencies, regularly sponsor many traditional Folk Handicrafts Fairs.

The National Gallery hosts permanent Collection of traditional & modern Art, with temporary contemporary Exhibits. Bangkok's contemporary art scene has also slowly grown from relative obscurity into the public sphere over the past 2 decades. Private Galleries have gradually emerged to provide exposure for new Artists. There are many Galleries & Museums, including the privately owned Museum of Contemporary Art. The City's Performing Arts scene features traditional Theatre & Dance as well as Western-style Plays. Khon & other traditional dances are regularly performed at the National Theatre & Salachalermkrung Royal Theatre, while the Thailand Cultural Centre is a newer multi-purpose venue which hosts Musicals, Orchestras & a variety of Performances & Events.

Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations & has been named the world's most visited city consistently in several international rankings.

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed on a 4 hour sightseeing to discover this amazing kaleidoscope of old & new cultures. You will see a well-groomed corporate Executive whizzing by in a BMW or a Mercedes or a Bentley amidst the chaos of the Bangkok streets

Bangkok is one of the world's top tourist destinations, ahead of London & its historic centre remains the Rattanakosin Island in Phra Nakhon District, the site of the Grand Palace & the City Pillar Shrine, primary symbols of the city's founding, as well as important Buddhist Temples.

The adventure begins!

First stop will be the spiritual & religious heart of the city - the striking Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang), a former royal residence, one of the most beautiful illustrations of an ancient Siamese Court - a doubtless gem & icon of Bangkok that draws attention not only for its long history but also for the delicate construction & decorations. Topped by golden Stupas, it used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Today, it is only used on ceremonial occasions, but it remains the city's biggest tourist attraction & a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists.

The Grand Palace complex was constructed in 1782 after King Rama I ascended to the Throne. It is believed that he moved the royal Court from Thonburi on the west bank of Chao Phraya River to Bangkok on the east for protection. The River would then act as a moat for the northern, southern & western perimeters, whilst eastern edge of the city - a muddy delta at the time - would be difficult for attackers to cross without being seen or hampered.

The royal residences were moved out of this Palace during the reign of King Vajiravudh, leaving Chakri Mahaprasat (Grand Palace Hall) to fall into disrepair. In 1932, Rama VII (King Prajadhipok; r 1925 -1935) called for a major renovation, but the Project ran out of money & the back section had to be demolished.

The Grand Palace was also where Rama VIII (King Ananda Mahidol; r 1935 - 46) was mysteriously killed in 1946. He was found dead in his bed with a gunshot wound to his head.

In October of 2017, the Palace complex & adjacent Sanam Luang served as the setting for the funeral of King Rama IX - possibly one of the most ornate Funerals in modern history. The Ceremony took a year to plan, saw the construction of a nearly 50 metres high gilded Pyre, cost a total of US$90 million & was attended by tens of thousands of mourners from all over the world, all dressed in black.

The current King, Rama X, had his Coronation held in the large Amarindra Hall in 2019. Following the Ceremony, the King was carried on the Budtan Thong (royal Palanquin) from the Hall’s Throne room to the Wat Phra Kaew.

The 94.5-hectare Complex, that also hosts the hallowed Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), encompass more than 100 buildings that represent 200 years of royal history & architectural experimentation. Most of the architecture, royal or sacred, is classified as Ratanakosin (old-Bangkok style).

Visitors are allowed to survey the Grand Palace grounds & 4 of the Palace buildings, which are interesting for their royal bombast.

The largest building open to the public is the triple-winged Chakri Mahaprasat (Grand Palace Hall). Completed in 1882 following a plan by Singapore-based British Architect John Clunish, the exterior shows a peculiar blend of Italian Renaissance & traditional Thai architecture. Its style is often referred to as fa·rang sai cha-dah (Westerner wearing a Thai classical dancer’s headdress), because each Wing is topped by a mon·dop (a layered, heavily ornamented Spire).

It is believed the original plan called for the Palace to be topped with a Dome, but Rama V (King Chulalongkorn; r 1868 - 1910) was persuaded to go for a Thai-style roof instead. That decision has been interpreted as a subversive thumbing of the nose to the foreign Colonialists in Asia at the time. Many believe the King was literally showing Thai dominance over European culture by crowning his Western-inspired Palace with a Thai-style roof.

The tallest of the mon·dop, in the centre, contains the ashes of Chakri dynasty Kings; the flanking mon·dop enshrine the ashes of the many Princes who failed to inherit the Throne. The last building to the west is the Ratanakosin-style Dusit Hall, which initially served as a venue for royal audiences & later as a royal Funerary Hall.

At the eastern end of the Complex, Borombhiman Hall is a French-inspired structure that served as a residence for Rama VI (King Vajiravudh; r 1910 - 25). Today, it can only be viewed through its iron gates. Amarindra Hall, to the west, was originally a Hall of Justice but is used (very rarely indeed) for Coronation ceremonies only.

Until Rama VI decided that 1 wife was enough for any man, even a King, Thai Kings housed their huge Harems in the inner Palace area (never open to the public, then & now), which was guarded by combat-trained female Guards. The intrigue & rituals that occurred within the walls of this cloistered community live on in the fictionalised epic Four Reigns, by Kukrit Pramoj, which follows a young girl named Phloi growing up within the Royal City.

Walking around, you will see Palaces which were / are used for different occasions.

The city was expanded toward Dusit District in the early 19^th century, following King Chulalongkorn's relocation of the royal household to the new Dusit Palace. The buildings of this Palace, including the neoclassical Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, as well as the Royal Plaza & Ratchadamnoen Avenue which connects with the Grand Palace, reflect the heavy influence of European architecture at the time. Major government offices line this Avenue, as does the Democracy Monument. The area is the site of the country's seat of power as well as the City's most popular tourist landmarks.

After spending an hour, touring the Palace, walk to the ornately decorated & gilded Temple Wat Phra Kaeo (temple complex), the holiest Buddhist site in Thailand & home to the legendary Emerald Buddha, located in one corner of the huge Palace Complex, once a sealed city of intricate ritual & social stratification.

Architecturally fantastic, the Wat Phra Kaew is also the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism & Monarchy, symbolically united in what is the country’s most holy image, the Emerald Buddha.

Consecrated in 1782, the first year of Bangkok rule by King Rama I, Wat Phra Kaew was built specifically to house the Emerald Buddha, which he had brought back to Thailand after he captured Vientiane (now in Laos). The Emerald Buddha was placed in the completed Temple in 1784. Today, it is a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists.

Phra Ubosot (Chapel of the Emerald Buddha) is styled in Ayudhaya-period Thai architecture, with a decorative, multi-tiered Lamyong roof structure & double sacred boundary stones.

Upon entering Wat Phra Kaew, you will meet the Yaksha, brawny guardian giants from the Ramakian (the Thai version of the Indian epic, Ramayana). Beyond them, is a courtyard where the central Boht (ordination hall) houses the iconic Emerald Buddha.

The spectacular ornamentation inside & out does an excellent job of distracting first-time visitors from paying their respects to the image. Here is why: the Emerald Buddha is only 66 cm tall & sits so high above worshippers in the main Temple building that the gilded Shrine is more striking than the small figure it cradles.

No one knows exactly where it came from or who sculpted it, but it first appeared on record in 15^th century in Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. Stylistically it seems to belong to Thai artistic periods of the 13^th - 14^th centuries.

Because of its royal status, the Emerald Buddha is ceremoniously draped in monastic Robes. There are now 3 royal Robes: 1 each the hot, rainy & cool seasons. The 3 Robes are still solemnly changed by the King himself at the beginning of each season.

Outside the main Boht, is a stone statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Im & nearby are 2 Cow figures, representing the year of Rama I’s birth. In the 2 km long Cloister that defines the perimeter of the Complex are 178 Murals depicting the Ramakian in its entirety, beginning at the north Gate & moving clockwise around the Compound.

The story begins with the hero, Rama (the green-faced character) & his bride, Sita (the beautiful topless maiden). The young couple is banished to the forest, along with Rama’s brother. In this pastoral setting, the evil King Ravana of Sri Lanka (the character with multiple Hands & Heads) disguises himself as a Hermit in order to kidnap Sita. Rama then, joins forces with Hanuman, the monkey King (depicted as the white monkey), to attack Ravana & rescue Sita. Although Rama has the royal pedigree, Hanuman is the unsung hero who is loyal, fierce & clever. Enroute to the final fairy-tale ending, great battles & schemes of trickery ensue until Ravana is finally killed. After withstanding a loyalty test of fire, Sita & Rama are triumphantly reunited.

Commissioned by Rama I, the ornate Phra Mondop was built for the storage of sacred Buddhist Manuscripts. The 7 tiered roof, floor woven from strands of silver & intricate mother-of-pearl door panels make it among the world's most decadent Libraries (Entry not allowed for the public). Phra Mondop, along with the neighbouring Khmer-style peak of the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon & the gilded Phra Si Ratana Chedi (Stupa), are the tallest structures in the compound.

Next stop is Wat Pho, or (officially Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihana) as it is generally known to the Thais, famous for the huge reclining Buddha statue it houses.

Wat Pho is our absolute favorite among Bangkok's biggest sights. In fact, the Compound incorporates a host of superlatives: the city's largest reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand & the country's earliest Center for Public Education.

Originally known as Wat Phodharam, the first iteration of Wat Pho was built in the 16^th century as a late Ayuthaya-period Monastery. However today, the Wat bears virtually no resemblance to one that was originally constructed, as it was almost entirely rebuilt by Rama I in 1788, who by then had built the Grand Palace next door & established Bangkok as the Capital of Siam (Thailand).

And much of what visitors see today was completed during the reign of King Rama III who extended Wat Pho in 1832, particularly the South Vihara & the West Vihara, where Thailand's largest reclining Buddha is housed. Completed in 1848, the figure itself is modelled out of plaster around a brick core & is finished in gold leaf. The Wat also holds the honor of having the largest number of Buddha images in Thailand.

At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok & is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's Capital. The rambling grounds has tourist sites occupying the northern side & the Monastic facilities on the southern side.

Though built during the reign of Rama I (reigned 1782 - 1809) & influenced by the Ayuthaya school of architecture, the Boht (ordination hall) at Phra Ubosot, as it stands today, is the result of extensive renovations dating back to the reign of Rama III (reigned 1824 - 51). Inside, you will find impressive Murals & a 3 tiered pedestal supporting Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn, the Compound's 2^nd most noteworthy Buddha statue, as well as the ashes of Rama I.

The images on display in the 4 wi·hahn surrounding Phra Ubosot are worth seeing. Particularly beautiful are the Phra Chinnarat & Phra Chinnasri Buddhas in the western & southern Chapels, both rescued from Sukhothai by relatives of Rama I. The Galleries extending between the 4 structures feature no fewer than 394 gilded Buddha images spanning nearly all schools of traditional Thai craftsmanship, from Lopburi to Ko Ratanakosin. Encircling Phra Ubosot is a low marble wall with 152 bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Ramayana.

Almost too big for its shelter, the highly impressive gold-plated Reclining Buddha is 46 meters long & 15 meters high, designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana (i.e. the Buddha's death), is housed in a Pavilion on the western edge of the Complex. The feet & the eyes are engraved with mother-of-pearl decoration & the feet also show the 108 auspicious lak·sa·na (characteristics) of the true Buddha.

Continuing the numerical theme, a common public ritual is for visitors to buy 108 coins (for 20Baht) & put them in each of the 108 bronze Monk Bowls placed in a long row to the rear of the Statue, for good luck & as a gesture of giving alms. The large grounds contain more than 1000 Buddha images in total, most from the ruins of the former Capitals Ayuthaya & Sukhothai.

On the western side of the grounds is a collection of 4 towering tiled Royal Chedi (Stupa) commemorating the first 4 Chakri Kings. Note the square bell shape with distinct corners, a signature of Ratanakosin style & the titles emulating the colors of the Buddhist flag. The middle Chedi is dedicated to Rama I & encases Phra Si Sanphet Dayarn, a 16 meters high standing Buddha image from Ayuthaya. The other 91 smaller Chedi include clusters containing the ashes of lesser royal descendants.

Located in the southwestern corner of the Compound is Sala Kan Parian, one of the few remaining structures that predates Rama III's extensive 19^th century renovation / expansion of then Wat Pho Tharam. Built in the Ayuthaya style, the structure formerly functioned as the Wat's primary Boht & held the Temple’s primary Buddha statue.

Small Chinese-style Rock Gardens & hilly Islands interrupt the Compound's numerous tiled Courtyards providing shade, greenery & quirky decorations depicting daily life. Look out for the distinctive rockery festooned with figures of the hermit Khao Mor - who is credited with inventing Yoga - in various healing positions. Directly south of the main wi·hahn is a Bodhi tree, grown from a clipping of the original in India, under which Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Aside from Monks & tourists, Wat Pho is filled with an altogether stiffer crowd: dozens of giant figurines carved from granite. These rock Giants first arrived in Thailand as ballast aboard Chinese junks & were placed in Wat Pho (& some other Wat, including Wat Suthat), guarding the entrances of Temple & courtyards. Looking closely, one can see an array of Chinese characters. The Giants with bulging eyes & Chinese opera costumes were inspired by warrior Noblemen & are called Lan Than. The figure in a straw hat is a Farmer, forever interrupted during his day’s work cultivating the fields. And can you recognize the guy in the fedora-like hat with a trimmed beard & moustache? Marco Polo, of course, who introduced such European styles to the Chinese Court.

Wat Pho is considered the earliest center for Public Education in Thailand. It was King Rama III who turned Wat Pho into Bangkok’s 1^st   public University too. Between 1831 & 1841, some 1431 stone inscriptions were added by King Rama III & Scholars to preserve cultural heritage, including the tenets of traditional Thai Massage. These marble illustrations & inscriptions in the Temple, for public instructions, have been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. These & as many as 2000 other stone inscriptions covering various aspects of traditional Thai knowledge led to Wat Pho's legacy as Thailand’s first public University.

The Compound’s array of Sculptures & Artwork, which include more than 1000 depictions of Buddha, were commissioned to help people learn about History, Literature & Buddhism.

Wat Pho remains the national Headquarters for the teaching & preservation of traditional Thai Medicine, including Thai Massage, a mandate legislated by Rama III when the tradition was in danger of extinction. It houses a School of Thai Medicine & is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai Massage which is still taught & practiced at the Temple.

There aren’t many sacred religious sights in the world where you can get a massage, but Wat Pho is certainly one of them. The famous Massage School has 2 Massage pavilions located within the Temple complex & additional rooms within the Training facility outside, providing a unique opportunity to combine relaxation with sightseeing.

Both Thai body massage & foot massage are available onsite (30 or 60 minutes) but need to be booked ahead via the Wat Pho Massage website. Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School also offers a 1 day Course to those interested in learning how to give a Thai massage (available every day expect Sundays, rates start from 12,000B). The School outside the Temple compound, in a restored Shophouse in Soi Phen Phat nearby, offers more other basic courses for 30 hours or more, spread over 5 days or more, covering either general massage or foot massage.

From the Grand Palace complex, proceed for Lunch (not included - own expense) at a Restaurant by the River. After, walk to the Pier to hop onto decorated long-tail boat for a cruise around the Chao Phraya River Klongs (small narrow canals) of Thonburi (also known as Venice of the East), the site originally chosen for Thailand's new Capital after the fall of Ayuthaya.  The Klongs of old Bangkok enable surface water to make its way to the sea & have long been a way of getting around Bangkok.

A cruise in the Klongs promises a unique & immersive adventure to history enthusiasts, culture connoisseurs or those simply seeking a tranquil escape.  The Teak wood Boat with its ornate design & intricate carvings, is a symbol of traditional Thai craftsmanship & provides a comfortable setting for your journey through "Venice of the East". A knowledgeable Tour-guide will share fascinating stories & historical anecdotes, enriching your understanding of the City's past & present.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Bangkok as you embark on a unique 2 hour adventure, from Thonburi, a district on the west bank of the River, where you will witness a harmonious blend of old & new. Skyscrapers stand tall alongside ancient Temples, creating a picturesque panorama that encapsulates Bangkok's diverse architecture.

As you set sail, the gentle lapping of the water against the Boat's hull will transport you to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the City's history & the role its Canals played in shaping its identity. The Captain slows down to let you appreciate the winding Waterways & get a brief glimpse of those who live on the River.

The Capital city comes to life through the timeless charm of its intricate narrow Waterways & the roar of the engine disturbs the quiet.  Watch as residents, who live in the curiously quaint traditional wooden Houses built on Stilts, that line the Banks & that give the Canals their distinctive character, go about their daily routines.

Discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Lush greenery lines the Waterways & you will see also small gleaming Temples while old men fish & children folic about on the water’s edge.

Enjoy the beautiful views of Temples like Wat Paknam & Wat Arun, Pagodas, Skyscrapers & residential buildings that create a unique skyline of Bangkok, along surprisingly rural western suburbs which feel a world away from the chaotic streets of modern Bangkok, across the river. Glide by the Boathouse where the Royal Barges are kept & maintained. Learn more about Thai history and culture.

Disembark within walking distance of Khao San Road, a lively area popular with backpackers & hippy flower children of the past. Enjoy the many Bars, Restaurants, street Performers, market stalls & Tailors - that will measure you up for a new suit for 1 day delivery, that line this vibrant road.

The sightseeing ends & balance of the afternoon is free.

You will be transferred back to the Hotel or continue exploring & reach the Hotel on your own.

Evening, get ready for another experience. Meet the Journeys Rep at 06.30 pm & proceed to enjoy a meal onboard, either a traditional Rice Barge or a luxury modern Boat (to be advised), while cruising along the Chao Phraya River.

As you board the Boat, you will be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink, setting the tone for a magical evening.

Soak up spectacular views of Bangkok’s notable landmarks including Wat Arun, the Grand Palace & the Rama VIII Bridge, along the River, sitting in an elegant interior that offers an ideal setting for a romantic evening or a night out with friends, as you enjoy a sumptuous buffet Dinner featuring a variety of Thai & Western cuisines, while watching a traditional Thai Classical Dance performance. As the night continues, enjoy live music & disco as you relax on the open-air deck. We will keep you entertained throughout the evening.

The Cruise concludes & you are transferred back to the Hotel by 10.30 pm.

Early morning at 06.00 am, depart for Kanchanaburi, a lush province west of Bangkok, for a tryst with history. Hear fascinating commentary from your knowledgeable Tour-guide as you drive along Sugarcane fields, Rice paddies, Pineapple Plantations.

Immediately on arrival, embark on your sightseeing tour.

Picturesque Kanchanaburi is a Resort town in west Thailand, in a fertile Valley where sugar-cane fields bow in the breeze, measuring out an easy pace. Located at the point where the smaller Khwae Noi & Khwae Yai Rivers crawling out of the mountains, merge & form the Mae Klong River & define much of the lazy character of the town. It is a popular base of operations for exploring the many cultural, natural & historical attractions in the surrounding countryside. Even the climate here, cooled by the altitude, forest, and Rivers, is a welcome respite from the heat & congestion of nearby Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi was established by King Rama I in late 18^th century, as a defensive outpost against possible Burmese invasions. The old Town was located at Tambon Lat Ya (Khao Chon Kai in the present). In 1833, the Town was moved about 16 km to the southeast along the River to its present site at the confluence of the Khwae Yai & Khwae Noi Rivers, during the reign of King Rama III.

The Town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the banks of the River, from inside a Raft House or sitting with a drink at a riverside Restaurant. Visiting spectacular Waterfalls, lush Forest & 3 of Thailand’s largest Reservoirs, White-water Rafting, Elephant Trekking & Golfing are popular activities.

In addition to outdoor appreciation, the limestone hills surrounding Kanchanaburi are famous for their Caves Temples that are almost as common as Convenience Stores are, inside the city.

First stop will be the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the larger of Kanchanaburi's 2 WW2 Cemeteries, immaculately maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, located within the city limits, that provides a quiet sanctuary for reflection.

Of the 6982 Allied soldiers buried here, nearly half are British; the rest came mainly from Australia & Netherlands. As you enter, the entire right side contains British victims, the front-left area contains Australian graves & the rear left, the Dutch. The remains of unknown soldiers & 300 who were cremated due to dying of cholera are honoured all the way to the far left at the front. All remains of American POWs were returned to the USA. A Register is kept at the Entrance, that lists the names of all those buried here. Pay your respects to the thousands of Allied POWs who perished in the area under the hand of the cruel Imperial Japanese Army.

Then, venture out into the countryside to explore the most famous Monument in the City - the fabled Bridge over the River Kwai.  

Stop briefly at one of the famous Cave Temples.

Wat Ban Tham 10 km southeast of town is one of the most interesting, in part because you walk up steps & into a Dragon's mouth to reach the large main Cave. Winding arteries burrow into the guts of the Caves past bulbous calcium deposits & altars for Buddha images, surrounded by offerings from pilgrims who come for a communion of animistic spirit worship & traditional Buddhism.

A section of one big rock is said to resemble Thai folklore figure Mae Nang Bua Kli, an innocent woman killed by her husband & is consequently 'dressed' throughout the year. Above her is a Phra Siwali (an important disciple of the Buddha) statue illuminated by a single shaft of sunlight each cloudless morning. Continuing up the mountain on the metal spiral staircase at the Cave entrance takes you to some minor Shrines & picturesque views.

Another Cave Temple, 4 km southwest of town, is Wat Tham Khao Pun, a fun labyrinth of illuminated passageways. The marked trail is a bit of a squeeze in some places (& can be slippery), but ducking beneath limestone protrusions to discover these sub-terranean Shrines is a special experience. The Chambers is painted white near the exit where a Japanese wartime Hospital used to be & just outside, in a replica bamboo Barrack, is a little display of POW photos & old Typewriters.

Beyond its hectic modern center & river views, Kanchanaburi has a dark history as this quiet provincial Capital played an unlikely role during WWII.

Arrive at the embarkation point & board a Long-tail Boat on River Kwai for a spectacular exhilarating sail downriver towards the iconic Bridge, enjoying the amazing scenery & may be, some wonderful wildlife, like a Monitor Lizard the size of an Alligator. Learn the true story of the Bridge, including the nearby Tha Makham Camp which supplied the labour for the Bridge.

The 30 minute Ride will conclude with disembarkation at the fabled Bridge Over the River Kwai itself, where you have ample time to explore at your own leisure. Death Railway only proved the bad reputation of the Japs during this dark period.

In 1942, Japan seized Burma (Myanmar) from British control & quickly decided to build a rail link to Thailand (already under Japanese control) in order to maintain a secure supply route to their forces. Although the obvious link was by sea, Allied submarines controlling the region made it too treacherous. The rail link, however, would prove to be no easier.

The British when they ruled, had already surveyed the area earlier but abandoned their plans for a Railway as the proposed route crossed dense jungle & numerous rivers. In addition, disease & heavy monsoon rains would make conditions intolerable. The Japanese, however, were undeterred & decided that a rail link would be a crucial part of their campaign.

Construction began in September 1942 & Japanese Engineers estimated it would take 5 years to complete the Project. Work began at either end of the route & just 16 months later, the 2 Teams met in Kanchanaburi Province, 37 km south of the border crossing between Burma & Thailand, at  the scenic Three Pagodas Pass.

To realize their ambitions in record time the occupying Japanese brought in 330,000 captured Allied POWs & conscripted Southeast Asian laborers & provided them with only simple hand tools to build a demanding, deadly rail route from Thailand to Burma (Myanmar) & the strategically important Bridge.

There were 4 POW Camps in or near Kanchanaburi including Tamarkan which was used as a Work Camp & the workers were kept in horrific conditions. Soon the Project became known as the Death Railway as it is estimated that 90,000 Asian laborers & around 16,000 POWs died from disease, maltreatment or accidents while working on the 250 miles Line that crosses over River Khwae Yai.

After the completion of the rail line, most prisoners were concentrated in the Kanchanaburi area & often sent on to Japan or French Indo-China.

The harrowing story became famous after the publication of Pierre Boulle’s book The Bridge Over the River Kwai, based very loosely on real events & immortalised in 1957 by the movie of the same name + Return from the River Kwai (1989) + The Railway Man (2013). The cliff-hugging Tracks & the natural beauty of the surrounding Mountains & Valleys are well captured in the David Lean movie.

The most famous section of the Burma -Thailand Rail route is Bridge 277 or ‘The Bridge Over the River Kwai’ or the Death Railway Bridge, at a place called Tha Ma Kham, 5 km from the town of Kanchanaburi. 

The original wooden Bridge was finished here in February 1943 & the concrete & steel version was completed in June of the same year. The strategic importance of the Bridge meant that it was a prime target for Allied bombing raids, which unfortunately prolonged the suffering of POWs, who had to make the repairs. Nothing remains of a 2^nd wooden Bridge the Japanese built 100 metres downstream.

Heavy with history, centre of the 300 metres long Bridge was destroyed by Allied bombs in 1945, so only the curved spans are original. The 2 central spans were rebuilt & the original ‘bombed out’ parts of the Bridge are now displayed in the War Museum.

The Bridge is a tourist destination now. The Track is developed into a Walkway with side Platforms that are uses as Viewpoints & for avoiding passing Trains (stand at a Safety Point if a Train appears). This also allows crossing the Bridge on foot & there is also a small Tourist Train that runs back & forth. Hawkers selling Food & Souvenirs surround the Bridge, so the site can have a jarring, Carnival like atmosphere. It is a marked contrast to the solemnity of the Museums & Cemetery.

The Government also organises an annual River Kwai Bridge Festival to mark the Allied bombing on November 28, 1944 & a spectacular Son et Lumiere Show illustrating the history of the Death Railway, is the highlight of the festival.

Across the River, there is the colourful Kuan-Im Shrine & the Bridge can be viewed from its tranquil Garden. On the south side of the Shrine, is the unique Chinese Soldier Tomb, with sad eyes peering out from under a giant helmet. The Park near the Station displays the 3 old Trains that were used during the War.

This iconic landmark serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities suffered here during World War II. At Kanchanaburi, there is a Memorial & 2 Museums highlights the plight of the POWs & Asian laborers tortured by the Japanese & to commemorate the dead. The Chungkai War Cemetery located near the Bridge area is where the Workers from the Rail Project were buried.

Spend an hour at Thailand - Burma Railway Centre that opened in 2003 & explores the wider history of the Railway.

This excellent Museum balances statistics & historical context with personal accounts of the conditions endured by POWs & other imprisoned labourers forced to build the Rail line. Kanchanaburi's role in WWII is thoroughly explained, but the main Displays trace the journey of Workers, from transport in cramped Boxcars to disease-ridden Labour Camps in the jungle, as well as Survivors' fates after the war. Galleries upstairs display wartime artefacts, & there is a 3 metres deep diorama showing how Hellfire Pass got its name.  See a poignant video with testimony from both POWs & Japanese soldiers.

Displays at the JEATH (Japanese-English-American-Australian-Thai-Holland) War Museum honor the POWs who died building the 300 metres long Bridge.

The Thai-Burma Railway is a historic dark legacy of WW2, in Thailand. Nestled between the Cliff & the River, you could only imagine why it is called the Death Railway, especially with the technology in the 1940s when the POWs & Asian forced laborers built this.

Nowadays, visitors can trace back the history & what is left of this ‘heritage’ Railway, while enjoying a scenic Train journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok. The morning Train is usually full of tourists & there is no seat assignment. For a better view, you can pick a seat on the right-hand side. Expect more lot more passengers to come out & take pictures there too.

You will board at the Bridge on Kwai, at around 10.45 AM & commence the 77 km (out of the original 415 km) journey on the Death Railway to Nam Tok, the final stop of the ‘heritage’ Train, after travelling for 2 hours.

The view, some of the most scenic territory in all of Thailand, is truly rewarding, passing through the many Bridges & especially over the spectacular wooden famous Wang Po Viaduct built by the POWs & locals during the War. Delve into the jungle where these POWs lived & worked as you ride the “Death Railway,” covering tracks built to join the Thai and Burmese railway lines.

Despite the stunning views, it is also a great time to reflect & remember the lost lives in the process & learn about the morbid history of how it was constructed.

On disembarking at Nam Tok, you will be met by the Tour-guide & drive or walk a short distance to ‘Hellfire Pass’ where the POWs dug through a mountain often using only their bare hands.

Another must-see, the Konyu Cutting, dubbed as Hellfire Pass by the POWs for the way the worksite looked at night by torchlight, is located about 80 km north of Kanchanaburi, on the disused section of line beyond Nam Tok. This infamous area was most deadly along the length of the Line, for the people forced to construct it. 

This 600 metre stretch earned its 'hellfire' nickname following the final 'Speedo' construction period where shifts of 500 prisoners worked 16 to 18 hours a day & even the 'sick' were marched back to work. The glow from burning torches cast eerie shadows of the Japanese guards & of the gaunt prisoners’ faces, so that the scene was said to resemble Dante’s Inferno.

Here, the Australian government has cleared about 7 km of the old track-bed as a poignant tribute & created a Memorial to the 13,000 Allied prisoners & 80,000 Asian labourers who died building the Railway - though only 4 km is currently open to the public.

A small Gallery lays out the history of the site & memorialises the victims. As you walk past imposing walls of rock, catching sight of occasional nails protruding from the chiselled surface, the free Audio-guide provides historical details & fascinating first-person accounts from Survivors; it does an excellent job of conjuring up the conditions endured by them.

Then, you can descend the long set of stairs behind the Museum to a trail following the original rail bed. There are 2 walking routes - a 1 km roundtrip through Hellfire Pass is easy & another 5 km Trail through Hintok Cutting & has some steep climbs & uneven surfaces. You can walk past the locations of 'Three Tier Bridge' & the 'Pack of Cards' Bridge. The peaceful walk through the warm shady jungle along the disused track-bed, past small cuttings & dips where the wooden Viaducts used to be, is a very moving experience.

Fascinating Hellfire Pass Museum at the entrance details the region’s history & commemorates Allied losses & depicts the shocking story of the Railway’s construction. Many artifacts from the period are on display but the most thought-provoking part of the experience is the Memorial Walking Trail.

The tour concludes & you are transferred to the Hotel by late afternoon.

Check-in & relax.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions).

Early morning, depart for Ayuthaya, the former Capital of Thailand.

Enroute, stop at Erawan National Park near the Myanmar border.

The 550 sq km Erawan National Park is one of the most famous in Thailand. Just over 80% of the Park is covered in verdant Rainforest, with winding Nature Trails allowing visitors to marvel at the giant trees & spot the diverse wildlife that call the Park home.

Its forests support an amazinq array of plants & a diverse range of wildlife, from minute brilliantly coloured insects to Tigers, the mighty Asian Elephants, Cobras, wild Boar, lar Gibbons, Sambar Deer all live here, while avid bird-watchers should look out for Hornbills, Woodpeckers, Parakeets, crested Serpent Eagle, black-naped Monarch, blue Whistling Thrush, black-crested Bulbul, blue-winged Leafbird, dark-necked Tailorbird, green-billed Malkoha, grey Peacock-Pheasant & Kalij Pheasant.

The major attraction at the Erawan National Park, however, is Erawan Falls with emerald green ponds. Named after the 3 headed white Elephant of Hindu mythology, these stunning Falls have 7 levels cascading down over 1,500 meters & are widely regarded as among the more beautiful falls in Thailand. A series of trails & foot bridges will lead visitors all way up to 6^th tier, last tier is accessible by scrambling up to few cliffs for those who like a bit more challenge. Walking to most levels of the Waterfall is relatively easy to do, although to get to the very top is quite the hike & some good walking shoes & a healthy dose of determination are both recommended! Most tiers are running into Ponds, great for swimming. There are few picnic spots around the lower tiers & each tier also has number of smaller Falls into Ponds full of fishes.

There are plenty of activity & sightseeing options available or alternatively you can just relax & take it easy. Stroll around to enjoy the scenery of rugged landscape of high elevation plateaus & steep valleys with Rivers, Waterfalls & Trails.

Located 30 km from HQ at the south east corner of the National Park, 700 - 800 meters into the forest near the Tha Thung Na village, are pre-historic Caves with evidence of past human habitation - pottery, used tools & rock paintings of trees and human shapes. There are more historic Caves spread around.

After spending a couple of hours in the Park, continue driving towards Ayuthaya.

Arrive at the Hotel by late afternoon & Check-in & relax.

Ayuthaya, 86 km north of Bangkok, was once, one of the world's wealthiest & most cosmopolitan cities. When it comes to history, Ayutthaya, former Capital of Siam (Thailand), is well known for its gilded Temples & treasure-laden Palaces that glittered from miles away.

The Tai (Thai) people were relative late comers to southeast Asia, migrating into the region between the 08^th & 10^th centuries from China. It took several hundred years for a number of disparate Thai fiefdoms all centred around the lower Chao Praya River to unite into one, which they named Ayutthaya.

Ayutthaya, originally a maritime city, was strategically located on an Island surrounded by 3 Rivers connecting the city to the sea, above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam, as it existed at that time, equi-distant between India & China and well upstream, thus preventing attack on the city by the sea-going Warships of Arab & European powers who were expanding their influence in the region even as Ayutthaya itself consolidating & extending its own power to fill the vacuum left by the fall of Angkor. It gradually acquired more lands to the north through aggressive warfare & by the 18^th century, its boundaries expanded & the Kingdom grew in stature & wealth. The location also helped to protect the city from seasonal flooding.

The City, was founded in 1350 CE (archaeological finds on site indicate an earlier date) by King U-thong, a Chinese Merchant, when he moved his Court from Uthong to avoid an epidemic & named the City after Ayodhya (Phra nakhon Si Ayutthaya), the home of Rama, who is depicted as God in the Hindu epic called Ramayana. Ayutthaya was quickly declared the new Capital by King U-thong (also known as King Ramathibodi I) just before he died in 1369. Through conquest, expansion & trade, Ayutthaya grew in size & economic influence, quickly surpassing the power of the old Capital city of the Kingdom of Siam & at its peak ruled over an area larger than England & France combined. It was glorified as one of the biggest in Southeast Asia & a regional power for 417 years.

Home to over a million people between 1350 & 1767, the IsIand city was one of Asia's major Trading Ports & found placement on the Maps used by international Merchants sailing between India & China during the era of the trade winds, were left in awe. It evolved into one of the world’s largest & most cosmopolitan urban areas & an important center of Economics & Commerce at the regional & global levels and an important connecting point between the East & West.  

The first Europeans to visit were the Portuguese in the early 1500’s, but incredibly Ayutthaya appears on a 1450 map of the World by Fra Mauro, a Venetian Cartographer, so its fame was such that it was known in Europe long before any European had actually seen it.

As the former Capital & a center of global Diplomacy, Ayuthaya earned the emerging Thai nation a place among the great Empires of Southeast Asia. The Royal Court exchanged Ambassadors far & wide, including with the French Court at Versailles & the Mughal Court in Delhi, as well as with imperial Courts of Japan & China. 

Foreigners served in the employ of the Government & also lived in the city as private individuals. Downstream from the Royal Palace, there were enclaves of foreign Traders & Missionaries, each building in their own architectural style.  Foreign influences were many in the city &can still be seen in the surviving art & in the architectural ruins.

 Well-known from contemporary sources & maps, Ayutthaya was laid out according to a systematic & rigid City planning grid, consisting of Roads, Canals, & Moats around all the principal structures.  The Planning took maximum advantage of the City’s position in the midst of 3 Rivers & had a hydraulic system for Water Management which was technologically extremely advanced & unique in the world.

The Ayutthaya School of Art showcases the ingenuity & the creativity of the Ayutthaya Civilization as well as its ability to assimilate a multitude of foreign influences. The large Palaces & Buddhist Monasteries constructed in the Capital, for example at Wat Mahathat & Wat Phra Si Sanphet, are testimony to both the economic vitality & technological prowess of their Builders, as well as to the appeal of the intellectual tradition they embodied.

All buildings were elegantly decorated with the highest quality of Crafts & Mural paintings, which consisted of an eclectic mixture of traditional styles surviving from Sukhothai, inherited from Angkor & borrowed from the 17^th & 18^th century art styles of Japan, China, India, Persia & Europe, creating a rich & unique expression of a cosmopolitan culture & laying the foundation for the fusion of styles of Art & Architecture popular throughout the succeeding Rattanakosin era & onwards.

Between 1547 & 1767, Ayutthaya engaged in a series of wars with the Taungoo dynasty of neighbouring Burma. Both sides had periods of dominance, but ultimately in 1767, after a 14 month siege, the Empire fell in 1767 to the invading Burmese Army which thoroughly sacked the City, looting most of its treasures & enslaving thousands of its citizens & forcing many to abandon the City. As a City that was destroyed by an invading Army, Ayuthaya is eulogised like a slain Hero. Although, Independence was restored within a year, the Capital was moved to what is now Bangkok & Ayuthaya was left largely abandoned for decades. The sacred sacked city, Ayuthaya is complexly intertwined with Thai Nationalism & Religion.

 The City was never rebuilt in the same location & remains known today as an extensive archaeological site. Indeed, when the Capital of the restored Kingdom was moved downstream & a new city built at Bangkok, there was a conscious attempt to recreate the urban template & architectural form of Ayutthaya. Many of the surviving Architects & Builders from Ayutthaya were brought in to work on building the new Capital & much of what remained of Ayutthaya was demolished to be used as building material for the new Capital.

This pattern of urban replication is in keeping with the urban planning concept in which cities of the world consciously try to emulate the perfection of the mythical city of Ayodhaya. In Thai, the official name for the new Cpital at Bangkok retains “Ayutthaya” as part of its formal title.

Ayutthaya is well-known from historical records.  As one of the world’s largest cities of its time & a major Political, Economic & Religious center, many visitors recorded facts about the City & their experiences there.  The Siamese Royal Court also kept meticulous records; many were destroyed when the Burmese attacked the City, but some were saved & are now an important source of authenticity.  The same can be said for the testimony of works of Art, Wall Painting, Sculpture & palm leaf Manuscripts which survive from the period.  Of particular note are the surviving Mural paintings in the crypt of Wat Ratchaburana.

 Ayutthaya is now an archaeological ruin, characterized by the remains of tall Prang (Reliquary Towers) & Buddhist Monasteries of monumental proportions, which give an idea of the City’s past size & the splendor of its architecture.  Historic Ayutthaya bears excellent witness to the period of development of a true national Thai Art.

The integrity of the ruins of the former Siamese Capital is found in the preservation of the ruined or reconstructed state of those physical elements which characterized this once great City, the originality of which is known from contemporary Maps of the time, prepared by several of the foreign Emissaries assigned to the Royal Court, which reveal an elaborate, systematic pattern of Streets & Canals throughout the entire Island & dividing the urban space into strictly controlled zones each with its own characteristic use & therefore architecture. 

The urban planning template of the entire Island remains visible & intact, along with the ruins of all the major Temples & monuments identified in the ancient Maps.  Wherever the ruins of these structures had been built over, after the City was abandoned, they are now uncovered & accounted for. In addition, the ruins of all the most important buildings have been consolidated, repaired & sometimes reconstructed

Major restoration work only began in 1969 & now the entire City has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site full of intact Temples, Monasteries, Palace ruins & beheaded Buddhist statues. Most painstakingly restored ruins of magnificent ancient Temples that now remain, are located upon an “Island”, surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak & Lopburi Rivers.

Today, dozens of enigmatic Temple ruins strewn across the modern City, offer a tantalising glimpse into its glorious heyday as one of the world’s wealthiest & most cosmopolitan cities.  It is easy to imagine how they must have looked in their prime.

The ancient Monuments retain little of their bygone majesty, with only a handful in recognizable forms. The architecture is a fascinating mix of Khmer & early Sukhothai styles. Some cactus-shaped Obelisks, called Prangs, denote Khmer influence & look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed Stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence.

The modern city that grew among the rubble is busy & provincial, adding a distracting element of chaos to the meditative mood of crumbled Kingdoms.

Overnight.   B D   

Morning, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & set out on a 4 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing tour at Bang - Pa - In Summer Palace, which served as the summer Palace for many Thai Monarchs from the 17^th century.

. *You will come back to the hotel to collect the Baggage & freshen up before departing for Bangkok.

You will visit ‘some’ of the important Temples & Ban Pa-In, the former summer Palace.

The knowledgeable Tour-guide will lead you to notable Ayutthaya Temples lining the riverbank, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet - part of the Ancient Royal Palace ruins with a giant bronze Statue of Buddha - as well as - Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol & Wat Phanan Choeng, known for its gilded seated Buddha statue.

Marvel at the damaged Buddha's head resting in the tree roots overtaking Wat Mahathat - one of Thailand’s most religiously significant places. See the well-preserved summer Palace of King Rama IV with its mixture of Thai, Chinese & Gothic architecture. 

As it is quite a large area to walk, it works better, with limited time, to use one of the city provided golf carts to drive between the buildings.

Enjoy a typical Thai lunch aboard a moored traditional Rice Barge.

End the tour with a Riverboat cruise on the Chao Phraya River around Ayutthaya & enjoy views of the houses on stilts & Temples lining the riverbank and take in the romantic atmosphere of the old Capital. Preserved in its beauty are precious treasures, artistic & cultural heritage for later generations to admire. You will have ample opportunity to discover some of these magnificent sites, as well as observe the timeless day-to-day activities of the people living along the river banks.

Disembark & spend some more time exploring the town on your own (if you want to walk around on your own, the Tour-guide will co-ordinate the time & place to meet or you can go back to the hotel directly).

In time, you will embark on a drive to Bangkok & proceed to Terminal? - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport to connect with your flight to Chiang Mai

On arrival in Terminal? Chiang Mai International Airport in the picturesque city, nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next couple of days.

Check-in at the Hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we will be happy to offer suggestions)).

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, Capital of Chiang Mai Province & the 2^nd largest city in the country. The lively, bustling City & its charming character makes the Province a " must" visit. One of the many questions Thais may ask a foreign visitor is ‘Have you been to Chiang Mai yet?’ underscoring the feeling that Chiang Mai is a keystone of any journey to Thailand.

Amidst majestic mountains, it was founded in 1296 as the Capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of Walls & Moats from its history as a Cultural & Religious center.

Thais idealise their beloved northern Capital as a quaint, moated & walled city surrounded by mountains with legendary, mystical attributes. In reality, Chiang Mai is a dynamic & modern city, which has successfully managed to combine its rich history & traditions with its increasingly modern side. Phu Ping Palace, the summer home of the Thai Royal Family, is nearby.

Cosmopolitan Chiang Mai is regarded by many as its rightful, historic Capital. It is a fascinating & successful mix of old & new, where 1,000 year old Temples & quiet Pagoda Gardens exist side by side with glittering new Hotels & Shopping Malls. Simple Restaurants serving local fare rub shoulders with sophisticated Restaurants that would merit notice in any western Metropolis.

Chiang Mai, laid-back, creative & reverential, has always had many feathers to its bow with its cultural riches, relative peacefulness, fantastic Handicraft shopping, delicious food & proximity to many natural treasures. Chiang Mai is

Chiang Mai has in excess of 300 elaborate Buddhist Temples (121 within the municipal limits) - almost as many as are in Bangkok - a circumstance that makes the Old City Center visually striking. The more famous ones include 14^th century Wat Phra Singh & 15^th century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.

Once here, there are endless things to discover apart from its beautiful & historic Temples. The City is renowned as a center for Handicrafts & small nearby Villages specialize in traditional Crafts like Silverwork, Wood Carving, Pottery, Umbrellas & Lacquerware.

Intriguing diversity among ethnic Tribes, a number of Elephant Sanctuaries, abundant Cooking & Massage Schools, numerous outdoor activities, a variety of Handicrafts Workshops, various cultural Performances, Waterfalls & breathtaking scenery, makes the former seat of the Lanna Kingdom, a blissfully calm place to relax & recharge your batteries - in a City still firmly Thai in its atmosphere & attitude.

Changes are afoot however, with the City becoming somewhere to watch in the style stakes as it enjoys boom times & expansion at a giddy rate & continues to develop beyond its role as a provincial City to become a Gateway to Myanmar, Laos & western China.

Yet, the northern Capital still manages to retain the relaxed, Temple-sprinkled, cultural Capital atmosphere of yore, alongside these new hip happenings. With its many & varied attractions, the days of Chiang Mai just being a quick stop off point before heading to the hills, are long gone.

Enter the Old City & Chiang Mai's brooding mountain, Doi Suthep, is now in view - except when shrouded in the month of March, when heavy air pollution is caused by farmers burning their fields for the planting season.

In the heart of the Old City, buildings higher than 3 stories have been banned & many of the Streets have been paved with flat, red cobblestones. Strolling these narrow lanes, lingering in the quiet cloisters of a Temple, sipping hill tribe Coffee at a wayside Stall, fingering local Fabrics in one of the many Boutiques, are among the pleasures of a visit to Chiang Mai.

And whenever you visit, there is bound to be a Festival in progress & with Restaurants in the Old City vying with each other for the most florid decoration, it feels like a party year-round.

Later in the evening, meet the Tour-guide & head to the Market to stock up on all ‘materials’ needed to make your own Krathongs, then learn how to make them ready to be sailed this evening.

Drive to the riverside where you blend in with the locals for the Loy Krathong Festival Celebration.

Overnight.   B L  

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & embark on a 3 hour sightseeing tour of this ancient City.

Enjoy a Ride on the preferred transport of the proletariat – the Trishaw, a light vehicle with 3 Wheels & Pedals (parts that are pushed with feet by the Driver), with a Seat for 1 or 2 Passengers, used mainly in Asia. The Driver pedals & steers the Trishaw, allowing the Passengers to enjoy a bike ride without the physical demands of pedaling the Bike themselves.

Explore the old city of Chiang Mai before driving up to the majestic Doi Suthep, standing like a sentinel overlooking Chiang Mai.

This Chiang Mai Temple tour explores the most famous & picturesque of the city’s 36 Buddhist Temples (Wats), both inside the city walls & in the nearby countryside - a perfect introduction to Northern Thailand’s cultural & religious Capital. Experience some of Chiang Mai’s most visually stunning Buddhist Temples out of over 36.

You will ascend the rolling hills to experience the immaculate & highly revered 600 year old Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, perched high above the urban center near the summit of the 5,300 feet peak of Doi Suthep. Situated amidst a forested mountain top, the Temple contains a holy relic of the Budhha & affords spectacular views of the city & surrounding countryside & plenty of great photo-ops. The final staircase leading to the site is adorned with the impressive body of the mythical dragon-headed serpent, or Naga, snaking its way down 306 Steps.  The tranquillity of Monks chanting as the Sun slowly heads to the horizon, is a highlight for many.

You will visit Wat Chedi, an ancient structure in central Chiang Mai first constructed in 1411. The Temple once rose over 278 feet above the city before it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. Glance inside the Temple to observe Statues of Guardian Spirits that some say protect the Temple to this day. Gain first-hand insight into habits of the Temples’ Buddhist Monks as they go about their daily routines, plus plenty of opportunities to photograph historic environs of Chiang Mai & the majestic views from the foothills surrounding the city.

Return to the Hotel & relax.

Now comes the fun part, the raison d’etre for your journey to the Kingdom of Siam.

Later in the evening, you will be met by a Journeys Rep & proceed to Lanna Dhutanka Buddhist Center to take part in the festivities of Loy Krathong & Yi Peng.

On arrival, visitors will receive souvenirs of the event & be served with complimentary Lanna snacks, desserts & beverages. Walk around freely to see the Lanna Hill Tribe exhibition depicting arts & crafts which help you better understand Hill Tribes culture.

The grand Ceremony commences at 05.00 pm with a Welcome Speech by the President of the Foundation, followed by the Ceremony of Buddhist Monks leading the chants & then sitting in meditation, surrounded by candles & silence in a purification ceremony to cleanse your spirit. Festival-goers join in with this group meditation.

After a few hours of chanting & meditation, round 09.00 pm, the little boats will be released. When the first lanterns are released, fireworks will be let off. Foreigners are more than welcome to join in the celebrations; you can light your own lantern, release it into the sky & make a wish. 

Setting out on foot with the Tour-guide, we will aim to catch the lantern releases & join the other festivities which usually include fireworks, boat racing on the Ping River & Parades through the streets.

Loy Krathong (or Lantern Festival) is celebrated nationwide on the evening of the full moon on the 12^th  month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar  by releasing lotus shaped baskets, decorated with candles & flowers onto the rivers. It is believed that the light festival originated with paying homage to the spirits of the rivers. For some, floating a Krathong, especially when lit, is meant to honour Buddha.  For most Thais, it is a way to thank the Hindu Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha, for her help in providing the most basic of all human necessities. It also marks end of the rainy season.

In Thai language, ’loy’ means to float, while ’krathong’ is a small container, traditionally made from a piece of banana-tree trunk, containing a candle, incense & flowers.  Named after the floating Lanterns, Boats & ornaments that are set adrift onto rivers. The most exciting festivities take place in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai. 

The Krathong floating on the water symbolizes one’s willingness to let go of hatred & anger. Thai people make a wish as they launch their krathongs on the rivers & some people place hair & fingernails inside the Krathong, symbolising the letting go of the bad elements of one's self.  It is a purification ceremony to enlighten the mind, to float away their past mistakes & negative thoughts

In the still of the night, there are lights everywhere. Before the celebration, there is silence: Monks are meditating, surrounded by flickering candles.

On the night of the Festival, people gather around lakes & rivers to float their Krathongs & make a wish. Candles floating on the night-river make this a feast for the eyes. The lights reflecting on the still waters of the river are like a reflection of your life: meditate and immerse yourself in peace & serenity.

Tonight, in Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the former Lanna Kingdom, Loy Krathong coincides with the Lanna (northern Thai) festival known as Yi Peng where swarms of Lanna-style sky lanterns, adorned with lights, decorated with good luck wishes & prayers are released to the sky. People launch a lantern into the sky as if launching their own bad luck & mistakes into oblivion. If the lantern disappears into the dark before the light goes out, the owner will have an extremely good year. Conversely, if the lantern crashes, then the next year will be full of bad luck.

You will see Lanterns floating on the waters, strings of pretty lights hanging from houses & Temples and hundreds of beautiful lanterns floating by in the sky.  Actually, sky lanterns are called khom loi in Thai language, which means floating lanterns.

The khom loi are made of rice paper, stretched over a bamboo frame, with a candle attached. The hot air of the candle is trapped inside & makes the Lantern rise from the ground. However, since the paper lanterns can be dangerous, the khom loi are being subjected to more & more government restrictions.

Deeply rooted in Buddhism, some people believe Yi Peng originated in India with the legend of the candle-carrying bird which once visited the Buddha & spoke to him about merit. Paying respects to Buddha is regarded as a way to be reborn into the next life to enjoy great popularity & purity.

The Festival is usually crowded & it is better to arrive early. Bring a lighter & a marker for writing your wishes on the little boat. Get your candle & lanterns as soon as you arrive. (Don’t buy lanterns from outside vendors: often those lanterns don’t pass security regulations. The official one costs around 100 baht).

Return to the hotel around 11.00 pm.

Overnight.  B

Cooking is considered an art-form & an integral part of Thai culture. An interactive Cooking Workshop does not just teach you to follow the Teacher or the Cookbook but encourages you to be creative & understand the Basics of Cooking. Once you participate in the process, you realize that you are learning the traditional life style, learning about Vegetables & Herbs. Enjoying traditional Thai food will be a huge bonus on your trip, so why not combine Cooking & Eating ?

Morning, around 08.30 am, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed to the House of the Host, for a 5 hour  Culinary Experience. There are more than a dozen Thai cooking classes operating in Chiang Mai, suitable for all ages & skill level. With an authentic Thai Cooking class, you will learn about local ingredients & cooking techniques & course, pick up skills along the way.

Thai food is loved around the world for its bold flavors & Chiang Mai is the perfect place to learn how to prepare popular dishes like phad thai, green curry & papaya salad by yourself. Learn to cook an authentic Thai meal & as the Classes are hands-on, you will surely work up an appetite chopping & frying.

First stage of your lessons will be a trip to a local Market to shop for fresh ingredients with your English-speaking Instructor / Host. You will learn to choose the best of each ingredient, with the chance to sample some fresh produce along the way - enjoy some free time to wander or shop before continuing to the Cooking School or the Host’s home. Other people will join you.

Upon arrival, visit the organic Kitchen Garden where ingredients for the Kitchen are grown. You will learn about many kinds of organic herbs, vegetables & fruits that are grown there & avail the opportunity to pick some of the fresh ingredients you will use while preparing your favorite dishes.  

Each Participant will have their own cooking station & the Host Instructor will walk you through each step as you prepare at least 2 - 3 classic Thai dishes.   

The grand finale is that you get to eat what you just cooked.  Sit down for a sumptuous Lunch with your fellow students. And you ‘may’ be presented with a book of Recipes to take home, which will enable you to relive your Thailand vacation, whenever you want. By using your culinary skills in preparing & treating friends & family with an authentic Thai meal.

Finally, the experience comes to an end & you are transferred back to the Hotel around 01.00 pm.

Around 03.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed to enjoy some more Festivities.

Transfer back to the Hotel whenever you prefer.

Overnight.  B L 

Early morning at 06.00 am, depart for a full day excursion to the city of Lampang, enjoying a scenic 1.5 hour drive passing through the beautiful countryside, mountains & small villages.

Enroute, stop at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC). The Center, founded in 1993 under Royal Patronage, has been bringing travelers up close to one of the jungle’s largest mammals & cares for more than 50 Asian Elephants in a beautiful forest conveniently located near Chiang Mai.

Visitors can spend time enjoying the grounds while following expert guides who know just about everything there is to know about these massive animals. The Camp employees work diligently to educate travelers about animal conservation & environmental protection.

Beyond being an exciting tourist experience, the TECC is also known for its pioneering work in conservation & science. The TECC also proudly houses 6 of HM King Bhumibol's 10 white Elephants in the Royal Elephant Stables.

Active in Conservation, the TECC operates an onsite Hospital & manages Thailand's first mobile clinic, treating needy Elephants, free of charge. The TECC has also done cutting-edge research in Science, especially in reproduction & artificial insemination as well as major studies in the bio-mechanics of how elephants move ("locomotion"). The TECC has an excellent natural breeding rate, usually producing at least 2 baby Elephants a year.

The Centre also houses the National Elephant Institute of Thailand, a Center of learning which shares its vast library & trained Specialists with other agencies & organizations working to help the country's 2,700 domesticated Elephants. They also support mahouts (elephant keeper), Researchers & Vets in good animal welfare practices.

On arrival at the Center, watch a short video about Mosha & Motala, 2 elephants who survived landmine injuries, including one who received the world’s first elephant prosthetic. You will meet these gentle giants & learn about the Foundation’s efforts to improve the fate of Thailand’s elephants.

See the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital - the world’s first Elephant Hospital, where you will tour the facilities where free transportation & medical care is provided to the sick & injured Elephants brought from all over the country & also see how young Elephants are weaned from their dependence upon humans in preparation for releasing them into the wild. The visit is best early in the morning because that it is when most treatments are done. Calves, in a nursery area between the bathing pond & the Hospital, arrive early in the morning. They have treated & cared for over 4,000 Elephant cases uptp now.

Then, tour the private Stables where the Elephants sleep & live before watching Elephants bathing in the pond at exactly 09.40 am.

The TECC has broken new ground in Arts & Culture. It was the first place in Thailand where Elephants learned painting. It is also the home of the internationally famous Thai Elephant Orchestra. Watch the 40 minute Show featuring demonstrating their traditional logging techniques & skills at hauling timber & Elephants painting pictures, making music, demonstrating agility & more. Perhaps the most unique experience of all, is watching the animals paint & play instruments - truly impressive feat that is worth the cost of admission.

You can even take a ride high atop one of these gentle giants.

Then visit the dung paper factory provides an interesting look at one of the Conservation Center’s truly unique crafts. You can buy different products made with the craft paper.

Activities happen until 3:30 pm when the Elephants are taken into the forest for the night.

Enjoy Lunch at the Center & get ready to leave for Lampang city which sees relatively few visitors, giving it more of an undiscovered feel than some of the more touristic destinations in the north & so it still has a lot of traditional housing & buildings left.

Boasting lumbering Elephants, the elegant Mansions of former Lumber Barons & impressive (and in many cases, timber-based) Lanna-era Temples, Lampang seems to unite every northern Thai cliche - but in a good way. The Province has long been prosperous due to Trading in Teakwood.

Given the town's laid-back riverside charm, generous spread of attractive old buildings & some of the best Markets in the north, Lampang should be more popular than it is. But, if foreigners are yet to be seduced by Lampang's charms, plenty of Thais from around the Kingdom are drawn here. Arriving in their wake, are an increasing number of hip Cafes & Restaurants with tasty food.

One legend relates how an early King of Lampang mistakenly executed an innocent goddess, Nan Suchada. Before dying, however, she cursed the City - so the city’s current provincial backwater status is all her fault, supposedly.

The City began life known as Kukut Tha Nakorn, or City of the Roosters, supposedly founded in the 7^th century by the Mon queen, Cham Thewi. The name was derived from a legend describing an upcoming visit by Buddha. The God Indra was worried that the locals would not wake up in time to give him alms, so he created a white rooster to crow at dawn. It has remained the city’s symbol ever since.

Lampang grew in the shadow of Lamphun. It was rebuilt in the 13^th century by King Mengrai as a regional outpost to his new Capital at Chiang Mai.

But the town had its heyday in the 20^th century when, as the centre of the hugely profitable Teak-wood industry, French & British entrepreneurs, Chinese & Burmese Traders, American Missionaries, plus Shan & Lao workers flocked here. The City became the most important & cosmopolitan Business & Transportation point in the region. North Thailand’s first University was built here.

At the end of the 19^th century, when Lampang was a thriving center of the Teak trade, the well-to-do city Elders gave the City a genteel look by buying a fleet of English-built Carriages & a stable of nimble Ponies to pull them through the Streets. A century ago, the number of Elephants, employed in the nearby Forests, nearly matched the city's population & so until then, Elephants had been a favored means of transportation for the Rich. The Horse Carriages arrived on the first Trains to steam into Lampang's fine Railroad Station, which still looks much the same as it did back then.

More than a century later, the odd sight of brightly painted, flower-bedecked horse-drawn Carriages, driven by hardened types in Stetson Hats & cowboy Boots, look touristy, but the locals still use them to get around the city. Albeit, for considerably less than what Tourists are usually charged for a short City Tour.

Apart from some noteworthy Temples & a smattering of fine Teak Shop-houses & private Homes, not much else remains of Lampang's prosperous heyday. Today, it is famous for Ceramics, Horse Carts & its prestigious Temples.

An ever-dwindling number of sturdy 19^th century Teak houses can be found among the maze of concrete. Running parallel to the south bank of the Wang River, is a narrow Street of ancient Shops & Homes that once belonged to the Chinese Merchants who catered to Lampang's prosperous populace. The Riverfront promenade is a pleasant place for a stroll; some of the Cafes & Restaurants along it, have Terraces overlooking & over the water.

Lampang is known for its blue, white & orange Pottery, much of it incorporating the image of a Cockerel, the city's emblem. The City’s biggest Pottery outlet is Indra Ceramic, where you can see the Ceramics being made & can even paint your own designs. The extensive Showroom even features a ceramic model of Lampong city.

The alternately handsome & crumbling colonial Burmese & Chinese-style houses along Old Market Road date to the late 1860s, when British & Burmese & Chinese Traders lived & worked here. Today, the Street is again a hub of Trade when Kad Kong Ta Flea Market sets up every Saturday & Sunday from 4 to 9 pm. The 1.2 mile area is lined with Stalls selling tasty street food (noodles, summer rolls, satay, sweets, fresh fruit), Textiles, contemporary & traditional Clothing, Artwork, Jewelry, Pottery, Handicrafts & assorted Souvenirs. There is always live music, too, which adds to the atmosphere.

Walk by Baan Sao Nak, (the word "Nak," in the local language, means "many") a huge traditional House built in 1895 & supported by 116 square Teak Pillars, with a combination of architectural styles. The Balcony is influenced by Myanmar architecture whereas, the Roof & the general structure is built in Lanna style. It offers insights to the Visitors, in the ancient art of building Houses using Teakwood, prevalent during those days.

This Mansion was once owned by a local KunYing (a title equivalent to a Noblewoman in English) Lady Mong Chan Ong of the Chandraviroj family & is furnished with mildly interesting antiques from Thailand & Myanmar. The interiors display ancient Appliances which were used in northern people's lifestyle in the past, for example, the support on an Elephant or Chao Luang Lampang's seat on the Elephant's neck, an ancient Casket, machine for creasing Cloth (an Iron), iron Coffer, Lacquer ware, Silverware & silver Lanna Containers for areca nuts. In addition, there are a set of Pictures of the Owners through the generations, on the Walls. The huge area consists of large buildings in a Complex with a Garage & a Granary. It has now been converted into a Museum but the structure itself & its manicured Garden, are the highlights. There is a 133 year old Saraphi tree (Mammea Siamensis) at the front of the house.

Pass through Mae-Ta Market & where you will see a lot of different & exotic foods. Try some local foods such as fried insects (if you are brave), North Thai chili dips & famous pork sausages).

Tour one of the most sacred & best preserved Lanna style Temple in the north - Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang.   This ancient Buddhist Temple compound has several interesting religious structures, including what is arguably the most beautiful wooden Lanna style open-sided Wihan Luang. Dating back to 1476 & thought to be the oldest standing wooden structure in the country, the impressive wi-hahn (sanctuary) features a triple-tiered wooden roof supported by immense Teak Pillars & early 19^th century Jataka murals (showing stories of the Buddha’s previous lives) painted on wooden Panels around the inside upper perimeter. A huge, gilded mon-dop (the small square-sided building with a spire) in the back of the wi-hahn contains a Buddha image cast in 1563.

Spend some time wandering around the Temples & admiring this beautiful architecture.

Proceed to see another beautiful royal Temple that was built during the reign of King Arthiyayarat, a descendant of Queen Chamthewi around the 9^th century AD.Wat Hariphunchai sits on a hill & opens up to a complex of buildings & Pagodas & has many striking features. An arched multiple-tiered Entrance Gate built during the reign of King Athittayarat, is guarded by imposing large red lions which grant access to the square walled grounds.

The exquisite Viharn Luang with intricate decorations & surrounded by a terrace has a multi-tiered roof as well as both front & back entrances. Built to replace the old Viharn in 1925, this is where religious Gatherings are held on auspicious & religious occasions. Several highly revered Buddha statues are kept here, some dating to the Chiang Saen era.

Phra Maha That Chedi, located behind the main Viharn, is believed to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. The 46 metre high Chedi is often cited as a perfect example of 15^th century Lanna architecture, with a rounded bell shape rising from its square pedestal. The Chedi has a similar appearance to that of Chiang Mai’s famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, both also being surrounded by bronze & golden fencing with gilded parasols featured at each of its 4 corners. An annual Ceremony is held here, attended by large numbers of Buddhists & visitors. Various Rulers through the ages, such as Mengrai dynasty’s King Tilokarat have added features to this Chedi.

Another landmark – the multi-layered brick spire of Chedi Suwan dates from 1418 & sits to the right of the more famous Phra Maha That Chedi. Built by Lawa craftsmen, the Chedi is said to enshrine holy relics. Its bronze tip is another distinctive feature of this striking Pagoda.

If time (&Tour-guide) permits, hop into Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum, a fascinating attraction that highlights the stunning Ceramics that Lampang is renowned for.

It was established back in the ’50s by Mr E Simyo Saechin, who discovered the precious Kaolinite clay deposits in Pangka Village, learned how to incorporate ancient techniques that were handed down from generation to generation, to make Pottery. With this knowledge & resources, in 1965, Mr E & his friends decided to open the very first Ceramic Factory in Lampang & named it Dhanabadesakul Crockery. 

Initially, they produced only Chicken Bowls, sold in the region. Eventually, these Bowls became famous throughout the country & enhanced the reputation of the Lampang Province, which continues to this day. The Factory started producing mini-Sauce Dishes & traditional Sweet Cups, made a lot of money & earned Lampang the moniker of Ceramic City. They are proud of the Products that are still made using the traditional techniques & material & baking in the Dragon Kiln, developed by the Founder.

When his daughter & son took over the Business in 2012 & decided to develop it professionally, they compiled the history of Lampang Ceramics & the legendary "Chicken Bowl of Dhanabaadee" & set up a Museum connected to the Factory, to preserve the ancient techniques.

Each & every product made here is handmade; everything from preparing the raw materials to setting & firing at the Dragon Kiln, which is the oldest kiln in Lampang.

Visitors get to learn about the fascinating history of the Dhanabadee Group, the iconic Chicken Bowl that placed Lampang on the map & a general history of Thai Ceramics. They can also see the modern process of Ceramic production of mini-Sauce Dishes, traditional Sweet Cups, the smallest Chicken Bowl in the world, golden Chicken Bowl, the world's first Ceramic Flute & Water Coasters.

The Museum offers a range of interesting activities including a live demonstration of producing the Chicken Bowl & how the Dragon Kiln is used.

Visitors also have the chance to participate in Workshops to learn the local techniques of drawing patterns on the ceramic Bowls & make their very own Ceramics to take home as a souvenir.

And finally, it is time to return to the home base.

Arrive at your Hotel in Chiang Mai by early evening.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for Optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L

Morning, depart for the charming & laid-back city of Chiang Rai, driving through stunning karst & jungle scenery.

Enroute, stop for lunch at Tha Ton.

Tha Ton is a town in the northern Chiang Mai Province on the banks of the Kok River, with a very relaxed atmosphere. The picturesque views from Thaton hill & the banks of the river & a small town feel, combine to make this a nice place to hang out. There are a small number expats as permanent residents.

The verdant hills surrounding cosmopolitan Chiang Mai have long been dotted with hill tribe villages of Thailand’s many ethnic minorities. Visiting one or more of these rural outposts has become a quintessential Northern Thailand experience.

The 7 main ethnic groups that make up the hill tribes of Chiang Mai - Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu, Mien, Akha & Padaung - have migrated to Northern Thailand from other parts of the Asian interior over the years, yet they all retain much of their traditional way of life. Many of these agricultural communities welcome visitors & the economic opportunities they bring with them. The 2 most populous tribes in the Chiang Mai area are the Karen, known for their woven turbans & tunics, and the Hmong, famous for their intricate embroidery work.

If time permits, stop at a village local market.

One of the most enjoyable things to do while visiting Northern Thailand is to take a leisurely 3 hour long-tailed boat ride on the Mae Nam Kok River from Thaton to Chiang Rai.

Avail the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river, passing tiny hill tribe villages with bamboo & jungle scenery and watch rural life as Farmers work the land where oranges grow whilst other men fish along the banks & buffalos wallow in the shallow waters. When you see the other boats full of people passing by, just smile & wave from your uncrowded boat as they are sure to be envious.

The boat holds 12 passengers but don't worry as there are plenty of boats. Each person sits sideways with their legs crossed for the entire trip with one stop in Ban Mae Salak, about 45 minutes from Thaton (the tourist boats going to Chiang Rai won't stop but regular boats that provide a ferry service for local hill tribe people who live along the river, will stop for them if they wave it down). Hundreds of people each day during the busy season, ride on boats from Thaton to Chiang Rai, leaving at about the same time in a large convoy one behind the other.

Arrive at the Pier in Chiang Rai & disembark.

You will be met on arrival & straightaway continue on to the unique Wat Rong Khun depicting scenes from modern movies including the Matrix, Star Wars & Superman!

Tag line - Chiang Rai is Temples, Culture & dramatic mountain scenery.

Chiang Rai Province has such a diversity of attractions that its Capital is often overlooked. This small, delightful city is worth getting to know, however, with its relaxed atmosphere & great local food. It is also the logical base from which to plan excursions to the more remote corners of the province.

Founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai, near the borders of Laos & Myanmar (formerly Burma). was the first Capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory & was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Things are on a smaller scale here, from the night market to the amount of sites to see, but the city has a more relaxed atmosphere, less pollution & its trekking areas are quicker to get to. Chiang Rai is endowed with abundant natural attractions & antiquities; the Province itself is evidence of past civilization. But today, Chiang Rai also known as ‘Siang Hai’, is being marketed as ‘the gateway to the Golden Triangle’.

Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines like the unique, sparkling white Wat Rong Khun & ethnic villages as the Province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain a fascinating lifestyle

Reach the hotel by evening & Check-in.

After you have relaxed & freshened up, meet the Tour-guide again & walk to the night market where you do some last minute bargain hunting & to sample some of the delicacies of the region.

Come back to the hotel.

Early morning around 06.30 am, depart for a full day 12 hour excursion to the border on a scenic drive through the countryside.

Enroute to the Golden Triangle, listen to the Tour-guide sharing details of the day ahead & interesting facts about this former opium-producing Capital, where fields of opium poppies were cultivated for thousands of years.

Make a stop at the Mae Ka Chan hot springs, where you can soak sore muscles in three natural pools & let the tiny fish nibble dead skin from your feet, or purchase quail eggs to cook in the boiling waters

Drive on to Chiang Saen - the gateway the notoriously famous or infamous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma & Laos converge, overlooking the mighty Mekong River.

The sleepy riverside town of Chiang Saen was once the seat of the powerful Lanna Kingdom that ruled northern Thailand for several hundred years, starting in the 13^th century.

A small river town that straddles the borders of Thailand, Myanmar & Laos, Chiang Saen is teeming with Temples & steeped in centuries of history.

What at first might appear to be a sleepy rural backwater is the site of a former Thai Kingdom believed to date back to the 7^th century. Chiang Saen, or Wiang Hiran Nakhon as it was then known, was one of the main cities of the Lanna Kingdom & the Capital before the establishment of Chiang Rai by King Mengrai in 1262.

After a turbulent history, including being captured by the Burmese & then destroyed by King Rama I, Chiang Saen became a ghost town & still can’t be described as ‘booming’ to this day. As you explore the area, you will see ruins of the old ramparts & other glimpses of a bygone era.

Modern Chiang Saen has a few surviving sites that date back to the Empire, which include Chedis, images of Buddha, old city walls & wi-hahn (sanctuary) pillars, making the town particularly attractive to cultural enthusiasts & historians alike.

Due to Chiang Saen’s location, it acts as an important stop-off point along the old Chinese-Siam trade route for river barges carrying various imports.

Take a look at old Temples & other ruins as you learn a bit about the region's history, and then head to a lookout point to see the infamous Golden Triangle, that is / was one of the world's largest opium-producing areas.

You may also want to visit (Entrance Ticket not included - direct payment) Chiang Saen’s Hall of Opium - a Museum & Research Center. Learn the history & impact of illegal drugs & support a campaign that works to eradicate drug trafficking & abuse in modern day Thailand.  Hall of Opium was built to educate people about the dangers of the drug through an entertaining exhibition which traces Opium’s history from its first use 5,000 years ago to current issues of drug abuse & addiction. Many publications regard this as one of the best Museums in Thailand.k