Depart via the services of United Airlines from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland (Oregon) or many other U.S. and Canadian Departure cities (at an additional cost per person - see clickthru below for details) to Bangkok, Thailand on one of the following Wednesdays:
May 21, 2008
June 11, 2008
July 16, 2008
September 3, 2008
October 22, 2008
November 19, 2008
December 17, 2008
January 14, 2009
February 11, 2009
March 4, 2009
Seasonal Surcharges apply for travel during certain time periods. Please see below for details.
ITINERARY
Day 1 USA or Canada to BANGKOK
Your unforgettable Orient holiday begins with a transpacific flight aboard a United Airlines wide-cabin jet. Cross the International Date Line enroute to Thailand's capital, Bangkok.
Day 2 ARRIVE BANGKOK
A warm welcome awaits you in exotic Bangkok, as you are met at the airport and accompanied to check in to the Menam Riverside Hotel.
Day 3 BANGKOK
Regal dignity and Buddhist serenity unfold as you visit the Grand Palace complex, former residence of the Thai royal family, and sacred Wat Phra Kaeo to see its revered Emerald Buddha. Return to the hotel after lunch in a local restaurant.
MEALS INCLUDED: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 BANGKOK
Today's klong tour takes you through the canals of Thonburi where you see daily life along the river. Visit the Temple of Dawn. Lunch at a riverside restaurant. This afternoon visit Wat Traimit and the world's largest golden Buddha, a 5-ton statue of pure gold hidden for decades under a layer of plaster.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 BANGKOK to KANCHANABURI
Depart Bangkok this morning heading west. Drive through the countryside to Damnoen Saduak and its Floating Market, where vendors hawk their exotic goods from produce-laden skiffs. Continue to Kanchanaburi, with lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch visit the world famous “Bridge on the River Kwai” and the memorial dedicated to the 9,000 Allied soldiers who died building the bridge and railway. Transfer by boat to your hotel set on the River Kwai. Overnight at River Kwai Resotel.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 KANCHANABURI
This morning visit a nearby Mon Village. Drive to the Thai Wisdom Center arriving in time for lunch. This project unites the local villages in marketing their herbal products. Continue to the Tiger Conservation project at the Monastery in the Forest. In the afternoon, the tigers in residence take their daily walks with the monks. This endangered species has found a sanctuary here within the Buddhist Temple. Then visit Erawan Waterfalls, with a short walk through the forest to this beautiful waterfall that cascades down many levels. Return to your hotel. This evening, transfer by longtail boat to the Jungle Rafts for dinner followed by a Mon dance performance.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 KANCHANABURI / UTHAITHANI / PITSANULOKE
Early this morning, drive through the countryside to Uthaithani. Visit a market village and see the live fish and fresh vegetables offered for sale by the local farmers. Board a traditional wooden rice barge to cruise the Sakaekrang River. Lunch is served on the cruise before you disembark, then motorcoach on to Pitsanuloke to overnight at Hotel Amarin Lagoon.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 PITSANULOKE / SUKHOTHAI / LAMPANG
Drive on to the magnificent ruins of palaces and temples in Thailand's first capital, ancient Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sukhothai was founded by Ramkamhaeng, a legendary ruler who left an amazing legacy of art. Visit the ruins, touring by tram through the historical park. Visit Wat Mahathat with its revered statue of the Buddha, and take an oxcart ride to visit Wat Sri Chum. Afternoon visit to historic Sri Satchanalai, then continue on to Lampang for dinner and overnight at Lampang River Lodge.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 LAMPANG / CHIANG MAI
Early this morning, visit the Thai National Elephant Institute, a favorite project of Thailand's King. The Center is a sanctuary which is dedicated to the preservation of the endangered Asian elephant. Tour the elephant hospital and see baby elephants in the nursery, then watch the elephants bathe in the river. A memorable experience unfolds as you take an optional hour-long trek through the jungle atop these gentle giants. Continue to Chiang Mai for lunch at the Holiday Inn, where the buffet offers many western choices in addition to Asian dishes. The balance of the day is free to explore. Overnight at Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 CHIANG MAI
You have the opportunity before breakfast to participate in the ‘alms giving' to the local monastery monks. After breakfast, tour one of Thailand's most sacred temples. Feel the presence of seven centuries of history as you visit the hilltop shrine of Doi Suthep. This afternoon, visit the Home Industries Village, boasting a plethora of intricate fabrics, jewelry, lacquer ware and other types of Thai handicrafts. Dinner is at the Gallery Café on the Ping River, then join a walking tour of the famed Night Bazaar.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI
Today, on to Thaton near the Burmese border for a hearty lunch. A boat ride along the Kok River is the day's high point. We glide past villages hewn from the jungle, go on shore to see native life, and navigate a stretch of rapids. At a Lahu hill tribe village, you view holy relics enshrined in a cave. Overnight at Wiang Inn Hotel.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 CHIANG RAI
This morning visit the legendary Golden Triangle – the junction of the borders of Myanmar (Burma), Thailand and Laos. Enjoy a boat trip with picnic lunch on the Mekong River. The afternoon is free.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 CHIANG RAI / GOLDEN TRIANGLE / BANGKOK
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Bangkok. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free. Overnight at Menam Riverside Hotel.
MEALS: American Breakfast, Dinner Show
Day 14 BANGKOK to USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home via United Airlines.
BID PRICE IS PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.
Single Supplement: Accommodations are based on double occupancy and a minimum of 2 passengers must travel. A $700.00 single supplement is available for odd numbered parties over 2 people.
Tax & service charges of $395.00 per person is additional.
Airport embarkation taxes are not included in the tour fare and will be collected upon departure from each city. The customary end-of-tour gratuity to tour managers and tips to local guides and drivers are not included.
A Valid Passport is required for travel to Thailand. The Names submitted must be spelled correctly and exactly match the names on the passports. Any fees associated with name changes will be the passenger's responsibility.
Reservations are subject to availability.
