Overview
Itinerary
Fly to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)
Bangkok is an exotic assault on the senses, a whirlwind of chaos, refinement and rewarding sights where you can hop from tranquil golden temples to forests of gleaming skyscrapers before experiencing authentic Asia on bustling streets. Today's sightseeing includes Wat Pho, the dazzling Grand Palace and a stroll through Chinatown. Later, take to the Chao Phraya River on a longboat to get an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Khlong Talaat Flower Market. (B/L/D)
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the bizarre Samut Songkhram market before heading out of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. Stop at the famous bridge on the River Kwai before visiting the Allied Cemetery to pay your respects to the POWs and forced labourers who suffered here in WWII. (B/L/D)
This morning visit Hellfire Pass, a dramatic part of the railway that literally cuts through mountain, and take a 3 kilometre walk through the pass. Explore the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, which tells the stories of human suffering at the hands of this engineering feat before boarding the train at Nam Tok Railway Station. Afterwards, travel back to Bangkok. (B/L/D)
A sacred city and former royal capital, Ayutthaya today is a crumbled kingdom that has retained its bygone splendour. Explore this impressive archaeological site, touring the principal sights including BangPa-In, the former royal summer residence. Return to Bangkok and fly to Chiang Rai, a city in Thailand's northern highlands. (B/L/D)
Transfer to the area known as the Golden Triangle – the point where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and notorious for the cultivation of opium that used to take place here. Take a boat ride on the Mekong over the border into Laos and visit Don Sao Island where you can take a leisurely stroll through the local market. Return to Chiang Rai. Explore the night market this evening. (B/L/D)
Travel to Mae Salong Mountain, an area well known for its tea plantations \u2013 you can sample some of the local brew whilst you are here. Enjoy a 'Yunnanese' lunch at a mountaintop restaurant before visiting Doi Tung Palace and Mae Fah Luang Garden. Drive back to Chiang Rai this afternoon. (B/L/D)
Depart Chiang Rai and explore Wat Rong Khun, 'the White Temple'. Stop at a local market before lunch. This afternoon is spent crossing the countryside, passing forests, farms and villages to reach the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, where you will be guests of the Hmong community for the night. The Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, an eco-lodge operated by Hmong villagers. Rooms are built in the traditional tribal style and overlook lush fields and hills. Dinner is followed by a Hmong folklore performance. (B/L/D)
Depart Hmong Lodge to Mae Daeng where you will enjoy a leisurely bamboo rafting trip on the Mae Daang River. Later, visit the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam and take a walking tour of charming Chiang Mai, visiting Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. (B/L/D)
Spend the day at the Thai Elephant Care Centre where you can meet, feed and bathe the resident pachyderms. (B/L/D)
Discover the secrets of traditional Thai cooking with a morning cookery class. Ascend to Wat Doi Suthep, a temple perched on top of Doi Suthep Mountain. This evening, sit down to a Thai Kantoke dinner, and be entertained by a selection of cultural performances. (B/L/D)
This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Chiang Mai airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Marvel at Bangkok's Grand Palace
- Cross the infamous River Kwai
- Explore historic Ayutthaya
- Meet Lisu and Yao hill tribes
- Stroll through Chiang Rai
- Enjoy a Chiang Mai cooking class
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation and eco-lodge
- 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
- Furama Silom Bangkok, Bangkok (4 star): Furama Silom Bangkok is centrally located, close to the Patpong Night Market, and stylishly modern. The hotel's numerous facilities include a fully equipped gym, steam room, rooftop pool and rooftop restaurant which have fantastic views over the city. The accommodation is spacious with contemporary décor with Thai touches. Floor to ceiling windows keep it light and the en suite bathroom has a shower, bathrobe and slippers.
- Mida Resort Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi (4 star): This boutique resort set in beautiful natural surroundings outside of Kanchanaburi's downtown, the Mida exudes a contemporary Thai-style. The stylish rooms are elegantly furnished with views of the tropical gardens – the en suite bathroom complete with bath and shower as well as a private outdoor shower. The restaurant has beautiful views over the river and there is a swimming pool plus pool bar.
- Duangtawan Hotel, Chiang Mai (4 star): Excellently located right next to the famous night bazaar, the Duangtawan Hotel has a full range of facilities, from seven bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The spacious, light and airy rooms have city views and a bathroom with both a bath and shower.
- Laluna Hotel & Resort, Chiang Rai (4 star): Just minutes from the famous night bazaar, the Laluna offers cosy Thai-style bungalows tucked amongst lush, tropical gardens. The lagoon-style pool, Jacuzzi, massage service and deck makes the friendly, relaxed atmosphere even more pronounced. The bungalows are spacious and simple with large beds and an en suite bathroom and views over the gardens.
- Lisu Lodge, Mae Taeng (2 star): This eco lodge, sat amongst the beauty of Thailand's highlands is about 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai. The lodge is a community based project and run by villagers of the nearby Lisu hill tribe. All food that is served here is locally sourced and from the property's organic rice fields and vegetable patch. The simple rooms are in the traditional Lisu style and overlooks lush fields and hills. Each has a private en suite bathroom with shower. A stay at the lodge also features cultural experiences, giving you the chance to learn about the Lisu tribe.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2022. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$65pp (AU$94pp) is paid locally in Thailand.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Thailand Highlights' Reviews
Brochure
Wendy Wu India (2024-25)
Availability
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
