Thailand & Luang Prabang

10 Days / 9 Nights Program of Bangkok, Luang Prabang & Chiangmai, which includes the principle sites of Bangkok, Luang Prabang & Chiangmai, including Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Floating Market, Wat Xieng Thong, National Museum, Doi Suthep Temple, Private Elephant Conservation Safari, etc.

• DAY 1   Arrival

  On arrival at BANGKOK Airport you will be met and transferred to Your Bangkok Hotel, where your reservation is for the next 3 Nights and includes Breakfast. En route to the Hotel, your Guide will give you an introduction to Thailand and your Program. (Specific aspects of your Sightseeing, etc. can also be discussed with your Guide).

• DAY 2   Grand Palace & Temple of Emerald Buddha

  This morning we visit Bangkok's most revered site - The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. We can also visit Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest and largest Temple complexes, among the many sites of interest here is the Viharn which is home to a 46-meter Reclining Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant we travel by Private Boat through the Klongs (Canals) of Thonburi where we get an insight to why Bangkok was once known as “the Venice of the East”, we also call in to see the Royal Barge Museum (if open) and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), before returning to the Hotel.

• DAY 3   Floating Market & Jim Thompson House

  Leaving the Hotel early we drive South of Bangkok through the countryside passing Palm Plantations and Salt Fields to Damnoen Saduak, to visit Thailand's largest floating market. Here we travel by small boat around the quiet waterways and the bustle of the main floating market. After looking around the market we drive back to Bangkok, taking lunch at a local restaurant en route. In the afternoon we can visit Jim Thompson's House, the classic Thai-style former home of a Pioneer of the Thai Silk Industry (to your interest, as time and energy permits!) before returning to the Hotel.

• DAY 4   to Luang Prabang

  After Breakfast and check out we transfer to Bangkok Airport for your (Morning/Lunch time) flight to Luang Prabang.
  
  
  On arrival at LUANG PRABANG Airport you will be met and transferred to Your Luang Prabang Hotel, where your reservation here is for the next 3 Nights and includes Breakfast.
  
  In the afternoon we can visit to the Tad Sae Waterfall, and the village of Ban Xiang Chong which is well known for its traditional Lao weaving in cotton and silk.

• DAY 5   Royal Capital City of Laos

  Today we explore Luang Prabang, the former Royal Capital City of Laos and now a complete World Heritage Site. We can visit the Principal Temples including Wat Xieng Thong, the former Royal Palace which is now the National Museum and the local markets. In the late afternoon we climb the steps of the Wat Phousi Temple for a panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills at sunset

• DAY 6   Mekong River & Pak Ou Cave

  Today we have with an excursion up the Mekong River to the holy caves of Pak Ou, where some of the most famous Buddhist sculpture in Southeast Asia is found. After a picnic lunch by the river, we reboard the boat and travel downstream to a rice-wine producing village on the banks of the Mekong. Afterwards, we can visit the village of Ban Phanom, which is also well known for its traditional Lao weaving in cotton and silk.

• DAY 7   Tak Baht ceremony & to Chiangmai

  This morning we leave the Resort early and take part in a very local Tak Baht ceremony, giving Alms (some food & drink, etc.) to the local Monks. We return to the Hotel for your Breakfast.
  
  This morning is at your leisure or available for local sightseeing (Again Specific interests, Sightseeing, etc. can be discussed with your Guide). After Check out we transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for your lunchtime flight to Chiangmai.
  
  On arrival at CHIANGMAI Airport we transfer to Your Chiangmai Hotel, where your reservation here is for the next 3 Nights and includes Breakfast. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure or available for local sightseeing.

• DAY 8   Doi Suthep Temple & City Sights

  This morning we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most venerated Temple in Chiangmai, situated on the hill-side some 3000 ft. above the City in the Doi Pui National Park. Here we can climb the 306 stairs, to reach the Temple which encloses a large traditional, “Lanna” style Chedi covered with gold plates (A small mountain Tram is also available if the stairs are too much effort !!) From the Temple Grounds there are also panoramic views over Chiangmai and the surrounding area.
  
  On our descent we can spend the rest of the day in and around Chiangmai City, visiting some of the Principle Temples inside Chiangmai old moated City, such as - Wat Phra Singh, Chiangmai City's most important Temple. Constructed in the 14th Century, of particular interests here are some well-preserved murals. Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the Emerald Buddha (Now in the Grand Place in Bangkok) built over 600 years ago, is dominated by it's massive Chedi, which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the mid 1500's. and Wat Chiang Man, the City's oldest Temple. Wat Suan Dok, best known for its large number of pagodas in which the ashes of the Chiang Mai Royal Family are enshrined.

• DAY 9   Private Elephant Conservation Safari

  This morning we drive by Private Air-conditioned vehicle, to our Elephant Conservation Site, in the Mae Khanin Valley on the outskirts of Chiangmai.
  
  On arrival at the Site, you will be greeted by your Host, and have a short briefing on how to be a health-based advocate for elephants, you will learn how to approach and become friends with your elephant as well as provide a health inspection.
  
  After getting changed into a more comfortable Local “Elephant” Outfit, we then start our Private “Elephant Safari” in an Africa Safari-style Off road Vehicle through the hidden MaeKhanin Valley, and while driving along the trail of River Crossings, you will have up close and personal interactions with free-roaming elephants.
  
  You will have the opportunity to feed the Elephants with natural fruits and herb balls as well as a hands-on specialized elephant bathing for skincare and other healthcare-based activities. After a Safari-styled local Lunch, we can walk with the Elephant through the Fields & Forest.
  
  On completion, we say farewell to your elephants, then meet up with our Vehicle & return to your Resort.
  
  For your Safety & Security, our own Qualified, English-speaking Guide, will be with you throughout the Private Program, which will be just your own Private party (with your own Vehicle ) throughout the activities.

• DAY 10   Departure

  Today is at your leisure until we transfer you to CHIANGMAI AIRPORT, for your onward flight.