"Thailand Garden Tour"
9 Days Package Price from £960 per person*
Day 1 - UK Departure
Depart the UK with international flight to Bangkok.
Day 2 - Arrival in Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok. You will be met at the airport and transferred to hotel - the remainder of the day is free.
Day 3 - Bangkok
This morning we will experience an exhilarating boat ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long-tail boat. Next, take a walk through a private garden of a local family where you will see many of Thailand's exotic flowers including many species of orchids. Enjoy a buffet lunch at Venice Vanich Restaurant (formerly Fisherman's seafood) located right on the bank of Chao Phraya River. After lunch continue to Wat Arun, the magnificent temple of Dawn with its 79-meter pagoda built in Khmer style. Stroll the flower market on walking distance from the museum before returning to the hotel. This evening we have dinner at 'Once Upon A Time' restaurant, an old Thai wooden house in a luxurious garden. (B/L/D)
Day 4 - Bangkok
This morning we explore Suan Luang Rama IX Park with six sections separated by water, beautifully landscaped and richly planted. This new and sizeable park is a popular metropolitan public area in Bangkok. Lunch at the Riders Resort, a natural property right at the heart of the city with lifestyle restaurants offering a variety of culinary expertise and delicacy in the most relaxing ambience. This afternoon we visit the Royal Grand Palace and the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. (B/L)
Day 5 - Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Chiang Mai. The second largest city of Thailand is often called "The Rose of the North" for the abundance of flowers that thrive in its cooler mountain climate. We start the tour of Chiang Mai with a visit to Dokmai Garden. This is a private botanical garden managed by Associate Professor Eric Danell. The visit is an excellent gateway to the understanding of the nature and culture of northern Thailand. With the knowledge and experience you share with the Thai family, Seehamongkol, who live in this private 4 hectare garden, you will be better prepared to go to other Thai gardens, local food markets and nearby national parks in the area. "Dokmai" means flower, but the garden also has birds, fish, butterflies and mushrooms to show you. Lunch at a local restaurant. Rest of the day at rest. (B/L)
Day 6 - Chiang Mai
Today we visit an elephant camp for a first-hand look at the important role elephants have played in every aspect of Thai life, from ceremonial purposes to warfare, transportation and farming. See a fascinating demonstration of elephants at work and play. "Maesa Elephant Camp" flanks a rushing river in a beautiful lush tropical valley, a mere twenty minutes scenic drive from downtown Chiang Mai. Lunch at the Mae Sa Valley Resort then continue to Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. Being the first botanical garden of the country of international standards, the garden serves as a centre of Thai flora for botanical study and research, render services concerning biodiversity and environmental conservation. We'll tour the information centre first to gain an overview of the garden, then enjoy a walk along the trails in this 2 square kilometre garden to see a vast collection of native orchids and splendid greenhouses. We also visit Khamthieng Plant Market before returning to hotel. (B/L)
Day 7 - Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai / Golden Triangle
This morning we depart Chiang Mai and drive through mountains, valleys and the lush landscape of northern Thailand to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, separated from the Burmese border town of Tachilek by a small river. Break for lunch at Cabbage and Condoments Restaurant. A brief visit to the colourful Mae Sai market then continue to Chiang Saen, a small town on the border with Laos. The town's many ruins offer a fascinating glimpse of an ancient civilization. Refresh with a boat trip along the mighty Mekong to the Golden Triangle on the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos, then drive to charming Chiang Rai. (B/L/D)
Day 8 - Chiang Rai
This morning we transfer to the King Meng Rai Monument to take a rickshaw ride to the main market area to get a feel for local life. Continue by rickshaw to Wat Phra Kaew with its beautiful brass and copper Buddha image, and further still by rickshaw to the Hill Tribe Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant that serves toxin-free vegetables. Proceed to the Doi Tung region, 2000 meters above sea level. En route visit some hilltribe villages. In 1987, the Doi Tung Development Project was established in order to recover the land destroyed by shifting cultivation, eradicate the cultivation of opium, and encourage farmers to practise sustainable agriculture. Visit Mae Fah Luang Garden. The Garden is located on land that was originally the Akha village of Pa Kluay, a major route for opium and weapon trafficking in old days. The decorative flowers in Mae Fah Luang Garden are grown and nurtured by local villagers. Afterwards we drive to Wat Phrathad Doi Tung, a sacred hilltop shrine, believed to house the left collarbone of Lord Buddha in the twin pagodas. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner under the canopy of towering ancient trees along the riverside terrace of Tha Nam Riverside restaurant, with fine northern and central Thai cuisine and folk music. After dinner launch a khum loy (fire balloon) or a kratong (floating candle) for good luck. (B/L/D)
Day 9 - Chiang Rai departure
Transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your flight to Bangkok and connect to your flight home. (B)
9 Days Package Price from £960 per person*
*Price based on minimum 2 persons sharing
Price includes:
- Hotel accommodation of class quoted (on twin share basis);
- Meals as indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner);
- Sightseeing excursions with English speaking guides;
- All road transportation;
- Entrance fees (where applicable);
- Government tax and service charge;
Price excludes:
- International flights (due to high fluctuation of prices at different times of year - Emperor Tours will discuss best options and prices at time of booking to include in your package);
- Personal expense such as laundry or drink during meals etc.;
- Optional visits;
- Watersports;
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details);
- Tips to guides and drivers.
