Thailand: Different Faces of the Country

Welcome to Thailand! On arrival in Bangkok, your private guide will welcome you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Depart for a 1.5-hour drive through Bangkok’s rural outskirts to Ayutthaya History Park. Begin by visiting the Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace, located 60 kilometers north of Bangkok, an impressive architectural blend of East and West dating back to the 17th century. Continue to Ayutthaya, which was the capital of the Thai Kingdom for 417 years. The city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and in 1767 it was destroyed by the Burmese army. Nowadays the ruins of the former city are on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Stroll around the ruins of several ancient temples including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a former royal temple during Ayutthaya's days of glory; Wat Mahathat, where the roots of a tree surround the head of Buddha; and if time allows, Wat Chai Wattanaram, a perfect example of Khmer architectural influence. During the visit, your guide will take you to sample a notable local snack – Roti Sai Mai which is also referred to as "Sweet Angel Hair".

This afternoon, board a luxury boat and enjoy a Thai buffet lunch whilst cruising back to Bangkok. Witness the daily life of the river’s inhabitants and watch the scenery change from rural to cosmopolitan transfer back to your hotel on arrival at the pier.

Enjoy a sleep-in before starting your tour to unusual markets near Bangkok. Your first stop is the Maeklong Railway Market (also known as Rom Hub Market). It has a train running through the middle of it several times a day. Right down the middle and close enough to touch. Only in Thailand! Marvel at each seller quickly moves their wares via ingenious sets of easily-movable containers to avoid the coming train, once the train has passed it's back to business as usual. If lucky, you may meet the "Street coconut ice cream" sell on the railway track, your UME guide will show you how locals eat ice cream with a hot dog bun.

Your second stop is the Amphawa Floating Market (only for weekends: Fri, Sat, and Sun). It is known locally as the city's second-most popular floating market. After check-in at a beautiful and traditional Teak wood homestay (or hotel) on stilts line along the bank. After that, you'll explore the array of produce and food stalls that line the streets (and canals) of this unique floating bazaar. This market has everything that we've come to know and love in Thai markets. Its stalls have displays of fruits, veggies, meats, seafood, as well as sweet snacks, clothing, and flowers.

When night falls, You'll get a join motorboat and cruise along the canal as you will see the villagers spend their daily life by the river. And if you are lucky enough, you will get to see fireflies light up the night like stars in a cloudless sky.

Almsgiving is a Buddhist practice usually seen in the staunchly Buddhist countries, but almsgiving in Amphawa is a little different from the procession of monks you normally see because it happens by boat!

Today you will wake up early morning to watch or participate in this unique Alms Giving (offering to local Monks) along the winding canals and experience what seems like Thailand’s bygone lifestyle! Wait at the teak wood terrace of your homestay (or a good place your guide choose for you), you will find monks rowing their boats come along. Some of the monks had people rowing for them while others were alone. After the Buddhists make merit, the monk will give them a short blessing. If you wish to make merit, your guide will prepare a set of flowers and dry food for you to offer to local monks. Even if you are not making merit yourself, it is a peaceful experience just to watch.

After lunch，enjoy your free time until your guide escort you back to Bangkok. You will take your internal flight to the historical and colorful city of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand, with its lovely Lanna temples, charming traditions, unique food, family-friendly attractions, and the stunning setting is a gem in Thailand’s northern hills. There’s so much for tourists to do here, from cultural exploration to adventurous treks and food tours. Your driver is waiting for you at the airport to take you by private car to your hotel. After settling down in your hotel, the rest of the day at your own leisure!

A half-day package to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Join Group) offers you an enjoyable opportunity to spend quality time with elephants in their natural home, as well as gain an insight into their history and behavior, and create cherished lifelong memories of their time spent with these amazing animals.

Today you will be picked up from your place of accommodation and will drive through scenic agricultural areas before arriving at the Sanctuary. There, you will meet your English-speaking guide and learn a little about the elephants, before changing into traditional Karen clothing.

After being allocated bananas and sugar cane to feed to the elephants, you will walk with your guide through the Sanctuary, where you will find free-roaming elephants and hear their individual stories. You can touch, feed, photograph, and interact with the elephants at your leisure while you learn about their lifestyle and behaviors. 

After the close encounter with the elephant, you have head to visit Doi Suthep Mountain. Climb 309 steps (or for the less fitness-oriented, a tram is available for a small surcharge) to the top, enjoying a truly breathtaking scenery all along the way up to the top where you will find Wat Phra That, one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Have a panoramic view of the city of Chiang Mai. 

Learn Thai cooking secrets in a family environment with a well-known local chef. As a trekking guide, Chef Sawat noticed that travelers were interested in preparing food with him. His passion for cooking and experience as a chef in several restaurants inspired him to set up an organic farm where he has a spacious garden full of Thai herbs, vegetables, and tropical fruits. Drive 1hr north of Chiang Mai to the organic garden at the chef’s farmhouse and pick some fresh herbs for use in the hands-on cooking experience where you will learn how to pound curry paste and to make authentic Thai curry. Create a dessert with the fruits you pick right from the trees. Enjoy your culinary efforts for lunch, along with learning to make a few more dishes before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, we will head to Chiang Rai today! On the way, we will visit a hot spring for relaxation, then continue to Wat Rong Khun or “the White Temple”, blending traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes. Followed by‘The Black Temple’, known as 'Baan Dam’ in Thai. Baan Dam is Thawan Duchanee’s artful portrayal of hell. The opaque decor and dead animals adorning each room make Duchanee’s estate the complete opposite of the White Temple, the glimpse of heaven designed by his teacher Chalermchai Kositpipat. Although off the beaten track, the Black Temple is not something to be overlooked. In the late afternoon, you will come back to Chiang Mai and enjoy your free time.

Take your internal flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui. Lying off of Thailand's east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a seaside retreat: white sandy beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood, and warm, clear waters.

Our hotel is located in the vibrant and exciting "Chaweng" district, walking distance to restaurants, entertainment spots, and shopping. Catch a tuk-tuk to the various beaches close tour our hotel.

Day at leisure. Relax at your hotel, or explore the surrounding area.

Day at leisure. Relax at your hotel, or explore the surrounding area.

Day at leisure. Relax at your hotel, or explore the surrounding area.

After breakfast, enjoy your free time until your transfer to the Airport.