Thailand
The land of 10,000 smiles! A land full of friendly people, great food, wonderful beaches and a culture that is both intriguing and inviting! From the Wonders of the King’s Palace, Sukothai and Ayuthaya to the natural beauty of Phuket, Krabi and the mountains of Chiang Mai; from the majesty of Doi Suthep and the Reclining Buddha Temple to the charm of enjoying elephant and monkey shows; or even the sheer fun of riding an elephant through the jungle and rivers; Thailand is a wonderland of memorable experiences.
We at MGTC can provide you the best of the best of all of these things. We can also provide you many unique, off the beaten path experiences that you may not hear about from others. How would you like to “live with the Mahuts” for a couple of days, learn the elephant commands and even swim with the elephants? We can take you on bike tours or hikes through the National Parks or see the snake charmers in small Thai villages. There are many more things we can provide you to make your Thailand experience unforgettable!
We know Thailand very well and we can help you make the most of it. Join one of our many customized designed tours or let us tailor one to your exact interests and needs
THE CLASSIC TOUR
This tour provides you a lot of the best of the best. This tour will allow you to experience the wonderful hospitality, delicious foods, stunning scenery, beautiful temples, and endless beaches for which the country is so well known. Visit the fast paced city of Bangkok, take in the serenity surrounding areas to the north such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and take a dip in the clear blue waters of the southern islands. You can see the King's Palace, Wat Pra Kaeo, and Reclining Buddha; take a relaxing river cruise; trek through the jungle on an elephant safari and spend time visiting different Minority villages. This is your chance to see the beautiful Thai countryside, the border of Burma (Myanmar), the Golden Triangle and much more.
Classic Thailand Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Today you will arrive in Bangkok. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Day 2: Bangkok – Grand Palace Tour (B)
This morning, your guide will pick you up and take you to the Grand Palace. This is a must see for all visitors in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace complex, which includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow) is unquestionably one of the wonders of the world today. Within its enormous grounds is the most exotic Buddhist temple, and at the heart of the temple itself is a fabulous Buddha image, carved from one piece of Jade, which is the holiest and most revered of religious objects in Thailand today. Nearby is the Grand Palace, once the official home for the Kings of Siam, built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs. You can also see the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall. Then you will go to the Reclining Buddha Temple.
Optional: Baipai Thai Cooking Class (D)
This afternoon, you have the option of taking a Baipai Thai cooking class. While visiting Thailand, there is no better way to learn Thai cooking than from its origin. Baipai Thai Cooking School is an ideal home style learning environment that is different from most of the hotels and restaurants in Thailand. Spend only half a day in the afternoon to learn the preparation of 4 authentic Thai dishes. Conducted in English, this is a real hands-on experience and should not be missed.
OR
Take a backstreets food tour. Your guide will lead you through various local eateries where you will taste some amazing food that you wouldn’t find on your own. See how the locals eat, and get off the tourist restaurant scene.
Day 3: Bangkok (Day trip to Ayuthaya) (B, L)
Located 86 kilometres north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya was Thailand's second capital from 1530 to 1767. Once a thriving international commercial centre, today only the ruins of this splendid city are to be seen, for the capital was invaded by the Burmese in 1767. The ruins of the Palace and temples are quite spectacular and many are still quite intact. From these ruins you will be able to see how glorious this Ancient Capital used to be. The summer palace of Bang Pa In is also included. This tour will take you into a time and place once known as Siam.
Day 4: Bangkok (Floating Market & Train Market) (B, L)
Today you will leave early in the morning to visit the Floating Market. A glimpse of everyday life in Thailand can be seen at the Damnern Saduak Floating market which is located some 110 kilometers from Bangkok. Your journey commences with a leisurely drive, passing through salt fields and rice paddies before arriving at a jetty. Here we will board long tail speed boats to take you to the market. The market is comprised of Thai style canoes laden with colorful, succulent fruits, vegetables, sweets and meats. They gently ply their way through the canal, selling as they go. Then on the way back you will stop at the Maeklong Railway Market. Passenger trains pass through this risky market 8 times a day for almost 30 years. Only 300 meters long, located on the real train tracks it is very entertaining to see with the real atmosphere of local businesses going on. Some friendly and some moody vendors, and local Thai shoppers who aren’t phased when the train’s approaching. They will just continue to shop until the train comes. Then you will be returned to Bangkok.
Day 5: Bangkok – Chiang Mai (B)
This morning, you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. This afternoon, enjoy a City and Temples tour. The city of Chaing Mai has a wealth of beautiful and historic Buddhist Wats (temples) and during this tour you will visit the most fascinating Wats in the area. Near the summit of Doi Suthep is the 600 year old temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After a drive up the mountain's winding road, the final climb to the site is via an enormous mythological Nagas Dragon headed serpent staircase of 306 steps (elevators are available). Inside the cloister is an intriguing copper plated chedi topped by a five tier gold parasol, which contains relics of the Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai from the temple grounds.
Day 6: Chiang Mai (Elephant Camp & Countryside Exploration) ( B, L )
Today you will travel out to an elephant camp. Here you will get a chance to get up close and personal with elephants. Take an elephant trek (with a study harness) through the local flora.
Alternate Option: Be a mahut in training! Get an opportunity for a fully hands on experience with the elephants. Learn the traditional commands, ride directly on the back of these massive animals to fully feel their strength! You will also get the chance to help them bathe in the river (you will get wet).
Note: Included is the 2 hour mahut training. You can also upgrade this to the full day mahut training.
Optional: (D) Enjoy an evening out by having Khantoke Dinner, the customary northern Thai style of eating with food being served in large platters at low tables while you sit on mats on the floor. As you enjoy your meal, let yourself be entertained by a selection of northern cultural performances including the charming Fon Lep (Thai Finger Dance), Ram Dab (Thai Sword Dance), Fon Thiean (Thai Candle Dance), and Ram Wong (Group Dance). To end the evening, there is a special hilltribe show performed by various members of Yao, Lahu, Meo, Lisu, and Karen hilltribes.
Day 7: Chiang Mai (Wiang Kum Kam) (B)
Today you will embark on a tour of The Underground Empire, Wiang Kum Kam. The recent discovery of the lost city of Wiang Kum Kam The Underground Empire, is of great cultural and historical significance. Following a massive flood, the city of Wiang Kum Kam vanished without a trace. For over 200 years, Wiang Kum Kam became a lost civilization buried under layers of earth. By bicycle, we explore the main ancient ruined temples of Wiang Kum Kam Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Phraya Meng Rai, Wat Kan Thom, and Koo Paa Dom. Afterward, visit Wat Chiang Mun (the first temple built in Chiang Mai) and contains several very old artifacts. Continue to the Three Kings Monument, and The Chiang Mai Art and Culture Hall, which offers a great collection that chronicles the history of Chiang Mai. NOTE: This bike tour is aprox. 4-5 hours and takes at least a moderate level of stamina and bike experience.
Alternate Option: Chiang Mai (Hiking and Ziplining Tour) (B, L)
This morning your guide will pick you up and drive you north of Chiang Mai to the Chiang Dao area. You will visit the Karen Hilltribe, and the Akha Hilltribe. Experience an authentic tribes way of life. Then you will start hiking down the mountain. On your way, you may see farmers working on the farm planting corn (depends on the season). After hiking through the rain forest for approximately 2 hours you will arrive at the Palong Hilltribe Village where lunch will be served.
Your guide will then drive you back to the Mae Taeng area to explore Thailand’s tropical forest and admire a charming wild Thai Orchid as well as the Mae Taeng River. Upon arrival, your zipling tour begins! You will soar from tree to tree on 27 different platforms, varying in length from 20 meters to the truly amazing 400 meters. The combination of these two great activities makes for a full and physically satisfying program.
Day 8: Chiang Mai – Phuket (B)
Today you will check out of your hotel and be transferred to the airport in Chiang Mai for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival in Phuket, you will be transferred to your hotel; the rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
*Note: There are many amazing beach areas in Thailand that you can consider such as Koh Samui, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi & more! Each area offers different activities/sites.
Day 9: Phuket - Phi Phi Islands Tour (B,L)
Enjoy a full day visiting two of the most famous islands in southern Thailand, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay, and the beautiful surrounding seascapes. It takes around one hour by speedboat to reach Phi Phi Lay, the smaller of the two islands, which is home to Maya Bay made famous in the movie 'The Beach'. An ample Thai lunch will be served at a beachside restaurant. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to swim or snorkel.
Day 10: Phuket(Phang Nga) (B,L,D)
Morning free. This afternoon you will have the perfect opportunity to canoe in Phang Nga and get the best of both worlds - by day and night. Starting after lunch, explore the limestone caves, which can only be entered by canoe when the tide is just right. Then at sunset enjoy the view, accompanied by a Thai-style seafood dinner. Once darkness falls, the very special Hong by Starlight tour begins. No torches please - three natural light sources and one special feeling create a lifetime memorable moment. Expect to return late - everybody always wants to do another Hong.
Day 11: Phuket (Free Day) (B)
Free day to relax and enjoy on your own.
Day 12: Phuket – USA (B)
Today after breakfast, check out of your hotel and be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the USA with a lifetime of memories!
SHORT ON TIME:
Substitute Khao Sok National park outside of Phuket for Chiang Mai. Here you can go glamping at Elephant Hills Tented Camp to have a hands on elephant experience.
WITH MORE TIME:
Visit Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Here you can explore the town of Chiang Rai and see the white temple, stay at an elephant camp focused accommodation, explore the Golden triangle where three countries all meet up, and spend time in the countryside visiting nations parks and countryside peoples.
[End of Tour]
Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change.
Meals Provided: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change.
Meals Provided: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
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