Depart Sydney or Melbourne in the morning and arrive in Bangkok in the afternoon. Upon arrival at Don Muang Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty, which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand. In the midst of dynamic modern growth, this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. Stay overnight in Bangkok.

Today we commence our tour of Bangkok with a longtail boat for along the Chao Phraya River and the many lively inner canals, which offer some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stopover at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace, dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex we drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent Marble Temple. Stay overnight in Bangkok.

Heading out of the town we make our way to Kanchanaburi with stopover at the picturesque floating market of Damnern Saduak. The enchanting town of Kanchanaburi has plenty to see, some of which are the famous bridge over the River Kwai, the sobering War Cemetery and the Jeath War Museum. Board the train for a trip across the infamous “Death Railway” to Namtok Station. Then exploring the beautiful countryside by driving out to the Hellfire Pass, where we visit the fascinating museum chronicling the events of World War II. Return to Bangkok and check into your hotel. Stay overnight in Bangkok.

Take a flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, we enjoy a short sightseeing tour taking us in the impressive Ethnologic Museum which is dedicated to the region’s ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming excursion. Afterwards we embark on a longtail boat for a thrilling trip upstream on the Mae Kok River, passing through many breathtaking mountain landscapes to a Karen hilltribe village. This ethnic group originated from Burma, but had settled there long time ago, forming the largest tribal population in this northern land. Stay overnight at Chiang Rai.

The royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the Mekong riverbank, which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. Today we travel by roads to Chiang Saen with a stopover at the large Akha and Yao hill tribe settlements near Mae Chan. Arriving in Chiang Saen we visit the town’s major sights, including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. Heading out of the town we drive through some verdant and rugged mountain scenery to the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. After exploring the border town of Mae Sai we continue our overland trip to Chiang Mai. The drive is long, but views are fantastic. Stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

The second largest city of Thailand is Chiang Mai. Today we explore this charming town with a walk to the famous Doi Suthep Mountain, leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 meters, this temple grounds afford a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. The “Rose of the North”, Chiang Mai, which has been always noted for exquisite handicrafts with combination of the traditional wares of the hill tribe people, always offers us the fantastic shopping opportunities. Heading out of town we drive to the neighboring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making. Stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

Upon leaving the town we set off on an hour and half drive to the northern hill region around Chiang Dao, which is home to a wide array of hill tribe groups. The roads conditions are very poor; however the breathtaking mountain scenery makes for an interesting journey. Along the way we stop at an elephant camp to see these huge animals handling timber before we enjoy an exciting elephant ride past the forest to the hill tribe villages. We get well off the beaten track as we walk around the area, visiting the Red Lahu, Lisu, Karen and Akha people. These ethnic minorities still retain their age-old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. Stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

You are at leisure until transfer to airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. Stay overnight in Phuket and have free time at leisure on your own.

You are at leisure in Phuket at your own arrangements.

You are at leisure in Phuket at your own arrangements.

You are at leisure in Phuket at your own arrangements.

You are at leisure until being picked up to airport by our guide and take Jetstar flight to Sydney or Melbourne, Australia and you will fly overnight.

Arrive in Sydney or Melbourne, Australia in the morning. Your unforgettable Thailand tour ends.