On this incredible journey to Thailand, experience Thailand’s culture, villages, history, and religion—the vacation of a lifetime! Begin your trip in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city. Your sightseeing tour starts with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok’s canals, to see the everyday way of life and traditional Thai culture as you pass family homes and temples. See the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok, as well as the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple. Depart Bangkok for a glimpse into local life with a longtail boat ride through the canals of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; witness small flat boats expertly paddled by ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment’s notice. Next stop: Kanchanaburi to see the Bridge on the River Kwai, Tiger Temple (a sanctuary and conservation center for Indochinese Tigers), Cemetery of the Allied Prisoners, and a ride on the Thailand-Burma Railway. Then, head to Ayutthaya and visit shrines and temples typical of ancient Thai religious architecture. On the way to Chiang Mai, stop at the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, marvel at the standing Buddha statues as you explore the ruins of temples and monasteries. In Chiang Mai, rise early to witness and participate in the almsgiving ceremony, a very special Thai custom. Each morning before dawn, Buddhist monks don their distinctive saffron-colored robes and walk along the streets carrying alms bowls and receiving boiled rice and condiment donations. Personally present alms to the monks, and you will receive their blessings. Then drive up a winding mountain road to visit the White Hmong People, one of northern Thailand’s Hill Tribes, to witness life in the village. Also, in Chiang Mai, another treat awaits you—a traditional Thai massage.Visit an elephant camp and ride an elephant before heading to Ban Thaton to visit the Paduang Long-Necked Women. Early in life, brass rings are placed on the necks and legs of the village girls, creating the visual illusion of stretched necks as they age. Take a boat ride on the Kok River and visit Baan Mai, a silk- and sa paper-making village, before traveling to Chiang Rai.Drive to the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak and mighty Mekong Rivers meet, and enjoy views over Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Fly back to Bangkok and enjoy leisure time to explore and tour the city on your own. You’ll arrive home with lots of stories and photos from this amazing Thailand vacation.
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