American breakfast (B) daily; Local Host service in each city; city maps; transportation from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai; sightseeing as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary (inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE).
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand. Welcome to Thailand’s capital city! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day #2 Bangkok. Today, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the stunning GRAND PALACE featuring the TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA. Also visit the TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The balance of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of this fascinating city. (B)
Day #3 Bangkok. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore on your own. (B)
Day #4 Bangkok–Chiang Rai. Board your flight to Chiang Rai. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day #5 Chiang Rai. Your sightseeing this morning includes a TRISHAW RIDE, the favorite local mode of transportation, through the city’s residential area and LOCAL MARKET. Also visit WAT PHRA KAEW, which once hosted the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok). The afternoon is at your leisure. (B)
Day #6 Chiang Rai–Chiang Mai. Today, drive to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day #7 Chiang Mai. Today your morning sightseeing begins with a visit to WAT PHRA SINGH, with its famous Buddha image, and WAT DOI SUTHEP, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase with over 300 steps. On a clear day, you will enjoy spectacular views of Chiang Mai. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day #8 Chiang Mai–Bangkok. Today, fly to Bangkok. (B)
Day #9 Bangkok. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)