In this section you will find a short description of the daily possibilities. The tour leader will offer a program on almost every day but the program is informal and by no means obligatory leaving lots of room for your own initiative. Your guides will organize and accompany some activities and will also make suggestions so that you are free to dine or explore on your own.
Day 1 Depart USA
Day 2 In Transit
Day 3 Via Singapore - Arrival Bangkok
You typically fly with Singapore Airlines via Singapore to Bangkok. If you request an earlier departure, you can arrange a layover for a night or two in Singapore before continuing on to Thailand. We arrive in Bangkok in the morning. At the airport our tour leader greets you arranges the transfer by privately hired bus to the hotel conveniently located in the Banglumpoo area. All rooms of the hotel are air-conditioned. Wat Prakaew, the Grand Palace, the National Museum, the Royal Barges and Wat Arun are easily reached on foot. A ride in a traditional (and fast!) longtail boat through the “klongs” is absolutely worthwhile. From the boat you will be able to see places that are hard to reach by road. Other parts of Bangkok, like the busy but interesting Chinatown, or the huge shopping mall called Siam Square can be visited in several ways: by local bus, the Chao
Praya Express River Taxi, by cab or by that typical Thai three-wheel taxi: the “tuktuk”. If you use one of the latter two, make sure you have agreed on a price before you get in. Do not forget to bargain!
Day 4 Bangkok - Nakhom Pathom - Damnoen Saduak - River Kwai
Day 5 River Kwai
Early in the morning we will drive out of Bangkok towards the “chedi” of Nakhom Pathom, the highest Buddhist structure in the world and the oldest “chedi” in Thailand. The next stop will be the floating market of Damnung Saduak, a popular market where all sorts of products are sold from boats. From here we leave for Kanchanaburi, home of the notorious “Bridge over the River Kwai”. The cemetery and the JEATH war museum are certainly included in our program. The museum consists of rows of barracks with photos, paintings and paper cuttings on display. From Kanchanaburi we will drive on to the river where we board a long tail boat taking us to our accommodation for the night, the “Jungle Rafts”. These are bungalows built on bamboo rafts, an ideal place to relax or to visit the Keang Lawa Caves.
Day 6 River Kwai - Ayutthaya
Day 7 Ayutthaya - Sukhothai
On our way from Kanchanaburi to Sukhothai we will stop in Ayutthaya, one of the former capitals of Thailand. Numerous ancient temples are reminders of that time. The following day we will reach Sukhothai, like Ayutthaya, a former capital of the country from 1238 to 1350. Here an impressive number of temples are scattered over a large area. Throughout this day we will stop at several interesting places along the way. These are great places to explore with a bicycle.
Day 8 Sukhothai - Chiang Mai
Day 9 Chiang Mai
Day 10 Trekking - Chiang Mai
Day 11 Trekking - Chiang Mai
Day 12 Chiang Mai - Bangkok (night train)
The city of Chiang Mai is situated at the bottom of the mountain Doi Sutep (5,055 feet) and on the bank of the river Ping. A bike is the ideal means of transportation around this town to visit, for example, the country house of the royal family or the many temples of the city like Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang. On the outskirts of town you can see artisans such as silk weavers, woodworkers, silversmiths and umbrella makers at work. The night market is always busy and souvenir hunters will definitely find plenty for gathering. Our two-day trek starts with a bus ride from Chiang Mai. This is a real highlight of the trip. If you feel you are unable to make the trek, the guide will make alternate arrangements for you in Chiang Mai; however most choose to come along. On the way we might have a chance to swim near a waterfall, provided there is enough water. Anyone in reasonable shape can go along on the trek. We will not hike for more than 5 hours and we will stop frequently for breaks. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction, because some of the paths might get slippery. We will cover some of the distance on the back of an elephant and some by raft down the river. During this trek you will carry your own belongings. The bulk of your luggage can stay behind in the hotel in Chiang Mai. If you plan ahead, for a small fee, you can usually arrange for someone to carry your belongings on the trek. We spend the night in the very simple houses of the locals. Do not forget to bring your own towel and light sleeping bag. An experienced guide will accompany the group and will take care of the meals. After one night we will return to Chiang Mai and go on the night train back to Bangkok, from there we travel on to Koh Samet.
Day 13 Bangkok - Koh Samet (morning bus and ferry)
Day 14 Koh Samet
On the night train we have reserved sleeping bunks so we will be well rested when we arrive in Bangkok. There a bus awaits the group to take us to the ferry to Koh Samet. On the lovely beach of this island you can relax during your last days in Thailand, but if you are interested in more active pastimes, there are plenty of opportunities for bike rides and beautiful walks. Several nearby islands can be explored by chartering boats. You can discover the amazingly colorful coral reefs while snorkeling.
Day 15 Koh Samet – Bangkok
Day 16 Depart Bangkok – Phnom Penh (flight)
After returning to Bangkok you have most of the day for activities. You may visit the Emerald Buddha, built by King Rama I, one of the best-known Buddha images in Thailand. You may instead decide to stroll through the gardens of the Grand Palace. The Flower Market is a wonderful place to spend some time. Nakhon Kasem (Thieves Market) has great little back streets, lots of antiques, and plenty of cheap, good eateries. Of course there are plenty of museums and temples and great shopping . For those continuing to Cambodia, a short flight will take you on to Phnom Penh.
Day 16 - Depart Bangkok - Phnom Penh (flight)
Day 17 Phnom Penh
A local guide will be available who will meet you at the airport and assist you from there. Phnom Penh is lovely, with charming cafes and a riverfront area, which has been developed. There are several wats worth visiting, including Wat Ounalom and Wat Phnom (located on a hilltop and inspiration for the city’s name). The Silver Pagoda boasts riches from the wealthy Khmer culture, which were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. For local crafts, you may wish to visit the National Museum.
The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. A memorial Stupa erected in 1988 displays 8000 skulls, accounting for only about one third of the people killed here. The Tuol Sleng Museum is a harsh reminder of the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge.
Day 18 Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (boat)
The boat ride is long. Be sure to pack something to eat for your journey, as you cannot get food on the boat. In Siem Reap you will visit the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. On the first day, you can visit the South Gate of the fortified city, Angkor Thom, once protected by a crocodile-filled moat. Or you may make a visit to Bayon, with its 54 towers. It is known for its bas reliefs, which are wonderful representations of the ancient lifestyle. During the Khmer Empire, the Terrace of the Elephants was the ceremonial gathering place for the kings' colorful celebrations. You may also see the Terrace of the Leper King and Baksei Chamkrong, an intricate temple that ascends to a tiered pyramid and a dramatic sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Preah Khan is a temple which was dedicated to 515 divinities and has seen numerous festivals over the years. You may also want to visit Preah Neak Pean, an ancient pool complex. The markets offer fine silks, traditional shadow puppet shows and plenty of delicious foods to sample.
Day 19 Siem Reap
Day 20 Siem Reap
Day 21 Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - depart for USA (West Coast flights arrive)
Day 22 Arrival USA (East Coast flights arrive)
On Day 21, you will depart for the States, flying through Phnom Penh on your way home. If you live on the West Coast your flight will arrive the same day as your departure, if you live on the East Coast your flight will arrive the following day.
