Montien Riverside









Pad Thai is a noodle dish
made with a peanut sauce
and usually is vegetarian
with bits of tofu










Ayutthaya is recognized
worldwide as a UNESCO
Heritage Site










Everywhere you go in
Thailand you are sure to
find the smiling faces of
the locals always eager to
greet you











No matter which temple
you visit in Chiang Mai
you are sure to see the
beautiful statues that
composed most of them











The optional excursion on
elephant back at the
Elephant Conservation
Camp is one of the best
ways to explore the natural
beauty of Thailand!

Thailand Tour

Land of A Thousand Smiles

Discover a welcoming people in a country of contrasts, from glittering temples to tranquil shrines, traditional villages surrounded by serene natural beauty to bustling marketplaces in sophisticated cities. On this classic tour, you’ll get an authentic view of Thai culture, past and present: the program includes Thailand’s most important historical and religious sites in Bangkok, River Kwai and Chiang Mai, as well as visits to local villages, spiritual centers and even an elephant conservation camp.

Days 1/2 - Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok where you are met and escorted to your hotel. The warm, welcoming disposition of the Thai people will immediately strike you. The Montien offers elegant accommodations, panoramic river views and plenty of entertainment options, including a dinner cruise and live music lounge.

The next day is packed with sightseeing: Visit the iconic Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark, and Wat Phra Kaew, the Hall of the 14th century Emerald Buddha. Walk to the Royal Navy Club for lunch and continue to the fragrant and colorful Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market. Every day as the bite of the hot sun dissipates, the roadside of Pak Khlong transforms into a kaleidoscope of color as vendors from across the country meet to trade. Walk through Chinatown, a network of tight streets and alleys lined with shops. The evening is at leisure. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE. (Meals Aloft; B,L)

Day 3 - Bangkok/River Kwai
Rise early and drive to Kanchanaburi, on the bank of the River Kwai. Visit the Thailand – Burma Railway Museum and War Cemetery for a glimpse of the region’s fascinating history. Stop for a photo at the famed Bridge on the River Kwai before boarding a local train along the scenic Death Railway. Enjoy beautiful landscapes en route to the Kwai Noi River, a World Heritage Site, where you will take a boat to your luxury riverside retreat. Surrounded by lush forest with breathtaking mountain views, the River Kwai Resotel is a perfect blend of serenity, comfort and adventure, featuring cozy private chalets with balconies and modern amenities, a natural spa and swimming pool. Optional activities abound: explore regional attractions like Lawa Cave, Mon’ temple or Hell Fire Pass; venture out on mountain biking, canoeing or fishing excursions; check out the local village; or just relax poolside. RIVER KWAI RESOTEL. (L,D)

Day 4 - Ayutthaya/Lopburi/Phitsanuloke
Drive to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, to see the historic ruins of remarkable temples and palaces. Visit the Narai Raja Nives Museum in Lopburi, a city with an extraordinary past and an array of architectural styles including major relics from the Bronze era. Proceed to Phitsanulok, an important tourism hub along the Nan River. In the evening, you are free to stroll around the market, try local food and see “flying vegetables.”Your centrally located hotel offers personal service and accessibility to the city’s top attractions and nightlife. TOPLAND HOTEL. (B,L)

Day 5 - Phitsanuloke/Sukhothai
This morning head to the famous shrine at Wat Maha Dhat and tour the surrounding town, with its many houseboats and bustling local market. Continue on to Old Sukhothai, one of Asia’s most important historic places and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Wat Sra Sri and Wat Sri Chum before checking into your hotel, a lovely resort surrounded by ancient temples in the tranquil town of Sukhothai. The resort combines contemporary, private chalets and excellent cuisine within a typical Thai village setting, for a luxurious, authentic experience. LEGENDHA SUKHOTHAI (B,L)

Day 6 - Sukhothai/Sri Satchanalai/Lampang/Chiang Mai
Visit Sri Satchanalai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many prominent ruins. Marvel at the faded murals of the massive royal temple complex, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat; the delicate stucco reliefs in 16th century Wat Nang Phhaya; Wat Chang Lom’s bell-shaped chedi; and more. Continue along winding roads to Lampang, famous for its horse-drawn carriages (you can take a ride at additional cost), and visit the Emerald Buddha of Ko Kah. In the afternoon, arrive in Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North,” known for its distinctive cultures, arresting landscapes and unique blending of past and present. This evening sharpen your bargaining skills at the Night Bazaar. Your home for the next two nights, the U Chiang Mai, offers sophisticated décor, modern amenities and excellent service within a heritage setting. Its close proximity to sightseeing, shopping and other activities makes a perfect base for exploring this melting pot of varied traditions, cuisine and architecture. U CHIANG MAI. (B,L)

Day 7 - Chiang Mai
There are more than 100 temples in Chiang Mai and this morning you will visit several of them, including Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Suan Dok. Proceed to San Kampaeng, which is famous for its skilled artisans, including woodcarving, silver work, lacquer and handicrafts. Visit artists’ workshops to watch the delicate process of creating some of these fine works. Then drive up to the hilltop Wat Doi Suthep and climb 290 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kantoke dinner, with traditional dishes from northern Thailand and an elegant dance performance. U CHIANG MAI (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Chiang Dao/Thaton/Chiang Rai
Drive to Chiang Dao for a tour of the Elephant Conservation Camp. These majestic animals have played an important role throughout Thai history, with cultural, military and economic functions. Today, they are the focus of conservation efforts and tourism. Watch the elephants perform unique skills and learn about their habitat and conservation efforts; you can even take an optional elephant ride through the jungle or go bamboo rafting (additional cost). Afterwards, stop at Meo hill tribe village at Baan Huay Luek and Akha & Yao villages before reaching Chiang Rai. Your boutique resort, nestled in the bank of the Mae Kok River, is a tranquil retreat with elegant décor and a topnotch spa and herbal wellness center set in beautiful natural surroundings. THE LEGEND RIVER RESORT. (B,L)

Day 9 - Mae Sai/Golden Triangle/Bangkok
Stroll around the market of Mae Sai, the northernmost town of Thailand on the border of Myanmar; then head to the Golden Triangle – where Thailand’s borders with Laos and Myanmar connect, and the point where the Ruak River flows into the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Mekong to the provincial riverside town of Chiang Saen. Fly to Bangkok for one last opportunity to check out the city’s renowned dining and nightlife. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE (B,L)

Day 10 - Depart Bangkok
Bid farewell to the warm, welcoming people of Thailand as you transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Optional Extension:
Interested in exploring more? Classic Escapes offers a number of extensions to other parts of Thailand or Asia. Check with one of our travel experts for details; we’d love to arrange a customized, private trip just for you.

Inclusions:

  • Air within Thailand: Chiang Rai to Bangkok.
  • Accommodation based on twin sharing basis at deluxe hotels listed above or similar.
  • Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast basis; other meals as specified in itinerary.
  • Arrival/Departure transfers, sightseeing, excursions and surface transfers using air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Meet and greet services by Classic Escapes representative throughout.
  • Services of English-speaking specialist guide throughout with 10 travelers. Local guides if less than 10 travelers.
  • Entrance fees.
  • All currently applicable taxes and hotel porterage, as well as tips for included meals.
Dates
Cost
Oct 24 to Nov 2, 2009
$1,995 per person
Nov 21 to 30, 2009
$1,995 per person
Dec 27 to Jan 5, 2010
$2,195 per person
Feb 6 to 15, 2010
$1,995 per person
Mar 20 to 29, 2010
$1,995 per person
May 22 to 31, 2010
$1,895 per person
Jun 19 to 28, 2010
$1,895 per person
Jul 10 to 19, 2010
$1,895 per person
Sep 25 to Oct 4, 2010
$1,995 per person
Oct 16 to 25, 2010
$1,995 per person
Nov 6 to 15, 2010
$2,195 per person
Dec 27 to Jan 5, 2011
$2,395 per person

Exclusions:

  • International airfare from USA. Classic Escapes is happy to assist with booking air reservations.
  • U.S. and foreign airport taxes.
  • Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas. Visa requirements vary by country; please contact us for specific requirements for this program.
  • Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
  • Meals and beverages, other than specified.
  • Gratuities to drivers, local guides, specialist-guide, and other conveyance attendants.
  • Laundry and other items of a personal nature.
  • Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
  • Optional insurance coverage is available for Baggage, Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption.
  • Any other expense/changes due to unforeseen circumstances while in Thailand

For more information or reservations, please contact:
Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244