THAILAND  
15-25.11.2024

Arrival in Bangkok. Today we are just arriving and will have a "Get to know each other" Dinner with everyone.

Time to explore the vibrant city of Bangkok, the whole day is full of sightseeing and exploring through the streets before we do a midnight Food tour by TukTuk.

We are  embarking on a day trip to the famous Maeklang Railway & Amphawa Floating Market. I think everyone of you heard about the market on the railway, where every vendor is closing down their shops in seconds when a train passes by. This is going to be our first exciting spot! Followed by the popular floating river market. Here you will have time to stroll around and shop as well. When the suns sets we will be going on a relaxing river cruise to see fireflies before we head back home to Bangkok city.

Today we travel  from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Wat Lokayasutha. This temple is known for its giant reclining Buddha image, one of the few structures remaining intact here.

Your next stop is Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, being part of the royal palace complex this is where royalty performed rituals. It is considered the most important temple of Ayutthaya,

afterwards we will visit Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya. One of the oldest and most significant temples in the history of Ayutthaya, it once housed the Buddha's holy relic. Admire the famous Buddha head entwined within the roots of a Bodhi tree.

After, tuck into a hearty lunch at a local Thai restaurant, where your guide will be available to advise on local culinary specialties.

Last but not least, finish your trip at the grand, riverside Wat Chaiwattanaram. Marvel at its compelling architectural style, influenced by the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, as you wander around the monumental grounds Before we head back home.

We are taking flight this morning to the beautiful Island of Ko Samui where we are going to stay for the next three days. After our check in we will be embarking on a boat ride to the pig island! On a private longtail boat with your own captain from Koh Samu and discover 2 beautiful nearby islands by yourself. Play with the friendly pigs on the island of Koh Mat Sum, and explore the vibrant underwater world with time for snorkeling at Koh Tan.

Depart from Koh Samui and first head to Koh Mat Sum, or the Pig Island. Relax on the white sand beaches, swim in the crystal-clear ocean waters, and meet the adorable local pig population. 

After some time on the beach of Koh Mat Sum, travel next to the island of Koh Tan. Use the gear provided to explore a beautiful snorkeling site. Explore the vibrant underwater world and spot a variety of colorful fish species and coral.

Board the private boat boat and relax on the return journey to Koh Samui.

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On the morning of your this day, we will be picked up from your accommodation and will drive for approximately 40 minutes through scenic agricultural areas before arriving at an elefant  sanctuary. There, you will be met by your English-speaking guide and learn a little about the elephants.

After being allocated bananas and sugar cane to feed to the elephants, you will walk with your guide through the sanctuary, where you will find free-roaming elephants and hear their individual stories.

You can touch, feed, photograph, and interact with the elephants at your leisure while you learn about their stories, lifestyle, and behaviors. Most of the elephants are rescued show or riding elephants, but they are now safe and well cared for at this no-riding sanctuary.

After you have met all the elephants, you will watch them enjoy their mud spa and also be able to join them. The elephants apply mud on their skin as a healthy sunscreen and mud treatment.

Next, you will walk with the elephants, shower them, and join them in the water for a refreshing cool-off. Brush the elephants while they frolic and play in the water.

Once the elephants are clean, you can take some final photos with them, and then it will be time to part ways with your new friend and change into some dry clothes.

Finally, you will be able to enjoy some freshly cooked Pad Thai, delicious snacks, and seasonal fresh fruit. Then enjoy the impressive rural scenery as we drive back to the hotel.

Discover the famous Phangan Island on a unique junk sailing boat tour, for a relaxing and memorable day.

Enjoy lounging on deck with stunning views of the ocean horizon. This full-day trip will show you wonderful secluded beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful coral

reefs.

After pickup from your hotel between 9:45 AM and 10:55

AM, you will be transferred to the pier to board the boat and and cruise towards Phangan Island after 11:00 AM.

Around midday, you will enjoy a delicious lunch buffet on board with 5 traditional Thai dishes.

After lunch, jump into the crystal clear water and do some snorkeling at Koh Ma Reef. Next, stop at Thong Nai Pan, to relax and sunbathe on the secluded beach or enjoy a massage or cocktails.

In the late afternoon, the boat will head back to Koh Samui. On the way, enjoy the sun setting on the horizon with some delicious appetizers. At 7:00 PM you will arrive back at the pier to be transferred back to your hotel.

We are leaving the island life behind and flying to Chiang Mai. Our last stop of this trip. After our check in we will stroll through the city and relax a bit from the last days.

Before we begin temple sightseeing, we'll break up the long three-hour drive at the Mae Khachan Hot Spring to relax, dip our feet in the steaming mineral water, maybe eat a snack, or walk around the surrounding gardens.

We'll then move on to the main attraction: the White Temple. If you're looking for ancient ruins, you might be surprised to find a modern architectural masterpiece designed and built by local artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. He was rumored to have spent over THB 40 million of his own money to create this unconventional art exhibit to gain immortal life! After exploring this local wonder, we'll have a quick lunch before heading to our next stop...

The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Sea Ten literally translates to 'temple of the dancing tiger.' It was built on a site where tigers were said to have jumped over the river.

If the White Temple was meant to be a stairway to heaven, the Black House has been called a "dark, mysterious, and almost sadistic" representation of hell, complete with preserved animals and a collection of bones.

Built by Thailand national artist Thawan Duchanee (who incidentally was the mentor of Chaloemchai, the White Temple guy), the Baan Dam Museum (Black House) is a cluster of nearly 40 small shadowy structures exhibiting art dating back to the Ayutthaya period. This is truly something the likes of which we'll never see anywhere else!

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(The distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is approximately 172 km one-way. Kindly be prepared for a long drive (roughly 3 hours one-way).)

Another day full of adventure as we are going zip lining and climbing through the jungle before we are ending the last day with a traditional dance show and dinner.

Time to say Good-Bye !