Today begins with a trip to the Golden Buddha Temple. Afterwards you will visit the Reclining Buddha Temple, which features a giant Buddha statue over 100 feet in length. After lunch you will go to the incredible Grand Palace with Wat Pra Kaeo.
Evening: Traditional Thai dinner with classical dances, traditional performances, and beautiful costumes. Overnight at hotel.
You leave early in the morning to visit the Floating Market. Here you will ride on the canals through an older Thai river neighborhood and onto the actual Floating Market area. After lunch you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. There your guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai.
Day 4: Chiang Rai (B/L)
You will visit the Queen Mother's Home and Garden, Doi Tung. Afterwards we will take you to the Burmese border. Then you will go to the historic Golden Triangle where three countries share a border: Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar). You will see the small Opium Museum and where two rivers join the three nations. Then you will take a ride on a small river boat to the Burmese side and stop on a small island owned by Laos. Back to hotel for overnight.
Day 5: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai (B/L)
After breakfast you will go on an excursion across to visit the hilltribe villages where you will meet the Aca, the Hmong, the Yao and the Karen (the people with the multiple rings around their necks). Lunch will be at local restaurants along the way. Then you will arrive in Chiang Mai and check into the hotel. Free on your own. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.
Day 6: Chiang Mai (B/L)
The day begins with a visit to the Doi Suthep, the ancient temple site. After lunch we will take you to the Handicraft "villages", which are actually the various factories of products that the Thais are well known for: silk, silver crafting, umbrellas, cloissonne, furniture and leather. Free in the evening to visit The Night Market. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 7: Chiang Mai (B/L/D)
After breakfast you will visit the Elephant Camp, see the elephant show and cultural show and take a one hour elephant ride, go on a bamboo raft and learn about the noble Asian elephant and the worker monkeys. You will also visit the Orchid Farm. Evening - Khantoke dinner with hilltribe dances (spectacular show, dance, music and costumes). Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 8: Chiang Mai - Siem Reap (B/L)
We will take a flight from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. We will begin the Angkor Wat tour with Angkor Thom, the ancient city. Free at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 9: Siem Reap (B/L)
Continue on the ANGKOR TEMPLE COMPLEX. A full day tour of Angkor Wat (the main temple area) and some of the minor temple areas. Evening option: Sunset Cruise on the Great Lake through the Submerged Forest (this boat is equipped with life jackets). Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 10: Siem Reap (B)
You will visit Ta Prohm and Bantay Srei. Evening option: Sunset view from mound of Phnom Bakeng. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 11: Siem Reap - Hanoi (B)
Pick up at hotel and transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to the hotel in Hanoi. Rest of the day is free to walk around the old streets. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 12: Hanoi (B/L)
The day starts with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Mausoleum and the surrounding grounds (including Ho Chi Minh residences). After lunch: to the Museum of Ethnology.
Evening option: Water Puppets. Dinner on guest's account. Overnight in Hanoi..
Day 13: Hanoi - Halong (B/L/D)
Today you will go on the Halong Bay cruise through the spectacular islands, have lunch in the midst of the beautiful areas, and visit the caves. Possibly swim in bay. You will spend overnight on the boat.
Day 14: Halong - Hanoi (B/L)
In the morning the cruise continues. You can do some kayaking through some beautiful areas. In the afternoon we will return you to Hanoi. Free on your own. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 15: Depart Hanoi (B)
You are transferred to the airport for your return flight to your home country with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
