Page 106 - Asia & North Pacific

A Land of Smiles
10 days
Bangko1k0,CdhianygsMai, Phuket
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
THAILAND Downtown Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Bangkok. There will be ample oppor- tunities to photograph the magnifi- cent multi-colored porcelain-studded tower of this temple. Afterward return to your hotel for refreshment and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bangkok. [B]
Day 3: Bangkok
There are countless floating markets throughout Thailand, but the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous. Situated 68 miles from Bangkok, in Ratchaburi prov- ince, this market is like a trip back in time to the Siam of old. You will see colorfully clad merchants paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruit, vegeta- bles and other foodstuff to sell to shoppers on the canal banks. There are lots of activities and bargaining is part of the fun of the sale. This buzzing market is at its best in the early morn- ing before the crowds arrive and the heat of the day builds up. After visiting the market, we continue onto Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakorn Pathom, reportedly the largest pagoda in South East Asia. The golden-tiled dome of the Chedi towers points almost380feetintotheair. Note:Itis possible to take an optional paddle- boat ride at extra cost. Afterwards
return to your hotel and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure until you are picked up for dinner. A perfect ending to the perfect day, this dinner cruise offers the ultimate view of the city’s legendary riverside buildings lit up at night. You will enjoy a sumptu- ous Thai dinner on a converted rice barge as it travels slowly along the Chao Phraya River, past iconic sights such as the Wat Arun (The Temple of the Dawn) and the glittering illumi- nated Grand Palace. Guests are welcomed aboard the beautiful antique teakwood rice barge by
traditionally attired hostesses. During the candle-lit and sedate cruise, traditional Thai music is played in the background. You will enjoy delicious traditional Thai dishes, using only the freshest top-quality ingredients, drawing upon dishes from each of Thailand’s distinct regions. A choice of Thai and Thai vegetarian food is available. Every dish is labeled and guests are provided with a description of the dishes and the regions from which they originate. Return to the hotel for overnight. [B/D]
Day 4: Bangkok, Chiang Mai
After your leisurely breakfast in Bangkok, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon
arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to Chiang Mai city for sightseeing. The city of Chiang Mai has an abundance of beautiful and historic Buddhist temples and this tour takes in the most interesting of them. One of the highlights is a visit to the 600 year- old temple of Wat Pra That Doi Suthep, near the summit of Doi Suthep’s mountain. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai. Other temple visits on this tour include: Wat Suan Dok, whose large central stupa contains the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family; Wat Chedi Luang, where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined; and Wat Phra Singh, housing a very sacred 1,500 year old Buddha image. Afterwards return to your hotel for check in and a ref resh- ment. Spend the rest of your after- noon at leisure. Later today, you will be picked up from your hotel to head south towards Bandoo in Hangdong district. The home you will be visiting belongs to the Raunkaew-Yanon family, who arrived in the area possibly on elephant back, almost 150 years ago. You will experience the simple Lanna way of life including the family orchard with many types of fruits, while the garden is filled with herbs for cooking. The tour is designed to give you a real experience and understand-
106 For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com