2-week amazing Thailand tour

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the center of Bangkok
Same same, but different. This Thailish T-shirt philosophy sums up Bangkok, a city where the familiar and the exotic collide like the flavors on a plate of pàt tai.
Overnight in Bangkok.

OPTIONAL WELCOME DINNER CRUISE – Meandering along the Chao Phraya River on board the Antique Rice barge travel past some of Bangkok’s most historic riverside landmarks. Enjoy dinner accompanied by soft Thai music in the background and traditional dance presentations during the dinner.

An early start will get you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks early morning chanting ritual (chanting starts at 09.00 Hrs). After this uplifting and often private experience, visit the temple grounds and the famous 45-metre reclining Buddha. Continue to The Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, where you will be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. Then, of course, marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. 
Delicious lunch is served at the delightful Never-Ending Summer, a Thai rustic restaurant, situated by Chao Phraya River. (Note: Lunch at Never Ending Summer is one choice of main dishes with drinking water.)
After lunch, board a long-tail boat sailing up the majestic Chao Phraya river before entering the Khlong that takes us away from the normal tourist trail. Inside the network of Khlongs guest will stop at Wat Khun Chan which is an interesting temple area rarely visited by tourists. Crossing a small footbridge leads into the old alleys where a cold coffee can be enjoyed before entering Wat Paknam or the white stupa with a hidden museum.
Back in the boat and continue on a beautiful part of the Khlong with a mix of old wooden houses and new modern mansions until reaching an orchid and fruit farm where guest will have time to walk around and see the many types of orchids on display.
Overnight in Bangkok.

You will be picked up at either 08:00 or 13:00. Begin with a visit to the Jim Thompson House. Located along a canal in the city centre, this beautiful teak mansion was the former residence of Jim Thompson, the charismatic American silk merchant. Wander around the leafy compound, exploring the traditional teak buildings to learn more about the man himself, his involvement in the silk trade and his mysterious disappearance. Admire the priceless antiques on display while gaining insight into Thai heritage and tradition.
After the tour of Thompson’s home, cross the canal to Baan Krua Thai Silk Weaving Community. This Cham Muslim community is home to remarkable local artisans, many of whom used to weave for Jim Thompson. Today, two original weaving families still remain. Visit their local workshops and witness artisans producing high-quality Thai silk products. Learn about their traditional methods and browse the impressive gallery of fabrics.
Following this insightful tour of Baan Krua, transfer back to the hotel to refresh and prepare for the evening of action.
You will be picked up at the hotel at either 16:30 or 17:00. Get ready for a memorable night out! Transfer from the hotel to Rajdamnoen Stadium, Bangkok’s historic indoor sporting arena, for a night of Thai kickboxing.
Enjoy the pre-fight atmosphere as musicians play lively traditional music and local fans come to fill the bleachers. The local guide will give background information into the sport, which originated in the 16th century, and the rules of the competition.
Then the fights begin! Witness the boxers going through an elaborate pre-fight ritual. Called the wai kru, this combination of slow-moving dance steps and praying is meant to pay homage to the boxers’ teachers and to bless the fighters. After a short introduction by the referee, the fights will begin.
Watch several fights during the course of the evening, joining the locals as they cheer on their favorite boxer. Watch – and learn – the incredible tactics used by the fighters to bring down their opponents.
Following the final match, transfer back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Travel to Kanchanaburi to see the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge inspired the movie of the same name, which dramatized how Allied prisoners of war during WWII were coerced into building the bridge by Japanese troops. 
Commemorate the experiences of war prisoners as you walk along the tracks of the Burma Railway which is often called the “Death Railway.” Take in the gripping view of the River Kwai down below.
Cross the Bridge of the River Kwai, a site of World War II history. Hop on a longtail boat and admire the picturesque riverscapes.
Continue to Ayutthaya, the Siamese capital from 1350 until 1767. Visit Bang Pa-In, a palace complex formerly used by the Thai kings

Early breakfast at the hotel and check out.
The day begins with a Kermit Tuk Tuk ride to explore the highlighted temples of the city from Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (where the Buddha face is naturally emerged out of the tree), and strolling through a local market to get to Wat Phra Srisanphet. Proceed on a trip to the town's Muslim Quarter which offers the opportunity to sample an unusual local delicacy, candy floss roti.
Proceed to Lopburi for a short visit at Phra Prang Sam Yod which is famous for the many monkeys inhabiting the ground. Lunch at a local restaurant in Lopburi.
After lunch, continue onward to Sukhothai. Visit Sukhothai Historical Park which contains almost 200 ruined chedis in remarkable conditions. Explore the park by tram and walk.
In the evening, enjoy dinner and special cocktail at the hotel.
Overnight in Sukhothai.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to a local organic farm where you will be dressing up in the distinctive indigo colored cotton Thai Farmer uniform and get the hands dirty in the organic rice farm transplanting rice seedlings, harvesting, or milling rice, there is also an opportunity to plough the paddies with water buffalo.
Then venture off the beaten track into Baan Na Thon Chan Community in Si Satchanalai District. The location of the tour is not something you will find in neither the guide books nor most holiday brochures and our guests will have the opportunity to see how locals live and experience what an average day in a grass-root Thai person’s life is like.
Enjoy a very basic but delicious noodle soup in Sukhothai style served in a local cook shop.
After lunch, guests will have the opportunity to fruit pick (longan) in an orchard, visit a local silk weaving house, observe the process of fermented cloth production and see a toy wooden manufacturer at work.
You will clearly see how the community applies more progressive attitude towards sustainable living than people in the more developed areas. A key feature of this tour is locals opening their doors to foreign guests and sharing with them the intimacy of their home lives. Then continue up to Lampang.
Overnight in Lampang.

Travel to Chiang Rai, which is isolated from most of Thailand. Such isolation afforded the province its unique culture. Stop en-route to visit hill tribe villages. 
This afternoon, visit the beautiful Wat Phra Keo, where one of Thailand’s most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane, before finally being enshrined in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo during the reign of King Rama I. 
Then visit the Rai Mae Fha Luang, a museum exhibiting ancient artifacts as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. Afterward visit Wat Ruang Khun (White Temple) and the local market.

After breakfast, visit the Black House, less popular than the white palace but it has a more eclectic collection of interesting things to see.
Next, proceed to the Doi Tung Factory where you can observe hand paper making and hand weaving. An alternative to this is to proceed to the botanical garden at Doi Tung and the Royal Palace.
The Doi Tung project was initiated by King Bumiphol’s mother to encourage tribal people to reduce their dependence on opium as a source of livelihood. The crop replacement project introduced new types of agricultural crops such as Arabica coffee and Macadamia nuts.
Proceed to Mae Sai where you can cross into Thachilek City (Union of Myanmar). (Border crossing fee into Myanmar is not included in our fee).
About half an hour’s drive from Mae Sai towards the east is Sop Ruak where you can see Thailand meet up with Myanmar and Laos.
Learn more about this history of opium by visiting the House of Opium (included in our fees) or from the more expansive Hall of Opium (200 Baht additional charge for museum entrance fee). You will need at least 2 hours for the Hall of Opium.
Ten kilometers to the south is Chiang Saen, an ancient city believed to have been established more than 1,000 years ago. The city was along an important “highway” that was the Mekong River and was one of the most important cites of the Lanna Kingdom.
The city fell into ruin after soon after the Burmese were defeated in the 18th century. This picturesque ancient city is beginning to reawaken. Much restoration work has been done on ancient structures such as temples, pagodas and the earthen city ramparts to keep enemies away.
Transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Rai.
Overnight in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, we drive to Thaton village, 70 km away from Chiang Rai center. Thaton is the bordering town with Myanmar and home to Yao and Akha hill tribes.  We also visit the village of Mae Salong enroute.
Alternatively, you can take the 3-hour speed boat up the Kok River to Thaton village instead. Discuss with our guide about this the day before. The boat service is not included in our price yet.
Our lunch will be served at the restaurant in Thatorn overlooking the Kok River. 
In the afternoon, continue to Chiang Mai, with brief stops at a picturesque local market and Chiang Dao caves. 
Arriving in Chiang Mai, we still have time to visit the impressive Doi Suthep, a constant part of life in Chiang Mai. A Thai saying goes, "If you haven't tasted Khao Soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven't been to Chiang Mai." 
This regal mountain overlooks the city from the northwest, providing commanding views from its summit. Aside from its dominating presence on the horizon, Doi Suthep is the home of some of the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom.
Transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai town.
Overnight in Chiang Mai

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning, before a short 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai to the Karen village and sanctuary the elephants call home. An English-speaking guide will walk with you through the Karen village, and teach you a little about elephants and the local way of life before you get to grab some bananas and sugar cane ready for feeding time!
In small groups, you will meet and interact with each of the friendly elephants personally. Learn about elephant behavior and discover the unique and interesting history of each elephant as you touch, play, feed, and photograph them. You can also go to a relaxing platform overlooking a picturesque river and jungle. There, you will enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit.
At this point during the day, you will walk alongside the elephants to a nearby river and join them for a bath in the refreshing water. Here, you will have the opportunity to bathe and brush the elephants while they enjoy wading through the water. Next, it will be time for a therapeutic mud spa. Feel free to get muddy as you cover the elephants in a protective layer of mud.
When it's time to say goodbye to the elephants, you can take some final photos with them to preserve this precious memory. You will then part ways with your local guide, and return to Chiang Mai, experiencing the drive through picturesque rural scenery in the pleasant glow of the afternoon sun. 
Overnight in Chiang Mai

You are free to explore the town of Chiang Mai on your own before taking the flight to Phuket.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Free for the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the sea.
Overnight in Phuket
 

After breakfast, depart from your hotel. Visit Karon View Point - visit the point to admire the panoramic view from the top of the hill. Views of Kata Noi, Karon beaches, and Kata Yai are easily available from this spot. Locally called as Khao Saam Haad meaning Three Beaches Hill, Karon Viewpoint is the most photographed location in Phuket and is an iconic vista featuring sparkling blue sea, snow-white surf, white-sand beaches, the nearby exotic island Koh Pu, and the deep green hues of Phuket’s hillsides. Karon viewpoint is a must visit place in Phuket.
From there, visit Big Buddha Phuket, one of the most important and revered landmarks on the island. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and, at 45 metres tall, can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach.
In the afternoon, visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most beautiful and renowned monastery. It enshrines the gilt statues of monk-hero Luang Pho Chaem and his assistant Luang Pho Chuang, both much revered by local people because of their roles in quelling the miner rebellion in 1876. 
Continue to Cashew nut factory - A tour of a cashew nut factory in Phuket is a must for cashew nut lovers. The Cashew nut is a native produce that is grown in Phuket and other provinces of Southern Thailand, and are relatively cheap compared to prices in Western countries.
Return to Phuket old town, you can see the Baba community's heritage in Phuket's Old Town, especially in its architecture, commerce, clothes, and way of life. The core of the Old Town essentially is made up of 5 roads and several sois (small streets): Rasada Rd, Phang Nga Rd, Thalang Rd, Dibuk Rd, and Krabi Rd. 
Free to stroll around the old town for your shopping or just relax by a coffee shop, sip on a cup of Arabica, and admire the local life.
Transfer back to your hotel after that.
Overnight in Phuket

Free in the morning for your own leisure.
You will be picked up at 15:00. Take a closer look at Phuket’s rich cultural heritage with a unique evening tour.
Start with a visit to the island’s historic quarters, where a delightful mix of old and new buildings can be found. See Phuket’s oldest Chinese shrine, learning about the Chinese migrants who came to the island in the 19th century to work in the tin mines. Continue past Sino-Portuguese buildings which attest to the island’s past as a key stop on the Asian trading routes. There is also a chance to visit a colourful fruit market where locally-grown tropical fruits are sold.
Following this insightful walking tour, return to the car and drive to the summit of Rang Hill. Enjoy sweeping views of the town, seeing the heritage buildings from a different point of view. A refreshing cocktail and light snack will be served at this scenic location.
The tour comes to a close with dinner at Natural Restaurant. Set amid terraced gardens and kitted out with an eclectic blend of antiques, this popular local spot is an atmospheric place to enjoy a typical Thai dinner.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in Phuket

Our guide will meet up with you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight to your onward destination.