Orient:Thailand
Ancient Cultures of Thailand
Tour Highlights:
- Discover Prasat Him Phimai, one of the greatest Khmer sights in Thailand. Although it pre-dates Angkor Wat in Cambodia, it is much less known.
- Visit Amphawa Floating Market, an authentic, working native floating market, and probably the best kept secret in Thailand.
- Savor a rich menu of activities at your luxury resorts: Six Senses Hideaway Hua Hin, Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa, and Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa. Sample gourmet Thai specialties and visit a vineyard.
- Travel to the timeless ruins of the venerable Thai capital of Ayutthaya, where you get a fascinating glimpse into the splendor of ancient Siam, and the majestic palaces, temples and canals of this grand city, once called "Venice of the East."
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Gilded temple spires and watery thoroughfares gleam in the distance as you touch down in Bangkok, the capital of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand. You are welcomed on arrival and escorted to your prestigious and luxurious riverfront hotel. Peninsula Bangkok, Grand Deluxe Room
Day 2: Bangkok
Travel by boat to Damnoen Saduak to experience its vivid floating market, an intriguing temporary commercial center where vendors converge with boatloads of exotic fruits, sweets and steaming noodles. Following lunch, continue to what is arguably the most magnificent sight in Bangkok – the Grand Palace and its adjoining chapel of the Emerald Buddha. Contrast the elaborate opulence of the palace’s brilliant halls, pavilions, spires and murals with the powerful simplicity of the famed 31-inch-high Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of jade. Complete the day with dinner at Harmonique. Set in the courtyard of a century-old mansion you enter Harmonique through the crook of a dangling banyan tree. Return to your hotel by Tuk Tuk. Peninsula Bangkok, Grand Deluxe Room (B,D)
Day 3: Bangkok / Ayutthaya / Korat
Travel by road to explore the ruins of the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya. Gain a fascinating glimpse into Siam’s past splendor in its majestic palaces, temples and canals. This once-grand city was called the "Venice of the East." Travel to the edge of Khao Yai, Thailand’s premier national park. Your luxury resort, Kirimaya, is a lush natural retreat two hours from Bangkok. It was the first boutique luxury resort in Khao Yai ("Big Mountains"). Nestled at the edge of the park (soon to become a UNESCO world heritage site), the resort experience includes nature trails, wellness spas, culinary adventures and the exhilarating challenge of an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa, Plantation View Room (B,L)
Day 4: Nakorn Ratchasima
Travel by road for a full-day excursion to Prasat Him Phimai, one of the greatest Khmer sights in Thailand that actually pre-dates Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Meticulously restored, Prasat Hum Phimai was connected to Angkor Wat by road in olden times acting as the “royal way.” Dating from the end of the 11th century, the original settlement of Phimai occupied an artificial island on the Mun River. The principal sanctuary stands within its own walled boundaries richly decorated with sandstone carvings of Hindu subjects. Impressive ruins include sanctuaries in the inner courtyard and the ceremonial pond in the outer courtyard. Continue across the Mun River to the town of Phimai and its national museum, housing a splendid collection of lintels from Phimai and other Khmer sites in the northeast. Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa, Plantation View Room (B,L)
Day 5: Nakrorn Ratchasima
Today you are free to pursue your own interests and enjoy the amenities of your resort. The name 'Kirimaya' means 'illusion of mountain,' which describes the refreshing character of the property. To stay at Kirimaya is to embark on a memorable journey into the local culture for a total destination experience. Fulfill your individual tastes with activities that range from stargazing and wildlife viewing to trekking nature trails or getting in a round or two of golf on the Jack Nicklaus golf course. Discover new culinary adventures with a vineyard tour. Enhance your wellness at the Maya Spa and experience singular Asian therapies or simply relax by the pool. Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa, Plantation View Room (B)
Day 6: Nakorn Ratchasima / Amphawa District
Travel by road to Amphawa district n the Samut Songkhram province. This afternoon, visit Marukhathaiwan Palace. Explore Khao Wang, Hill Palace, built during the reign of King Rama IV. The collection of 13 antique wooden houses is a mix of Thai and European architectural influence. Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa, Deluxe Room (B)
Day 7: Amphawa District
This morning, travel by boat along Amphawa’s numerous canals visiting hidden temples and traditional wooden homes that have become part of the preserved cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch this afternoon at Baan Ko Pai restaurant, home style Thai cooking where the chef has spent the last 20 years perfecting each recipe. This afternoon visit the Amphawa Floating market this afternoon. Different from other water markets, Amphawa Floating Market is an actual functioning weekend market and probably the best kept secret in Thailand. This evening a special dinner has been planned for you at the Baan Rua Rim Khlong, a traditional river boat converted to a restaurant serving traditional Thai food. Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa, Deluxe Room (B,D)
Day 8: Amphawa District / Hua Hin
Travel further south for a visit to the famous River Kwai Bridge, and the JEATH (Japan, England, Australia, America, Thailand, Holland) Museum. Take a short train ride along the original “Death Railway.” The coastal town of Hua Hin is the location of your exclusive, secluded resort. Linger on the mile-long beach, or enjoy any one of the resort’s leisure activities from swimming to golf. The holistic spa features steam room, massage, whirlpool, body treatment rooms, and yoga and tai chi pavilions. The area is rich in natural beauty – fabulous parks, lush peaks, mysterious caves and serene waterfalls. This evening, stroll the shops along winding roads. The restaurants built on stilts in the sea offer superb fresh seafood prepared Thai-style. Hua Hin has the perfect blend of ingredients for a rejuvenating stay in exotic surroundings. Six Senses Hideaway Hua Hin, Deluxe Pool Villa (B)
Day 9: Hua Hin
Today's focus is your seaside resort, where you enjoy a wide range of activities. Six Senses Hideaway Hua Hin, Deluxe Pool Villa (B)
Day 10: Hua Hin / Bangkok
Return to Bangkok by a three hour road transfer for your last night in Thailand. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Deluxe Room (B)
Day 11: Thailand / Depart
Depart this magical country for your return home.
Rates/Departures:
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