Siem Reap

Welcome to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Siem Reap Airport, obtain your Cambodia visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside your local Guide. They will be holding a sign with your names on it. You will be privately transferred from the airport to your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide for a three-night stay at the Jaya House River Park, the closest hotel to the treasures of the fabled archaeological site at Angkor. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Angkor Thom South Gate

Spend the early morning visiting the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). This huge walled complex was the centre of the world’s largest city in 1200. Following the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181, the King Jayavarman VII decided to build an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire. The scale is simply staggering and we are immediately overwhelmed by the audacity of Jayavarman on arrival at the city’s gates. The causeway is lined by an intricate bridge depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk from Hindu mythology in which the devas (gods) and asuras (devils) play tug of war with a naga (seven-headed serpent) to obtain the elixir of immortality. Its vast walls, some 6m wide, 8m high and 13km in length contain many monuments.

Bayon Temple

Next, visit the Bayon temple surrounded by faces on all sides. Visitors never forget the enigmatic and enchanting temple of the Bayon. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each topped off with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself. These colossal heads stare down from every side, exuding power and control with a hint of compassion, just the mix required to keep a hold on such a vast empire. Unlike his predecessors who had worshipped the Hindu deities of Shiva and Vishnu, Jayavarman VII adopted Mahayana Buddhism as the fount of royal divinity. This sets the Bayon apart from many other Angkorian monuments. The bas-reliefs here depict intricate scenes of ancient battles against the Chams and offer a wonderful snapshot of daily life during the Angkor period.

Baphuon Temple

You’ll then continue to visit Baphuon. It is located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon. Built in the mid-11th century, it is a three-tiered temple mountain built as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Terrace of the Elephants

Stroll to the Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas, of which only a few ruins remain.

Terrace of the Leper King

We also visit, Terrace of the Leper King is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.

Phimeanakas

Next, visit Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, and then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.

Ta Prohm

Next, you’ll continue to Ta Phrom this temple is perhaps the most atmospheric of all Angkor’s treasures. The temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been left to the destructive power of nature by archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn you expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. It is one of the most regularly visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective forest canopy above the ruined temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them. This was one of the settings for Lara Croft’s adventures in “Tomb Raider”. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant.

Angkor Wat

Take a break for lunch at local restaurant and afterwards, you’ll be dazzled by what you see this afternoon at the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs and many devatas (guardian spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages.

Banteay Srei

This morning, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This jewel of Angkor was built by a Brahman in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of exquisite sculptures, lintels and friezes. These, it is said, must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives the origin of the Khmer name, Fortress of the Women. While it may be a small temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srei is found not in the scale, but the detail. Many believe the intricate carving is the best example of Khmer classical art in existence. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.

Preah Khan

Next, continue to visit Preah Khan, built in the same style as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan is a much better state of preservation. Meaning The Sacred Sword, this temple was also built by Jayavarman VII and is famous for its immensely long cruciform corridors and delicate carvings, including the spectacular hall of dancers. Look out for the curious two-storey structure that is almost Grecian in inspiration. This is one of the few temples originally dedicated to both Buddhism and Hinduism. The original eastern entrance was for Mahayana Buddhists, while the other cardinal points represented the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch at a delicious local restaurant in town.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village

After lunch, you’ll continue for a tour of the surrounding countryside and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut drink with the family and do not hesitate to talk with the local people to get to know more about their lives. Later, you may wish to join us for drive to the fishing village of Kompong Pluk near Siem Reap and board a private boat. Visit Kompong Pluk village with its houses standing on stilts and board a pirogue to discover the seasonally flooded forest. Visit the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the lake.

Siem Reap

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Siem Reap Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. This morning board a flight from Siem Reap via Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Approximate flight time is three hour and 35 minutes.

Chiang Mai

Fly Siem Reap to Chiang Mai, departing 09:55, arriving 13:45 Welcome to Thailand. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, obtain your Thailand visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Chiang Mai, Thailand, the "Rose of the North," established in the 13th century, and known for its artistic and cultural heritage. Lunch at a local restaurant and afternoon, visit several teak, Lanna-style houses and some of Chiang Mai’s most revered Buddhist temples and shrines.

Wat Phra Singh

Visit Wat Phra Singh Built in 1345, the Temple is located on Sam Lan Road. It houses the North s most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing which is enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, a Chapel that features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals.

Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara

Next, continue to visit Wat Chedi Luang's massive chedi (pagoda) was built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty and is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its peak, the chedi measured 60 metres across at the square base and 80 metres tall and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religious relic.

Wat Suan Dok

You’ll also visit Wat Suan Dok, is localted just west of the old walled part of Chiang Mai is a very old temple knows for its large numver of white chedis or pagodas. Wat Suan Dok literally means flower garden temple. The temple derives its name from the location where it was built. The temple area was once used as a Royal flower gardens by the ruler of Chiang Mai. The most noticeable features of the Wat Suan Dok is the large number of chedis.The tallest golden chedi in Sri Lankan style is 48 meters high and contains the relic of the Buddha – before enjoying dinner at your choice of restaurants back at the hotel.

Lampang

Today head out to the countryside around Chiang Mai with your private English-speaking guide to discover the temples of Lampang and Lamphun, stopping to browse for the famous Lampang ceramics and a snack at the Kaad Thung Kwain Market.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

Discover the magnificent Lanna architecture of Temple Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, the ancient Temple long existed with Lampang sincce Phra Nang Cham tewi era. Aside from its ancient architecture, it's also Phra That of the year of the ox due to its construction commence and complete in the year of the ox. The sacred Phra That is the Lotus Marble, the base in Lanna-style circular shape while the exterior are adorned with Chanko gold, decorating in various.

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai

Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, and continue to Lamphun to visit the dazzling temple complex of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a temple that is considered an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, especially for those born in the Year of the Rooster. If time permits on the way back to city, a stop can be made at Baan Tawai, a village on the outskirts of Chiang Mai that has gained a reputation as the best place to shop for handicrafts, particularly wood carvings.

Chiang Mai

In the morning you’ll continue an unforgettable excursion to the hill tribe villages of Chiang Mai today to meet the people of the Palong, Padong and Karen tribes, who live peacefully there as small farmers, observing and honoring their traditional ways of life. They'll share their crafts and folkways with you... you'll even get to try on the traditional neck rings worn by members of the "long-necked" Karen tribe!

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

You’ll then take a scenic drive to Doi Suthep National Park, home to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep – a temple perched at the top of a peak more than 3,500 feet above sea level. Return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening to explore Chiang Mai’s restaurants on your own.

Chiang Mai

A morning flight takes you to bustling Bangkok in time for lunch at a local restaurant and afternoon sightseeing in Bangkok, an intriguing mix of ancient and modern. You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Chiang Mai Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Board a flight from Chiang Mai with direct service to Bangkok. Approximate flight time is one hour and 25 minutes.

Bangkok

Fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, departing at 10:10, arriving at 11:35. You will be privately transferred from the airport to your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.

Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School

After lunch, visit Wat Pho (famous for its 141-foot-long reclining Buddha) Wat Pho is not only one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Bangkok but it is where history, medical science and educational institute combined. Officially named Wat Prachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam, Wat pho was believed to be founded during the 16th century and was later served as The Royal Temple of King Rama I of Chakri Dynasty.

The Grand Palace

Next, continue to Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), resided at the Chitralada Royal Villa and his successor King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, both in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

You’ll also visit Wat Phra Kaew, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The complex consists of a number of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical centre of Bangkok. It houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha, which is venerated as the country's palladium. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own in Bangkok.

Khlong Dan

Cruise up the Chao Phraya River and through a network of canals, called klongs, which lace the city. These often-bustling "city streets," lined with homes and small businesses, are where much of "real life" in Bangkok is found, as you'll witness firsthand.

Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Stop for a visit ay Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) along the way. The Temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Makok after the name of the local Village Tambol Bangmakok. It means "Village of Olives". Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name The Temple of Dawn. The location of the temple is in the area that used to be occupied by the Palace of King Taksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after the fall of Ayuttaya more than two hundred years ago. The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II.

Jim Thompson House

Then journey from the riverside to the Jim Thompson House & Museum, where you'll join a local guide to tour the art- and artefact-filled Bangkok home of the expatriate American architect, OSS officer and postwar Thai silk entrepreneur who mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s. After lunch your guide will accompany you back to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Bangkok

Tour ends: Bangkok. A transfer from Sukhothai Hotel to Bangkok International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.