Thailands Ancient Capitals

br />Book by August 31, 2010 and save $300 per couple on air-inclusive bookings on 1/19/11 departures.

Restrictions apply, based on availability.
Ask your agent for details today!Click here for terms and conditions.From admiring the resplendent Reclining Buddha in vibrant Bangkok, to cruising into Laos on the Mekong River, this 14-day journey through Thailand offers you endless moments of wonder and discovery. Visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. See elephants enjoying their morning bath and playing at the Maesa Elephant Camp. Test your bargaining skills at Chiang Mai’s famous Night Market. Explore the exotic and ornate Grand Palace, the royal residence built in 1782, and where school teacher Anna Leonowens lived, whose story inspired "The King and I."

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand.

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins
You arrive in Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Day 3: Bangkok
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Vibrant Bangkok is a central economic hub for Southeast Asia. Blending with its modern-day might is a captivating history that more than 10 million inhabitants call their own. A city tour provides you with insight into the fascinating religious composition of this area during visits to two of Bangkok's famous temples: The Golden Buddha, clad in plaster centuries ago to hide its value from marauders, and The Reclining Buddha which is about 150' long and is clad in pure gold. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782. Tonight you will be treated to a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River.

Day 4: Bangkok
Travel to the colorful and bustling floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting long tail boat cruise through the legendary canals, known as Klongs. Later, travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge inspired the movie about its construction by Allied prisoners of war during WWII who were coerced into building it by Japanese troops.

Day 5: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Phitsanulok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya's Golden Age of over 400 years of prosperity came to an abrupt end when the Burmese invaded and ravaged it before abandoning the city for the jungle. The ancient city is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and holds spectacular ruins dating from the 14th century.

Day 6: Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Lampang
Journey north to Sukhothai which presided as Thailand’s capital from 1238-1376. Explore this walled city that created a legacy of a unified nation of Thai people and has a phenomenal artistic heritage. The impressive assembly of elegant ruins is one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Later, arrive in Lampang, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Relax this evening at your hotel located on the banks of the Wang River.

Day 7: Lampang - Chiang Rai
Travel north to Chiang Rai in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of Lanna Thai, the “Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields.” Upon arrival, enjoy leisure time at your lodge situated on the Mae Kok River.

Day 8: Chiang Rai - Doi Tung - Chiang Rai
Travel to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. En route you have the opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha Hill Tribe villages and picturesque terraced farming areas. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother of Thailand, realized that education was critical in the reduction of opium cultivation. Learn about her efforts at the Doi Tung “Flag Mountain” Development Project, created to help improve the lives of the local villagers by offering alternatives to opium agriculture and use. Next, take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular Mae Fah Luang Foundation, “Mother to Us All Garden,” inspired by the much-loved Princess Mother's living in Switzerland. Learn about many traditional local crafts at the Cottage Industries Center.

Day 9: Chiang Rai - Laos - Chiang Rai
A visit to the Hall of Opium takes you on a journey into this mysterious world. Using state-of-the-art multimedia, the exhibition depicts more than 5,000 years of use and abuse of opiates, its spread throughout the world and international efforts to control it. Enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Mekong River area in the most relaxing way - by long tail boat. Cross the river on this unique vessel to Laos where you will have time to wander through a small village town.

Day 10: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
Begin the day traveling south to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” This city is famous for diverse cuisine, dialects and architecture, as well as the celebration of many festivals. Tour the cottage industries area and see the local artisans at work.

Day 11: Chiang Mai
A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai brings you to the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness elephants at work & play at Maesa Elephant Camp. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many varieties of the national flower of Thailand. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribe people.

Day 12: Chiang Mai
Visit one of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Dio Suthep, which is situated 3,520 feet above sea level. This temple is said to have been founded in 1383 and is a sacred site to many Thai people. Visit a jade factory and learn the history of this luminescent stone. A short film explains the basics of the process of turning jade into jewelry and other products before you watch the craftsmen at work. Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the Night Market.

Day 13: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight* brings you back to Bangkok. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

Day 14: Bangkok - Tour Ends
Your tour concludes in the city of Bangkok.

Don't miss our current specials: Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe Check out these last minute SAVINGS provided by our airline partners who have offered special pricing for specific tours and dates only. As a result, we're delighted to offer you FREE or reduced companion air on select tours. See list of tours for details on our last minute offer applied to that specific tour when you make your air-inclusive booking. Some restrictions may apply, please call 800-942-3301 for details. Italian Vistas This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Reflections of Italy Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano. Spain's Classics Spain is a colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, dotted with groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures in Madrid’s Prado Museum. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See Columbus’ tomb. Feel the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating at a performance in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Travel the Sierra Nevada Canada's Winter Wonderland Immerse yourself in the ultimate winter wonderland — the Canadian Rockies. Hop aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express and head for Jasper with spectacular views. Travel across the Icefields Parkway with breathtaking scenery. Relax at three Fairmont properties: Jasper Park Lodge, Château Lake Louise, and the Banff Springs Resort, each magically decorated for the holiday. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, kitchen tour and learn how to make your own holiday pastries FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11/3/2010 - 11/16/2010	$1,549
12/1/2010 - 12/14/2010	$1,549
1/19/2011 - 2/1/2011	$1,549
2/16/2011 - 3/1/2011	$1,549
3/2/2011 - 3/15/2011	$1,549
3/9/2011 - 3/22/2011	$1,549
4/6/2011 - 4/19/2011	$1,549
4/27/2011 - 5/10/2011	$1,549
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe

FREE Door to Door Service

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
• Europe Language Tips