GRAN TOUR THAILANDIA ** TOUR COLLETTIVO **

After completing customs formalities, make your way to exit gate number 6, where a representative of the local agent will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. Direct transfer to the hotel (driver only). Assistance from one of our Italian representatives at check-in and informational orientation. The rest of the day available. Bangkok is the geographical heart of the country, a crazy metropolis with shining golden temples, floating markets, and trendy nightclubs. Accommodation Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok.

Km 290.
Breakfast. Pickup of participants from different hotels between 06.00 and 07.00; one of our representatives will have previously communicated the meeting time in the lobby of your hotel. Departure to the River Kwai. Stop at the famous Maeklong Railway Market, the local market crossed by an active railway line. The uniqueness of this place lies in the fact that goods are displayed directly along the tracks, and every time a train passes, part of the merchandise must be quickly removed and then immediately put back in place.
The tour then continues to the renowned floating market of Damnoen Saduak, located in the fertile plains of Ratchaburi Province, about 100 km west of Bangkok. Free time to explore and visit the market. Later, we will return to the course of the Maekhlong River (Kwai) for lunch at a panoramic restaurant. We enter the region of Kanchanaburi, whose rugged and wild mountains mark the natural border with neighboring Burma. We continue to the Tham Krasae train station, on a high cliff overlooking the river; we visit the small cave that houses a Buddha statue, then on the historic train we follow the course of the Kwai River along viaducts clinging to the steep mountain walls. We arrive at Tha Kilaen station and from there we continue by car to the Nam Tok boarding pier; we continue on traditional motor boats to the hotel, a simple resort in a picturesque location on the river banks, surrounded by jungle and mountain peaks; the final part of the afternoon is free to enjoy the resort's services in the lush surrounding nature. Dinner. Accommodation River Kwai Resotel.

Km 290.
Breakfast. At 7:30, transfer by boat to Nam Tok pier and continue by road to Sai Yok Yai National Park, known for its small but charming waterfalls. (With a supplement, payable and bookable only on site, it is possible to reach the park directly from the hotel with a navigation of just over an hour on board traditional long-tail motorboats, a very suggestive route in the jungle among high mountains overlooking the winding course of the river). Navigation on a large wooden barge that will be towed under the waterfalls for a fun and refreshing shower (bring your swimsuit!). Refreshments on board during the navigation, including coffee and fresh fruit. Later, leave the park by car to begin the return journey to Bangkok. Stop at the capital of Kanchanaburi to visit the famous "Bridge over the River Kwai", partially destroyed at the end of the war and now restored to its former shape. Visit on site and lunch at the floating restaurant located under the bridge. Departure for Ayutthaya at 13:00. I will arrive at 17.30/18.00. Available evening. Accommodation Classic Kameo.

Km 410.
Breakfast. Departure of the tour. Arrival in the provincial capital city of Ayutthaya, home to the famous ruins that once formed the capital of the Kings of Siam for more than four hundred years, from the 14th to the 18th century. Visit Wat Chai Wattanaram, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and built during the 17th century in Khmer style, featuring a central group of five monumental “Phrang” towers.
Continue with visits to Wat Sri Samphet, the temple of the ancient Royal Palace, characterized by three gigantic bell-shaped pagodas, and then the adjacent Wat Mongkhon Bophit, a temple housing a gigantic seated Buddha statue. Finally, visit one of the most famous and sought-after ruins among international visitors: Wat Mahathat, the Temple of the “Great Relic” of the Buddha. Built in Khmer style in the 14th century and distinguished by its imposing “Phrang”-style tower, the site is especially renowned for the stone Buddha face hidden among the roots of centuries-old trees.
Lunch at a local restaurant set within a beautiful tropical garden. After lunch, continue deeper into central Thailand, reaching Kamphaeng Phet Province, where orchards dominate the landscape. The variety of juicy tropical fruits here is so rich that it forms the basis of many typical local dishes. The exceptionally sweet “Gluay Kai,” known as “egg bananas” because of their small size and weight, are so famous that an entire market has been dedicated to them, where they can be enjoyed in many different styles of cooking and preparation. The ruins of Sukhothai, the city that served as the first capital of Siam, are now only a short distance away. It was here, in the 13th century, that the culture, language, and concept of nationhood of the Siamese people first emerged. At approximately 7:00 PM, arrival near the ancient Historical Park. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay. accommodation Le Charme.

Km 310.
In the morning departure for a pleasant and relaxing bicycle ride among the ruins of the historical park of Sukhothai. Alternatively, for those who do not enjoy cycling, it will be possible to move around inside the historical park aboard the local electric trains. We reach the most important ruins of the park, among them Wat Mahathat, the temple of the royal palace built on a Mandala plan, which once housed a relic of the Buddha, Wat Sa Sri with its famous bell-shaped pagoda and Wat Sri Sawai, an ancient Hindu temple built by the Khmer. We leave the historical park, continuing the route by bicycle towards the old quarters of the city, lively centres of craftsmanship. In ancient times Sukhothai was famous for its production of fine ceramics, known throughout Asia by the name of "Sangkanlok". The finest pieces were exported to China and to other countries in the region, loaded onto large junks that sailed down the rivers from Sukhothai as far as the South China Sea. The Sangkanlok tradition has been preserved to the present day and is still practised in various craft workshops in the old quarters. The original decorative forms that distinguish Sangkanlok are based on fish or floral motifs in black. We cycle as far as one of the workshops, where it will be possible to admire the work of the local craftsmen. During the morning we leave Sukhothai and head north. We reach the town of Phrae, capital of the province of the same name, where you can begin to appreciate the style, the architecture and the culture of northern Thailand (or "Lanna"). Lunch in a restaurant in Phrae. Phrae is known for the beauty of its old wooden noble residences. Some are of imposing size and elegantly furnished, such as the Khum Vongburi residence, today a museum. The building has received various awards for its preservation of ancient architectural styles. Visit to the museum and continuation to a craft village on the outskirts of the town, known for the production of 'Mor Hom', the typical blue jacket worn in the countryside of the North. In the village you will be able to watch the craftsmen producing and dyeing the fabrics. From here we head still further north until we reach one of the country's most traditional northern provinces: Phayao, known for its historic centre with small wooden houses and for the large lake that the town looks out over. At 6 p.m. arrival in Phayao and accommodation at the hotel, dinner not included and overnight. Accommodation M2 Hotel Waterside.

Km 250.
At 07:15 departure for the embarkation pier (2 km). You will witness the offering to novice monks (Taak Bat) at the pier in the city center. Participants may personally purchase the Sangkatan on site. Afterwards, boarding small paddle boats operated by local fishermen to reach a small islet in the middle of the lake, where the ancient statue of the Buddha of Tilok Aram is located.
(Note: during the dry season, the water level may not be high enough to allow the boat trip. The excursion may also be canceled in case of bad weather or high waves.) At 08:40 return to the hotel for breakfast. At 09:30 check-out and departure for Chiang Rai. Arrival at around 11:15 at Wat Rong Seua Ten, or the “Blue Temple,” a contemporary work by the artist Putha Kabkaew. Psychedelic effects, colossal statues depicting menacing Yak—Buddhist demons—and mythological animals such as the Makara capture the visitor’s attention. At 11:45 departure from the city heading further north, toward the tripoint border area. Before you stretches a vast plain cultivated with rice and tropical fruit, crossed by the main tributaries of the Mekong, the great river that flows down from the Himalayas and runs through all of Southeast Asia to the China Sea. Here the Mekong is in its middle–lower course and represents a major trade artery for local populations. This is one of the most active and dynamic ethnic and commercial crossroads in Asia. Cultural interaction has encouraged the blending of traditions and folk knowledge. In this area there are mountain communities alongside Chinese, Lao, and Burmese groups. Many of these settlements lie on the slopes of Mount Mae Salong, near the border with Myanmar. The road leading to the summit is dotted with meeting places, such as the traditional Mae Salong Nai market, where it is not uncommon to encounter people of various ethnicities still wearing their traditional costumes. This is also the land of Khao Soi, a delicious curry soup rich in coconut milk and spices. From the market, the journey continues into the countryside to reach Ahsa, a local farmstay where we will be hosted to discover how this succulent dish is prepared. Khao Soi will also be the basis of today’s lunch. The farmstay is immersed in nature, set in a rice field surrounded by hills, offering a glimpse of daily life in the countryside of Northern Thailand. The farmer grows rubber trees, owns buffalo—once used for fieldwork before the arrival of tractors—and, depending on the season, sows and harvests a variety of tropical fruits. Animal husbandry and agriculture are always surrounded by jungle, which forms the backdrop to everyday life and with which the peoples of the North have coexisted for centuries. After lunch, you will proceed to the “Golden Triangle,” the border area where the three countries meet. Visit the local museum, which traces the history of poppy cultivation and opium production. The confluence of the rivers can be admired from the top of the hill that hosts the ancient place of worship now known as Phrathat Doi Pu Khao. At the end of the visit, return to Chiang Rai. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay. Accommodation The Mantrini.

Km 200.
Breakfast. Chiang Rai is left early in the morning, heading toward Chiang Mai. The landscape is mountainous, with ridges covered in dense tropical vegetation.
Visit to Wat Rong Khun, the famous monument designed and built by Ajarn Chalermchai, characterized by a stylistic hybrid that blends modern architecture with traditional forms of the past. Its vast scale and lavish decorations have made it one of the most photographed sites by international tourists today.
At around 12:45, upon arrival in Chiang Mai, the first stop is in the Bo Sang district, known since ancient times for its handicraft production. Visit to a workshop producing the famous Thai silks. Lunch at a local restaurant. The historic center of Chiang Mai lies in a broad valley bordered to the east by the imposing Doi Suthep mountain, which rises to 1,600 meters and towers over the entire city. In the afternoon, ascent to reach one of the most famous and sacred sanctuaries in the country: Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, built at over 1,000 meters above sea level. Legend has it that the site of its construction was indicated by the wandering of a mythical white elephant carrying a sacred relic of the Buddha on its back. The relic was buried where the impressive golden chedi now stands at the center of the sanctuary, one of the most iconic religious images in Thailand.
Descent from the mountain and arrival back in the city at around 17:30.
For those who wish (at no extra charge), it is possible to take a pleasant walking tour to immerse oneself in the everyday life of the city’s historic core (those who choose not to join the walking tour will be taken directly to the hotel). Here, narrow lanes wind through small Lanna-style houses interspersed with the 119 Theravada temples that for over seven centuries made Chiang Mai the principal center of Buddhist worship in Southeast Asia. The tour begins in the large square dominated by the bronze statues of three legendary ancient kings and, passing by Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang—where the city’s foundation stone was once kept—continues to Wat Chedi Luang, home to the largest chedi (pagoda) in the entire Lanna region, built in the 14th century. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in Chiang Mai. Accommodation The Empress.

Km 110.
Breakfast. At approximately 07:30 you leave Chiang Mai and head towards the mountains north of the city. Set in an exotic mountain landscape is one of the very few centres approved by animal welfare associations where you can come into contact with elephants. The standards for the respect of these giants allow visitors to approach them, follow them into the jungle and study their feeding habits and their survival techniques in their natural habitat. Physical contact with the animals, feeding and close contact with them during bathing are not permitted. The whole morning is spent at the centre. Expert English-speaking local guides from the elephant centre lead visitors into the jungle, following the elephants from a suitable distance and giving detailed explanations about their way of life. Lunch at the centre and transfer to Chiang Mai airport. Departure to Bangkok. Available evening. Accommodation Holiday Inn Silom.

Km 200.
Breakfast. At 08:30 you meet the guide in the hotel lobby and set off for the day's tour. The first stop will be Wat Saket, also known as the "Golden Mount". In the 19th century, King Rama III ordered the construction of an imposing Chedi (bell-shaped pagoda), but the building collapsed during construction. The rubble formed a hill, which in time became covered with vegetation. The site was later restored and enlarged with a smaller Chedi, erected above the mound of rubble. On this occasion a relic attributed to the body of the Buddha arrived from Sri Lanka and was placed inside the Chedi. Today the shrine is reached by climbing a spiral staircase of about 300 steps, which also passes alongside the row of sacred bells that pilgrims ring for good fortune and to drive away evil spirits. From the panoramic terrace you enjoy a spectacular view over the most representative districts of Bangkok, ideal for memorable photographs. Afterwards you will cross the Chao Phraya river to reach one of the city's most famous symbols: Wat Arun, or the "Temple of Dawn". Located in Thonburi, on the opposite bank of the river, Wat Arun is famous for its imposing pagoda, a true emblem of Bangkok. After the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767 by the Burmese, Thonburi temporarily became the capital of Siam until the founding of present-day Bangkok in 1782 by King Rama I. During this period, King Taksin chose Wat Arun as the state temple. The complex was enlarged in the following century, with the construction of the tall and majestic central pagoda, which represents Mount Meru, the centre of the universe according to Buddhist tradition. Lunch in a local restaurant. At 14:00 the visit to the Royal Grand Palace begins, the royal residence built at the end of the 18th century when Bangkok became the capital of Siam. The Grand Palace was a residence and seat of government until 1925 and houses the famous Wat Phra Kaew, the temple where the Emerald Buddha is kept, one of the most representative symbols of the royal dynasty. According to legend, the statue comes from India and reached South-East Asia through the Khmer of Angkor, passing through Lanna (today Northern Thailand), Luang Prabang and Vientiane, before being brought by the Siamese to Bangkok in 1779. Inside the Grand Palace there are also other historic complexes: the Montien Group, once the private residence of the kings and today the keeper of the ashes of several sovereigns of the current dynasty; the Dusit Maha Prasat Audience Hall; and the Chakri Throne Hall, designed by English architects on the orders of Rama V at the end of the 19th century. The Chakri complex can be visited only from the outside, while the Dusit and the Montien may occasionally also be visited inside (access not guaranteed). Next, a visit to Wat Pho, the oldest Buddhist monastery in the city. The sacred "Bot" holds a revered image of the Buddha, protected by two surrounding walls, while four imposing bell-shaped stupas behind it contain part of the ashes of the first kings of the current dynasty. Wat Pho is also famous for the Reclining Buddha, a gigantic statue symbolising the majesty of the Buddha in the face of evil, linked to a legend unique to South-East Asia. Inside the complex there is also the seat of the oldest school of Thai massage. Return to the hotel at around 17:30. Available evening. Dinner free.

Breakfast. Check-out of the room by 12:00. At the locally indicated time, transfer to the airport only with a driver, without assistance. End of the tour.