DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Bangkok.
On arrival in Bangkok you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for four nights.
DAY 3: Bangkok.
The Thai capital is an exhilarating blend of exquisite historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping and friendly culture. A thrilling day's sightseeing lies ahead taking in the city's principal landmarks such as the splendid Wat Trimitr temple with its precious gold Buddha, Wat Po, home of the stunning reclining Buddha, the gleaming Grand Palace - Thailand's most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This afternoon, why not join the optional boat ride along the picturesque Thonburi canals and Chao Phraya River? This evening, enjoy a special Thai dinner accompanied by Thai classical music and dancers. (B, D)
DAY 4: Bangkok.
Visit the legendary floating market of Damnoen Saduak, where traders sell all manner of items from their boats including exotic fruit and vegetables, silks and toys. Later, visit the world's tallest Buddhist pagoda, Phra Pathom Chedi, before heading to the Rose Garden cultural centre for lunch and a dazzling Thai show that includes a famous fingernail dance, sword fighting and Thai boxing. (B, L)
DAY 5: Bangkok.
Explore Bangkok at leisure, perhaps enjoying the great value shopping, a lively market or some delicious Thai cuisine. (B)
DAY 6: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - River Kwai.
Travel to Kanchanaburi on the banks of the River Kwai - famed for the River Kwai Bridge built during World War II. Visit the Allied Forces cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum. Today's highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge to Tham Krasae Station. From here, visit Tham Krasae Cave, which offers great views of the river and 'Death Railway'. This afternoon take a boat ride to Lava Cave, home to thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, before continuing to your hotel. (B, L)
DAY 7: River Kwai - Ayutthaya.
Visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, a part of the Death Railway that cuts through the mountains and now houses a museum dedicated to the Allied prisoners and Asian labourers who helped build, and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass. Later, head north to the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. Visit Bang Pa In, built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Kings of Ayutthaya, before continuing to your hotel for one night. (B, L)
DAY 8: Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Phitsanuloke.
Journey amidst beautiful landscapes to Wat Phra Puttabat to see its enormous snake-adorned staircase and footprint of Buddha before heading to Lopburi to visit the renowned Three Spires Pagoda and the Sarn Prakarn Temple - home to many monkeys. Later drive to Phitsanuloke, with its houseboat-laden river and this evening, take an optional rickshaw ride to the colourful night market. (B, L)
DAY 9: Phitsanuloke - Sukhothai - Lampang.
Drive to Sukhothai, Thailand's 13th century former capital, and admire the atmospheric, moated old town. Visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore ruined temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. After lunch, drive through rural countryside to Lampang. (B, L)
DAY 10: Lampang - Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai.
This morning, visit the Temple of Lampang's Great Buddha to see the exquisite Emerald Buddha, the only one outside Bangkok before driving to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town. After lunch, continue to the legendary 'Golden Triangle' where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. After an enjoyable optional boat tour on the Mekong River, continue to Chiang Rai. (B, L)
DAY 11: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai.
Drive through panoramic uplands and breathtaking vistas to Doi Mae Salong, where traditional Chinese herbal medicines are made and sold, before visiting the hot springs at Mae Ka Chan, which locals believe relieve a host of ailments. After lunch, continue through lush jungle to Chiang Mai, a fragrant mountain retreat called the 'Rose of the North' for its refreshing climate. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kantoke Dinner and dance show. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Chiang Mai.
Begin with a visit to an elephant camp to see these incredible creatures working in the jungle. After an optional elephant ride, visit an orchid farm where myriad orchid varieties are grown for export. This afternoon, visit San Kampaeng to see local craftsmen make traditional lacquerware and teakwood furniture, before heading to the Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep, a stepped hilltop temple with spectacular views over Chiang Mai. (B, L)
DAY 13: Chiang Mai.
Today is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Why not join an optional Thai cooking class, and learn the secrets of traditional dishes? This evening, explore the city's bustling night markets and bazaars, where you will find food stalls selling local specialities. (B)
DAY 14: Chiang Mai - UK.
Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to the UK via Bangkok. (B)
DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.