Itinerary

Travel to Thailand and discover Bangkok - a modern city with an ancient heart. Visit the Emerald Buddha housed beneath the gleaming spires of the Grand Palace. Cruise down the narrow khlongs to see the contrast between city and canal-side life.

Venture north to Chiang Mai and learn to whip up local delicacies at a Thai cooking class. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride to the ruined city of Wiang Kum Kam to explore its well-preserved ruins. Chat with friendly monks at the Wat Chedi Luang temple complex and visit the local market. In the evening, climb up to Doi Suthep, a sacred mountain famous for its copper-plated chedi and sweeping views, before enjoying a traditional dinner and cultural performance.

Head into the Thai countryside where rice fields meet the forest. Get acquainted with Thailand's second-largest hilltribe group - the H'mong. Admire the embroidered aprons, sashes and silver jewellery worn by many H'mong females and gain an insight into local customs during a cultural performance.

Nicknamed the Dawn of Happiness, Sukhothai still recalls Siam's golden age with its superb statues, monuments and blooming lotus flowers. Spend a memorable day exploring these important remnants of Thailand’s ‘golden age’.

Make a sobering visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial. Board a train at Nam Tok station - the main terminal of the Death Railway - and ride along these historic tracks, passing over the original wooden viaduct, the bridge on the River Kwai. Afterwards, pay a visit to Jeath War Museum.

Return to Bangkok, where there’s ample time for some last minute shopping before a cruise and farewell dinner on the mighty Chao Phraya River.