Day-By-Day Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists.

Day 1 Fly USA to Bangkok

Day 2 Arrive Bangkok

Upon arrival and after clearing customs and immigration, a driver will meet you and transfer you directly to your downtown hotel.

An exciting brew of traffic and temples, luxury hotels and labyrinth-like streets, the “City of Angels,” is a hectic heaven. This inexhaustible energy is part of Bangkok’s charm, and it has made this feisty capital one of Asia’s favorite tourist destinations. Cutting through the heart of the city, the magnificent Chao Phraya River, “the River of Kings” provides easy access to Bangkok’s numerous Buddhist temples and the Grand Palace, as well offering insight into Thai life.

Day 3 Morning Klong cruise and Grand Palace

This morning take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya and its canals via Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and ending at the Grand Palace. Wat Arun is a 260 ft. high, Khmer-inspired tower, the centerpiece of which rises majestically from the banks of the Chao Phraya, across from Wat Po. This religious complex served as the royal chapel during King Taksin's reign (1809-24), when nearby Thonburi was the capital of Thailand.

The Grand Palace complex, which includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow), is unquestionably one of the wonders of the world today. Within its enormous grounds is the most exotic Buddhist temple and at the heart of the temple itself is a fabulous Buddha image, carved from one piece of Jade, which is the holiest and most revered of religious objects in Thailand today.

Day 4 Morning Damnern Floating Markets

Thailand's floating markets are among the most-photographed destinations in the country. The river and 'klong' markets give a realistic glance of how daily life must have been in earlier times. The floating markets are where the sellers, their boats laden with a wide variety of tropical fruits, flowers, vegetables and fresh produce, come to meet and barter their products with other traders. These days, modern supermarkets and department stores have largely replaced the traditional floating markets, but a few still survive.

The most popular floating market, one of the must-see one-day trips from Bangkok, is at Ratchaburi, about 60 miles to the west of Bangkok. The Damnern Saduak market is the largest of its kind, attracting a large number of tourists each day. The lively and colorful images of boat vendors trading their agricultural products is one of the most fascinating and endearing images of Thailand.

Day 5 Fly Bangkok to Chiang Mai

An English speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby for your private airport transfer for your flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.

Chiang Mai is the gateway city to Thailand’s lush north and its rustic hill tribe villages. Dating back 700 years, the focal point is “Old City,” the walled and moated remains of an imposing fortress.

Surrounding this historic site is a blossoming city containing all the characteristics of a modern town. World class restaurants and idyllic hotel retreats include the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi. This is the place to pet an elephant as you enjoy off-road driving on the back of a gentle giant, or take to a bamboo raft for a watery fun-filled afternoon.

Afternoon and Doi Suthep Temple and Sankhampaeng handicraft

At 3,456 feet above sea level, the most famous and important temple in Chiang Mai sits amidst a cool refreshing climate with expansive views over the city.  Climb the 300 stairs, flanked on each side by a “naga” (mythical serpent), or ride in a tram to reach the temple.  The temple has several beautifully decorated buildings as well as a museum and a Lanna-style chedi covered with engraved and gilded plates flanked by four ornamental umbrellas.

Before returning to the hotel you will have time to shop along the handicraft highway on Sankhampaeng Road. This eight-mile stretch is lined with shops and factories producing and selling various handicrafts as well as the Sa Umbrella Village.

Day 6 and 8 Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Cooking School

Discover Thailand's fascinating culture and world famous cuisine at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai's Cooking School. Classes are conducted Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by lunch.

Monday – Spicy salads
You will learn how to prepare an array of savory and spicy salads, and be introduced to traditional Thai cooking utensils that are still in use today.

Tuesday – Traditional soups and noodles
Experience ancient techniques of preparing tasty soups and noodle dishes, visit the school's demonstrative herb and spice garden and be introduced to the various types of noodles.

Wednesday – Freshwater delicacies
Find out the different methods of preparing an array of tantalizing fresh water fish during this module. Whether stir-fried, steamed or crispy, Thai cuisine has perfected the art of extracting intense flavors from any fish.

Thursday – The secrets of Thai curries
Learn about the secrets of preparing Thai curries from scratch and enjoy the flavorful array of dishes over lunch. Chiang Mai's famous Kaow Soi Gai (Chiang Mai curry noodle soup with chicken) will be introduced in this module.

Friday – Thai appetizers
Be introduced to traditional Khantoke dinner set-up and its historic meaning. Enjoy Thai hors d'oeuvres and tasty starters in the traditional manner. Learn how to make Thailand's famous iced tea and iced coffee.

Saturday – Chef's recommendations
Our Executive Chef will create a traditional Thai menu for you to copy when at home. Learn his tips and tricks as he prepares a delicious five-course meal with the freshest available produce from the local markets.

Day 7 Full day Padaung long-neck hill tribe private tour

Among the smallest Karen tribes in Thailand is the Karen Padaung.  These are a predominant tribe, once occupying central Myanmar before the Myanmar arrived from the north.  Most commonly known as the Long-Neck, this term signifies the practice of adorning their women with brass rings around the neck.  Some of them reside in Bann Thaton in the north of Chiang Mai.  This trip will allow you ample time to visit the hilltribes: Padaung Long-Neck, Akha and Lahu-Shibala (Big-Ear Lahu), and enjoy the expensive views over the surrounding countryside of Chiang Mai.

Visit Akha, Lahu-Shibala (Big-Ears Lahu) and Padaung Long-Neck.  The origin of the ring-wearing ritual remains unclear, resulting in many possible sometimes embarrassing explanations.  According to the Padaung legend, the mother of their tribe was a dragon with a long beautiful neck and their unique custom is an imitation of her.   Some people claim that the ring-wearing arose out of a need to protect woman from tiger attacks.

Day 8 Fly Chiang Mai to Bangkok

Thai cooking lessons this morning followed by an afternoon of relaxation at the resort.

Late this afternoon an English speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby for your private airport transfer and your return to Bangkok this evening and overnight at the Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel.

Day 9 Fly Bangkok to USA

Transfer by hotel courtesy transport to the terminal for your return flight to the United States.