Welcome to Myanmar! Explore Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar and a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay is known for its vibrant energy, thriving businesses, and cultural richness. Discover the panoramic view from Mandalay Hill, visit the impressive Kuthodaw Pagoda, often called “The World’s Biggest Book,” and explore the exquisite Shwenandaw Monastery with its remarkable woodcarvings. Enjoy your stay in Mandalay, where tradition meets progress.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Mandalay

Meals: Breakfast

Explore Mandalay on a guided tour, starting with a visit to the revered Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda houses one of the country’s most honored Buddha images, completely covered in gold leaves that are every day applied to the statue by male devotees. If time allows, discover craft workshops specializing in gold leaf, tapestries, wood carvings, or marionettes. Later, drive to Amarapura, where you’ll visit the Mahagandayon Monastery and the iconic U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teakwood bridge.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic four-hour drive to Bagan, known for its breathtaking collection of over 4,000 red brick temples. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy your stay. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bagan

Meals: Breakfast

OPTION: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER BAGAN (FROM 20 OCT – 10 APR)

Begin your morning with an unforgettable hot-air balloon ride over the scenic Bagan countryside, witnessing the

sunrise over the Irrawaddy River and majestic stupas (available from October 20 to April 10).

Optional tour not included on tour price. 

Then, explore the serene village of Minnanthu, known for its tranquil atmosphere and lesser-known temples like Payathonzu, Lemyentha, and Nandamannya. Visit the Kyat Kan Cave monastery,

a renowned meditation retreat, and observe the traditional way of life in

nearby farming villages. In Myinkaba

village, discover the art of lacquer ware production and witness skilled craftsmen at work. Explore the

remarkable Gu Byaukgyi Temple with its beautiful frescoes, and marvel at the

ancient Nanpaya Temple’s Buddha

images. Don’t miss the Myazedi (Jade) Stupa, revered for its relics and 12th-century

inscriptions in Burmese, Pyu, Pali, and Mon languages. Lunch and dinner are not included. Overnight stay in Bagan.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bagan  

Meals: Breakfast

Begin your day by transferring to the airport for a flight to Heho, located in the heart of the Shan State. Upon arrival, you’ll proceed to NyaungShwe village, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit rural workshops specializing in traditional Shan paper and beautifully handcrafted umbrellas.

Next, hop aboard a private motorboat and embark on a mesmerizing journey across Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most magnificent natural wonders. As you glide through the serene waters, you’ll encounter floating vegetation, charming fishing canoes, and picturesque hills as your backdrop. Along the way, pass by stilted villages where the local Intha people reside. Observe the unique leg-rowing technique of the fishermen and witness their incredible floating gardens, created using water hyacinth, earth, and anchored with bamboo poles. Finally, visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, housing five sacred Buddha images adorned in shimmering gold leaf.

Inle Lake is also renowned for its traditional crafts, and if you’re interested, we can make stops at workshops where you can witness the creation of exquisite woven items from lotus silk, observe boat builders (depending on the season), explore a cigar making workshop, or discover the skills of blacksmiths and silversmiths.

Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense. Enjoy an overnight stay in Inle Lake, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of this remarkable destination.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Inle Lake   

Meals: Breakfast

Fly to Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city and commercial hub. Explore its colonial heritage and religious sites. Visit the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see a 70-meter reclining Buddha statue. Stop by the Royal Lake in Kandawgyi Park for views of Karaweik Hall and the magnificent Golden Shwedagon Pagoda. Don’t miss the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, best experienced at sunset when its gilded stupa glows with enchanting hues. Ascend the eastern stairway, browse shops selling religious items, and learn about Myanmar’s Buddhist rituals. Witness the mesmerizing colors on the 100-meter chedi adorned with over 40 tons of gold leaf. Lunch and dinner are self-funded. Overnight in Yangon.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Yangon

Meals: Breakfast

Free until transfer to Yangon International Airport to take your flight to Bangkok. Welcome to Bangkok, upon arrive your local guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport and ready to transfer you to hotel for check in, Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax, you can have a relaxing walk around the hotel to discover the city.

Overnight in Bangkok

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok  

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel, then the fragrant and colorful Flower Market, Pakklong Talad. This is a wholesale flower market of Bangkok where there are various kinds of mainly fresh flowers with different colors of orchids, roses, daisies and lotus, etc. The kaleidoscope of colors and pungent odor of flowers provide an exotic sensory stimulation.

Then drive to visit the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple – Wat Phra Kaew. Before entering the main gate to the temple of the Emerald Buddha, stop by the Royal Regalia Museum to see the beauty of decorative jewelry, which used to ornaments of the royal officers and consorts. Walk in to enjoy the beauty of the temple of The Emerald Buddha. Visit the most sacred Buddha statue of Thailand, held by all Thais as also the symbol of national independence and enjoy the stunning buildings which you cannot miss taking photos of, every time you turn around. Get into the second court where the major imposing buildings are located. Visit the Amarin There Winitchai Throne Hall – originally a Hall of Justice but used today for coronation ceremonies and the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace initially served as a venue for royal audiences and later as Royal Funerary Hall.  Before lunch time, visit Reclining Buddha temple or Wat Pho, the oldest and biggest temple with the largest number of pagodas (95 in all) in the city. Also, it was the first open university of Thailand which offered courses in several branches of knowledge like literature, astrology, medicine and massage. It’s well known for its huge Reclining Buddha, 46 m. long and 15 m. high.

In the afternoon, take a long-tailed boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to see Thai lifestyle, contrast between luxurious condominiums and ruined houses along both sides of the canal. Pass the Grand Palace. Disembark at Wat Arun – the temple of Dawn to visit the tallest prang in Thailand. It was built in the concept of Mount Meru, the resident of God located on the center of the Universe. Then transfer to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

This morning we drive south of Bangkok for 80 kms to Samut Songkhram, the city offers visitors a glimpse into Thai countryside life. We will start the day with a stop at a local train station (Train Market) to experience a short regional train ride bounding for an amazing country market that has sprouted along the railway tracks

Please note that we do experience delays with trains in Thailand, should this occur, it may require changes to the program.

Here, you will witness the dexterity and speed of the vendors as they quickly pack their stalls away whenever the trains approach, hence bringing shopping to a brief halt. It is a standard practice and stall holders have learnt the art of assembling and reassembling their wares at a moment’s notice! Then we will visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Arrive the pier, then enjoy the scenery of rural life by long tail speed boat to the floating market.  Arrive at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; almost untouched by the modern world you will enjoy watching the farmers selling food, fruits, flowers and many kinds of local products in their boats. (Paddle boat are optional) 

Pay a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn more history about the railway.

If time permits, continue to visit Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park. The park is full of examples of the Khmar influenced architecture in this part of Thailand. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in

Kanchanaburi

In the early morning, drive to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam located in central Thailand.

Upon arrival, you can see the combination of Thai and European architecture. visit Bang Pa-In, a royal summer palace with lovely gardens. Admire the elegant Thai pavilion standing in the middle of a lake. Then visit Baan Hollanda the information centre on the history of Dutch-Thai relations. Opened in 2013, the centre was built with funds graciously donated by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and the Dutch government.

In the afternoon, tour the must-see ancient ruins in Ayutthaya. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a marvelous Khmer-style temple ruin located along the river. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is a temple complex with rows of restored Buddhas looking towards a huge Chedi. Wat Ratchaburana has the most incredible Khmer-style spire in Ayutthaya. Wat Mahathat was the most important temple in the kingdom and Royal ceremonies were held there. Overnight in Ayutthaya

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in

Ayutthaya

After breakfast, drive to Phitsanulok, one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago. The city boasts many interesting temples and museums.

Wat Nang Phaya is on the middle of the Nan River that holds traffic between Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and Wat Ratburana in Phitsanulok. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a Royal temple dating to the 14th century. Wat Ratburana is an old temple where the two elder brothers of King Borom Rachathirat II were cremated.

After that, visit Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum, which displays a remarkable collection of tools, textiles and photographs that spread throughout five traditional-style Thai buildings. Across the street from Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum is the Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry, where bronze Buddha images of all sizes are cast.

Attached to the Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry is Garden Birds of Thailand, a collection of cages containing indigenous Thai birds, including some endangered species such as the very pretty pink-chested jamu fruit-dove and the prehistoric-looking helmeted hornbill. Overnight in Phitsanulok

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in

Phitsanulok

Today, after about a 1-hour drive, you will reach Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage City. It is the first capital of Siam, housing a vast number of historical sites and temple ruins.

After that, start to explore the old town of Sukhothai for a relish of the once flourishing Thai civilization. Head to Sukhothai Historical Park that covers the remains of 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls, with an additional 70 sites within a 5km radius.

For example, Wat Si Sawai is famous for its Khmer gateways and its stone Buddha footprint. Wat Tra Phang Ngoen contains the large and fabulous seated Buddha and walking Buddha. Wat Srasri is one of the prettiest temples in the park, with a bell-shaped stupa and Buddhist iconography. Overnight in Sukhothai

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Sukhothai

After breakfast, drive about 3 hours to reach Lampang, the third largest city in northern Thailand. Upon arrival, take a horse carriage to visit Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, the temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Then drive to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Several interesting religious structures are visible, including the most beautiful and oldest wooden Lanna temple in Thailand, the open-sided Wihan Luang. Overnight in Lampang

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Lambang

Drive over 3 hours to transfer to Chiang Rai, the northernmost major city in Thailand, adjacent to Laos and Myanmar.

In Chiang Rai, enjoy a city highlights trip. Visit Rai Mae Fah Luang, a beautiful museum showcasing Lanna artifacts and Blue Temple.

If time permits, drive to Black House, also called Baan Dam, where you can see a lot of skeletons and animal skins, strange but impressive. Overnight in Chiang Rai 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in

Day 14: Chiang Rai – Discover Golden Triangle (B, L)

Day 14: Chiang Rai – Discover Golden Triangle (B, L)

Chiang Rai

The golden triangle is a mysterious region for most of Indochina tour makes, today you will enjoy a full day excursion to the heart of golden triangle region.

Your fascinating day will start from morning by firstly visit the Long Neck Karen village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border.

Keep driving to Mt. Doi Mae Salong and visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. Doi Tung, provides an opportunity to view enrooted many different Lahu and Akha village as well as terraced farming areas and see from distance the Princess Mother’s frigid flower Garden.  Doi Tung temple, built in A.D.1493, is located at the peak. Its scenery reminds one of Switzerland, features many unique images and temple architecture over looking the entire northern rice field plain.  Return to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.  Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, visit the White Temple, is an unusual Thai temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references. Keep driving around 30 minutes to Chiang Mai, visit the Meow Hill Tribe Village where locates on the Mountain Doi Pui and it was once famous for opium cultivation. Continue to visit the Temple Wat Doi Suthep where you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Chiang Mai City. If you like, here is also one of the best places to enjoy sunset.  Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

“Elephant Day Care ” (Not include riding, Not include Lunch)

Duration: 3-4 hours

Morning : 7:30 am.-12:45 am. (Include traveling time)

Patara’s “Elephant Day Care” is the ideal trip to learn about, and to care for our elephants. The emphasis is care of our pregnant elephants and mothers with small babies. You will have quality time with us to learn about our conservation philosophy “Elephant Conservation in Action”

You will be taking part of our daily healthcare routine which includes health inspection, feeding, walking with the elephants for exercise and also to the water for drinking and bathing. You will be able to observe them interacting among their families in natural environments. Our knowledgeable staff will be providing you with information regarding their daily care.

This trip will not include riding any elephants. It is suitable for all, especially friends, family with children, and lovers.

*** Activities can be changed depending on the weather ***

Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon is free for your own activities. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

Enjoy your time till transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. End of services. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: NA