Thailand – the essence of the Asian paradise

DEPARTURE TO BANGKOK

Our adventure begins with a flight to the capital of the country – Bangkok. According to the World Meteorological Organization… Bangkok is… the hottest capital in the world! In addition, it is a great metropolis, full of contrasts and cultural influences of neighboring countries. In addition to its magnificent temples and historical sites, Bangkok is an amazing place to discover new tastes and aroma…

BANGKOK

Welcome to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand! Upon arrival in Bangkok,  transfer to the hotel in the city center. After checking into your rooms, you will have time to rest to recuperate after a long flight. And those who are full of energy can explore the city on their own.

For volunteers, for an additional fee, dinner with a panorama of Bangkok. We will take a trip to Baiyoke Sky, which is one of the tallest buildings in Thailand. From its rooftop we will see the greatest view of Bangkok. Overnight stay in Bangkok.

BANGKOK

After breakfast, we will start exploring Bangkok. A trip awaits us, which is a great attraction for lovers of Buddhist sacral architecture. Participants will have a unique opportunity to take a close look at the Grand Royal Palace, where the ceremonies of Thailand’s royal family take place. You will be able to admire sacred temples and official buildings that have stood the test of time. First of all, we will see the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, where the famous statue of the Emerald Buddha is located.

Then we will go to the historic Buddhist temple of Wat Pho, where lies a gigantic statue of Reclining Buddha, partly decorated with pearl. This temple is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok, there are over 1000 images of Buddha. In the afternoon, we will take a boat ride to explore the bustling canals and local life along the Chao Phraya River. We will not miss the opportunity to stop at Wat Arun, famous for its iconic 79-meter spire, known as the Thai Eiffel Tower. We will admire the intricate workmanship of this magnificent temple.

For volunteers, for an additional fee, dinner with a traditional Thai dance show.

Overnight stay in Bangkok.

BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA - CHIANG RAI

After breakfast, we will depart for Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. We will visit the ruins of temples and palaces, including Wat Phu Khao Thong and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. We will also have the opportunity to admire the impressive bronze Buddha at Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit. Then we will visit the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokaya Sutha, followed by the beautiful Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. This palace combines European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles and is a favorite place of the king.

In the afternoon we will return to Bangkok for our flight to Chiang Rai. In the evening, after landing, we will be transferred to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Chiang Rai.

CHIANG RAI - DOI MAE SALONG - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - HILL TRIBE - CHIANG RAI

Today we continue our journey towards the north of Thailand – a forested and mountainous area. This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the area by driving the road to Mae Salong. We will drive up and down green hills covered with tea plantations. Here we will have the opportunity to try delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations in the region.

From Doi Mae Salong we will visit two ethnic minority villages: Akah village of Loyo and Lisu village of Ban Hanygo.

Then we will move to the region called the “Golden Triangle”. This area is located on the border of Thailand, Burma and Laos. We will sail along the Mekong River, which is the border line between these three countries. During the cruise we will stop in a village located in Laos. There we will have a great opportunity to try an alcoholic drink based on cobra or other very unusual mixtures. On the way back to the hotel we will visit the Opium Museum.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Chiang Rai.

CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) known for its captivating blue structure and central white Buddha. We will then drive to the Black House (Baan Dam), an eclectic mix of traditional and modern structures created by national artist Thawan Duchanee.

We will also visit a hill tribe village to learn about their culture. Finally, we will visit the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Its white color and unique mix of Buddhist and pop culture references make it a truly unique attraction. Then we will go straight to Chiang Mai. We will check into the hotel and have time to rest.

Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

CHIANG MAI - HALF-DAY ELEPHANT SANCTUARY - PHUKET

We will have breakfast at the hotel and then take a 1.5 hour drive to reach the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. We will drive from Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forests and local farming areas. On the spot, we will change into traditional Karen clothes and meet the elephants. We will learn everything about their behavior and history. We will have the opportunity to play with the elephants in their natural habitat and participate in feeding them. We will make a mud spa with these nice and gentle animals and walk with them across the river to bathe them. Before leaving, we will eat a traditional meal. Then we will drive to Chiang Mai, from where we will fly to Phuket in the afternoon. After landing, transport to the hotel.

Free time. Overnight stay in Phuket.

PLEASE NOTE: Please bring swimwear, hat, sunscreen with UV filter, insect repellent, towel, appropriate footwear, change of clothes, copy of passport photo page.

PHUKET

A relaxing morning awaits us today. After breakfast we will have free time to swim in the pool, stay on the beach or explore the street life. In the afternoon, a local guide will pick us up from the hotel and we will start exploring Phuket. We will stop and take photos at the best viewpoint in Phuket. We will see Kata Beach, Karon Beach and Pu Island from the top of the hill. We will observe the statue of the great Buddha towering over the island. Then we will visit the famous temple on the island of Phuket – Chalong Temple. Later, we will visit a cashew nut factory (a good local souvenir product). Finally, we will visit the old town of Phuket. We will get to know the way of life of the people of Phuket and see China Town as well as the buildings in the Sino-Portuguese style. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

PHUKET - PHI PHI

Today we will have time to relax and enjoy the island of Phuket.

For volunteers, for an additional fee, a full-day boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands. We will depart from Mâya Bay, where scenes from the movie “The Beach” were filmed. We will also have the opportunity to try snorkeling in Loh Samah Bay. We will also sail to Hong Island (Pileh Lagoon) to see the Viking Cave. We will have lunch before sailing to the next island. On the island of Khai, we will have some free time. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel in Phuket for the night.

ATTENTION: for the trip, please bring a swimsuit, beach shoes, beach towel, protective cream with UV filter.

PHUKET - JAMES BOND ISLAND

Free time and rest.

For those interested for an additional fee, you can take advantage of a full-day boat trip around Phang Nga Bay with the famous James Bond Island, where scenes from the movie “James Bond 007, the man with the golden gun” were filmed in 1974. On the route, among others, the islands of Panak and Hong. Then we will alter our mode of transportation to kayaks to swim to a beautiful cave, where you can admire the stalactites and beautiful limestone cliffs emerging from the turquoise water. We will have lunch in the fishing village of Panyee Musalim, where we will also have free time for shopping. From Panyee Village, we will sail directly to Naka Island, where we can relax and swim in the warm water. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel in Phuket.

ATTENTION: for the trip, please bring a swimsuit, beach shoes, beach towel, protective cream with UV filter.

PHUKET - SIMILAN ISLANDS

Relaxing on the beach.

For those interested, for an additional fee, we invite you to a full-day trip to the Similan Islands, where there are nine islands with long beaches of coral sand and turquoise water. These are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Land of Smiles. During the tour we will enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Donald Duck, Honeymoon and Princess Bay. We will have the opportunity to observe marine life, including rare and endangered species.

ATTENTION: for the trip, please bring a swimsuit, beach shoes, beach towel, protective cream with UV filter.

RETURN FLIGHT BACK HOME

Breakfast and free time until we are transferred to the airport for our return flight home or to whichever final destination.