DAY 2 BANGKOK
Early arrival in Bangkok, where our coach transfers you to the Montien Hotel our base for the next three nights. Bangkok was first established as the capital of Thailand in 1782 by King Rama I. Its name comes from Bang Makok which means 'Place of Olive Plums'. Today the city has a population of six million inhabitants and has many fascinating attractions. After checking in we have arranged a relaxing tour, allowing you to experience the timeless world of “The Venice of the East”. In Bangkok people still depend on the waterways to transport their merchandise, in particular rice, as the canals are linked to the rice fields and today you will experience this relaxing mode of transport. Evening at leisure.

DAY 3 BANGKOK
This morning we visit the Grand Palace complex, which includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow), 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 in Thailand today. The aura of mystery is heightened by the fact that it cannot be viewed closely. It is located in a glass case, on a pedestal high above the worshippers and it is forbidden to take photographs, which further enhances its remoteness. Nearby is the Grand Palace itself, once the official home for the Kings of Siam, built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure to visit the night market, where bartering for everything is a way of life.

DAY 4 RIVER KWAI
This morning we travel westwards through sugar cane plantations and rice paddies to the Kanchanaburi province. We visit the JEATH War Museum (the acronym JEATH coming from the meeting between Japan, England, Australia, America, Thailand and Holland at Kanchanaburi during World War II). Continuing on we reach the notorious Bridge over the River Kwai. The first version of the bridge, which was constructed of wood, was completed in February 1943. In April of the same year a second bridge of steel was finished. In 1945 the bridge was bombed several times and was eventually rebuilt after the war. We board the Death Railway train to Wang Po station and then return to Kanchanaburi by coach. We travel to Ko Kasem Island Resort where we enjoy a rafting tour with lunch on board, after which we visit the Second World War cemetery before returning to Bangkok for the evening.

DAY 5 BANGKOK • PHITSANULOK
Our day commences with a visit to the second capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767. Thirtythree kings of a number of Siamese dynasties reigned in the city until it was conquered by the Burmese. Today's city is located at the confluence of three rivers, the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and the Lopburi. We visit Bang Pa-In, the summer palace of the early Chakri Kings where a wide variety of architectural styles, can be seen. We visit Ayuthaya Historical Park, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once the largest Temple in Ayuthaya. After lunch we continue north to Phitsanulok and your hotel, the Topland Hotel.

DAY 6 PHITSANULOK • SUKHOTHAI • CHIANG RAI
Today, we continue to what some consider to be the most beautiful city in the northern central plains, Sukhothai, meaning 'Dawn of Happiness'. Sukhothai was Thailand's first capital and had its heyday from the mid 13th to the late 14th centuries. The old city of Sukhothai has around 45 square kilometres of some of the most impressive Buddhist ruins. After lunch, our journey continues to Chiang Sean, where we take a break at Payao Lake before continuing to our hotel, the Dusit Island Resort situated in its own landscaped gardens close to Chiang Rai, and here we spend the next two nights.

DAY 7 CHIANG RAI
Today begins with a visit to one of the many hilltribe villages, who still remain distinct from the rest of Thailand in language, religion and culture. Our morning continues to the lively border town of Mae Sai, where Burmese and Thai tribespeople ply their wares from the colourful stalls along the main street. This afternoon we visit the area known as the Golden Triangle, where the confluence of the Ruak and mighty Mekong Rivers meet. We return to our hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 8 CHIANG RAI • CHIANG MAI
We depart for Chiang Mai, Thailand's picturesque northern capital, where on arrival we check in at the Centara Duangtawan hotel, our base for a three night stay. Chiang Mai is known for the quality of its restaurants and shopping. There is an international feel about the city and the friendliness of the people is legendary. From your hotel it is easy to explore the bustling night market, which is well worth a visit.

DAY 9 CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai is renowned for its skilled craftspeople and this morning we can see them at work. Colourful umbrellas, ornate silver and woodwork, lacquer-ware and Thai silk are just some of the local industries which can be seen. The remainder of the day is at leisure to either further explore this city of distinct beauty or relax at your hotel.

DAY 10 CHIANG MAI
North of Chiang Mai is teak country and we travel to a local elephant camp, where in this unspoilt setting you can marvel at these wonderful 'beasts of burden' performing amazing feats of strength and skill, at the command of their 'mahouts'. We visit an orchid farm at Mae Sa and continue to Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, the centre of botanical study and research for Thai flora. We take the snake-like road leading to Doi Suthep the most sacred temple in the north, Wat Phra Doi Suthep. Panoramic view of the city can be seen from here, which lies approximately 3,500 feet above sea level.

DAY 11 CHIANG MAI • BANGKOK • HUA HIN
Following breakfast we depart for Chiang Mai Airport for our short flight to Bangkok. On arrival we board our coach and transfer to the Anantara Resort & Spa, our hotel for the next three nights. Hua Hin, Thailand's oldest beach resort is situated on the Gulf of Siam and has been the Thai's Royal summer residence since the 1920's. This evening is at leisure to relax at your hotel.

DAYS 12-13 HUA HIN
Two full free days to relax in Hua Hin. During your time here why not wander through the winding streets, sampling delicious fresh seafood which the active fishing port guarantees. In the evening you may choose to eat in one of the hotel's many restaurants offering a variety of cuisine.

DAY 14 HUA HIN • BANGKOK
This morning, after breakfast, a chance to enjoy your hotel facilities or further explore Hua Hin, before our journey by coach to Bangkok Airport for our direct scheduled Thai Airways flight to London.

DAY 15 LONDON
Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where our staff will greet you and transfer you to Titan transport for your journey home to your own front door.

WHY NOT CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON IN THAILAND?
19 December 2009 £2,675 19 December 2010 £2,895 In addition to our regular itinerary, on these special departures we have included an additional night in Hua Hin and also included a Christmas Day Dinner (Day 7) and a Gala New Years Eve Dinner (Day 13)