Thailand Vacation With Hong Kong Extension

Itinerary

• Day 1: Hong Kong, Arrival

  Welcome to Hong Kong! Meet your private driver and head to the hotel for check-in in a comfortable private car. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and recover from jet lag or discover the charms of this city on your own. Perhaps you'd like to go yum cha and feast on a dim sum meal just like the locals do. Yum cha, literally 'to drink tea' in Cantonese, means going to eat dim sum in Hong Kong. The bite-sized har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (cup-shaped dumplings with pork filling), chewy lor mai gai (glutinous rice steamed in lotus leaf), savory rice paper rolls filled with prawns, beef, or barbecued pork are some of the most beloved dim sum dishes here. Just enjoy!

  • Hong Kong

• Day 2: Hong Kong Highlights Tour

  You will embark on a full-day guided tour of Hong Kong today. First, take a classic ride on the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak and take in extraordinary vistas of Hong Kong's skyline. Next up is Repulse Bay. Take a stroll along the shoreline of one of the island's most exquisite beaches and discover why Feng Shui principles have enticed many of Hong Kong's wealthiest to construct their abodes in this area. Proceed to Aberdeen afterward. Discover the history and heritage of this area on a sampan ride and be amazed by the stark contrast between towering skyscrapers and traditional floating villages. A stroll in the open-air Stanley Market will then bring you closer to the local way of life. This market is a hub of activities, selling everything from fruits, snacks, and clothes to an eye-dazzling array of souvenirs.

  This afternoon starts with a visit to Tai Kwun, a heritage and art complex in Central's SoHo district. Gain insight into Hong Kong's unique heritage as you stroll around the restored heritage buildings and be fascinated by the hidden stories. A short distance from Tai Kwun sits Man Mo Temple, a temple dedicated to the God of Literature (文帝) and the God of War (武帝). A wonderful day draws an end at the Golden Bauhinia Square, home to the symbol of reunification and a great place for a sweeping view of Victoria Habor.

  • B
  • Hong Kong

• Day 3: Hong Kong, Kowloon Peninsula

  Discover Kowloon Peninsula today, explore its rich history, and marvel at its stunning skyline. Begin your discovery at the Avenue of Stars, a seaside promenade hugging Tsim Sha Tsui's southern border and a place where Hong Kong's superstars and celebrities left their handprints. A short walk then takes you to the Clock Tower. This red brick and granite structure has been standing for over a hundred years, serving as part of the railway terminal in the age of steam and bearing witness to Hong Kong's drastic changes.

  You will then visit Wong Tai Sin Temple, an iconic cultural landmark. In addition to admiring its architecture and learning about its rich history, lots of people also come there to worship for good luck. The rest of the day is reserved for the Hong Kong Palace Museum, a new addition to Kowloon's vibrant art and culture scene and a world-class public museum showcasing over 900 pieces of treasures from the Palace Museum in nine galleries. Delve into the world of beautiful artifacts and get a taste of life in imperial China.

  • B
  • Hong Kong

• Day 4: Hong Kong - Bangkok

  Dedicate today to exploring Lantau Island's highlights. Your tour starts with Tung Chung, Lantau Island's new town. From here, you will take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. This 25-minute cable car ride offers a sweeping, 360-degree view of the island's verdant hills, lush forests, and the ocean.

  Move on to Po Lin Monastery, a century-old Buddhist temple offering you the chance to learn about the locals' pious beliefs. Climb up around 260 steps and you will arrive at the foot of the Big Buddha, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. It is an awe-inspiring sight - 34 meters (112 feet) in height, with the bronze Buddha sitting on a lotus atop a three-story altar.

  After the tour, your private guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arriving in this amazing city, you will be welcomed by a friendly local guide who will also escort you to your hotel for check-in.

  • B
  • Bangkok

• Day 5: Bangkok, City Tour

  This morning, start your city exploration from Pak Khlong Talat, a colorful market selling fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables, and experience the real local life there. Then, head to the highlight of today's tour - Grand Palace, the official residence of successive Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) from 1782 until 1925, and a must-see on a trip to Thailand. The adjoining Wat Phra Kaew is considered the most important Buddhist temple in the country, for it houses the Emerald Buddha, the palladium of the Thai.

  After lunch, leave the bustle of the city behind and go on a long-tail boat ride along the canals to see traditional Thai houses built along the waterfront and typical rural life. Then, watch Wat Arun glisten in the afternoon sunlight from the river or opposite bank. After the boat ride, visit your last stop today - Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). Founded in the 16th century, it is one of the oldest and biggest temples in the city, with a 45-meter gold-plated reclining Buddha on its grounds.

  • B L
  • Bangkok

• Day 6: Maeklong Railway Market & Floating Market

  This morning, embark on a guided excursion to explore two exotic Thai markets outside of Bangkok. Drive for a little over one hour and arrive at the Maeklong Railway Market, a unique market that has sprouted up along the tracks. Munch on fresh fruits and snacks as you walk along the tracks and witness the incredible speed of the vendors as they quickly pack their stalls as the train approaches.

  Afterward, a short drive takes you to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Sitting in a longtail boat and slowly navigating through the slender canals, you will see countless hawkers peddling tropical fruits and other delights on small boats. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture amazing Instagram photos. Off the boat, have lunch at a local restaurant, and enjoy strolling around the colorful market. Finally, drive back to your Bangkok hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, you can enjoy your hotel's hospitality or explore this city under your own steam.

  • B L

• Day 7: Bangkok - Chiang Mai, Lantern-making Experience

  Fly northward to Chiang Mai today. Chiang Mai, nicknamed "Rose of the North", is a city with sweeping natural beauty, fascinating Lanna culture, historic temples, and a bustling food scene. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and driver at the airport. After settling down, have the afternoon to yourself.

  In the late afternoon, have fun making and releasing a lantern at a local restaurant boasting great views of the Ping River. You will receive guidance on crafting traditional Thai lanterns using authentic materials. Then, you will have the chance to make your own lantern. Afterward, indulge in northern Thai flavors while soaking up the beautiful sunset hues over the river. As darkness falls, set your lantern afloat on a pond or the river and make a sincere wish. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

  • B L D
  • Chiang Mai

• Day 8: Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

  Begin today with a tour around the old city of Chiang Mai by trishaw to see its walls and moats, landmark gates, and statues. Stop at the vibrant Warorot market, a place selling everything from fresh fruits and veggies to spices, baked goods, and handicrafts, weave through the locals making their daily purchases and get close to the local life. Continue with a winding drive to Wat Umong, a heavily forested temple situated at the foot of the sacred Doi Suthep mountain range. Stroll through its mysterious tunnels and attend a private blessing ceremony at the temple's Viharn.

  Move forward to the hilltop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. Climb up the 306-step staircase to the top and admire the intricate naga carvings along the way. You will then be rewarded with panoramic views over the city and scenic countryside, a vista best enjoyed at dusk. Wander around the awe-inspiring temple complex and wrap up a wonderful day in Chiang Mai with a mesmerizing evening chanting by the monks.

  • B L
  • Chiang Mai

• Day 9: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary & Lanna Home Visit

  Early this morning, you will travel around 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai to an elephant sanctuary located in a densely forested mountainous area for a half-day experience with elephants. Meet your guide upon arrival, change into traditional Karen clothing, and attend an introductory lesson to learn about the elephants' history and behavior. Then, feed the elephants and interact with them in a natural environment. Afterward, walk with them to a nearby river, where you can bathe and brush them, and join the elephants in a therapeutic mud spa. Change into clean clothes and enjoy a traditional meal and some fresh fruits, before saying goodbye to the gentle giants and heading back to Chiang Mai.

  In the afternoon, experience the Lanna way of life in an authentic Thai neighborhood on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Meet your friendly host upon arrival, who will introduce you to his family and invite you to visit his traditional Lanna teakwood house. You will also stroll through their garden full of fruits, spices, and herbs. Afterward, prepare a delicious home-cooked Northern Thai meal for dinner. After the tour, return to the hotel to relax.

  • B L
  • Chiang Mai

• Day 10: Chiang Mai - Krabi

  Enjoy some free time soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of Chiang Mai before heading to the airport by private car for your flight to Krabi. Touch down after around 2 hours, meet your private driver waiting for you at the exit, and proceed to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is for you to enjoy your hotel's hospitality or head out for a discovery under your own steam.

  • B
  • Krabi

• Day 11: Krabi, Phi Phi Island

  Today, join a full-day speedboat tour of Koh Phi Phi, a group of islands known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. You will be picked up and taken to the pier, where you will board a speedboat and head to visit some of Phi Phi Islands' most gorgeous places including Maya Bay, Pileh Cove, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave.

  Afterward, you can relax on Phi Phi Lay Island, which boasts limestone cliffs and stunning places perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Later in the day, the time is yours to visit other great spots for swimming or snorkeling, such as Bamboo Island, a beautiful destination with a white sandy beach. You will depart from Phi Phi Islands for Krabi at around half past three in the afternoon and transfer back to your hotel.

  • B L
  • Krabi

• Day 12: Krabi, Hong Island

  Head to the pier in the morning, where you will join the long-tailed boat tour to Hong Island. Hong Island is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands on Thailand's Andaman coast. As you approach the island, you will be mesmerized by the towering limestone formations and crystal-clear waters. When you arrive, go kayaking around the island and take in the gorgeous views. You may also choose to relax on Pilay Beach, which is a stretch of powdery white sand with colorful corals and marine life, or swim in the clear waters.

  Later, discover a hidden lagoon sitting in the middle of the beautiful island. The coral reefs here are amazing with numerous species of colorful tropical fishes. Be awed by its beauty and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach afterward. The afternoon is free for you to go swimming and kayaking. Return to the pier after a wonderful day, get changed, and get back to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the pool or venture out to treat your stomach with local specialty food.

  • B L
  • Krabi

• Day 13: Krabi - Bangkok

  Check out of your Krabi hotel this morning and take a short, 90-minute flight to Bangkok. After settling down, you are free to explore Bangkok on your own for the rest of the day. You can head to ICONSIAM to do some last-minute shopping, or roam around Chinatown and treat yourself to all kinds of street eats. Have fun!

  • B
  • Bangkok

• Day 14: Bangkok, Departure

  Your wonderful time in Thailand comes to an end today. Head to the airport by private car, say goodbye to this amazing country, and board the flight home or to the next destination. Safe travels!

  • B