Journey on to Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Day 1 - From Ancient Angkor to Glittering Bangkok
After your tour finishes in Siem Reap, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Thailand. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the legendary Shangri-La Hotel, a luxurious city-center resort overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

You’ll have time to freshen up before boarding the gleaming Manohra, a traditional rice barge that has been meticulously restored to accommodate just 40 guests. As you cruise along the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s historic River of Kings, you’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner of freshly prepared Thai delicacies. This romantic evening voyage takes you alongside the towering Temple of Dawn and the magnificent Grand Palace. You’ll see the Royal Barges Boat House and experience the endless and fascinating flow of boat and barge traffic along the river and its many canals. Meals D

Day 2 - The Blue Elephant Cooking School
This morning’s hands-on culinary experience reveals the ingredients and techniques of Royal Thai Cuisine. Start out with your chef-instructor at a colorful local market, selecting produce, herbs and spices to enhance your culinary creations. Back at the renowned Blue Elephant Cooking School, set in a beautiful century-old city mansion, you’ll learn how to prepare several classic dishes inspired by ancient Royal Thai Cuisine. Then sit down in the inviting restaurant to sample your culinary efforts – along with additional Thai dishes prepared by our professional chefs.

The balance of your afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy the resort-style amenities of your luxury hotel or step out and explore the nearby shops and sights at your own pace. Meals B,L

Day 3 - Fly to Chiang Mai
Transfer to the airport for your flight into northern Thailand. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the Shangri-La Hotel, a 5-star city resort close to the city’s famous Night Bazaar. Revered by the Thai as the artistic, cultural and spiritual heart of their country, Chiang Mai offers a fascinating contrast to the 21st century, urban pace of Bangkok. The balance of your day is free to enjoy the beguiling charms of the city. Meals B

Day 4 - Full Day Elephant Safari and Rafting Expedition
Chiang Mai is surrounded by the beautiful hills and mountains of northern Thailand. This morning you’ll travel through scenic countryside and deep into these forested landscapes. At the Chiang Dao Elephant Conservation Center, learn how elephants were once the backbone of a thriving lumber industry. Watch as the elephants are bathed in a swift flowing river and then witness a demonstration of the work skills which made them so vital – carrying and transporting enormous logs of teak and other valuable hardwoods. Logging is now banned in Thailand, and camps like this are becoming increasingly important to the preservation of these enormous animals.

After this informative and entertaining presentation, climb atop an elephant as the mahout (the elephant’s handler, usually a lifelong relationship) leads you and the pachyderm on a one-hour trek into the surrounding forest. Return to camp for a luncheon of northern Thai specialties and then head down to the banks of the Ping River where bamboo rafts and guides await to lead you on an unforgettable expedition down the river. Visit an Orchid Farm to learn about the cultivation of these exotic plants and then return to your luxury retreat in the city. Meals B,L

Day 5 - Back to Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the capital, where you’ll be met and escorted once again to the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel. With the rest of your day free to do as you wish, you can relax by the crystal-clear swimming pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or step out to pursue your own interests in this friendly and sophisticated city. Meals B

Day 6 - Farewell to Bangkok
After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your homeward journey. Or if the beaches of Phuket are beckoning, give us a call and we can arrange another affordable extension including flights, transfers and the perfect beachfront resort! Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/4/2012 - 3/10/2012	$1,844
3/18/2012 - 3/24/2012	$1,844
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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