Shimmering Thailand

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our tour representative, and transferred to the hotel. After check in, you are free at leisure to relax on your own. Overnight: Bangkok

After breakfast at the hotel you begin your sightseeing tour. Your tour begins at Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha; the 900 - year - old, five - and - a - half - ton solid gold image. After this, you continue on to visit Wat Arun, better known as the Temple of the Dawn, which is one of the best known landmarks and most published landmarks of Bangkok. Next, you will visit Wat Po, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, and also the temple holding the largest single Buddha image; the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas). This temple is also known as the birthplace of Thai traditional massage. We then go for lunch at a local restaurant, after which, we continue on to visit some of the most famous tourist spots in Bangkok; the Royal Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound, and is where you will end up after exiting Wat Phra Kaew. Despite the proximity of the two, there is a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Wat Phra Kaew and the more European inspired designs of the Grand Palace. After this we return to the hotel and you are free at leisure. Overnight: Bangkok Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel in Bangkok, after which we head to Ayutthaya to visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace; beautifully decorated in both the traditional Chinese and European styles. From here, a long-tail boat journey takes you up the Chao Phraya River to inner Ayutthaya to explore the temple ruins within and surrounding the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Among the “must-see” attractions in Thailand are the palaces, temple ruins and historical sites of Ayutthaya. This former capital of Thailand is situated 90 km north of Bangkok. The principal sights include the gigantic bronze statues of Wat Mongkol Borpith, Wat Phra Srisanpetch and Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. A traditional Thai long-tail boat will transport guests between sites, and this tour also includes a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, a former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture. Lunch will also be served during this tour. Afterwards, we transfer to the hotel and you are free at leisure. Overnight: Ayutthaya Meals: Breakfast