YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exotic journey to Thailand begins as you depart today aboard your wide-body jet.

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok. Welcome to Thailand, the “Land of Smiles”. Evening arrival in Bangkok, the breathtaking capital situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. You’ll be met by your Tour Director and escorted to your upscale conveniently located hotel. Century Park Hotel

Day 3: Bangkok. Special “orientation breakfast”, then embark on an included tour introducing you to some of the outstanding Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Visit Wat Trimitr with its invaluable 5-tons solid gold statue of Buddha and Wat Po, featuring the colossal 150 foot long “Reclining Buddha”. See the White Marble Temple representing the finest example of Thai architecture. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional canal boat ride across the river for a glimpse of local daily life ($30). This evening enjoy a welcome dinner. (B,D)

Day 4 & 5: Bangkok. Two days at leisure to discover Thailand’s vibrant and exotic capital at your own pace. Your Tour Director can make suggestions for independent exploration. Join an optional full day excursion to the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market, reached by a rice barge followed by a visit to the Rose Garden, a Thai village featuring a presentation of local arts and customs ($65, lunch included). A tour of the spectacular Grand Palace, former residence of the Kings ($40) is also available. (B)

Day 6: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Phitsanulok. Over the next few days venture into some of Thailand’s most fascinating regions, rich with culture, history and stunning landscape. In Ayutthaya, the ancient capital, see the giant bronze statue of Wat Mongkol Borpith and the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Sri. Continue to Lopburi to view the magnificent stone carvings of Phra Prang Sam Yod as well as the Monkey Temple. Drive via beautiful scenery of rice paddies to Phitsanulok, the gateway to Northern Thailand, visit the Bronze Case Factory and view how Buddha Images are made in an authentic way. Topland Hotel (B)

Day 7: Phitsanulok/Sukhothai/Lampang. Today travel to Sukhothai to see the famous ruins of this 13th century first capital of Siam. Visit the Textile Museum, a unique private collection. Continue to Sri Satchanalai, the northern outpost town of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, built by King Ramkamhaeng where you’ll visit an ancient Ceramic Kiln before proceeding to Lampang for overnight. Wiang Lakorn Hotel (B)

Day 8: Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai. Lampang is famous for its narrow streets and traditional horse-drawn carriages. Visit a local paper and ceramic making village. Depart for Phayao, a rural lakeside town and once princely state. Proceed to Chiang Saen, situated on the border with Laos. Enjoy a short boat trip on the Mekong River towards the Golden Triangle - the meeting point of Thailand, Burma and Laos. Visit Mae Sai, the Northern-most point of Thailand, stroll through the colorful local market and shop for Burmese handicrafts before arriving in charming Chiang Rai. Phowadol Resort & Spa (B)

Day 9: Chiang Rai. Day at leisure. Your hotel is located within easy access to the Mae Kok River. Today join an optional boat trip down the river and visit the fascinating local hilltribe villages, learn about their culture and observe the colorful costumes ($35). (B)

Day 10: Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai. Morning drive to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” Your hotel is centrally located within a short walking distance to the renowned night market. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight we suggest an optional “Kantoke Dinner” featuring local specialties as well as breathtaking performance of songs and dances by a local hilltribe dressed in traditional costumes ($30, dinner included). Centara Duang Tawan Hotel or Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel (B)

Day 11: Chiang Mai. Today visit an elephant camp and see a demonstration of the role of the elephant in Thai agriculture, commerce and culture. Later visit an Orchid Farm. Afternoon at leisure to discover the charm and beauty of this ancient city. (B)

Day 12: Chiang Mai. Morning optional city tour visits Chiang Mai’s most interesting temples as well as fascinating Wat Doi Suthep located high in the mountains ($30). Tonight, why not celebrate with your fellow travelers in an optional farewell dinner at a famous riverside restaurant. ($30) (B)

Day 13: Chiang Mai/Bangkok. Final day at leisure for shopping or independent pursuits. Late today, fly back to Bangkok. (B)

Day 14: Bangkok/USA. Connect in Bangkok for your flight home. Your magical journey ends as you arrive the USA later today.

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YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

NEW! Tour prices now INCLUDE airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles via Korean Air
  (New York departure add $129)
• Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
• Intra-Thailand flight and ground transportation
• Accommodations at Superior First Class hotels
• Full buffet American breakfast daily (B)
• Welcome dinner in Bangkok (D)
• Sightseeing tours as per itinerary
  and all transfers
• Professional English speaking
  Tour Director throughout

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY FEB 29, 2012		RESERVE AFTER FEB 29
2012		w/cash discount	sale
Mar 6	Mar 19	$ 1719	$ 1819	$ 2219
Apr 3	Apr 16	$ 1619	$ 1719	$ 2119
Apr 17	Apr 30	$ 1619	$ 1719	$ 2119
Rates per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement $249. Add $129 if departing from New York (JFK) Land only rates may be available. Please inquire.

Reservations and Payments: Reservations can be made by phone 1 800 337 7773 and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable deposit (by check) which must be received within 7 days of reservation. Full payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here. Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation and travel insurance are recommended. For complete insurance information click here The smarTours Difference... Comparing smarTours' popular trip to Thailand with other offers consider this: 1) smarTours has the best guides in Thailand! Guides make a big difference and through our 15 years of offering Thailand trips we secured the best guides for our clients!!! 2) You spend the most overnights in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. In both cities smarTours clients stay at upscale conveniently located hotels. Other companies use hotels located as far as an hour drive from the city center. 3) smarTours offers an economical $129 New York add-on (or depart from Los Angeles for the lowest price!). 4) Fair prices for optional tours. We allow you to buy these optional tours when you are in Thailand and do not push you to pre-pay for these tours and penalize you if you do not pre-pay. 5) smarTours offers economical single room supplements, often lower than other companies. 6) Last, but not least, smarTours continues to offer the BEST VALUE on tours to Thailand and worldwide. We invite you to compare and save!!!