Day 1 West Coast – Hong Kong
Board your transpacific flight to Hong Kong.

Day 2 Hong Kong – Bangkok
Make your connection and fly to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be greeted and escorted to the Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (or similar).

Day 3 Bangkok (L, D)
In the morning, proceed to the City Pillar or “Lak Muang Shrine,” which commemorates the establishment of a Thai community and incorporates aspects of Brahmanism, which preceded Buddhism. Continue to Grand Palace–a magnificent complex, which for hundreds of years, housed the Siamese court and royal family. Admire the palace's stunning buildings, which were used for different occasions. Like the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest house and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Then, visit Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest and largest temple, which features the largest reclining Buddha and the Chedi of the kings. Here experience an authentic, traditional Thai massage from an expert masseuse. After lunch, proceed to Vimanmek Mansion. A magnificent structure, Vimanmek Palace is said to be the world's largest golden teakwood mansion. Built in 1900 on the command of King Rama V, it served as his summer palace. Renovated in 1982 on the occasion of the bi-centennial anniversary of Bangkok, the Vimanmek Mansion now houses a collection of photographs, arts and handicrafts commemorating King Rama V. It's treasured as a showcase of Thai heritage for present and future generations. In the evening, transfer to Supatra River House for traditional Thai dinner with a view overlooking the Grand Palace.

Day 4 Bangkok – Ko Kret (B, L, D)
Visit Jim Thomson's House, a magnificent Thai-style house that contains and extensive collection of Thai silk ware, art objects and antiques. After that, travel to Pak Klong Talaat flower market, which is filled with thousands of colorful and fragrant blooms, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Then transfer to Nonthaburi for lunch at Suan Thip Restaurant. Proceed to the pier to take a public ferry across the river to Koh Kret, a tiny island in the Chao Phraya River, located in Nonthaburi Province. On this island lives a community of craftsmen famous for their distinctive style of pottery, which dates back many centuries. The earthenware pieces are known for their fine, red-black, unglazed surfaces and intricate designs. They are all hand-made piece-by-piece and you can see the process. The people who live on Koh Kret and nearby are the descendants of the Mon people, and they have managed to retain the skills of their forefathers. Dinner and overnight at the Thai House.

Day 5 Koh Kret - Bangkok - Chiang Mai (B, L)
Take a short tour around the farm and afterwards head towards the open-air kitchen for a Thai cooking class. The lesson begins with your hands-on participation in preparing various Thai recipes. Discussions on Thai cooking as well as a food tasting will be part of the lesson. The course includes: an introduction to Thai herbs and spices, Spicy Thai Pork Salad (appetizer), Hot and Sour Prawn Soup (soup), Thai Fried Noodles (luncheon dish), Yellow Chicken Curry (main dish), Coconut Beef Curry (main dish). Eat lunch there, then transfer back to Bangkok's airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, meet your guide, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai at the Tamarind Village (or similar).

Day 6 Chiang Mai (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Optional tours can be purchased on the spot with our guide. Recommended optional tours: • Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep – Tour this sacred temple complex • Elephant Camp – Meet and even ride on these noble pachyderms • Handicraft Village – Observe artisans and shop for paper umbrellas and more

Day 7 Chiang Mai – Bangkok – Siem Reap (B,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Chiang Mai Airport to fly to Bangkok then take a connecting, international flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, meet your guide and transfer to hotel. Spend the day at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner at a local restaurant and a performance of traditional Apsara dance. Overnight Ka Residence'd Angkor (or similar).

Day 8 Siem Reap (B,L)
Today's itinerary features a full-day excursion to the Angkor Temple Complex, one of the world's most spectacular ruins. Immerse yourself in the vestiges of the ancient Khmer Empire as you tour the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, and the Elephant and Leper King Terraces. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Ta Prohm, ruins with trees growing out of them. And for the grand finale, visit a true man-made wonder of the world: the iconic Angkor Wat.

Day 9 Siem Reap – Bangkok (B,L)
After breakfast, visit Banteay Srei. Built from intricately carved sandstone, Banteay Srei lies 32 km from Angkor and is enveloped by jungle. Proceed to Preh Khan (believed to be a temporary residence of King Jayavarman VII who lived here during the restoration of Angkor Thom city). The last visit before noon is Mebon Oriental (East Mebon is a pyramid of receding terraces on which are placed many detached edifices). After lunch, tour the local old market (Psaa Chas Market) for souvenir shopping then transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, take a shuttle bus to your hotel. Overnight at Novotel Suvarnnabhumi Airport (or similar).

Day 10 Bangkok – West Coast Farewell to Bangkok.
Transfer to the airport for flight back to USA via Hong Kong. Or extend your stay in Hong Kong with our 4 days/3 nights extension. See details on “Hong Kong” Independent Journey.