The Heart of Thailand: From Bangkok to the Golden Triangle and Phuket

Experience the ultimate 12-day journey through Thailand, blending vibrant city life, ancient spiritual traditions, and tropical relaxation. This organized group tour takes you from the bustling markets of Bangkok to the mystical Golden Triangle, concluding with a premium beach extension in Phuket.

Day 1, March 14: Italy – Bangkok Meeting of the participants at the pre-established locations and departure by G.T. bus for Bologna airport and boarding the Emirates flight to Bangkok, via Dubai. Meals and overnight stay on board. Day 2, March 15: Bangkok Arrival at Bangkok airport, meeting with the guide and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the “Klongs,” the canals of the Chao Phya river on traditional boats, where you can admire Thai life on the river. You will pass through the residential area of Thonburi where you will have the opportunity to come into contact with the traditional way of life away from the typical skyscrapers of the city center. We will visit the Temple of the Dawn (officially named Wat Arun). Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (officially named Wat Pho). Cocktail in front of Wat Arun temple from where you can enjoy a suggestive view of the sunset. Walk through the flower market. Return to the hotel by mini Van. Treatment: overnight stay Day 3, March 16: Bangkok – Damnersaduak – Bangkok Breakfast and departure from the hotel to visit the famous and colorful floating market of Damnersaduak, whose stalls are made up of pirogues full of fruit and vegetables; continuation to the traditional Mae Klong market, located along the railway tracks, witnessing the passage of the train along the bustling stalls. Return to Bangkok and lunch in a restaurant. Continuation of the Voyager Siam tour in Thailand with a walk on foot to reach the Royal Palace: visit the majestic complex of buildings made even more splendid by the use of gold and mosaics and the Wat Phra Kaew Temple which houses the emerald buddha inside. Short journey by “tuk tuk” to reach the Chinatown area, one of the oldest in the city, discovering numerous small shops, markets, herbalist shops and Chinese emporiums during the Bangkok tour. Return to the hotel by public boats and the hotel shuttle boat from the Saphan Taksin pier. Treatment: breakfast and lunch Day 4, March 17: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Sukhothai Breakfast and departure for the ancient capital of the Siam Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, with a visit to the most significant temples and monuments. After lunch, proceed to Sukhothai with arrival in the late afternoon. Before dinner, a suggestive cocktail is planned near the gardens of an ancient temple in Sukhothai, in an environment full of atmosphere. Dinner at the hotel. Treatment: full board Day 5, March 18: Sukhothai – Lampang – Chiang Mai Breakfast and at dawn, food offering to Buddhist monks which takes place every morning by tradition. Interesting stop at a local school (closed during public holidays and vacation periods) and visit, by bicycle, to the main temples of the Sukhothai historical park. Continuation of the organized trip to Lampang, with a visit to the Wat Phrathat temple, one of the most interesting examples of Lanna architecture. Lunch in a local restaurant and before reaching Chiang Mai, stop at the traditional local market of Lamphun. Dinner at the hotel. Treatment: full board Day 6, March 19: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai Breakfast and departure towards Chiang Rai and visit to the Wat Rong Kum temple, the so-called “white temple,” a dreamlike and imaginative creation of avant-garde and modern religious architecture. Continuation to the panoramic terrace of the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet on the Mekong River: this location was once known as the center of opium cultivation and sorting. Visit the Opium Museum during the tour and a short journey on board typical local boats on the river which here marks the border between Thailand and Laos. Lunch in a local restaurant and visit to an ethnic minority village also inhabited by the “long-necked women.” Return to Chiang Mai and dinner at the hotel. Treatment: full board 7th day March 20: Chiang Mai Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the tour of Chiang Mai. The day begins with an excursion to the Elephant Sanctuary, for a pleasant and unforgettable experience in close contact with the elephants: you will learn how to care for, feed, and interact with the elephants while understanding their lifestyle and behaviors. Next, you will walk with the elephants inside the Camp until reaching the river to observe them as they wade and play in the water, with the possibility of joining them during their bath. Return to the hotel and lunch. In the afternoon, a Buddhist meditation session at a small monastery with a panoramic view over the city, in an atmosphere rich in spirituality. After a brief teaching on Buddhist philosophy, you will meditate following the rules set by the monks. The tour continues with a visit to the Pra Thard Doi Suthep temple, “the golden pagoda,” located at an altitude of 1,300 meters. Free time available to visit the popular and characteristic night market of Chiang Mai, located just a few steps from the hotel. Dinner at leisure in the numerous clubs and restaurants adjacent to the market. Treatment: breakfast and lunch Day 8 March 21: Chiang Mai – Phuket – beach extension Breakfast at the hotel and visit to the Wat Chedi Luang temple (Temple of the Royal Stupa) in the historic center of Chiang Mai; farewell coconut drink and transfer to the airport to board the flight to Phuket. Arrival and transfer to KATATHANI BEACH RESORT. Room accommodation, dinner and overnight stay. Inclusion: breakfast and dinner Day 9 March 22: Phuket Day at leisure for individual activities or relaxation on the beach. Inclusion: all inclusive Day 10 March 23: Phuket Day at leisure for individual activities or relaxation on the beach. Inclusion: all inclusive Day 11 March 24: Phuket – Italy Transfer to the airport to board the flight to Italy. Inclusion: all inclusive Day 12 March 25: Italy Arrival at Bologna airport at 12:40 (flight schedule is indicative and subject to reconfirmation). PLANNED HOTELS or similar: BANGKOK: The Salil Hotel Riverside SUKHOTHAI: Sriwilai Sukhothai CHIANG MAI: Melia Chiang Mai PHUKET: Katathani Beach Resort

• Discover Bangkok: Temples, Canals, and Local Markets
• Journey to the Golden Triangle and Northern Traditions
• Ethical Encounters and Spiritual Immersion
• Phuket: All-Inclusive Relaxation by the Sea
• Essential Travel Information for Thailand