£1899PP * FROM ONLY HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Often overlooked for the country's southern islands, northern Thailand offers incredible opportunities to witness local culture and tradition. You'll get time to explore the capital of Bangkok before heading up to scenic cities along the Mekong, wandering through rice fields and discovering temple-rich regions. This engaging itinerary satiates explorers that are eager to go off the beaten path, with time to visit historic sites and local towns at your own pace. Then fly to Singapore and spend 3 nights exploring this bustling city before embarking on a 7 night full board cruise. YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 & 2 - BANGKOK Arrive in Bangkok and feel free to explore before your welcome meeting on the second night. After introduc- tions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. DAY 3 - BANGKOK/NONG KHAI Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River. Go through the smaller klongs (canals) to see skyscrap- ers, temples, and shops in the distance, and the densely populated waterfront settlements up close. Then visit Wat Po, a temple known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with moth- er-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Finally board an overnight train to Nong Khai. DAY4-NONGKHAI/CHIANGKHAN Arrive early in Nong Khai and enjoy a scenic drive along the Mekong, spotting Laos on the other side of the bank. Arrive in the charming town of Chiang Khan mid-morning. DAY 5 - CHIANG KHAN Experience morning alms-giving by offering rice to local monks. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, wandering around this small town on the Mekong. Take in this serene town by strolling along the promenade that runs along- side the Mekong, and wandering the streets lined with traditional Thai teak homes. When the night market and walking street open for the evening shop for everything from street food to clothing. FREE STAYS YOUR FULL BOARD CRUISE YOUR FLIGHTS NORTHERNTHAILAND EXPLORER NORTHERN THAILAND EXPLORER LAND TOUR Village Homestay, Lampang Wat Pho visit Klong riverboat tour Sukhothai Historic Park visit Doi Suthep temple visit Night Market visit Khantoke Cooking Class Thai/Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery visit Bridge on the River Kwai visit Erawan Waterfalls visit Morning alms-giving All transport between destinations and to/from included activities Hotel (10 nts), sleeper train (2 nts), homestay (1 nt) 11 breakfasts, 2 dinners Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout. DEPARTING: OCT ‘19 - APR ‘20 LOOK WHAT’S INCLUDED NORTHERN THAILAND EXPLORER 53 FIND OUT MORE >