The time has finally come – your holiday begins! You board the plane to Thailand and already during your flight you discover what Thainess – the Thai way of life and culture – means. We wish you a pleasant flight to the Land of Smiles.

After landing in Bangkok, your tour guide is already happily waiting for you. Translating Bangkok literally as »village in the plum grove« no longer quite fits. In the metropolitan region, Thailand's economic and cultural centre, over 14 million people live in a symbiosis of modernity and tradition. The drive to your first accommodation is full of overwhelming impressions: glass skyscrapers alternate with little spirit houses and street kitchens. On arrival you first have time for a leisurely breakfast and can switch into Thainess mode by now at the latest. After a refreshing shower you set off to explore Bangkok from the Chao Phraya River. First you board a traditional longtail boat. You follow the course of the various canals and cruise through the Khlong Bang Luang floating market. Your route takes you past temples, traders and impressive buildings until you reach Poomjai Garden – a green oasis in the middle of the city, hidden on the bank of the canal. The garden has been owned for 100 years by a Thai family who have made it their mission to preserve this patch of earth and protect rare plants, such as a centuries-old lychee tree. Discover the various plant species on a walk or enjoy nature with a cool drink by the canal. You can't possibly end your first day in Thailand without seeing a temple, so you visit the impressive Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. The restaurant & bar »River Vibe« tempts with a breathtaking view of the river and of both the old and new parts of Bangkok. Order a delicious cocktail and enjoy the sunset, the glittering water and the skyline of the City of Angels. The perfect end to your first day in Thailand! Breakfast and dinner are included. For dinner your tour guide takes you to the »River Vibe« restaurant & bar. After entering Bangkok, collect your luggage, pass through customs and then go to Gate 10, where your tour guide is waiting for you. Your room in Bangkok is available for immediate check-in. Rose Residence Bangkok: the Rose Residence Bangkok impresses with its central yet quiet location in the Silom district, hidden in a small side street. This makes it the perfect base for exploring and a retreat after an eventful day in the city. The timelessly furnished rooms, designed with lots of wood, are air-conditioned and offer peace and relaxation. In the bar and restaurant you can treat yourself to culinary delights, and the swimming pool in the courtyard provides refreshment.

You mingle with Bangkok's locals and cross the city the typical Thai way. From your hotel you head to the Saphan Taksin pier, from where you take a public express boat to the Tha Tien pier. From there you walk about ten minutes to the impressive Wat Pho temple. On arrival you listen to the monks' morning chants and can see the famous Reclining Buddha. Another highlight awaits you in the form of the magnificent Grand Palace. Explore the many imposing gold-adorned buildings and halls and let the palace's unique beauty sink in. Afterwards you go to Tha Chang pier and take a public express boat to Ratchawong pier. There, on a walk through Chinatown, one of the oldest parts of Bangkok, all kinds of aromas waft past your nose. Where do they come from? From the countless street vendors offering all sorts of delicacies at their stalls. Why not try traditional Thai coffee or Thai sweets? You may even coax details of recipes and ingredients out of one or two of the stall owners. Your tour guide leads you unerringly through the countless little lanes – otherwise, just keep an eye on the unmissable neon signs of famous Yaowarat Road. On a tuk-tuk ride back to the hotel you experience the bustling metropolis up close, and you'll be amazed how confidently your driver steers the colourful, rattling tuk-tuk through the busy streets. Full of impressions, your day ends in a relaxed way at the hotel. Breakfast is included in the price today. Please wear appropriate clothing when visiting the Grand Palace. Please avoid open shoes, short skirts or trousers (legs should generally be covered down to the ankles) or off-the-shoulder clothing. Suitable clothing can also be borrowed at the entrance. You stay at the same accommodation as the previous day.

Early in the morning you drive to Mahachai, the best seafood market in the region; many of Bangkok's better restaurants source their fish here. Later you cross the Tha Chin River by ferry and board the train to Maeklong. You pass typical Thai villages, salt fields and impressive salt works. Your stop is probably Thailand's most unusual market, the Maeklong Railway Market. Four times a day, the already bustling atmosphere becomes a spectacle that begins with the whistle of the approaching train. Things get hectic, and the traders clear their goods aside within seconds with practised movements. And then here it comes, the train, making its way right through the middle of the market. Into the throng! The exotic smells and local delicacies are a feast for the senses. Then you set off for Kanchanaburi, where you arrive in the late afternoon. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price today. The FloatHouse: The FloatHouse River Kwai lies on the River Kwai in the midst of dense rainforest. After a short boat ride you reach the luxurious thatched bungalows, whose exotic teak furnishings in Thai style invite you to relax. Enjoy the comfortable rain shower or delight in the impressive panoramic view from your private veranda. In the tastefully furnished pontoon restaurant you can fuel up with a varied breakfast in the morning and try international cuisine with Thai influences in the evening.

The heart of the national park is the seven-tiered waterfall and its wonderful azure natural pools. The name Erawan goes back to a three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology. At the Siamese court, white elephants were also regarded as a symbol of royal power. You hike along an idyllic path through the evergreen forest beside the river. The light falling through the trees creates a beautiful play of light and shadow, and the rushing water is your constant companion. With a bit of luck you may even see monkeys along the way. The climb is a little sweaty in places, but the water offers a welcome cool-down – so be sure to pack your swimwear! If you don't want to swim, you can dangle your feet in the pools – but don't be startled when the fish nibble your feet. The rest of the day is yours. Make use of the lodge's amenities and decide for yourself what you feel like doing. Sunbathe on your private veranda, enjoy the panorama and the murmur of the river, or look back on your experiences over a drink at the bar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the price today. The hike in Erawan National Park is easy to moderate. Please bring sturdy footwear, sun and mosquito protection. If you don't want to join the hike, you can stay at the hotel in the morning. On public holidays, more visitors are to be expected in the national park. Your tour guide will also decide whether conditions on site are suitable for swimming on the day. Please follow their recommendation. You stay at the same accommodation as the previous day.

In Kanchanaburi you visit the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, which vividly tells the story of the infamous »Death Railway« in World War II. You see the war cemetery, the final resting place of 6,982 prisoners of war who died during the Japanese occupation in World War II, mostly while building the railway. And of course the legendary Bridge on the River Kwai, made world-famous by the 1950s film of the same name, can't be missed. After lunch you drive to the former royal city of Ayutthaya, residence of a total of 33 kings. From the 14th to the 18th century the city was considered one of the most magnificent in all of Southeast Asia. On a leisurely tuk-tuk ride you learn more about the former royal city and the important temple sites of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Mahathat. The Buddha head entwined in tree roots is an interesting sight. Strolling through a local market, you can discover some unusual and tasty things. You reach Wat Phra Si Sanphet, probably the most important royal temple, with its three bell-shaped chedis. Breakfast and lunch are included. Centara Hotel: the Centara Hotel in Ayutthaya offers modern comfort in the historic city. The hotel is ideally located for exploring the impressive temples and cultural highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The timelessly furnished rooms have all the amenities for a relaxing stay. In the hotel restaurant you can enjoy a wide range of Thai and international dishes. An outdoor pool with a large roof terrace provides relaxation. The Centara Hotel Ayutthaya is the perfect balance of comfort, service and proximity to Ayutthaya's unique sights.

From Ayutthaya you drive back to Bangkok airport, where you board the plane to Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost provincial capital. You visit the unusual »White Temple« near Chiang Rai, financed and created by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat himself. It is completely white, decorated down to the smallest detail and features depictions you won't find in any other temple. There, crossing the »Bridge of Rebirth« becomes an experience. Then you head to today's accommodation, where you end the day. Breakfast is included today. Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort: the Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort welcomes you about an hour north of Chiang Rai in picturesque mountain scenery overlooking the Mae Salong Valley and offers peace and relaxation. With great attention to detail, the resort places particular emphasis on a close-to-nature design. The cottages nestle into the mountains and offer a great view from your own covered veranda. All rooms also have a private bathroom. In the evening you enjoy traditional Thai cuisine in the hotel restaurant. The tropical garden with its ponds and beautiful plants invites you to take a stroll.

Today starts at a relaxed pace with a leisurely breakfast. Then you head to the nearby Ahsa Farm, where you can prove your qualities as a farmer. You learn a lot about rice growing, rubber plantations, exotic fruits and the farm's animal residents. Of course, you can also lend a hand yourself with all the tasks on the 32-hectare estate. So much work makes you hungry, so you've more than earned your lunch of local dishes. You take home the many tips and tricks you're shown while cooking. Once everyone has eaten their fill, you drive back to your accommodation, where you can spend a relaxing afternoon. Just put your feet up, stroll through the romantic garden or relax by the pool. The time is all yours. Breakfast and lunch are included today. You stay at the same accommodation as the previous day.

After breakfast you drive to Ja Bu Si Village, where you get to know the culture and way of life of the Red Lahu, a hill tribe in northern Thailand rich in tradition. On a walk through the village you chat with the villagers and gain fascinating insights into their everyday life. From the village elders you learn which stories and traditions have been passed down for generations. After a traditional lunch you can get creative yourself: under guidance you make candles or key rings in Lahu style – a special souvenir that will remind you of this encounter for a long time. With many impressions in your luggage, you then set off for Chiang Kham, where you experience idyllic Thailand away from the usual tourist trails. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the price. Rico Resort: the Rico Resort is idyllically set in the countryside, surrounded by lush gardens, about forty minutes' drive from the town of Phayao and about an hour from Chiang Rai. The rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished. The hotel restaurant serves a wide selection of Thai dishes. With great commitment and warmth, the owner, Rico, has created an oasis of calm here in the remote north of Thailand.

Today you leave the car behind and take the bike. At a leisurely pace you explore the area around the resort. Your route leads through rice fields, past Buddhist places of worship and picturesque viewpoints. You immerse yourself in the rural way of life of northern Thailand, where many rites, ceremonies and customs have survived. Chiang Kham is home to many Tai Lue, who immigrated from southern China about 200 years ago. This minority is known for its special weaving technique and the production of traditional fabrics with typical patterns. In a weaving workshop you meet Grandmother Sangda, who tells you about her life – and perhaps you'd like to tell her about your home too? Afterwards you continue to the Wat Phrathat Doi Kham temple, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. Back at your accommodation you refuel with a delicious lunch and can spend the afternoon just as you like. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. The bike route covers approx. 10–12 km. The ride is leisurely, with many stops, over flat terrain. During today's bike tour a vehicle is on call for you, so you can continue the tour by vehicle at any time if cycling becomes too strenuous. Depending on the weather, today's programme may be adjusted. You stay at the same accommodation as the previous day.

Early in the morning you set off for Pua and visit Cocoa Valley. On a guided tour you get to know this locally run cocoa farm and learn many interesting things about the noble bean at the heart of the popular sweet. Afterwards you can get active yourself and make your own chocolate in a workshop. After a short lunch break you continue to the sleepy provincial town of Nan with its picturesque old town. Simple wooden houses and beautiful temple complexes shape the townscape. At Wat Baan Phra Kerd a tung demonstration awaits you. Tung means flag in the Lanna language. You design your own flag, which is later blessed for you by a monk. To round off the day, you visit the Wat Phumin temple with its wonderful murals, which give an insight into the legends of the Buddha and the everyday life of the local population. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price. Nan Boutique Hotel: the Nan Boutique Hotel welcomes you in a central location in the small town of the same name. On the hotel's well-kept, spacious grounds you can unwind and listen to the sounds of nature. Your air-conditioned room is spacious and decorated in light colours. In the morning you fuel up with a delicious breakfast served on the covered terrace.

On your way to Chiang Mai you stop in Phrae, a provincial town on the Yom River, and in Lampang. Just outside Lampang, on a small hill and surrounded by high walls, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang awaits you, one of the most fascinating temples in Thailand. Built in 1486, it is considered one of the oldest wooden temples in the country. Then you continue to Chiang Mai. After the drive you'll surely be glad to stretch your legs, because to reach the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple you have to climb 309 steps. The great view of Chiang Mai and its surroundings is definitely worth the climb. With its exquisite golden pagoda, the temple is considered the holiest in northern Thailand. The inner courtyard is filled with Buddha statues, and at its centre stands the octagonal gilded chedi. Let your gaze wander and the spiritual atmosphere sink in. Back in Chiang Mai you take an exciting bicycle rickshaw ride. You discover local city life and visit the historic old town as well as the fabulous Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price. Phra Singh Village: the Phra Singh Village awaits you in Chiang Mai's historic old town, very close to many of the city's sights, which you can easily reach on foot. Designed in traditional Lanna style, the hotel has a swimming pool in the courtyard and a fitness centre. The spacious rooms are furnished with elegant wooden furniture and invite you to linger.

Chiang Mai is considered one of the most attractive cities in the country and impresses with a wide range of attractions. Old temples, museums, markets and handicrafts shape the cityscape. The square old town was once surrounded by a city wall and a moat, and remains of the wall can still be admired today in reconstructed form. In the heart of the city you visit the Skills 4 Life foundation today, which gives young people from the rural north of the country opportunities for education and development. On a tour and a presentation you learn many interesting things about this project. You can also refresh yourself at the associated Pak Ping Café. Now it's time to wield the wooden spoon! Dive into the secrets of Thai cuisine during a guided cooking class. You get to know the ingredients you'll later cook with. And then: apron on, a bit of chopping, a bit of this, a bit of that and into the wok. Proud of your cooking skills and well fed, an eventful day comes to an end. Breakfast is included in the price, as is a delicious dinner that you prepare yourself during a cooking class. You stay at the same accommodation as the previous day.

Today you can spend the day as you like. Use the time for a last stroll through the charming old town or enjoy the amenities of your hotel a little longer. Your room is available until 12 noon. Afterwards your tour guide takes you to Chiang Mai airport and says goodbye to you there. Your plane takes off for home. We wish you sweet dreams high above the clouds! Breakfast is included in the price. Late check-out on the day of departure: if you would like to use your hotel room until departure, we can arrange a late check-out for you. The surcharge is € 45 per person in a double room or € 90 in a single room. The late check-out must be pre-booked with us no later than 6 weeks before the start of your trip.

After landing, you continue to your home town with lots of wonderful memories in your luggage.