Page 30 - Vietnam Cambodia Thailand 20 Day Sample

DAY 14 BANGKOK/CHIANG MAI Meals included: Breakfast 12:00 PM Arrive Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand and the center of folk art. After At 8:15AM be ready in the lobby of the Royal collecting luggage you will be met by your guide Orchid Sheraton in preparation for your transfer to outside the baggage claim area and escorted to a the Bangkok airport. waiting vehicle. Your guide will be holding a sign marked 'Your Name’. 10:50 AM Depart Bangkok via Thai Airways flight # 106 direct service to Travel to the Tiger Kingdom approximately a 45 Chiang Mai. Total flying time: 1 hour, 10 minute drive. You will have a 30 minute minutes. opportunity to interact with these beautiful creatures. Chiang Mai (New City) was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as the capital of the first independent Enjoy lunch at the Tiger Kingdom before returning Thai state, Lanna Thai (Kingdom of One Million to Chiang Mai. Rice Fields). It became the cultural and religious center of the northern Tai, those who had migrated This afternoon visit Doi Suthep Temple. According from southern China to dwell in Thailand, and to legend, the shrine of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was remained so throughout the turbulent period of erected in 1383 after a wandering white elephant recurring Burmese attacks. The Burmese finally carrying a sacred Buddha relic stopped here, captured Chiang Mai in 1556 and occupied it until trumpeted three times, and promptly died - an King Taksin retook the city in 1775, driving the auspicious sign by Thai standards. Listen to the Burmese forces back to near the present border. chants, hear the magnificent bells and gongs, Burmese influence on religion, architecture, experience worship in pageantry and symbolism. language, cuisine, and culture, remains strong. The Doi Suthep Temple is the most sacred temple in city stands on the Ping River, a major tributary of Chiang Mai. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Chao Phraya River. the surrounding countryside. IS NOW COMPLETE