DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Bangkok.
On arrival in Bangkok you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for four nights.

DAY 3: Bangkok. Included sightseeing.
Referred to as the 'Venice of the East' for its beauty and canals, Bangkok offers an exhilarating concoction of exquisite, historic and religious monuments, gleaming modernity, exciting shopping and friendly culture. A thrilling day's sightseeing lies ahead taking in the city's principal landmarks: the splendid Wat Trimitr temple with its precious solid gold Buddha, and Wat Po, home of the stunning reclining Buddha. In the afternoon, continue to Thailand's most sacred and stunning monument: the radiant Grand Palace, an awesome example of an ancient Thai court with opulent halls and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This evening, enjoy a special Thai dinner accompanied by Thai classical music and dancers. (B, D)

DAY 4: Bangkok. Included sightseeing.
A tour highlight today is a visit to the legendary floating market of Damnoen Saduak, where traders sell exotic fruit, vegetables, silks and toys from their boats in a wonderfully photogenic setting. Next, on to Phra Pathom Chedi, the world's tallest Buddhist pagoda, before heading to the Rose Garden, a garden resort and cultural centre where after lunch, you'll enjoy a dazzling Thai show that includes the famous fingernail dance, sword fighting and Thai boxing. (B, L)

DAY 5: Bangkok.
Enjoy a free day in this intoxicating city. Perhaps sample the amazing value shopping, visit a lively market or taste delicious Thai cuisine at one of the multitude of restaurants. (B)

DAY 6: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - River Kwai.
After breakfast travel to Kanchanaburi on the banks of the River Kwai - made famous by the construction of the River Kwai Bridge during the Second World War. Visit the Allied Forces cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum, which illustrates the history of the Thailand-Burma railway. Today's highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge to Tham Krasae Station. From here, visit the Tham Krasae Cave, which houses images of the Buddha and offers fascinating views of the River Kwai and 'Death Railway'. This afternoon take a boat ride to Lava Cave, home to thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, before continuing to your hotel. (B, L)

DAY 7: River Kwai - Suphanburi - Ayutthaya.
This morning, visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, part of the Death Railway, that cuts through the mountains. Today it houses a museum detailing life of the Allied prisoners and Asian labourers who helped build, and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass. Continue to Suphanburi and visit Wat Pa Le Lai, an old monastery displaying a Luang Pho To Buddha image, which shows Buddha living in the jungle. Continue north to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. Almost completely destroyed in 1767, the former glory still shines out of the impressive ruins. Here, visit Bang Pa In, built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Kings of Ayutthaya before continuing to your hotel for one night. (B, L)

DAY 8: Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Phitsanuloke.
We journey amongst the beautiful landscape to Lopburi, stopping at the Wat Phra Puttabat, with its enormous snake-adorned staircase and footprint of Buddha, en route. At Lopburi, you'll experience the renowned Three Spires Pagoda and the Sarn Prakarn Temple - home to many monkeys. Later, head to Phitsanuloke, with its houseboat-laden river, for one night. (B, L)

DAY 9: Phitsanuloke - Sukohthai - Sri Satchanalai - Lampang.
Drive to Sukhothai, Thailand's 13th century capital, and visit the atmospheric, moated old town. Enter one of Asia's most historic sites via the Kampheng-Hak-Gate and visit some of the dazzling temples within. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel north to experience the charming temple ruins at Sri Satchanalai, before driving through beautiful rural countryside to Lampang. (B, L)

DAY 10: Lampang - Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai.
This morning, travel to Ko Kah to see the exquisite Emerald Buddha, the only one outside Bangkok. From here, drive to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town. After lunch, continue to the legendary 'Golden Triangle' where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. After an enjoyable optional boat tour on the Mekong River, visit Chiang Saen, graced with ornate 13th century ruins and relics, before heading to Chiang Rai. (B, L)

DAY 11: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai.
Northern Thailand is known for its colourful hill tribes and this morning we drive through panoramic uplands and breathtaking vistas to Doi Mae Salong, where traditional Chinese herbal medicines are made and sold. Next, to the hot springs at Mae Ka Chan, which locals believe relieve a host of ailments. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue through lush jungle to Chiang Mai, a fragrant mountain retreat called the 'Rose of the North' for its refreshing climate. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kantoke Dinner and dance show. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Chiang Mai. Included sightseeing.
We begin today with a visit to an elephant camp to see these incredible creatures working in the jungle, carrying huge timbers with their trunks and bathing in the river. After an optional elephant ride, there's a short visit to an orchid farm where a myriad of orchid varieties are grown for export. This afternoon, visit San Kampaeng to see local craftsmen make Thailand's traditional lacquerware and teakwood furniture, before heading to the Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep, a stepped hilltop temple with spectacular views over Chiang Mai. (B, L)

DAY 13: Chiang Mai.
At leisure. (B)

DAY 14: Chiang Mai - UK.
Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to the UK via Bangkok. (B)

DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.