Gardens of Paradise Discover the beautiful gardens and horticulture of Thailand on our specially designed tour. This 2-week itinerary is a private tour for 2 people (although we can fit another 2 people on if you want to travel with friends), which takes in private gardens, formal botanical gardens, a visit to the mountains to see the hilltribes growing crops like asparagus, and the Ratchaphruek exhibition. Created as part of the celebrations for the King of Thailand's 80th birthday, the exhibition showcases over two and half million native tropical plants and flowers, and is also home to international gardens from other countries including Japan and Morocco. Launching in mid December 2011 is another spectacular show to celebrate the King's 84th, the Queen's 80th, and the Crown Prince's 60th and is being held until mid March 2012. So if you take this private tour this time, you will get a special bonus. This is a private tour that can be taken at your own pace and can be customised. Day 1: Fly overnight from London Heathrow direct to Bangkok with Eva Air or Thai Airways (regional departures available). Day 2: Transfer by car with one of our drivers to your boutique hotel in the oldest part of Bangkok. Dinner at a restaurant on the banks of the Chao Praya river, a favourite of both the Thai and British Royal families. Day 3: Sightseeing with one of our guides travelling by riverboat taxi to take in the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Wat Pho and Wat Arun. After relaxing back at your hotel, dinner out in the city at a restaurant of your choice (take a look at our tips to pick the best one for you). Day 4: Start exploring the greener side of Thailand. Spend the morning at Kukrit House in its two acres of lush gardens with tropical plants and bonsai. Journey on a private riverboat in the afternoon, past orchid farms, ending at Bangkok's famous Mandarin Oriental for a walk in its vibrant gardens and a spot of afternoon tea. Day 5: Relax at your hotel until midday, and then take lunch at a charming courtyard restaurant. Then board an overnight train in the late afternoon for a journey into the north of the country, settling down for the night in your first class cabin. Days 6: Breakfast in your cabin before arrival in Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North". Meet your hosts, Mae and Por, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch in their house. Take a tour of their incredible jungle-like gardens before dinner in Chiang Mai and a visit to the Night Bazaar. Retire to your private accomodation on the the top floor of Mae and Por's house. Day 7: A short drive to the world-renowned Sirikit Botanical Gardens, via an Orchid Farm. Take one or more of the walking trails around the vast grounds, filled with an array of tropical plants, or explore the greenhouse. Then it's off to meet a tiny Hmong hilltribe community with one of our guides. Day 8: Visit to the spectacular gardens of Bhubing Palace to see the vast range of tropical flora and plants, including the Queen's favourite roses! After exploring at your leisure, walk down the mountain to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a famous Buddhist temple. Day 9: Sightseeing in historic Chiang Mai. Visit the ancient city of Kum Kiam by pony and trap and browse the Sunday handicrafts market. Try your hand at Thai cooking in the evening with an informal lesson, before feasting on your efforts. Day 10: Fascinating visit to a unique eco-village, high in the hills. Take tea with your guide before being shown around this self-sustaining village and then take a walk into the forest. Don't forget to pick up some coffee at the village co-operative. Day 11: Say goodbye to Mae and Por, before being driven to the Doi Saket area and your final accommodation - a colonial style villa with garden and pool. Day 12: Nature walk with our Orchid expert around Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand's third biggest mountain and one of the best places for orchid-spotting. Then a restful afternoon, followed by dinner in one of the best restaurants the area has to offer. Day 13: Enjoy a delicous breakfast and then explore the local area by foot and river boat, with your hosts. Day 14: Today your driver will take you to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain. Explore the Royal Project, a scheme set up to encourage hilltribe people to grow crops other than opium. Then drive to the summit and follow a nature trail or swim in a waterfall. Day 15: Visit the Ratchaphruek exhibition, with its vast gardens, including the international gardens representing many different countries. Built to honour the King of Thailand on his 80th birthday, you will tour the gardens with a member of staff. Day 16: Early morning transfer by car to Chiang Mai airport for a short flight to Bangkok. Then catch your flight back home to the UK. This 2-week private tour costs £1,900 per person including flights, accommodation, activities/excursions, private air-conditioned cars and most meals. This price applies throughout the year except July, August and Christmas. Telephone us on 0800 011 2571 with any questions, we're happy to help!
Download the full itinerary with more details here
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