Gardens of Paradise Discover the beautiful gardens and horticulture of Thailand on our specially designed tour. This 2-week itinerary is a private tour 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, and kept open, 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. 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 inn 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 and visit a floral museum. Day 5: Day at leisure to walk around the old part of Bangkok. Then in the late afternoon or evening, you'll board a train for a journey into the north of the country (train has sleeper berths). Days 6: Arrival in Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North" where you'll be met and taken to a private home. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch. This evening, you'll be driven into central Chiang Mai where we recommend having dinner by the river. Day 7: A short drive to the beautiful Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens (you'll stop at an orchid farm on the way). Take one or more of the walking trails around the vast grounds, filled with an array of tropical plants, or explore the greenhouse. Then you'll visit a hilltribe community, to see how they live these days when they can drive rather than have long walks to their fields. 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 Wiang Kum Kiam 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: Visit a unique village, high in the hills. You'll be shown around this self-sustaining village and walk in the forest they grow their crops in. Don't forget to pick up some coffee at the village co-operative. Day 11: It's time to move onto your final stop, on the banks of the Ping river. Settle in and enjoy the swimming pool. Or explore the local area by foot and river boat, with your hosts. Day 12: Today you will be taken to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain. Early morning birdwatching then 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 13: 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 14: 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 from £1,975 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!
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