The flight arrives at Hong Kong where we deplane to catch a connecting flight to Bangkok. Originally named "Siam," Thailand is an ancient land that has seen the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. The current Chakri dynasty exists as a constitutional monarchy. Upon our arrival at Bangkok we are met by the Ritz Tours representative and transferred to the deluxe hotel for check in. Relax and unwind a bit before attending a Thai Classical Welcome Dinner Show. Meals: Dinner Show Day 4 Bangkok King Rama I the Great established Bangkok as his capital in 1782. In the 200 some years since that time, Bangkok has served as the spiritual, cultural, economic and political center of Thai affairs. Bangkok has a population of over 10 million people, making it Thailand's largest city. After breakfast, we visit and admire the royal splendor of the GrandPalace and Coronation Hall. Buddhism is one of the cornerstones of Thai culture and it influences can be felt and admired as we visit the EmeraldBuddhaTemple. Continue on to Wat Po, also known as the "RecliningBuddhaTemple." After visiting the Gems Factory, the rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch Day 5 Bangkok | | Journey by motor coach 37 miles north of Bangkok to Bang Pa In. Also known as the SummerPalace, Bang Pa In was originally built in 1632 and renovated by King Rama IV in 1850. Continue on north to Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350, it was the capital of the AyutthayaKingdom until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1768. Ayuthaya today is a modern city that still contains magnificent temples and structures from Thailand's past. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent bronze statues at MongkolBorpithTemple, the ancient pagodas at Phra Sri Sanphet and the PhanancherngTemples. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch Day 6 Bangkok - River Kwai After breakfast at the hotel, we finish up our tour of Bangkok with an excursion to the world famous Damnern Saduak Floating Market on Bangkok's timeless klongs (canals) at the outskirts of the city. Afterwards, continue on by motor coach to Kanchanburi and the River Kwai. Made famous by the 1957 movie "Bridge on the River Kwai," points of interest we visit include the legendary Bridge and JEATH museum. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel Day 7 River Kwai A morning visit to the WarMuseum at the Bridge. Located on the banks of the river, the museum contains numerous WWII relics and photographs. Board the local train for a train ride on the Death Railway, so named for the numerous POW's that perished to build it. The train arrives at KraSaeCave, located right by the railway station, where we enter to see the statue of Lord Buddha. Return to the hotel to wash up before going bamboo rafting along the River Kwai while enjoying dinner and music. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 8 River Kwai - Bangkok - Phuket Board the motor coach after breakfast as it heads back into Bangkok. After lunch, the group is transferred to the airport for a short flight to Phuket island, one of Asia's most popular beach resort destinations. Upon arrival, we're transferred to our hotel and take the remainder of the day at leisure. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch Day 9 Phuket Also called "Pearl of the Andaman," Phuket is Thailand's simmering pearl of beauty, whose exquisite charm and exotic scenery of wind limestone outcrops will stay in the memory. Our city tour starts with OldPhuketTown, known for its Portuguese style buildings and colorful markets. Continue on to Wat Chalong, one of the largest temples on the island and its most famous, following up with the Rawai Sea-Gypsy village. Finish up our scheduled sightseeing with the panoramic view afforded us at PromthepCape. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch Day 10 Phuket Entire day is free for us to lounge on the excellent beaches, walk about town, or finish up some last minute souvenir shopping. Phuket is known locally for its many excellent spas. Consider using the free day to use the spa facilities at the hotel or in town. Meals: American Breakfast Day 11 Phuket - Bangkok - Singapore With our delightful exploration of Thailand complete, we travel by plane back to Bangkok to catch a flight to Singapore, the "LionCity." Singapore is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and was known as "Pu Luo Chung," meaning "island at the end of a peninsula." The city-state of Singapore was established in 1819 by Sir Edmund Raffles as a trading station. Today, it is famous for its old world charms and new world appeals. After check in to the hotel, the remainder of the day is free for leisure activities. Meals: American Breakfast Day 12 Singapore Our sightseeing tour today includes visits to the Merlion Statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. We also visit the beautiful Botanical Garden, whose feature attraction is the national orchid garden, the largest collection of its kind in the world, and Chinatown. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch Day 13 Singapore - Hong Kong Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Hong Kong. Known as the "Asia's WorldCity," Hong Kong is also regarded as the shopping capital of Asia. Once a sleepy fishing town, Hong Kong has developed into a premiere center of commerce, the perfect blend of East and West. We're met by the Ritz Tours Hong Kong representative and transferred to the hotel. No activities have been planned for today. Meals: American Breakfast Day 14 Hong Kong A half day city tour takes us to visit such famous points of interest as Stanley Market, RepulseBay, and Aberdeen's Floating Community. A cable car ride up to VictoriaPeak to take in the gorgeous birds-eye view of Hong Kong and its harbor is also provided. As Hong Kong is a city that begs to be explored, the rest of the day is free at leisure. Meals: American Breakfast Day 15 Hong Kong No activities have been scheduled for this day. Take the time to do some last minute souvenir and gift shopping on Nathan Road, explore the city on your own, or even take the ferry to Macau for a day visit. Optional free time activities are numerous and can be scheduled with the Ritz Tours Hong Kong office. Meals: American Breakfast Day 16 Hong Kong - USA Our Asia vacation is at an end all too soon as we board our homebound international jetliner. Meals: American Breakfast | | |
China Tours 
China Custom Tours 