Join a group today and explore the highlight of any visit to Bangkok - the Palace of the Kings. You have a choice of visiting Thailand?s ancient former capital by boat and returning by van or vice-versa. A river boat journey allows for a close up view of those living on the river, including close access to the many temples and sites along the way to / from the Palace.

Located 53 miles north of Bangkok Ayuthaya was Thailand?s capital from 1350 to 1767. Once a thriving international commercial center, but today only the ruins of this splendid city are to be seen. The ruins and temples are quite spectacular and some are still quite intact like bronze statues of Wat Chai Mongkol and Wat Panangcherng.

You will also see the summer palace of King Rama IV with it?s mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture which is a well preserved 'museum' to a former historical period in the land once known as Siam.

The Elephant Village was opened in 1973 as a sanctuary for former working elephants. These elephants, through reasons of injury or ill health, can no longer be used as a part of the backbone of heavy work in the jungles of Thailand. Also because of their diminishing habitat, it is now longer possible to return them to the wild.

The Elephant Village provides these magnificent creatures with a safe haven, where they may live out their lives with dignity and freedom from fear. Spend the afternoon being entertained by the big tuskers, see them having a bath and how they were once used as a working animal. The elephant show includes demonstrations of training techniques, bathing, traditional roundup methods and the Glong Sabad Chai Ceremony with a war elephant. At the end of the show, visitors will have the opportunity to take a short ride on an elephant for an extra cost.

An adventure trek through some of the north?s picturesque countryside. Approximately 25 kilometres northwest of Chiang Mai is Mae Sa Elephant Camp and it is here we head to watch the demonstration of elephants at work, moving logs and generally showing off their various skills.

After the display, there is an exciting elephant trek through the woods, and over hilly trails - a real adventure and wonderful experience.

The adventure then continues west in appropriate vehicles for a visit to a Meo hilltribe with an opportunity to explore the tribal huts and observes the normal, almost primitive way of life. Continue on to a nearby orchid farm where lunch is served.

After lunch there is time to explore the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and learn about the tropical plant and flowers, returning to your hotel at approximately 3:00pm.