This is a 'must see' for all visitors to Bangkok. The Grand Palace complex, which includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow) is unquestionably one of the wonders of the world today. Within its enormous grounds is the most exotic Buddhist temple and at the heart of the temple itself is a fabulous Buddha image, carved from one piece of Jade, which is the holiest and most revered of religious objects in Thailand today.

Nearby is the Grand Palace, once the official home for the Kings of Siam - built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs. You can also see the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall.

Your private guide can give you a greater insight into today's touring. Leave for Mae Chan 40 kilometers away. Then drive uphill to visit Yao and Akha Hilltribe Villages. Continue driving up Doi Mae Salong to Santi Kiri KMT Yunan Chinese Refugee settlement, with its tea and coffee plantations and also co-op store where home made wines, medical herbs and other locally grown products are sold.

The villagers are ethnic Chinese, descendents of KMT Nationalist Chinese army regiment that took refugees into Thailand almost 50 years ago when Communist Forces won the civil war in mainland China. Doi Mae Salong enjoys a cool and refreshing climate all year round.

In January, Japanese Sakura flowers cover the hillsides. Afterwards visit Akha hilltribe at Lor Cha Village, then return to your hotel.

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.