tales of travel

dreaming 
& planning

While we continue to readjust to ‘today’, we cannot help but think about what our tomorrow will look like. Our tomorrow means to us, the future. When will things resume, even if in a modified way and where will we go, who will we see and what will we do first?

It may take a while to board that next long haul flight and take off on an adventure of a lifetime, but it doesn’t hurt to dream and plan. For those of you wanting to revisit that amazing adventure you took with us to the Asia Pacific Region or, if you are a first time traveler and want some virtual inspiration, here is ATJ’s iconic trip, with family, friends or solo!

DAY 1

Depart the U.S. for Bangkok 

DAY 2

Arrive in Bangkok 

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival, you will be met by your private guide and driver and transferred into the city to your hotel.

Patrick’s favorite accommodations in Bangkok are:

• Mandarin Oriental – Bangkok
• Four Seasons Hotel – Bangkok at  Phraya River
• AriyasomVilla

DAY 3

Bangkok 

This morning, meet your private guide and driver for a full day of sightseeing in Bangkok, discovering why Bangkok is known as the “Venice of the East.”

Morning

• Grand Palace
  • Magnificent residence of the Kings of Siam
• Royal chapel of Wat Phra Kaew
  • Most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand
• Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha
  • Houses the enshrined ashes of King Rama I

Lunch

• Culinary walk along the backstreets of Thammasat University
  • Local food, beer and fresh smoothies

Afternoon

• Longtail boat tour through the canals of Bangkok
• Khlong Bang Luong
  • Local artist community (studios, galleries, cafes)
  • Baan Silapin – Artists’ House

DAY 4

Fly Bangkok to Chiang Mai 

This morning, you will be met by your private guide and driver and transferred to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel to settle in.

Culinary and Cultural Experience

• Raunkaew-Yanon family home
  • Private cooking lesson
  • Cultural conversations
  • Tour of the family fruit orchard and herb garden

Patrick’s favorite accommodations in Chiang Mai are:

• Anantara – Chiang Mai
• Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
• 137 Pillars House

DAY 5

Chiang Mai 

Meet your guide this morning and begin your private exploration of the “Rose of the North.”

Morning

• Thapae Gate, one of the four original city gates
  • Take a samlor (trishaw) for your tour today
• Tour of Buddhist Temples
  • Wat Phra Singh – Houses Phra Buddha Sihing
  • Wat U Mong – Visit with local monks
  • Wat Sri Suphan – The Silver Temple
• Wat Prathat Doi Suthep
  • Located at the summit of Doi Suthep Mountain

Lunch

• Private food tour by tuk tuk

Afternoon

• Three Kings Monument
  • Statue of the three founders of Chiang Mai
• Jaeng Sri Bhume
  • Fantastic photo opportunities at one of the four corners of Chiang Mai’s city wall
• Wat Lok Moli
  • The perfect model of Lanna Kingdom architecture
• Warorot Market
  • The biggest local market in Chiang Mai where you will be able to sample foods, both ordinary and extraordinary

Evening

• Tuk tuk ride down Chang Klan Road
  • Ride through the business district and night bazaar

DAY 6

Chiang Mai – Patara 

This morning, you’ll be driven to the Patara Elephant Camp for a unique and hands-on experience. Thailand is truly “the land of the elephant” with nearly 5,000 wild and domesticated elephants throughout the country.

Patara Elephant Camp

• Learn about elephant farm management and elephant breeding programs
• Get acquainted with your elephant partner and learn how to read their behaviors
• Feed your giant, gentle friends and take them for a walk
• Learn the important role elephants play in Buddhism
• Have a picnic lunch at a waterfall
• Help bathe and feed your elephant before saying goodbye

DAY 7

Fly Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang 

Today is free to relax or explore on your own. This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be transferred to your hotel for some time to check in and relax.

Evening

• Enjoy a bicycle ride in the countryside

Patrick’s favorite accommodations in Luang Prabang are:

• Sofitel Luang Prabang
• Rosewood Luang Prabang
• Satri House

DAY 8

Luang Prabang 

The bells of the town’s monasteries toll at dawn when long, golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. If you rise early, you will have the opportunity to witness this moving scene typical of old Laos—long lines of barefooted monks weaving through the streets on their alms rounds.

Early Morning

• Wake up early to watch the monks receive their alms
• Visit the morning market before returning to your hotel for breakfast

Late Morning

• Explore Luang Prabang by bicycle
  • Have a quick stop at a fruit and vegetable market
  • Wat Visoun – the oldest temple in Luang Prabang
  • Wat Mai – the largest temple in Luang Prabang
  • Wat Xieng Thong – monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art
  • Explore Phousi Hill – wonderful views of the Mekong Riverand mountains beyond

Afternoon

• Take a scenic countryside drive to the Pak Ou Caves
  • Take a boat to cross the river to reach the caves
  • Over 3,000 Buddha images come to life along the inside of the caves
• Return to Luang Prabang via boat along the Mekong River
  • Enjoy snacks aboard your boat
  • Stop at the silk-weaving village of Ban Xang Khong

DAY 9

Luang Prabang 

Following breakfast at the hotel, reconvene with your private guide and travel outside the city to explore the surrounding villages.

Morning

• Ban Long Lao
  • Khamu village and nearby Hmong village

Lunch

• Hike to the top of Kuang Si Waterfall for a picnic lunch

Afternoon

• Visit the Asian Moon & Sun Bear Conservation Center
• Attend a traditional baci ceremony at a nearby village

DAY 10

Fly Luang Prabang to Siem Reap 

This morning after breakfast, visit a rice farmer before your flight to Siem Reap.

Morning

• Rice Farmer
  • Learn about the history, planting techniques and the importance of rice

Enjoy a little more free time this morning before your transfer to the airport or your short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Welcome to Cambodia. Upon arrival, you will first be taken to pick up your Angkor Wat Pass so that you can avoid doing so tomorrow morning. If time allows, your guide can take you to watch the sunset from a nearby temple. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check in.

Evening

• Attend a performance of Phare Ponleu Selpak, an impressive Cambodian acrobat circus
• Enjoy dinner reservations at Cuisine Wat Damnak, a locally sourced, modern Cambodian restaurant

Patrick’s favorite accommodations in Siem Reap are:

• Jaya House River Park
• Phum Baitang – Zannier Hotels
• Belmond La Residence D’Angkor – Siem Reap

DAY 11

Siem Reap 

This morning, wake early to enjoy sunrise at Angkor Wat (optional, but we highly recommend it). You can position yourself for incredible photos as the sun rises.

Early Morning

• Sunrise tour at Angkor Wat
• Breakfast back at your hotel

Morning

• Tour the Angkor Thom complex
  • Phimeanakas
  • Baphuon
  • Terrace of the Elephants
  • Terrace of the Leper King

Afternoon

• Visit Ta Prohm
  • Ancient temple that has been partially reclaimed by the jungle
• Visit Banteay Srei
  • A temple featuring incredibly intricate carvings in pink sandstone

DAY 12

Siem Reap 

This morning depart with your guide on a full-day exploration of the countryside.

Morning

• Take a leisurely bicycle ride through the Cambodian countryside
  • Ride through rice paddies, forests, and past temples

Lunch

• Return to Siem Reap for lunch at a favorite local restaurant

Afternoon

• Kayak on Tonle Sap Lake
  • Explore a floating village and learn local customs
• Return to Siem Reap in the evening by motorboat

DAY 13

Fly Siem Reap to Krabi 

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Krabi, Thailand, via Bangkok.

On arrival you will then be transferred to your resort to check in with the remainder of the day free at your leisure.

Patrick’s favorite accommodations in Krabi are:

• The Tubkaak Boutique Resort – Krabi
• Nakamanda Resort & Spa
• Six Sense Yao Noi

DAY 14

Krabi 

Today is free to explore and enjoy the beach on your own.

DAY 15

Krabi 

This morning, you will be picked up at the hotel for a full-day journey on kayak, exploring the islands surrounding Krabi. Visit deserted, white sand beaches, watch sea eagles and snorkel around these paradise islands.

Kayak Exploration

• Kayak across the warm bay while surrounded by mangrove forests and limestone karsts
• Discover the insides of karst crags and unique islands
• Admire the beautiful bird and marine life around you
• Enjoy a picnic lunch at Hong Island

Return to your resort late this afternoon, and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

DAY 16

Fly Krabi to Bangkok 

Begin your journey home.

DAY 17

Fly Home