TRIBES & JUNGLES OF NORTHERN THAILAND – PHUKET – PI PI ISLANDS – SUMMER & AUTUMN 2025

Meeting at the airport and direct flight to Shanghai.

Early in the morning we arrive in Shanghai and board our bus for an introduction to the spectacular metropolis. Seeing Shanghai, one understands what the postmodern cities of the future will be like. In the 6440 sq. km. of geographical area it covers, a miracle takes place that we will experience on today's tour. We will have our first introduction to the futuristic metropolis starting from the Jinmao Tower, a pearl of architecture with a futuristic design, which was the tallest building in China from 1994 to 2007, which will be the point from which we will enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the city. The picturesque China Town with its labyrinthine streets and shady Yew gardens will reveal to us the forgotten face of the modern metropolis. The Huang River, which separates East from West Shanghai, and on its banks stands a multitude of impressive public buildings and monuments. The Bund, the boulevard-symbol of the city's prosperity, is only 1.5 km long but is adorned with a harmonious ensemble of buildings of excellent architecture, representing all European trends, such as Baroque, Ancient Greek, Neoclassical and Renaissance. A pleasant walk along the river, overlooking the impressive Pudong, with its gigantic skyscrapers, will bring us into contact with the city's extreme postmodern style. Next is the famous Nanjing Boulevard. This is the main commercial artery of Shanghai, 5.5 kilometers long, with more than 600 luxury stores, which satisfy the consumer mania of Chinese and visitors every day. Lunch at a local restaurant and return to the airport for our flight to Bangkok. Arrival and transfer to our hotel in Bangkok for overnight stay

Today we will start our tour of the imperial capital. Thus, we will tour the GRAND PALACE where, among other things, we will see the Golden Buddha temple, the most famous in the country. Next is the complex of Buddhist temples Wat Po, with the emerald and reclining Buddha of 45 meters. Crossing the river we will see a panoramic view of the "Temple of Dawn" Wat Arun. We will continue to get to know the famous Chinese market (CHINATOWN) with the countless street vendors, but also the countless local delicacies of fried worms and grilled insects. Finally, we will end up at the Asiatique Market to relax in a wonderful market overlooking the river and with numerous food options in restaurants with live music.

Our first stop will be the special railway market in Mae Klong, (which officials decided to build to help the direct transport of products - such as fish - to all the provinces of the country. Imagine a train crossing a popular market and the street vendors collecting their goods and putting them back on the rails. This peculiarity became internationally known through TikTok and other videos uploaded by tourists on the internet. Next, the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market awaits us (a canal built in 1866 by King Rama IV to facilitate water travel between the provinces of Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon and is now famous for the most published photos of the country). Sailing on a long-tail boat, we will take a walk through the canals filled with hundreds of vendors selling abundant quantities of exotic, fresh fruits and vegetables, agricultural products as well as authentic, local sweets, delicacies and souvenirs. During our transfer to Bangkok airport and time permitting, we will make a stop at the most famous shopping mall in the country and one of the most luxurious in the world ICON SIAM. Next is our flight to the northernmost province of Thailand, also known as the “Gateway to the Golden Triangle”, as it is located near the borders of the three countries of Thailand.

After breakfast, our full-day excursion begins during which we will visit the temple symbol of the area, Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), which symbolizes the purity of Buddhism. Then we will learn about the triangular architecture in the "black house museum" and see the impressive modern "Blue Temple" with its intense blue colors and elaborate carved representations. Today we will also have the opportunity to visit the Karen "hill tribe" and be initiated into their habits and their belief in the world of spirits (mainly of the earth and water). Starting from Tibet, the Karen tribe, which has a population of 1,000,000, managed to survive and spread to various villages in Burma and Northern Thailand. A characteristic feature of the women of the tribe are the decorative massive rings around their necks. Short tour of Chiang Rai to admire the Clock Tower and the City Night Market.

During our road transfer to Chiang Mai, we will stop at the Mae Kajan hot springs. This is followed by a visit to the village of Bo Sang, famous for the manufacture of paper-bamboo umbrellas, following the centuries-old tradition from Burma. Check-in and free time for a walk in the famous Chiang Mai night market.

After breakfast we will visit the elephant farm, to get very close to the majestic mammals, where we will have the opportunity to feed them, learn about their daily lives and ride them while taking a walk on the river in the area. Rafting will follow with small bamboo rafts, gazing at the lush jungle, the small coastal houses and seeing the elephants' resting area. Return to the hotel and free time to rest. Dinner will be served in the traditional way of the region, watching music and Kantoke dances.

Leaving the north of the country, we will arrive by plane in Phuket and during our transfer to the hotel we will have the opportunity to get to know the island with a visit to the old historical center of the island with its colorful houses that have been converted into shops, restaurants and bars. We will get to know the most beautiful temple complex of Chalong Island and finally we will have the opportunity to enjoy the view from Promthep Cape that protrudes into the Andaman Sea at the southernmost point of the island. The spot holds the first place for a wonderful sunset, accompanied by street musicians playing romantic music. After the end of the excursion, we will settle in our hotel.

After breakfast, we will embark on a full-day excursion to the Phi Phi Islands (on a boat with other travelers). In the Andaman Sea, you will find yourself at the most famous spot in the country, the islands of Phi Phi Don & Phi Phi Le. Breathtaking limestone cliffs rise above the emerald waters of the area and offer a spectacular view, tempting us to swim (just like DiCaprio did in the famous movie “The Beach”). There will be a stop at Maya Bay (where the film was filmed. (For reasons of marine environmental protection, swimming is not allowed). The area is full of white beaches and coral reefs, waiting to be discovered. Next, a stop at Kai Island, a wonderful spot to take photos of schools of colorful fish and an ideal spot for snorkeling. A typical lunch will be provided during the excursion. Return to our hotel.

(Optional excursion with lunch to “James Bond Island”) Free day to enjoy your vacation on one of the most famous exotic islands in the world. Optionally, take an excursion to James Bond Island… At a distance of 40 kilometers in the Andaman Sea, we will find ourselves on James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), which has been one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations since 1974, when the film “The Man with the Golden Gun” with Roger Moore was filmed there. Breathtaking limestone cliffs rise above the emerald waters of the area and offer an impressive view. During the excursion, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the view up close, taking canoe rides (by local guides) and swimming at any point where the boat is parked.

Today, relax and enjoy your bath, a Thai massage, or do your shopping for cashmere pashminas and souvenirs. Finally, don't forget to try seafood dishes at one of the restaurants in the area. In the afternoon, transfer to the island's airport and direct flight to Shanghai.

Arrival in Shanghai in the morning and transfer to our hotel in the City Center. A whole day at your disposal to rest and enjoy your walk in the bustling market of Nanjing, to try street food from the outdoor canteens and to walk on the Bund waterfront with a view of the futuristic skyline of the city. In the evening we leave our rooms and depart for the city airport.

Shortly after midnight we depart on a direct flight to Athens where we arrive early in the morning.