The Dawn of Happiness

Overview


Immersing into the Thai culture, connecting happily to its local community, history, and people. In Bangkok, we set out on an amazing boat trip through the river and canals. We listen to monk chanting and learn a simple meditation technique from a Buddhist monk. In Sukhothai, we try out the life of an organic farmer, and enjoy a community-based homestay experience.

Travel Itinerary


Sawatdee – Bangkok

Sawatdee! On your first day here, our staff will meet-and-greet you at the airport meeting point, and then guiding you to our private minibus with a smile. Although Thai smiles can mean a lot of things, this one is a warm welcome smile!

Authentic Canal Experience

Among hundreds of canals in Bangkok, Khlong Bangkok-Noi, once the original route of the Chao Phraya River, are a few which still retains much of its charm. Our boat will take you through this canal and stop at a few local temples, farms, and floating markets. Occasionally, when the traditional Thai puppet show is performed, we will visit the Artist House for the show. This is an extremely rare show that is unlikely to be found elsewhere.

Buddhism and Meditation

Travel to a small pier, take a short boat trip, and release some fish back to the river. Then continue on road to Wat Phra Dhammakaya, a large contemporary temple famous for its meditation teachings and dome-shaped stupa housing 1 million gilded Buddha images. Here we listen to monk chanting and participate in the meal offering ceremony. Finally, we learn the most accurate way of meditation from a Buddhist monk, which is a practice that anyone can do regardless of their race, religions, or personal beliefs.

The Old Nostalgic Train

A train may not be the fastest way to travel, but its pace creates the charm. We’ll catch a train at the Hua Lampong Station. Then travel in style, enjoying the scenery along the railroad, for around 6 hours from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. Lunch is served on board the train.

The Dawn of Happiness

Start the day with a glimpse of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, one of the world’s most beautiful Buddha image, at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat. Then cycle through the remains of more than 20 temples, such as Wat Mahathat, Noen Prasat, and Wat Si Chum, inside the ruins of the old Siamese capital at the Sukhothai Historical Park. Arrive at your new hotel by late afternoon. Then experience a relief from muscular tension and pain from a traditional Thai massage session.

The Farmer Experience

Change your cloth and experience the life of an organic farmer. Begin the journey by get on “Rot E-Taen,” a special vehicle used mainly in farms. We’ll collect some duck eggs and learn about the process of Thailand’s organic farming, experiencing various activities, including transplanting rice seedlings, harvesting in a demonstration field, husking paddy rice, and riding on a water buffalo. Head to Banna Tonchan in the afternoon. Cycle around the village, and stay overnight with the locals.

Experiential Sukhothai

Wake up early and hike to the viewpoint, or dress appropriately to give alms to the monks who walk along the road during their alms round. Return to your homestay for breakfast. Then observe the awesome process of hand weaving, and travel to a few places in the local village, such as the house of Grandpa Wong who makes amazing wooden gymnastic dolls, a community which fermented-mud clothes are made, and a house which you can taste or make your own delicious Peup Rice. We’ll leave the village and fly to Bangkok in the afternoon.

Departure

Say farewell to Thailand. Check-out time is before noon, but we can transfer you to the airport at anytime.

Siam Luxe Highlights


  • Traditional Thai Massage
  • Organic Farming Experience
  • Amazing Canal Tour in the Suburb Bangkok
  • Experience Buddhism First Hand
  • Local Life Homestay Experience
  • Learn Meditation from a Buddhist Monk

Inclusions & Prices


Meals

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, and 3 Dinners

Accommodations

6 Nights in Hotels or Resorts, and 1 Night in a Local Homestay

Transportation

Private Car/Minibus, Long-tail Boat, Rot E-Taen Farm Vehicle, Train, and a Return Flight to Bangkok

Tour Guide

Enthusiastic English Speaking Tour Guide

Prices

No. of TouristsPrice per Person
2-3 Persons$ 1,674฿ 51,100
4-5 Persons$ 1,251฿ 38,200
6-7 Persons$ 1,087฿ 33,200
8 Persons$ 989฿ 30,200

Prices shown are per person and based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. They are inclusive of service charge, local and government taxes and non-commissionable. Bookings are confirmed on the receipt of your deposits. The final payment for your vacation is due 30 days prior to arrival.