Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK
Arrive today to Bangkok, Thailand gleaming metropolis. Side by side with this striking modernity is an ancient system of holistic approaches to health and well being.

Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Tomorrow we begin our discovery of Thailand and of Thai wellness.

DAY 2: DISCOVER BANGKOK AND TUNE-UP YOUR BODY CLOCK.
Depart in the morning for the most important of all Thai monuments, The Royal Grand Palace – the most unmissable sight in all of Bangkok. One of the most spectacular palaces in Southeast Asia, it was begun in 1782 by King Rama I, after he moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. From the18th century onwards it has served as the residence of the early Chakri Dynasty Kings. The complex houses not only the Royal residence and throne halls, but also government offices and the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, containing the Emerald Buddha, the symbol of the country. Enjoy an entertaining and informative guided visit and be amazed by the opulence and splendour of the dazzling architecture. Return to hotel after tour.

In the afternoon, visit the wonderful Thai spa in the [HOTEL] and enjoy a 3 hour session which will help you adjust after the long flight and time difference. The treatment will be customized according to your personal and physical requirements.

DAY 3: BANGKOK’S TEMPLES AND INTRODUCTION TO THAI MASSAGE.
Spend a morning or afternoon travelling through the bustling Bangkok streets to visit two of the city’s most famous temples - Wat Trimitr, which houses a huge five-ton solid Gold Buddha, and Wat Po, which houses the enormous reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings, and is the spiritual home of traditional therapeutic Thai Massage. Your journey to the temples and the experiences you will have when you arrive provide a fascinating snapshot of the two sides of Bangkok – the modern city of shopping malls and skyscrapers on one hand, the centuries-old Buddhist tradition on the other, which continues to thrive despite the rapid modernization of the Thai capital.

Wat Po is the home of Thai Massage and what better place to experience Thai Massage. Before lunch, and ideally on an empty stomach, enjoy a 2 hour Thai massage in Wat Po. The treatment will leave you feeling wonderful and relaxed.

DAY 4: EXPERIENCE LIVING THAI BUDDHISM
In the early morning, you may see Buddhist monks on the street of Bangkok. This is the Monk’s ritual early morning trek out into the neighborhood to collect food and you can join this ceremony by walking around a local market, selecting offerings and offering food into their bowls.

Today you don’t need to go out and collect your own food for the day, but you do have the opportunity to experience the daily experience of living Thai Buddhism in a monastery following a monk’s rules, chanting, meditating, studying, giving alms, performing rituals, and living the simple life close to nature.

After breakfast, spending a few hours away from the hustle and bustle, you have the chance to learn meditation techniques from an English speaking monk. The main meditation teacher and program coordinator is a professor who is a senior ordained monk.

As monks maintain the highest status in Thai society, the monks will eat lunch separately before laymen are allowed, per Thai tradition. Lunch is their last meal of the day and must be eaten before noon.

In the afternoon, have the opportunity to share your experience in a group sharing activity and discuss with the teaching monk in the afternoon.

DAY 5: DISCOVER CHIANG MAI
This morning, fly to the capital of Thailand’s north, Chiang Mai.

On arrival, check in to the amazing Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort which is set in the lush countryside just outside town. After some time to freshen up, head out and explore Chiang Mai. Start with a visit to a local Northern food and flower market where local Thai do their shopping. Visit Wat Suan Dok where ashes of former Kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family are kept. Continue with a visit to Wat Phrathat on Doi Suthep Mountain, which was founded in 1383 A.D. In 1935 a road was built to the top, but nowadays people climb the 309 steps from the car park to the top or take a tram for a small surcharge. The climb up is rewarded with a superb panoramic view over the city. Return to the resort in late afternoon and catch the sunset over the mountains.

DAY 6: THE MIDDLE WAY – FULL DAY MEDITATION WORKSHOP
The Middle Way meditation retreat is the vision of the Great Master Luang Pu Wat Paknam and the Most Venerable Phrarajbhavanavisudh (Ven. Dhammajayo Bhikkhu): to spread the way towards inner peace so that it traverses every corner of the world

During the course, the training will be divided into three parts. In the initial part, trainees will receive the heart of theory in Buddhism which includes meditation practice, Buddhist teachings, the goal of life, and Buddhist culture.

Spend some time to reflect on your teachings and share your thoughts with the monks.

This will be followed by focused meditation training supervised and coached by the Most Venerable Phrarajbhavanvisudh (Ven. Dhammajayo Bhikkhu).

Finally, the course will conclude with the training of essential life skills which will allow and encourage you to continue the meditation practice in your everyday life.

DAY 7: YOGA AND ORGANIC COOKING
Have a nice early morning Yogic Breathing and Buddhist Walking Meditation at the resort then enjoy a family atmosphere and share cooking secrets with a well known local chef. From his experience as a trekking guide, he learnt how travellers were interested in preparing food with him, and his passion for cooking and continuous feedback on his cooking skills from travellers made him set up an organic farmhouse where he now takes care of a spacious garden full of Thai herbs and tropical fruits. From your hotel, first visit the local Ruamchook market with the chef. At the chef’s farm home, visit his organic garden, pick some fresh herbs and continue with a hands-on cooking experience where you will experience how to pound curry paste and how to make authentic Thai curry. Create a dessert with the sweet fruits you picked right from the trees. Return in the late afternoon to the hotel in Chiang Mai.

DAY 8: CHIANG RAI & ELEPHANT ADVENTURE
Meet your guide in the morning and drive to Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand, a home of breathtaking mountains, hill tribes, waterfalls, hot springs, river valleys, caves, etc…
Have a refreshing drink upon arrival at the resort, in exotic bamboo jungles where three countries meet, enjoy your first day in Chiang Rai and have an unforgettable experience by interacting with elephants, training and trekking. Then, drinks and dining to river boat excursions to meet local hill tribes.

DAY 9: HALF DAY GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Morning stretching exercise at the resort, after breakfast visit the infamous Golden Triangle, renowned for centuries as the centre of the opium trade From a hilltop viewpoint, marvel at the splendour of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak to form the actual “Triangle” with Laos, Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand. Continue to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, the perfect spot to observe border life and what goes on when local tribes and others engage in trade. Mae Sai is one of the very few official land crossings between Thailand and Burma and is therefore an important trade hub. Many Burmese come over daily from Thakhilek to work or do business and hurry back before the sun sets. Burmese lacquerware, gems, jade and other goods from Laos and Burma are sold in shops along the main street. Return to Chiang Rai by car.

DAY 10: CHIANG RAI - SAMUI
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flights to Bangkok and then Koh Samui.

Upon arrival at Samui Airport, transfer to the hotel.

At your leisure, head to the spa and spend an hour or two having your muscles kneaded, pushed, pulled and relaxed in the resort, this is an invigorating experience and banishes all the aches and pains you get from travelling.

Evening leisure and enjoy charming view at the resort.

DAY 11: FULLDAY ANGTHONG MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Angthong Marine National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands and home to an abundance of marine life, caves, and white sand beaches. Travel by speedboat from Koh Samui for approximately one hour to reach this beautiful destination. Cruise around the numerous islands and take the opportunity to stop at uninhabited islands for snorkelling or just relaxing on the white sand beaches. Learn more about operating a kayak and climb into your two-person kayak to start exploring the waters of the park, accompanied by a professional instructor. Head off to explore sea tunnels, coral gardens or just enjoy the natural beauty of this area while paddling around. Lunch is served on the way and presented as a picnic in a local fishing village. Return in the late afternoon to the boat and transfer back to the pier of Koh Samui.

DAY 12: YOGA AND YOUR HEALTH
Yoga, an important part of healthy life style and it is a great exercise system promotes one’s health and well-being helping to reduce stress brought on by hectic lifestyles. Today you will visit with Claudia Jones, the Director of Samahita Wellness at Samahita Yoga Thailand. Claudia expertly guides and supports guests through detox and wellness programs. On the Yoga and Your health retreat you will enjoy delicious home-cooked healthy meals, fresh fruit and vegetable juices and a variety of nutritious healthy supplements. Then, afternoon session you will learn healthy cooking class with introduction to self-massage, hand and foot reflexology and talk on healthy, balanced living

DAY 13: EXPERIENCE BALANCED LIVING – MASSAGE INSTRUCTION
Today, have a chance to visit and learn massage therapy session Mr. Ricardo Neuman, the exporter in Massage therapy with completing a degree in Human Nutrition at the University of Hawaii. Then, choosing one wellness therapies at Samahita wellness center.
Shuttle back to hotel and evening free leisure at the hotel

DAY 14: DEPARTURE
Today is free until your departure to the airport for your onward flight

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