Grand Siam: 13 days: Journey by plane, road, boat and elephant back and capture the romance and mystique of Northern Thailand's hill country. Visit Thailand's Northern capital, Chiang Mai, the city of beautiful women and celebrated handicrafts. Journey to the remote province of Mae Hong Sorn - the "land of three mists" - see the long necked Paduang women, superb scenery, experience an elephant trek and sample true Thai hospitality before relaxing at one of the country's celebrated beach resorts.

Day 1 Bangkok: Fly to Bangkok

Days 2-4 Bangkok:

Plenty of time to take one of the many optional tours. See the stunning Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, cruise the Chao Phraya River by rice barge, come face to face with five and a half tonnes of solid gold Buddha at Wat Traimit, maybe venture to Damonoen Saduak floating market, perhaps the Rose Garden. Enjoy a night of traditional Thai classical dancing and dinner or for the more adventurous Patpong with its risque shows.

Day 5 Bangkok to Chiang Mai:

Morning flight to the "Rose of the North", the capital of Northern Thailand and reputedly home to the most beautiful women in Thailand. On arrival visit the thriving cottage industries to watch craftsmen manufacture lacquerware, ornate silverware, silk spinning and teak carving. In the evening visit the bustling night bazaar and haggle for a bargain.

Day 6 Chiang Mai:

This morning, visit Wat Phra That, 3000 feet above Chiang Mai, on Doi Suthep Hill. A 290 step climb is rewarded by the sight of the radiant gilded temple buildings and vistas of the city below. Continue to the White Meo Hill tribe, whose traditional costumes and customs have remained intact and isolated from the modern world. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 7 Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Sorn: Short flight over spectacular jungle clad mountains and local villages to the "land of three mists". Close to the Burmese borer, the influence in temple architecture and culture is apparent as you reach Mae Hong Sorn. Surrounded by lush green hills and blue/gray mountains - a place that time has passed by. No large markets or busy streets, just tranquil beauty and simplistic life-style.

Day 8 Mae Hong Sorn:

A day never to be forgotten - just 2% of the local population are Thai, the rest being a colourful mixture of hilltribes and Shan, who still live their traditional lives oblivious to modern trends. Drive into the countryside in "pick-up" vans, continue by elephant as you journey into the jungle to visit one of the most colourful hill tribes, the Long Neck Paduang. The women have elongated necks as a result of the custom that dictates the wearing of numerous brass rings. Return journey to Mae Hong Sorn is by boat along the river Pai.

Day 9 Mae Hong Sorn to Beach Resort: Fly south to Bangkok (via Chiang Mai). Continue by road to Pattaya or Hua Hin. Alternatively, fly just one hour south to the tropical paradise isle of Phuket or Koh Samui.

Days 10-12 Beach Resorts: Time to unwind and relax on the beautiful beaches, to swim in warm water, to take part in water sports or indulge in delicious fresh seafood.