Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA – PHITSANULOK (405kms - 6hrs)
Stop At: Century Park Hotel, 9 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Palaces, ancient ruins, temples and monkeys are on the menu as this epic six-day tour from the capital to northern Thailand kicks off in style. Make your way to the meeting point, where you will be picked up to start the tour. Head to Bang Pa-In to visit the sumptuous Summer Palace of Rama V. Continue then to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate the ancient temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Chai Nat before moving on to Phitsanulok for a brief orientation tour of the city. Check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Phitsanulok. Lunch included
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = Imperial Phitsanulok or similar 4*
Day 2: PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG (410 kms - 5.5 hrs)
Stop At: Wienglakor Hotel, 138/38 Thanon Phaholyothin, Tambon Suan Dok, อำเภอ เมือง Chang Wat Lampang 52100, Thailand
After breakfast at the hotel, head to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to join the locals in their morning prayers and offerings in this historical temple, which houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues. Depart then for Sukhothai to explore this ancient city packed with historical landmarks, the most impressive being the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Admire the ruined temples and palaces as well as the Buddha statues of all sizes. Lunch en route at a local restaurant. A short drive away is Si Satchanalai, which boasts the evocative ruins of half a dozen temples, including Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat – which is reached by crossing a wooden suspension bridge – as well as countless statues of Buddha and elephants. This usually quiet location offers a special spiritual interlude to the tour before arriving in Lampang for the evening.
Overnight in hotel in Lampang Lunch included
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = Wienglakor Hotel or similar 4*
Day 3: LAMPANG - PHAYAO - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG RAI (470 kms - 5.5 hrs)
Stop At: Laluna Hotel and Resort, 160 หมู่ที่ 14 Sanambin Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
After breakfast, explore the wonderful Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, just a brief drive from Lampang, and marvel at the elaborate decorations and beautiful Buddha statues. Continue north, stopping briefly at Phayao Lake for a coffee break. Then it’s on to the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai to visit Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, gives it a resplendent appearance, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Rai for lunch. Afterwards, head to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained an unwanted notoriety in the 1960s because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. Then enjoy a boat trip around the Golden Triangle with a stop at Don Sao Island, which forms part of Laos (boat trip lasts approx. 45 minutes). After, visit the 212 House of Opium and stroll around its rare collection of opium paraphernalia such as weights, scales and pipes. Learn the history of this drug and about the devastating effect its trade had on local communities.
Overnight in Chiang Rai Breakfast and lunch included
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = Imperial River House or similar 4*
Day 4: CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (220 kms - 8.5hrs)
Stop At: Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai, 318, ตําบล, 1 Thanon Chiang Mai-Lamphun, Tambon Wat Ket, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Enjoy a lively start to the day’s activities at the fragrant and vibrant Chiang Rai morning market and then make a brief stop at the Wat Phra Kaew temple. After, delve deeper into local culture at the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre, where the lifestyles of the area’s mountain peoples are explained along with the challenges to their survival. Continue by road to Tha Ton and enjoy lunch before heading to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. To reach the temple you can either climb a 309-step naga staircase or take the cable car.
Overnight in Chiang Mai Breakfast and lunch included.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = Express Ching Mai or similar 4*
Day 5: CHIANG MAI (80 kms - 3hrs)
Stop At: Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai, 318, ตําบล, 1 Thanon Chiang Mai-Lamphun, Tambon Wat Ket, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Wake up to breakfast and then visit with a stop at the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden in Mae Rim, which first opened in 1992. The Banana Avenue trail takes you to see the tremendous collection of over 200 different varieties of banana trees, mainly from Southeast Asia. Visit the Tropical Rainforest house, which, with a floor space of 1,000 square meters and 33 metres high, holds a wide collection of tropical species, including palms, banana trees and ginger plants. Then stroll through the majestic Orchid House and brave Thailand’s longest canopy walkway, made of steel with glass viewing platforms every 50 to 100 metres. Look down at the subtropical jungle plants far below your feet or gaze around at the surrounding mountains. This visit is followed by lunch at local restaurant. After, continue to the Baan Tipmanee woodworking shop and learn how these artisans make Chiang Mai’s most famous carved wooden products. An optional khantoke dinner is available in the evening.
Overnight in Chiang Mai Breakfast and lunch included
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = Express Ching Mai or similar 4*
Day 6: DEPART CHIANG MAI
Stop At: Chiang Mai International Airport, 60 ถนน มหิดล Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Relax over breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy the freedom of Chiang Mai. Explore the city at your own pace and leisure, visiting the sites and attractions most interesting to you in this city teeming with green spaces, popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. The day is yours to do as you wish. Departure transfer to Chiang Mai Airport included.
Breakfast included.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.