DAY 1 | ARRIVAL BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA – PHITSANULOK (405kms - 6hrs)
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. After pick-up from your hotel, head to Bang Pa-In to visit the sumptuous Summer Palace of Rama V. head to 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 then continue to Phitsanulok for a brief orientation tour of the city before checking in at the hotel. Overnight in hotel in Phitsanulok. Lunch included. (start 7:00, finish approx. 17:30)
DAY 2 | PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG (410 kms - 5.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, head to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to join the locals in their morning prayers and offerings in this historic temple, which houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues. Depart for Sukhothai to explore this ancient city packed with historical landmarks, the most impressive being the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO 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. Breakfast and lunch included. (start 8:00, finish approx. 19:00)
DAY 3 | LAMPANG - PHAYAO - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG RAI (470 kms - 5.5hrs)
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, continuing 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, which makes 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 hotel in Chiang Rai. Breakfast and lunch included. (start 7:00, finish approx. 18:30)
CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (220 kms - 8.5hrs)
Enjoy a lively start to the day’s activities at the fragrant and vibrant Chiang Rai morning market and then a brief stop at 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 via Wiang Pa Pao District and lunch will provide at local restaurant 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 requires a climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, a cable car (included) takes you to the temple.
Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included. (start 7:00, finish approx. 19:00)
DAY 5 | CHIANG MAI (80 kms - 3hrs)
After a good dose of culture and history, heading to Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park is an eco-friendly, naturally built; outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making our much talked about paper products from elephant poop fibers! The interpretive walking tour through our lush gardens brings visitors through eight different pavilions explaining each stage of our fascinating process from poo collection to rinsing to final product assembly. Visitors are encouraged to pull up a stool, roll up their sleeves and join with our talented artisans and guides and participate in our head-turning process! Complemented by the presence of rich graphics and signage, visitors will also be introduced to Chiang Mai’s long and rich history with traditional papermaking and handicrafts production.
Continue the visit with a stop at the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden in Mae Rim, which first opened in 1992. The facility’s purpose is to conduct and promote botanical research, promote biodiversity and to conserve Thailand’s natural plant resources. 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 is the largest conservatory of the glass complex. With a floor space of 1,000 square meters by 33 metres high, it holds a wide collection of tropical species, such as palms, banana trees and ginger plants. Then stroll through the majestic Orchid House. Another highlight 20 metres up in the air amongst the mountain treetops is Thailand’s longest canopy walkway. The walkway stretches around 370 metres, winding along the mountainside. Constructed from a steel with glass viewing platforms every 50 to 100 metres, you will certainly feel part of the landscape. Look down at the subtropical jungle plants far below your feet or gaze around at the surrounding mountains. At the end of the walkway you are rewarded with views stretching across the lush subtropical valley. Duration of the visit lasts approx. 2.5 to 3 hours. The visit is followed by lunch at local restaurant. After, continue to the Baan Tipmanee woodworking shop. Learn how these artisans make Chiang Mai’s most famous carved wooden products by the hands of highly skilled craftsmen. An optional khantoke dinner is available in the evening. Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included. (start 08:00, finish approx. 17.30)
CHIANG MAI
Relax over breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy the freedom of Chiang Mai. Explore the city at your own pace and leisure and catch the sights and attractions of this city teeming with green spaces and popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. The day is yours to do as you wish. Departure transfer to Chiang Mai Airport included (if required). Breakfast included.
