Thailand | Tour Code: 11872
Ancient ruins, temples and monkeys are on the must-see list as this epic 6-day trip from the capital to Northern Thailand kicks off in style
Highlights
-
Experience an up-close encounter with Thailand’s gentle giants at the Thai Elephant Care Centre
-
Discover the historical charm of the Luang Temple (Wat Phra That Lampang Luang), Northern Thailand’s oldest wooden structure and an important piece of Thai heritage
-
Immerse yourself in the ancient history of Thailand at Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom, considered the birthplace of Thai civilization
Overview
This journey will take you from the opulent palaces and temples of Northern Thailand to the rugged mountains and lush jungles in the region of Chiang Mai. From Bangkok, travel to Ayutthaya, a former capital of Siamese Kingdom. Visit its ancient temples including the Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng. Head to Sukhothai to explore this ancient city packed with historical landmarks such as Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Lampang and explore the wonderful Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple.
Leave for Chiang Rai and visit Wat Rong Khun,a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Depart to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Last stop is the ancient city of Chiang Mai, where you wil have 2 days to explore its landmarks including the ancient Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Thai Elephant Care Centre and Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden in Mae Rim.
Inclusions
- 1 night in Phitsanulok at Topland Hotel & Convention Centre in a Superior Room - 4*
- 1 night in Lampang at Wienglakor Lampang in a Classic Room - 3*
- 1 night in Chiang Rai at The Legend Chiang Rai in a Superior Studio - 4*
- 2 nights in Chiang Mai at Movenpick Suriwongse in a Classic Room - 4*
- Private transfers with air-conditioned vehicles and English speaking representative assistant
- Daily Breakfast
- Meals: 5 lunches as per Itinerary
- Private tours as per Itinerary with English speaking local guide
- Admission fee included as per Itinerary
Itinerary
After pickup from your hotel, head to Bang Pa-In to visit the sumptuous Summer Palace of Rama V. Continue to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate the ancient temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Phanan Choeng. 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. Time will be at leisure.
Overnight stay at Topland Hotel & Convetion Centre in a Superior Room.
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 the most revered Buddha statues in Thailand. 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. Time will be at leisure.
Overnight stay at Wienglakor Lampang in a Classic Room.
After breakfast, explore the wonderful Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple, just a brief drive from Lampang, and marvel at the elaborate detail of the decorations and beautiful Buddha statues. Continue north, stopping briefly at Phayao Lake for a coffee break, and 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.
Afterward, head to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained unwanted notoriety in the Sixties because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. Then enjoy a 45-minute boat trip around the Golden Triangle with a stop at Don Sao Island, which forms part of Laos. 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 the devastating effect its trade has had on local communities. Return to your hotel.
Overnight stay at The Legend Chiang Rai in a Superior Studio.
After breakfast, 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 the 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 a tasty 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, where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. Reaching the temple requires a climb up a 309-step Naga staircase. Alternatively, a cable car (included) takes you to the temple. And then we transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Movenpick Suriwongse in a Classic Room.
After all that culture and history, it is time for a day exploring wildlife and nature in the jungles near Chiang Mai. Get up close and personal with the animal kingdom at the Thai Elephant Care Centre where you can witness these gentle giants show off their skills. If the time is right, watch them play during their bath time. 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 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, the glass complex's largest conservatory. With a floor space of 1,000 square metres and a height of 33 metres, it holds a wide collection of tropical species, such as palms, banana trees, and ginger plants. Enjoy visiting the beautiful Orchid House as well as Thailand’s longest canopy walkway. The walkway stretches for around 370 meters, winding along the mountainside. Constructed from steel with glass viewing platforms every 50 to 100 meters, 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. The visit is followed by lunch at a local restaurant. After, continue to the woodworking shop of the Tipmanee House in Baan Tawai. Learn how Chiang Mai's most famous carved wooden products are created by the hands of highly skilled artisans.
Overnight stay at Movenpick Suriwongse in a Classic Room.
Relax over breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy the freedom of Chiang Mai. Explore the city at your own pace and leisure, taking in the sights and attractions of this green-filled city known as the Rose of the North. The day is yours to do as you wish. Departure transfer to Chiang Mai Airport or train station for your next destination.
Additional Information
- We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit. The package price is based on 3 and 4-star accommodation.
Blackout dates may apply during festive season.
Excluded
- International airfares and taxes
- Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
- Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
- Meals other than as specified in our holiday package i.e. mandatory festive dinners
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
- Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
