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Itinerary
Day 1 Bangkok Ayutthaya Lopburi Phitsanulok
This morning, the tour begins in Bangkok, as we drive north out of the city towards Bang Pa In, a lavish royal Summer Palace set in beautiful gardens. The Palace is a perfect blend of Thai and European architecture, featuring a beautiful Thai pavilion set in the middle of a lake, an elegant house constructed entirely out of wood, and immaculately cut Thai topiary bushes shaped like elephants. After visiting Bang Pa In, we will proceed to the ancient capital city of Siam, Ayutthaya. Despite being ransacked by the Burmese, evidence of its splendor remains, including ruined temples and palaces. Admire the extensive canal and river network that helped Ayutthaya to flourish, and take time to browse around numerous stalls selling Thai handicrafts. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will drive through scenic countryside to Lopburi, the former summer capital of Siam, where artifacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages have been found, testifying to the city's antiquity. During the Dvaravati period from the 6th to 11th century, Lopburi was a major town. Here, you will see the magnificent stone carvings of Phra Prang Sam Yod, a 13th-century laterite block shrine with three spires, and the Kala shrine of Sarn Prakarn, a mid-13th-century Buddhist sanctuary that is home to hundreds of monkeys. In the afternoon, we will drive further north to the town of Phitsanuloke, spread along the banks of the Nan River, where numerous houseboats are moored. The shrine of Wat Mahathat in Phitsanuloke is venerated throughout Thailand and will provide you with an idea of the ancient style of Thai religious architecture.
Overnight stays at Topland hotel & Convention Centre or similar.
Day 3 Mae Salong Mae Sai Golden Triangle Chiang Sen
North Thailand is renowned for its colorful hill tribes, and this morning we will board "pick-up" vans to climb narrow mountainous roads and visit several villages. The scenery is magnificent, and we will enjoy stunning mountain views from Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese settlement founded by Kuomintang soldiers who fled China after Mao Tse Tung's victory in 1949. You can even purchase some interesting Chinese hotel medicines here! Our tour includes stops at Akha and Yao Hill Tribe Villages, where the people continue to wear their fascinating traditional costumes and follow a simple way of village life.
We will return to the valley for lunch before driving to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town near the Burma border. You can watch Thai and Burmese locals walking across the bridge separating the two countries. There are excellent opportunities to buy Burmese handicrafts at reasonable prices.
There is a possibility for an optional Burma Border crossing for an approximately one-hour walk to explore inside Burma (Subject to border situation) or take a rickshaw ride around the market place. (Note: Two photocopies of your passport are required along with a border pass fee if we can cross into Burma).
From Mae Sai, we will drive to the heart of the renowned Golden Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. You can stand on a hilltop and enjoy views over Burma, Laos, Thailand, and the mighty Mekong River. For those who want to get closer to Laos and Burma, an optional boat trip will be available. We will also visit Chiang Saen, where evidence of the original 13th-century city can still be seen. This tranquil spot on the banks of the Mekong River has charming old temples and finely carved figures. We will drive back to Chiang Rai in the evening.
Overnight stays at The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa or similar.
Day 4 Chiang Rai Chiang Mai
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart from Chiang Rai and make our way towards Chiang Mai, with a stop at Mae Ka Chan along the way. Mae Ka Chan is famous for its hot spring, which is a popular bathing spot among locals who believe it can help alleviate aches and pains. We'll also stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
During the afternoon, we'll drive through stunning mountain landscapes and tropical jungles to reach Chiang Mai, also known as the "Rose of the North." Before arriving in the city, we'll visit the hilltop temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. To reach the temple, you'll have the option to climb 290 steps or take a cable car up the hill. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Chiang Mai area.
In the evening, we'll experience a traditional northern Thai dinner known as Kantoke. You'll get to enjoy a variety of traditional dishes while watching elegant dancers perform a series of folk stories. After dinner, colorfully dressed members of local hill tribes will perform their own traditional dances, providing a memorable cultural experience.
Overnight stay in Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai or similar.
Day 5 Chiang Mai
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide who will pick you up from your hotel in central Chiang Mai. From there, you will be taken to Mae Taeng District, where you will embark on a short vehicle transfer to the Elephant Nature Park, a special rehabilitation center for elephants.
Upon arrival at 9:30 am, you will begin your half-day visit to the park, which not only provides a sanctuary for elephants but also for other rescued animals. As you travel through the rural countryside, your guide will tell you about the individual stories of the elephants you will encounter during your visit. At the park, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the elephants and observe them as they rediscover their natural behavior and form relationships with other elephants. Please note that there is no riding or bathing of the elephants at Elephant Nature Park.
After spending the morning with the elephants, enjoy a delicious vegetarian buffet lunch at the park before heading to Sankampaen, home to Chiang Mai's famous cottage industries. Here, you'll have the opportunity to watch local artisans at work and see the intricate processes involved in creating beautiful handicrafts. Marvel at the transformation of bamboo, silk, and paper into hand-painted multicolored umbrellas, and watch as skilled potters create distinctive Thai celadon. You can also observe wood carvers chipping away at teakwood to produce elegant ornaments and furniture, and learn about the fascinating process of making lacquerware. And, of course, there are plenty of silver items available to purchase for those who love to shop.
Your tour will end with a transfer back to your Chiang Mai hotel in the late afternoon, where you can relax and reflect on your memorable experiences from the day.
Overnight stay in Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai or similar.
Day 2 Phitsanuloke Sukhothai Chiang Rai
After breakfast, we will visit Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Thailand during the 13th century. The city was fortified by three rows of earthen ramparts and two moats, which enclosed the inner city. As you explore the many ruined temples and monasteries, admire the beautiful standing Buddha statues. About 55 km further north, we will visit Sri Satchanalai, which was Sukhothai's twin city. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will drive through rural Thailand and further north through jungle-clad hills. You will stop at the small town of Phayao, which dates back to the 11th century, for refreshments beside a lake. We will arrive in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon.
Overnight stays at The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa or similar.
Accommodation
Topland Hotel & Convention Centre
Phitsanulok
Topland Hotel & Convention Center is just a 15-minute drive from Phitsanulok International Airport and only 5 minutes from Phitsanulok Train Station and Bus Terminal. Enjoy easy access to popular attractions such as The Folk Museum and the riverside Night Bazaar, both within a short stroll from the hotel.
The Legend Boutique River Resort
Chiang Rai
The Legend Chiang Rai offers a tranquil riverside retreat with breathtaking, ever-changing views, just minutes from Chiang Rai’s city center. Guests can indulge in our restaurants, relax by the pool, rejuvenate in the herbal spa, or stay active in the fitness center. Stroll along tree-lined pathways, admire the lotus ponds, and explore the lush, flower-filled gardens. Your enjoyment is our priority, and this beautiful corner of Thailand, close to the borders of Laos and Myanmar in the renowned "Golden Triangle," offers countless sights and experiences to discover.
Bodhi Serene Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
The Bodhi Serene is a boutique hotel situated within the historic city walls of charming downtown Chiang Mai. Surrounded by centuries-old temples, this unique retreat captures the essence of Lanna heritage, blending rich cultural history with modern comforts. It’s remarkable how this centrally located hotel harmonizes traditional Lanna architecture and design with contemporary amenities, creating an ideal sanctuary for today’s discerning travelers seeking both cultural immersion and modern convenience.
