Way to Nothern Thailand

DAY 1: BANGKOK – PHITSANULOK – SUKHOTHAI.

Arrival at airport in Bangkok. We welcome you and transfer you to hotel in the city center. After a refreshment,  we visit Wat Trimitr (temple of Golden Buddha). Via Chinatown continue to Wat Pho, the temple with the reclining Buddha (46 meters long). Next stop is at the Grand Palace. Even the royal family does not reside in that palace anymore, this compound is still the landmark of the country. Here visit the most important buildings, like the Coronation Hall, Audience Hall etc. Wat Phra Keo next to it is famous for it’s Jade Buddha inside the Bot, but also for the colorful chedis, salas etc. Lunch break at the Chao Phya River. After that, enjoy one hour trip with a long tail boat along the canals of Thonburi, which does end at the picturesque Wat Arun (the temple of dawn). Then it is time for your transfer back to the hotel and you will be back there by late afternoon.

DAY 2: BANGKOK – PHITSANULOK – SUKHOTHAI

Transfer by yourself to the main railway station Hualamphong. Take a train ride (it takes approx. 5 hrs and incl. a snack) from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. On arrival our tour guide and driver will welcome you. Go on to visit Wat Mahatat next to the Nan River with it’s all over Thailand famous Buddha image. If you wish to do so and time does allow, then you have the opportunity to visit the local folk museum and a Buddha factory as well. Then drive for a bit more than one hour to the neighbouring province of Sukhothai. Overnight in Sukhothai.

DAY 3: SUKHOTHAI – LAMPANG

After breakfast, start your tour at Sukhothai’s Historical Park with its impressive temples, monuments and ruins dating back to the 13th century. Go on with another stop in Si Satchanalai and reach Lampang in the afternoon. Visit Wat Sri Chum, a Burmese style temple. At the nearby fruit market you can taste some of the exeotic fruits. Then transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Lampang.

DAY 4: LAMPANG – CHIANG RAI

In the morning, head first for the Elephant Conservation Center & Elephant Hospital. Watch these giants take their daily bath, followed by the show hauling logs etc. Then leave Lampang for Phayao and have lunch at the picturesque Phayao Lake. Travel on further to the north and stop at the beautiful Wat Rong Khun (white temple). Finally arrive in Chiang Rai. In the evening take the chance to visit Chiang Rai’s little, but colorful night- and food market. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

DAY 5: CHIANG RAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE – THATON

Travel to Chiang Saen, the former royal town. From here enjoy a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to the well known Golden Triangle. On route have a brief stop at the Laotian river island of Don Sao. Take a quick visit to the small Opium Museum. Continue to Mae Sai, the market- and border town to Myanmar. Take a stroll over the border market. Next stop will be at a monkey temple Thum Pla. Later travel through the mountain wilderness of Doi Maesalong where you will pass Akha, Yao and Lisu hill tribe villages. Stop at some of them. On the mountain top take a walk around the village of the Kuomingtan Chinese.

Late afternoon arrive in Thaton to visit Wat Thaton on a small hill top with it’s giant Buddha images and great views.

Overnight in Thaton.

DAY 6: THATON – CHIANG MAI

After breakfast, it is time to continue your journey towards Chiang Mai. First visit a traditional rice mill and later explore the mystic cave temple in Chiang Dao.

After lunch enjoy a one hour trip down the river on a bamboo raft. Further stops will follow at a local country side market and at an orchid farm close to Chiang Mai. Arrive the northern capital by late afternoon. Overnight.

DAY 7: CHIANG MAI

Sightseeing tour in Chiang Mai, which includes the older part of the city with two of it’s many ancient temples, as well as the famous Suthep hill top temple, the landmark of Chiang Mai.

Later, have a look to some of the well known traditional handicraft factories in Bosang like woodcarving, lacquer ware, silver ware and sa-paper umbrella paintings etc. There is time left for some shopping or just to relax. Overnight once more in Chiang Mai.

DAY 8: CHIANG MAI

After  breakfast, your leisure for your own activity until we transfer you to airport for your departure flight.