Tourcode BKK 001 - 7 days / 6 nights

Bangkok - Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Lampang - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Thaton - Chiang Mai

Daily departure from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, minimum 2 persons, private tour

DAY 1 BANGKOK - PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI

Transfer by yourself to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station in Bangkok. Take a train ride from Bangkok to Phitsanulok through the central plains, which takes about 5 hours. On arrival in Phitsanulok our tour guide and driver will welcome you. Go on to visit Wat Mahatat on the banks of the Nan River with its all over Thailand famous Buddha statue. 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 heading west and drive for a bit more than one hour to the neighboring province of Sukhothai. As a UNESCO World Heritage City, Sukhothai houses a vast number of historical sites and temple ruins. The Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1438) was the first capital of Siam (Thailand). Overnight in Sukhothai. Spend the night in Sukhothai.

DAY 2 SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG   B/L

After breakfast start your tour at Sukhothai Historical Park with its impressive temples, monuments and ruins dating back to the 13th century. Then heading in northern direction, passing tobacco fields and rice paddies to Si Satchanalai, which used to be an important sister town of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Here take a look at some of the historical sights as well. Continue your journey through the northern hills 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 exotic Thai fruits. Then transfer to the hotel and spend the night in Lampang.

DAY 3 LAMPANG - CHIANG RAI   B/L

In the morning drive first to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Hang Chat, which is also home to the all over the world well known Elephant Hospital. Spend some time here and watch these giants take their daily morning bath. Then it is time to leave Lampang and drive in northern direction to the town of Phayao. Picturesque Kwan Phayao is the largest fresh water lake in Northern Thailand. Take a stroll at the lake promenade, followed by your lunch break. Travel on further to the north and shortly before reaching the city of Chiang Rai visit the famous Wat Rong Khun (better known as the white temple). Finally arrive in downtown Chiang Rai, where you will spend the night. In the evening take the chance for a walk over Chiang Rai's little, but colorful night- and food market.

DAY 4 CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - THATON   B/L

Travel further north to Chiang Saen, the former royal town and then continue along the Mekong River to the well known Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Have a look in to the Opium Museum to get more information about the history of Opium in this region, An OPTIONAL short boat trip on the Mekong can still be booked right on the spot. Continue to Mae Sai, the market- and border town to Myanmar and take a stroll over the bustling border market. Lunch break will be on route. Then drive up to Doi Maesalong along an impressive mountain wilderness, passing Akha, Yao and Lisu hill tribe villages. It is possible to stop at one or more of them. On the mountain top take a walk around the Kuomingtan Chinese Village, surrounded by countless tea plantations and you also got the chance to taste some of the fresh green tea. Descend down to the valley of the Kok River and reach Thaton. Here on a small hill top visit Wat Thaton with giant Buddha statues . Enjoy a great panorama view to the Kok River Valley and the nearby Burmese mountain wilderness. Overnight in Thaton at a resort on the river banks.

DAY 5 THATON - CHIANG MAI   B/L

After breakfast it is time to continue your journey towards Chiang Mai. On route first visit one of the many traditional rice mills near Fang. A bit later in Chiang Dao explore the mystic cave temple with spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Then in the area of Mae Taeng you can enjoy a one hour lazy trip down the river on a bamboo raft. After your lunch take a brief stop at a local country side market, where locals, but also people from nearby hill tribe villages trade vegetables, fruits and all kind of goods.  You got the chance to taste some exotic snacks, as well! Last but not least in Mae Rime visit an orchid farm in Mae Rim. Arrive in the northern capital of Chiang Mai by late afternoon and spend the night here.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI   B/L

In the morning start your sightseeing tour in Chiang Mai. Drive first around the old town of Chiang Mai surrounded by a moat, which houses countless historical temples. One of them is Wat Chedi Luang from the 15th century, which also houses the city pillar. Then it's off to the Suthep Mountain Temple, which is also a kind of landmark of the city. Your lunch break will be at a local restaurant on route. In the afternoon you have the chance to look at some of the well known traditional handicraft factories in Bosang, first of all the well-known umbrella painter. But you can also find woodcarving, silver making producing of lacquer ware etc. (just the once which do interest you and you can discuss with your tour guide). Return to the hotel. Time to relax, for shopping or more sightseeing. Our tour guide and driver are ready to serve you. Spend one more night in Chiang Mai.

DAY 7 CHIANG MAI   B

Transfer to the airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule.

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

• This program is available also v. v. start in Chiang Mai and then finish on the last day by train ride, resp. flight from Phitsanulok or Sukhothai to Bangkok.
• Instead of the train ride on the 1st day from Bangkok to Phitsanulok or Sukhothai it is also possible to book a short flight with us.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Train ticket from Bangkok to Phitsanulok (2nd class air-con.), air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at middle class hotels/resorts incl. daily breakfast, all other meals as shown in the program (L = lunch), entrance fees as per program

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses