Tourcode BKK 005 - 5 days / 4 nights

Bangkok - Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Mae Sot - Mae Sariang - Doi Inthanon - 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. Some snacks are served. 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 - MAE SOT B/L

In the morning first visit the Historical Park with its impressive temples, ruins and monuments dating back to the 13th century. Then leave Sukhothai and drive first to Tak. After lunch continue through some scenic areas towards the west until you reach the border- and market town of Mae Sot. Some brief stops to take photos on route are always possible. In Mae Sot you can observe the border trading between Thailand and Myanmar at the Moei River. Then go on to visit Wat Thai Wattanaram, a Burmese style temple with a giant 45 meters reclining Buddha Statue. Spend the night in Mae Sot.

DAY 3 MAE SOT - MAE SARIANG B/L

After breakfast take a stroll over the local market, which is one of the more bustling ones in this country. Thais, Burmese, Chinese, Indians and Karens trading vegetables, fruits and all kind of other goods. Then it is time to leave Mae Sot and heading further to the north. Your route will take you along the Moei River and the mountain wilderness right at the border line. Take a first stop at the hot springs of Mae Kasa with the chance to take a bath. Later take a side trip to the Mae Usu Cave, located next to Karen hill tribe village. Near Tha Song Yang you we will pass a sprawling Karen refugee camp set among hills. Your lunch break will follow on route. In the late afternoon arrive Mae Sariang. Here take short side trip to Wat Chom Thong on a small hill top overlooking Mae Sariang and the surrounding country side. Overnight in this small town on the banks of the Yuam River.

DAY 4 MAE SARIANG - CHIANG MAI B/L

In the morning start your final stage on this round trip and drive first towards Mae Chaem, the village at the foothills of Doi Inthanon mountain- and national park. Do some brief stops on route at small villages and view points. From Mae Chaem drive up on a steep and winding road to Doi Inthanon National Park, also the location of Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak with 2565 meters above sea level. Go for a short walk on the Angka Nature Trail, a wooden boardwalk trail winding through evergreen forest with fern- and moss-covered trees. Then visit the royal twin pagodas, from where you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view. Lunch break will follow on route at a local restaurant. Continue to a street market, where Hmong hill tribe women selling vegetables, fruits and handicrafts. Then descent down to the Ping Valley. On route visit some picturesque waterfalls. Finally you will reach the northern capital Chiang Mai by late afternoon and spend the night here.

DAY 5 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