Discovering Thailand with Bangkok, floating market. Then proceed to visit Phitsanulok, Lanpang, the beautiful Chaingrai, the amazing Golden Triangle and Chaingmai, the gorgeous.
Day 1: Australia – Bangkok
Fly to Bangkok, on arrival at DonMuangAirport, you are met and transferred to hotel.
Day 2: Bangkok (B.L.D)Today we commence our tour of Bangkok with a longtail boat for along the Chao PhrayaRiver and the many lively inner canals which offer some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stopover at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the GrandPalace, dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex we drive through the many vibrant streets of ChinaTown to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the GoldenBuddhaTemple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent MarbleTemple. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 3: Bangkok (B)
Enjoy your free day at leisure.
Day 4: Bangkok – Ayuthaya – Phitsanulok (B.L.D)Heading out of the town we drive to Bang Pa In which was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs from the 17th century. We then board a boat for a leisurely trip to Ayuthaya, one of the world heritage listed sites. On arrival we visit the largest temple of Wat Phra Sisanphet, which was used as the RoyalTemplePalace by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai Wattanaram built by King Prasathong in 1630 with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones to symbolize mountMeru, the abode of the heavenly gods. We make our way to Phisanulok and pass the spectacular countryside. Overnight in Phisanulok.
Day 5: Phitsanulok– Sukhothai – Lanpang (B.L.D)The major landmarks of Phitsanulok are Wat Maha That and Phra Budda Jinaraj. We visit these sights before we board our vehicle for a short drive to Sukhothai. This famous cultural town was once the royal capital of the ThailandKingdom however has left its legacies in the forms of many ruined temples and palaces. We include these in a half day tour which will give us a deep insight into the glorious past of Sukhothai. The next stop of our trip is Si Satchanalai where various ancient monuments are still standing. After seeing this complex we drive to Lampang. On arrival we have time to enjoy a short tour of the old city on horse carriage and also visit Ban Sao Nak as well as Wat Chedi Sao. Overnight in Lampang.
Day 6: Lampang – Phayao – Chiang Rai (B.L.D)An early morning departure towards Chiang Rai. Along the way we stop in the rural town of Phayao to visit Wat Si Kom Kam. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai we enjoy a short sightseeing tour taking us in the impressive EthnologicMuseum which is dedicated to the region’s ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming excursion. Afterwards we embark on a longtail boat for a thrilling trip upstream on the MaeKokRiver, passing through many breathtaking mountain landscape to a Karen hilltribe village. This ethnic group originated from Burma, but had settled there long time ago, forming the largest tribal population in this northern land. Overnight at Chiang Rai.
Day 7: Chiang Rai (B)Enjoy your free day in Chiang Rai. You may try the famous Thai massage.
Day 8: Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai (B.L.D)The royal capital of the ancient LannaKingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the Mekong riverbank which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. Today we travel by roads to Chiang Saen with a stopover at the large Akha and Yao hill tribe settlements near Mae Chan. Arriving in Chiang Saen we visit the town’s major sights, including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. Heading out of the town we drive through some verdant and rugged mountain scenery to the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. After exploring the border town of Mae Sai we continue our overland trip to Chiang Mai. The drive is long, but views are fantastic. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 9: Chiang Mai (B.L.D)Today we explore this charming town with a walk to the famous DoiSuthepMountain, leading us to WatPrathatTemple near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 meters, this temple grounds afford a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. The “Rose of the North”, Chiang Mai has been always noted for exquisite handicrafts whose the combination with the traditional wares of the hill tribe people offers fantastic shopping opportunities. Heading out of town we drive to the neighboring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making.
Day 10: Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao – Chiang Mai (B.L.D)Upon leaving the town we set off on an hour and half drive to the northern hill region around Chiang Dao, which is home to a wide array of hill tribe groups. The roads conditions are very poor; however the breathtaking mountain scenery makes for an interesting journey. Along the way we stop at an elephant camp to see these huge animals handling timber before we enjoy an exciting elephant ride past the forest to the hill tribe villages. We get well off the beaten track as we walk around the area, visiting the Red Lahu, Lisu, Karen and Akha people. These ethnic minorities still retain their age old cultural traditions, and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress.
Day 11: Chiang Mai – Australia (B)There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to airport for departure.
Day 12: Australia
Arrive in Australia in the morning.
TOUR COST : request ONLY
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