Program A
Discover the Ancient Heritage and Rich
Culture of Central and Northern Thailand.
12 Days – 11 Nights

Introduction
This program incorporates all the charm, originality and stunning beauty which Thailand has to offer. From the exciting cosmopolitan city of Bangkok where we will observe modern society and ancient sites, to the contrasting adventurous tour of serene and tranquil Northern Thailand, this exciting discovery will turn your dreams of Thailand into reality. Our journey is an education of how Thai cultures and ways of life have complimented both modern progress and the natural environment, allowing each to flourish. Not only will you see amazing Thailand, but you will have the opportunity to explore the neighboring countries of Laos and Myanmar.

This program balances the desire for adventure and exploration with the need for rest and relaxation perfectly. There is no doubt that by the end of the holiday you will have experienced a new and enlightening culture, the most phenomenal hospitality and the most breath-taking natural beauty that will stay in your heart forever.

Reference #: SPA
Destinations: Bangkok, Ayuttaya, Pitsanulok, Sukhothai, Lampang,Chiangmai, Chiangrai.
Duration: 12 Days 11 Nights

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1
Your guide will welcome you at Bangkok International Airport and will transfer you to your hotel. En route, your guide will give an initial introduction to Thailand and a program briefing. (specific interests & aspects of sight-seeing can also be discussed at this time.)

Day 2
Start the day by taking a long tail boat cruise down the Chao Phraya River. See the traditional houses precariously perched along the river. Along the way, stop to visit the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun an extraordinary feat of architecture and one of the most revered sights along the river, The Royal Barge Museum, after your boat trip, we will visit the exquisite Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple.
After a traditional Thai lunch at a local restaurant, we will head for “Wat Pho” or The Reclining Buddha Temple. This temple is the oldest and largest in Bangkok.

Day 3
An early start sees us on the road to the infamous Dameon Saduak Floating Market (journey time approx 1 1/2 hours). Along the way we can see numerous agricultural points of interest, such as the salt and shrimp farms and the coconut farms.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we will hit the road to visit Jim Thompson’s House, the famous museum of one of the silk industries pioneers, consisting of a superb collection of antiques and paintings representing countries from all over Asia.

Day 4
This morning we check out of our hotel and leave for The Bang Pa In Summer Palace, used by the Royal Family for over three centuries (journey time approx 1hr). Continue on to the ancient city of Ayuttaya, once the capital of Siam, which is protected and conserved by the World Heritage Organization. We will visit Wat Phra Srisanpet and Wat Mongkol Bopit. The latter houses a glorious sitting Buddha statue. Stroll around the age-old ruins and discover how Ayuttaya grew to be one of the most powerful cities in South-East Asia. In the evening, check in at your hotel.

Day 5
After checking out from the hotel, we will drive to Sara Buri to visit The Royal Temple of the Holy Footprint. Observe the 5ft long sacred footprint, enshrined in the impressive building
, travel further to the town of Pitsanalok. We will then drive to the distinguished Wat Mahathat, the provinces most important religious structure. This temple houses the major spectacle of Sukhothai Art, Phra Buddha Chinaraj – an awe-inspiring sculpture. Then we drive to Sukhothai, In the evening you will check in to your hotel.

Day 6
After breakfast we will spend the day look around Thailand’s first capital – Sukhothai To get an insight into the history of this area, we will start out the day’s adventure at The Ramkamheng National Museum. Then, move on to begin discovering the cities ruins of Royal Palaces, several Buddhist temples, city gates, walls, moats, canals, ponds and the water dyke control system which was the spiritual center of the Kingdom. Overnight in Sukhothai

Day 7
After breakfast, we drive north, past rice paddies to The Historical Park of Sri Satchanalai.visit wat Chedi Jedtheaw, Wat chang Lorm, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Pra Sri Mahathat. Then wander down to the riverside to explore an archeological site showing an excavation of over 1,000 pottery kilns. (celadon pottery) After lunch, on the way to Chiangmai, we will stop at Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang – a monument to fine Lanna art and architecture. We will then drive on to Chiang Mai. On arrival at Chiang Mai, Check in at your hotel.

Day 8
The most famous temple in Chiang Mai, located at the top of Doi Suthep Mountain, is our first port of call after breakfast. Once you have reached the temple, you can enjoy the best views of Chiang Mai city, from 3,000ft above the ground. Learn about the history of this temple and how it came to be constructed so high up the mountain. After lunch, we will take a trip to the town of San Kampaeng. This town is the home of Thailand’s famous Handicrafts. You can discuss specific handicrafts of your interest such as silk, teak wood, silver, umbrella and sa paper making etc., with your guide.

Day 9
Today, we will discover the wild side of Chiang Mai, starting at Chiang Dao Elephant Conservation Center. After watching the elephants take their daily bath, we will watch a demonstration of the elephants working; pushing and heaving logs, then take a ride through the jungle. Your elephant will drop you at the Lisu hill tribe village after look around the village; continue your elephant ride back to the main camp where we will begin a journey down to the peaceful current of The River Ping. We will take a bamboo raft and cruise down river for around an hour. Mid way through the return journey to your hotel, we will stop at the Orchid Farm to view an amazing diversity of orchid species.

Day 10
Today we venture to our destination for Chiang Rai, home to the idyllic Mekhong River. Once there, we will visit the original home of Bangkok’s majestic Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Moving on, we will come to the town of Chiang Saen, one of the north’s most interesting and attractive towns, blessed with over 60 historical monuments. Then it’s an exciting boat trip along the Maekhong River, which leads us to the convergence of the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, know as The Golden Triangle. Take a short stop to one of the Laotian Islands, Don Sao. After come back to Thailand before check in at the hotel we will visit The Hall of Opium. This interesting museum gives us a detailed insight in to the history of the opium industry, beginning in 17th century. Check in at your hotel with views overlooking the Golden Triangle.

Day 11
Today we will travel to Mae Sai, the Myanmar border town, where we will cross over to the Kingdom of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. We will take a tour by rickshaw bicycle around the bustling business town of Thakilek. Here we can observe the contrasting customs and traditions which are part of life in Myanmar. After returning to Thailand we will explore a local fish cave, inhabited by wild monkeys. We will then proceed to Doi Tung - a site of major importance to Thai people since Her Royal Highness, The Princess Mother, initiated and developed numerous socio-environmental projects including reforestation and working together with the hill tribes to grow various crops. We will take the opportunity to visit The Mae Fah Luang Garden, and The Royal Villa, residence of The Princess Mother.

Day 12
.Check out of your hotel and transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for your flight to Bangkok connect to your next chosen destination.