Program F
Visit the capital Bangkok, exploring the prehistorically in Northeastern, admire the historical period in the Central and Charming Northern Thailand
14 Days 13 Nights

Introduction
From the capital, to the northeast and on to the north, this exploration in to the exotic world of Siam will tantalize all you senses and awaken you sense of adventure too. Starting in the exciting cosmopolitan city of Bangkok, we will observe modern fast-paced society and magnificent ancient sites. Exploring the prehistory era in Northeastern part of Thailand, visit the excavation site Baan Chiang, of 3.000-5,000 years old. Visit some of the Khmer ruins temples at Phimai. Your next destination is the First Capital of Thailand Sukhothai and the sister city Sri Sachanalai. This city offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely different culture. Chiang Mai is the home of Lanna Thailand, once a completely independent Kingdom, which still upholds its own customs, traditions and culture. It is South-east Asia’s leading handicraft centre and is home to the colorful hill tribes who inhabit the surrounding mountains and valleys.

All this, complete with sophisticated accommodations, gourmet cuisine and unrivalled touring service, will guarantee to touch all your senses, heart and spirit. You will take back home the most unforgettable memories of your discovery in to the culture and beauty of Thailand.


Reference#: SPF
Destination: Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Khorat, Khonkean, Udorn Thani, Pitsanulok, Sukhothai, Lampang,Chiangmai, Chiangrai
Duration: 14 Days 13 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.

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, an extraordinary feat of architecture and one of the most revered sights along the river, and The Royal Barge Museum, to note the ornately carved and gilded royal barges. 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 – 2 hours). On the way we will also visit most interesting Train Track Market. We can see numerous agricultural points of interest, such as the salt and shrimp farms and the coconut farms on the way.
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 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. After Lunch we will then continue to drive to Khorat. Overnight in Khorat.

Day 5
After breakfast we will visit Phimai National Museum, is the center of cultural heritage in north-eastern Thailand. In the permanent exhibition building, the master piece of the museum collection is the stone statue of King Jayavarman VII of Angkor Thom which was found in Prang Bhramadhatta, Prasat Phimai and also collec others interesting art objects belong to Dvaravati and Khmer art styles. Then visit Prasart Pimai, the most important Khmer monument in Thailand. One of the most striking features of Phimai is that it was built as a Mahayana Buddhist rather than a Hindu temple. For anyone familiar with Angkor, this is unusual for a major temple built at the beginning of the 12th century. After lunch we will drive to KhonKaen. Overnight in KhonKean

Day 6
Morning, check out from the hotel and drive direct to visit Baan Chiang Museum, the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in south-east Asia. Ban Chiang is best known for the beautiful pottery the ancient villagers made, but there are many more types of artifacts that came from this interesting site. After two field seasons, archaeologists had recovered literally tons of material to be analyzed. This material included pottery, metal, stone, soil, charcoal, animal bone, and human skeletons. Some of these materials have been thoroughly analyzed, such as the crucibles , others, such as the rollers, contain mysteries still unsolved. Late afternoon enjoy stroll around the town. Overnight in Udorn Thani

Day 7
After checking out from the hotel, we will take our journey to Pitsanulok province, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road, upon arrival to the town of Pitsanulok, 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. In the evening you will check in to your hotel.

Day 8
After breakfast we will head for 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 Ramkangkeng 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.

Day 9
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 10
The most famous temple in Chiang Mai, located at the top of Doi Suthep Mountain, is our first port of call after breakfast. Be ready for the drive up the mountain, as the road winds and turns, but it’s worth it to see some stunning valleys en route. 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, such as silk, silver, lacquer ware, wood carving, umbrellas making etc.

Day 11
Today, we will discover the wild side of Chiang Mai, starting at Chiang Dao Elephant Camp. After watching the elephants take their daily bath, we will watch a demonstration of the elephants working, pushing and heaving logs, as well as catching a glimpse of a few tricks along the way. Then take a ride through the jungle. Your elephant will drop you at the Lisu hill tribe village. Continue your elephant ride back to the main camp where we will begin a journey down to the rapids 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 12
Today we venture to our destination of The Golden Triangle and take in the amazing mountainous scenery en route (journey time approx 3 ฝ hrs). After checking out of the hotel, we hit the road for Chiang Rai, home to the idyllic Maekhong 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 100 historical monuments, which attest to its historical legacy, Chiang Saen provides a sleepy atmosphere in a very dramatic setting. Then it’s an exciting boat trip along the Mekhong 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 Don Sao Islands, Check in at your hotel.

Day 13
Today we will travel to Mae Sai, the Myanmar border town, where we will cross over to the Kingdom of Myanmar. 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, surrounded by a host of hills 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, one of the brightest and most vibrant sites in Thailand. Close by, we will survey The Royal Villa, residence of The Princess Mother. Spend this evening relaxing at the hotel.

Day 14
Check out of your hotel visit Hall of Opium learn about the history of opium from 5,000 year and around the world then transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for your flight to Bangkok. At Bangkok, connect to your next chosen destination.