6 DAYS NORTHERN THAILAND CLASSIC TOUR
As a sovereign state, the country has a glorious and eventful past stretching back over more than seven hundred years. Before that, the Khmer, the Mons and other early kingdoms, as well as prehistoric civilizations, all helped shaped the land that was to become Thailand and set patterns to which the Thais became the cultural heirs. The achievements of the Thais can be seen in the remains of numerous ancient cities now preserved as historical parks. Supreme among these are Sukhothai, the Kingdom’s first capital, and Ayuthaya which was the nation’s glorious power center for more than four hundred years. These two cities are now designated as UNEScO World Heritage Sites.
INCLUDED FEATURES:
• Five nights accommodation at 3 stars hotel (based on twin sharing)
• Ground transportation
• All meals as shown in itinerary
• Entrance fees
• English-speaking guide
ITINERARY:
BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA
Saturday, 28 June 2008 ( - / Lunch / Dinner)
Depart Bangkok for overland tour to the north. Visit Bang Pa In Summer Palace of King Rama V, which is located in the middle of beautiful garden. Bushes are cut into the shape of elephants, onwards to Ayuthaya – the ancient capital of Thailand (1350-1767). Explore ruins of temples and palace. Lunch en route. Then, driver further to Phitsanuloke Province which is spread along the banks of Nan River.
Overnight at Amari Lagoon hotel or similar
PHITSANULOK – SUKHOTHAI – CHIANG RAI
Sunday, 29 June 2008 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Sukhothai Historical Park, the ancient capital of Thailand during the 13th century. See the beautiful standing Buddha statues and the ruin of temple and monasteries, onwards to Srisatchanalai, the twin city of Sukhothai. Lunch en route. After lunch, driver to the north through jungle hills and stop at Phayao lake side for refreshment. You will arrive Chiang Rai in late afternoon.
Overnight at Teak Garden Spa & Resort or similar
MAESALONG – MAE SAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Monday, 30 June 2008 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel. Today you are going to visit the different hill tribe villages. Board on a local pick up truck for a drive along the narrow mountain roads to visit several villages, Akha and Yao. Enjoy the mountain views from Mae Salong, a Chinese settlement found by Kok Min Tan soldiers who fled from China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory in 1949. Some Chinese tea and medicines are on sale here. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch onward to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northern town near Burma border. You can watch Thai and Burmese walking across the bridge separating the two countries. Good bargain on Burmese handicraft.
Opportunity for Burma border crossing is available. Passport with US$10 for Burma Immigration fee and THB 100 for Thai Immigration fee and 2 photos are required.
From Mae Sai drive to the Golden Triangle where Ruak and Mekhong river meet. Enjoy the view over Burma, Thailand and Laos located on Mekhong River. Drive back to Chiang Rai.
Overnight at Teak Garden Spa & Resort or similar
CHIANG RAI – CHIANG MAI
Tuesday, 1 July 2008 (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel. Depart Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai via Mae Kae Ka Chan. Stop made to Hot Spring – a famous and favorite bathing place for local tourists who believe that it relieves aches and pain. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch drive through the mountain scenery and jungle to Chiang Mai, “Rose of the North”. Visit Doi Suthep, sacred temple on top of the hill. You may have the choice of walk up or walk down the 290 steps of the temple. You can see the panoramic view of Chiang Mai town. In the evening, experience a northern Thai style dinner, Kan Toke. Try some northern dishes served with sticky rice, Hang-Lay curry, tomato dip with vegetable, fried chicken and fried banana. During the dinner, enjoy the performance of northern folk dance.
Overnight at Empress Hotel or similar
CHIANG MAI
Wednesday, 2 July 2008 ( Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner )
Breakfast at hotel. Elephants have been a symbol of Thailand and well regarded. On the other hand, they were vehicles for man in the old days, helped farmers and foresters working in the filed. At the elephant camp, you will see how mahouts train their elephants to work individually and team together in the teak forest, amazed with their power and strength while moving their legs. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit to the handicraft street of Sankampang – the well known handicraft center. Most of the fine handicrafts sold in Thailand are made in this area. Our tour will provide you with in-depth information as well as hands-on for visitors. Other visits include gem and jade, silver, Thai silk, lacquer ware, bronze, wood carving and umbrella factory.
Overnight at Empress Hotel or similar
CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK
Thursday, 3 July 2008 ( Breakfast/ - / - )
Breakfast at hotel. Day a leisure on own until departure by flight to Bangkok. After arrival, transfer to hotel to pick up your baggage and pack for return home. Departure transfer from hotel for a flight home.
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