Tour overview

Tour Code: RR002
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Operated: Private arrangement only
Departure: Daily departure from Bangkok
Pick up: at hotels in Bangkok
Drop off: at Chiang Mai airport
Language: English or German speaking guide

Explore magnificent cultural and spectacular historical sites of northern and northeastern Thailand including the UNESCO world heritage sites of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the amazing ancient Angkor style architecture at Phimai, the world notorious for opium Golden Triangle and the capital of old Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai, admired as the Rose of the North. This colorful package is one of our best selling products in worldwide market.

The prices are valid from the 01/11/2019 to the 31/10/2020

TOUR PRICE (per Person USD): English Speaking

2 Pax       1770,00

3- 5 Pax  1320,00

Included

  • Transfers & Tours as mentioned in the program
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • All entrance fees as mentioned in the program
  • English or German speaking guide
  • 7 Nights middle class hotels
  • ABF and lunch during the tour

Not Included

  • All personal expenses
  • Meals that not mentioned
  • Flight ticket Chiang Mai - Bangkok
  • Compulsory Gala
  • Other services

DAY 01: BANGKOK-RIVER CRUISE–BANG PA IN–AYUTTHAYA – NAKHON RATCHASIMA (-/L/-)

Around 07:00, pick up from your hotel in Bangkok. Transfer to boat pier to board on one of Bangkok’s deluxe river cruiser. Along the five hours river trip on the majestic Chao Praya River to Bang Pa In discrict, guests will see important places as well as picturesque scenery on the riverside. Short before landing, enjoy an international buffet lunch on board. Upon arrival pick up by van and drive to the “Bang Pa In Summer Palace” of the former Chakri Kings. The site was first used by the royal court as a summer retreat in the 17th century and restored by King Rama IV in the mid-19th century. The structures represent a variety of architectural styles, beautifully set in a large park around ponds and waterways. The only royal residence open to the public is the Chinese style palace, constructed entirely of materials imported from China. Continue to Ayutthaya to visit UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites, one of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350-1767), Ayuthaya was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in the world, a Southeast Asia center for civilizations. Visit the historical park and ruins of royal temples. Further to Nakhon Ratchasima or Khorat, Thailand's largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region. Evening enjoy a walk around the city’s lively downtown and the food market at night. Overnight at hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

DAY 02: PHIMAI – KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK (B/L/-)

After breakfast drive to Phimai, 49 km away from Nakhon Ratchasima. Visit the Khmer sanctuary of Phimai, one of the grandest and most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand. From stone inscriptions and the architectural style, the Phimai Sanctuary was most likely built at the end of the 11th century during the reign of King Suriyaworaman I to be a religious site of the Mahayana sect. The architectural style is that of the Baphuon style with some similar characteristics to that of Angkor Wat. Then make a short visit to the 350 years old Banyan tree park “Sai Ngam” on the Mun River before proceeding to Khao Yai National Park. The park covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, stretches over 4 provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, and Prachin Buri. Khao Yai became Thailands first national park on 18th September 1962 and is also originally recognized as the National Park Heritage of Asian Group Countries. See Waterfall and take a 3 km walk to wildlife watchtowers at Nong Pak Chee Lake. The Park has numerous butterflies and birds as surveys indicate that over 293 species of birds use Khao Yai as a feeding ground while Khao Yai is the habitat of over 200 species. In addition, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife. The most frequently spotted animal is the deer that grazes on grass plains. Other animals spotted include elephants, sun bears, wild boars, monkeys, tigers, gaurs, and mountain goats. Overnight at a hotel nearby the National Park.

DAY 03: SARABURI – LOP BURI – PHITSANULOKE - SUKHOTHAI (B/L/-)

Depart for Saraburi province, 108 km from Bangkok. Visit the important historical site at the temple Wat Phra Phutthabat : - Lord Buddha's Footprint. The footprint was discovered on a nearby stone panel during the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya who commanded to build a Mondop - a square building witha seven-tier castle roof - to cover the footprint. The pearl inlaid artwork on the Mondop doors represents one of the best craftsmanship in the country. Then proceed to Lopburi, one of several provinces in central Thailand where many significant historical artifacts and prehistoric settlements have been discovered. Visit the Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, built in 1665 and 1677, when King Narai the Great decided to make Lop Buri the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Although the buildings were designed by with the contributions of French architects, the Khmer influence was still strong. The Palace was a perfect blend of the both world, an awesome mixture of Khmer-European styles. Continue to Phitsanuloke province, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (reigned 1590-1605) the legendary King who declared Ayutthayas independence from Burma in 1584. On the way visit the temple Wat Mahatat which houses Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha Image, Phra Phutthachinnarat. The large Sukhothai-style bronze statue was cast in 1357 by the order of King Maha Thamma Racha I of Sukhothai and is now highly respected by Thais countrywide. Then proceed to Sukhothai, the first capital in the history of Thailand. Overnight at hotel in Sukhothai.

DAY 04: SUKHOTHAI – PHRAE - PHAYAO – CHIANG RAI (B/L/-)

Morning visit the Historical Park of Sukhothai. Found in the 13th century, Sukhothai (literally means Dawn of Happiness) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit important ruins of the Royal Palace and Buddhist temples in the historical park including Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum. Drive further north to Phrae province, an old and important community of Northern Thailand. Phrae was founded after Chiangmai had been established as the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom. Phrae is also one of the largest reserves of teak forests in the country. Visit Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Kiri. Although a comparatively modern temple, it boasts highly eye-catching structures. The Ubosot in particular is noted for its delicate sculptures with fine designs, the golden teak structure in the Lanna style which houses valuable relics of the North including Buddha statues, Lacquerware, Lanna musical instruments, ancient weapons and pictures depicting past events. Continue to Phayao for a short stroll along Kwan Payao, an extensively fresh-water lake. It is the largest fresh-water fish habitat in the upper North which provides the livelihood of many of the local people. The surrounding scenery, particularly at dusk, is stunning. Along the banks are located food-shops and recreation sites. Guests enjoy an afternoon coffee or tea before driving further to Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand, 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. It was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai as the first capital of the Lanna Thai ingdom. Visit Wat Rong Khun known as the White Temple. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. The construction started in 1998 and is expected to be completed in 2008. In addition, there is a gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai.

DAY 05: CHIANG RAI – DOI MAE SALONG – THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE (B/L/-)

Early morning drive uphill to Doi Mae Salong, the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by the former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to reside on Thai territory in 1961. The village became well known for its enchanting scenery, tranquil atmosphere, delicious native Chinese dishes and tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations. Visit some hill tribe villages such as the Akha and Yao. Further on to Chiang Saen, an ancient town located on the bank of the Mekong River. It served as the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom until King Mengrai established Chiang Rai as the capital in 1262, to visit the notorious Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River and was once supposed to be the center of all the poppy cultivation in Thailand. View the upstream scenery of the Golden Triangle. Then visit the Opium Museum before return to Chiang Rai. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai.

DAY 06: CHIANG RAI – CHIANG MAI – SAN KAMPAENG (B/-/D)

Early morning, take long-tailed boat trip and enjoy the picturesque scenery along the Mae Kok River, one of the most scenic attractions in Chiang Rai. The river runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City and then flows on to meet the Mae Khong River at Chiang Khong. Stop at a Karen hill tribe village. Then proceed by van to Chiang Mai. Afternoon arrive Chiang Mai province, found by King Meng Rai as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom in 1296. The province is famous for its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity. Visit Sankampaeng handicraft village for shopping.
This evening guests are invited to join the traditional northern Thai style Kantoke Dinner. Khantok in the Northern dialect means a wooden tray used for carrying dishes. Round in shape, it is made of wood, varnished or lacquered with 5 or 6 short supporting legs. Guests are invited to sit on the floor around a Khatok with Northern dishes on it. Guests enjoy watching traditional northern dances while their meal is being served.Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.

DAY 07: ELEPHANTS AT WORK – ORCHID FARM – DOI SUTHEP (B/L/-)

After breakfast, drive to Mae Sa Valley to visit an elephant camp, where elephants were trained for timber work in the past. Guests enjoy a variety of fabulous shows of elephants who love to show off their skills such as painting, playing musical instruments, Logging and lumber dragging etc. Then visit one of the biggest orchid farms in Chiang Mai before driving uphill to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, built in 1383. The mountaintop temple whose golden pagoda houses holy Buddha relics, locates 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is one of the most beautiful Lanna style temple and the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the city. Transfer to hotel and overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.

DAY 08: CHIANG MAI DEPARTURE (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for departure flight.