10-Day North Thailand Discovery Tour – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle

DAY 1: BANGKOK ARRIVAL – DINNER ON CRUISE (D)

Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver, then transfer to the hotel for relaxing (standard check-in time is 2pm).

Evening, have dinner on Meridian Cruise (Included: International Buffet menu and Live Music).

Meal: Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Bangkok

DAY 2: HIGHLIGHTS CITY TOUR & DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET (B)

Visit the Royal Palace to see Dusit Hall (Funeral Hall) and the holy Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) (Except Sunday Dusit Hall Closed)

A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand is a must. The former royal residence of the Chakri Kings, the palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the center of power for more than 150 years. Today, the palace is Bangkok’s major landmark and most popular tourist attraction.

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located right next to the Grand Palace together form perhaps the greatest spectacle for the visitor to Bangkok. Even though the whole compound is so full of tourists you spend half the time trying to avoid getting in people’s photos, it’s still an amazing place to visit. It consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, and dates to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. When you enter the compound, you first see Wat Phra Kaew and the nearby attractions, and then move on to the Grand Palace afterwards.

Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings. Dress Code: Participants on this tour should note that the chapel is a national shrine, and you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect. Be mindful: The Palace may be closed without prior notice during Royal ceremonies and officials/head of state visits.

Tours on Sundays. The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays; we recommend not to book this excursion on Sundays to avoid disappointment.

Afternoon, this tour takes you to the rural yet world-famous floating market of Damneon Saduak, situated around 100 kilometers west of Bangkok. It is generally known as Klong Ton Khem Floating Market or Damneon Saduak Floating Market. Damneon Saduak has officially three floating markets. A narrow canal flanked with food stalls and souvenir shops forms the principal market at Ton Kem. Photographers at Ton Kem will get their best shots from the bridge, which crosses over the canal, and from the produce shed on the right. Nowadays, the market is bustling with activity from very early in the morning until about 11.00 am. For those who want to buy some memorabilia here, be mindful that you bargain!

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Bangkok

DAY 3: FULL DAY TOUR TO “DEATH RAILWAY” & BRIDGE ON RIVER KWAI- KANCHANABURI (B)

Visit the world famous ‘River Kwai Bridge’, plus the War Museum and the train ride on the ‘death railway’.

This tour takes you to the world’s famous bridge on the River Kwai, built during World War II by the prisoners of war. The bridge is located near the town of Kanchanaburi, 130 kilometers west of Bangkok.

You will visit the well-kept Wat Cemetery of Allied Prisoners, which contain the graves of an estimated 9,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives while building the bridge and constructing the notorious “Death Railway” which the Japanese had hoped to stretch all the way to the Burmese border. This tour will bring you also closer to the past, as paying a visit to the JEATH Museum (the name “JEATH” is derived from Japan, England, America/Australia, Thailand and Holland), where the past has been created and relived with pictures and artefacts out of this time.

Of course, experience a train ride over the original Death Railway track is enclosed in this excursion. We will transfer to a hotel in Kanchanaburi the late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Kanchanaburi

DAY 4: KANCHANABURI – AYUTTHAYA – ANG THONG – PHITSANULOK (B)

Farewell Kanchanaburi for the historic city of Ayutthaya! Known as Thailand’s hidden archaeological gem, this city is teeming with Buddhist temples, monasteries and ancient statutes that cannot be missed. Follow your guide on a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that dates to 1350, which was once the capital of the ancient Siamese Kingdom and considered the biggest city in the world! Explore the magnificent royal monastery of Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat and three ancient pagodas, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

Next, we will ride to the city of Ang Thong to visit the incredible Wat Muang temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha figure in Thailand, and ninth largest in the world, at almost 100 meters high.

After enjoying a local lunch, we make our way to the city of Phitsanulok, located at the heart of Thailand and considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the country. During the journey, witness the change in the landscape as it turns greener and lusher into a jungle-like flora. Finishing the day with a full camera roll and plenty of knowledge from your local guide, arrive at your hotel for leisure time.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Phitsanulok

DAY 5: PHITSANULOK – SUKHOTHAI – CHIANG MAI (B)

After breakfast, visit Wat Mahathat. Then we ride to Sukhothai, the historical heartland of Thailand. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage City was the cradle of Thai civilization and home to the Sukhothai Kingdom from 1238 to 1438. Follow your local guide on a walking tour through the Sukhothai Historical Park to explore the ancient temples, impressive ruins and the giant Wat Sri Chum Buddha statue in a scenic park setting.

Then, grab a window seat as we continue the journey towards Chiang Rai in the Lampang province. En route, we will have lunch and rest along the shores of the spectacular Phayao Lake. Arriving in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon, enjoy your free time to rest.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 6: HALF DAY DOI SUTHEP TEMPLE & ANCIENT TEMPLES – KHANTOKE NORTHERN DINNER & CULTURAL SHOW (B/D)

Pick up from the hotel lobby and depart to Chedi Luang Temple was built at the end of the 14th century. The great chedi was to remain the tallest structure in Chiang Mai and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha image, Thailand’s most sacred religious relic. Visit to Phra Singh Temple, was built in the year 1345. This temple contains marvelous examples of Lanna art, including a Lanna style viharn and the finest scripture repository of its type in the north.

Proceed to Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples built in the year 1383. It is located 1,050 meters above sea level. See the marvelous golden chedi, which contains the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Enjoy the panoramic view of Chiang Mai City and Ping valley from the summit of Suthep Mountain. Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple can be approached on foot by climbing 306 steep stairs, flanked by tremendous mythical Nagas, which symbolize humanity’s progress from earth to nirvana. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Dress Code: Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves – no sleeveless tops. If you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops you must wear socks (in other words, no bare feet.) Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. It is also recommended to avoid bright colors.

Evening, pick up from the hotel lobby and depart to Northern Dinner & Cultural Show. Enjoy a Dinner the traditional northern Thailand form of dining. The food is served on a wooden pedestal tray, called Khantoke. While guests enjoy the meal there are usually performances of traditional northern Thai dances and music.

Traditional Northern Thai dinner provides; Kao Neaw: Sticky rice, Gaeng Hung-Lay: Burmese pork curry, Gai Tawd: fried chicken, Paad Pugg: fried vegetable, Naam Prik Ong: pork cooked in mildly hot tomato-chili paste, served with fresh cucumber slices, Mee Krob: Crispy noodles, Kaeb Moo: pork rind with paste for dipping and with a starter Klow Thod: fried banana. Experience using fingers to break off pieces of sticky rice and dip it into various bowls instead of using cutlery. Desserts are Kao Taent: popped rice crackers, coffee or tea and fresh fruits.

Relax while being entertained by performances of Traditional Northern Thai Lanna dances and music such as Fingernail dance, Sword dance, Candle dance, Ramwong dance and Firework displays. Additionally, there are also hill tribe shows and music. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 7: FULL DAY DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK – THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THAILAND (B)

Pick up from the hotel lobby and depart to Doi Inthanon National Park, which is Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565 meters above sea level) offers beautiful scenery, evergreen mountain forests, dwarf rhododendron groves, rare bird life, and impressive waterfalls. Visit to the Summit and short trek along Angka Nature Trail; explore and feel the beauty and the unforgettable nature around. Continue to the great Twin Royal Pagodas, which were built for His Majesty the King and Her Royal Highness the Queen of Thailand. This place provides a marvelous view of its surroundings.

Depart to Doi Inthanon Royal Project, one of the many royal-sponsored projects to familiarize hill tribe people with new agricultural techniques. View the flower nurseries and cultivation areas. Then visit Vachiratharn Waterfall, a large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff around 100 meters into a deep pool below. It is also one of the highest waterfalls in Northern Thailand, great to take pictures. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 8: CHIANG MAI – CHIANG RAI – HALF DAY CITY & TEMPLES (B)

Morning, meet our guide and driver to transfer to Chiang Rai.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten); designed by the local Chiang Rai artist who used to do the teamwork of White Temple before. The main temple building is a distinctive blue color with the new philosophy of Buddhist art

Depart to Black House, (Baan Dam Museum); belongs to the national artist who is celebrated for his eerie sculptures made from horns and bones, reptile skins, traditional African sculptures, old boats, Lanna-style woodcrafts and art installations housed across 32 buildings, most of which are Lanna-style pavilions made from Black wood.

Then visit the White Temple (Rong Khun Temple); designed by the famous national artist. The main temple building is a distinctive white color, decorated with fragments of reflective glass which can be seen from afar. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai

 DAY 9:  FULL DAY GOLDEN TRIANGLE & MAE SAI BURMESE BORDER & LONG NECK TRIBE VILLAGE (B)

Pick up from the hotel lobby and depart to visit the Long Neck Tribe Village; the woman wears several brass rings around their long, slender necks. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around her neck. They are originated from Shan state, The Union of Myanmar.

Then visit Mae Sai Town, the Thailand-Myanmar border and the northernmost point of Thailand. Enjoy shopping for Myanmar products at the local market.

Continue to visit the Golden Triangle where the borders of three countries; Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar are met. See the Golden Buddha Statue and the panoramic view of Mekong River. Then visit the Opium Museum, displaying all the stories about opium and the Golden Triangle. Depart to Chiang Saen Town, which is an ancient city originated around 1328, visit the multitude of sites including ancient ruins of temples, stupas, and ancient city wall and moat. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai

DAY 10: CHIANG RAI DEPARTURE (NO GUIDE) (B)

Breakfast at hotel & free at leisure until transfer to airport for flight departure.

Meal: Breakfast

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