AUTHENTIC NORTHERN THAILAND ADVENTURE EXPEDITION

Day 1: Arrival – Bangkok
Day 2: Bangkok
Day 3: Bangkok – Damnern Saduak – River of Kwai
Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Ayuthaya
Day 5: Ayuthaya – Phitsanulok – Sukhothai
Day 6: Phitsanulok – Sukhothai – Lampang
Day 7: Lampang – Lampun – Chiang Mai
Day 8: Chiang Mai
Day 9: Chiang Mai – Mae Sa – Thaton – Chiang Rai
Day 10: Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai
Day 11: Chiang Mai – Departure

Day 1: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Arrival – Bangkok

On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand. In the midst of dynamic modern growth, this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to advise some available options.

O/N in Bangkok.

Day 2: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Bangkok City Tours (B/-/-)

The longtail boat trip is a perfect way to start our exploration of Bangkok. We navigate along the Chao Phraya River and venture into the many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stop over at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace.

This masterpiece is dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby are the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image and the Vimarnmek Museum, the world’s largest building entirely made of golden teak . We visit this complex and drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to the Wat Pho, one of the most significant temples in Bangkok.

This sacred edifice houses a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town and catching up on many funny shopping areas.

O/N in Bangkok.

Day 3: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Bangkok – Damnern Saduak – River of Kwai – Boat trips (B/-/D)

The northbound journey begins as we depart Bangkok and drive towards Kanchanaburi Province. En route we make stop over at the picturesque floating market of Damnern Saduak, which opens in the early morning till noon. Here we have a chance to go around by boat, exploring the bustling trade of local villagers. The next destination of our trip is Kanchanaburi.

This enchanting town has plenty to see, some of which are the famous bridge over the River Kwai , the sobering War Cemetery and the Jeath War Museum. We include these in a short sightseeing tour before we make our way though the beautiful countryside to the Kwai Noi River.

The longtail boat trip takes us along the river past the stunning mountainous landscape to the Jungle Rafts. On arrival we enjoy a short walk to the nearby Mon Hilltribe Village to experience the simple lifestyle of the local people. The perfect way to round off the day is a dinner followed with the performance of the Mon hill tribe.

O/N at Jungle Raft.

Day 4: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Kanchanaburi – Ayuthaya – Adventure packages (B/-/-)

Today we make our way to visit the Hell Fire Pass Memorial. This world famous site features the fascinating museum chronicling the events of World War II and the notorious “Death Railway”. This rail link was all but partly destroyed by the offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk along the ruins. Upon leaving this area we drive to Ayuthaya which was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD.

This former capital was all but ultimately suffered destruction at the hands of the Burmeses, however it is still fascinating to explore the ruined temples. Among these is Wat Phra Sisanphet, an impressive monument that was used as the royal temple by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai Wattanaram built by King Prasathong in 1630 with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones to symbolize mount Meru, the abode of the heavenly gods.

O/N in Ayuthaya.

Day 5: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Ayuthaya – Phitsanulok – Sukhothai – Sightseeing tours (B/-/-)

The impressive way of commencing your day is a visit to the morning market. You can buy fresh food to donate the monks, who are making their rounds to receive alms from the local people. Heading out of Ayuthaya Town we make our way through the central plains of Thailand, the major rice producing region of the country.

We pass the townships such as Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak, before reaching Phitsanulok. The major landmarks of Phitsanulok are Wat Maha That and Phra Budda Jinaraj. We visit these sites and continue driving to Sukhothai, passing through the scenic countryside.

O/N in Sukhothai.

Day 6: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Phitsanulok – Sukhothai – Lampang – Cultural exploration (B/-/-)

The famous cultural town of Sukhothai was once the royal capital of the Thailand Kingdom, however has left its legacies in the forms of many ruined temples and palaces. The finest Thai antiques, Buddha images and ceramic pieces mainly date from this period.

We include these in a half day tour which will give us a deep insight into the glorious past of Sukhothai. The next stop is Si Satchanalai where various ancient monuments are still standing. Upon leaving this site we drive to Lampang, a former centre of the teak wood trade. The chicken is the symbol of the province and can be seen everywhere. On arrival we explore the old city on horse carriage and also visit Ban Sao Nat as well as Wat Chedi Sao.

O/N in Lampang.

Day 7: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Lampang – Lampun – Chiang Mai – Relaxing vacations (B/-/-)

Today we see the many colossal animals performing their amazing feats of strength and skill at the command of the mahouts. This is a great chance to get close to these magnificent animals. The impressive journey continues to Lampun, an ancient kingdom of the Mon People.

The remnants of the old fortified city walls and the surrounding moat constructed in the 16th century, are still evident. On arrival we have time to visit the famous Wat Prathat Hariphunchai and the two impressive chedis, one of which stands a majestic 51 meters high. We drive to Chiang Mai and spend the remaining of our day to explore the old town with three famous temples.

O/N in Chiang Mai

Day 8: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Chiang Mai – Religion & relics discovery (B/-/-)

The capital of the north, Chiang Mai has rich historical and cultural heritage which is still evident in the architecture with over 300 temples spreading in and around. Heading out of town we drive west towards the famous Doi Suthep Mountain and embark on a walk leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit.

At an elevation of over 1,000 m, the temple grounds affords a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. The tranquil town of Chiang Mai has been always noted for the exquisite handicrafts of which the combination with the hill tribe people’s traditional wares, offers fantastic shopping opportunities.

We continue to the neighbouring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making. As a highlight of this evening , we visit the vibrant night market which is full of local treasures.

O/N in Chiang Mai.

Day 9: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Chiang Mai – Mae Sa – Thaton – Chiang Rai (B/-/-)

Heading out of town we drive north towards Mae Sa to visit an orchid farm which is filled with gorgeous orchid blooms in a blaze of multi-colors. The impressive journey follow the zigzagging roads past the rugged and verdant scenery to Chiang Rai .

On arrival we board a longtail boat for a thrilling trip upstream on the Mae Kok River, passing through many breathtaking mountain landscape to a Karen hilltribe village. This ethnic group is originated from Burma, but had settled there long time ago, forming the largest tribal population in northern Tha
iland.

Upon leaving this village we embark on a walk to the elephant camp and enjoy a two hour elephant ride back through the jungle to the Yao and Akha Hilltribes..

O/N at Chiang Rai.

Day 10: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai (B/-/-)

The royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the bank of the Mekong River which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. Today we travel by roads to Chiang Saen and visit some of the major sights including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum.

The journey continues towards the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. Here we have time to stroll around and make a stop at the opium museum. The display of pictures and documents feature the opium story dating back to the early last century onwards.

Upon leaving this site we make our way through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery to Mae Sai Town which now becomes a trading hub of Thailand and Burma. There is not much to see in this town but it is till very interesting to catch a look of Burma side.

O/N in Chiang Mai.

Day 11: Thailand Northbound Travel Adventure: Chiang Mai – Departure (B/-/-)

 There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to airport for departure.

• Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and tourist bus
• Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner
• Accommodation: twin sharing room at the below mentioned hotels or similar one
• English or French speaking guide
• Entrance fee to indicated sights
• Boat trip in Bangkok and Chiang Rai
• Elephant ride in Chiang Rai 

Exclude :

• Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Thailand, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner