TOUR OF THAILAND’S OLD KINGDOMS

Day 01: Upon arrival – Bangkok
Day 02: City temples tours – Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple
Day 03: Damnoensaduak Floating Market – Kanchanaburi
Day 04: Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya
Day 05: Ayutthaya – Kamphaengphet – Sukhothai
Day 06: Sukhothai – Sri Satchanalai – Lampang
Day 07: Lampang – Lamphun – Chiang Mai
Day 08: Doi Suthep Temple – Meo Doi Pui – Local Handicraft Village
Day 09: Chiang Mai – Elephant at Works – Chiang Dao.
Day 10: Chiang Mai – Pa Pae Hot Spring – Pai.
Day 11: Pai – Hill Tribe Villages – Tam Lod, Tam Pla – Phu Klone.
Day 12: Baan Nai Soi –Mae Hong Son city temple tours –Chiang Mai. (by flight)
Day 13: Chiang Mai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai.
Day 14: Chiang Rai – Doi Tung – Bangkok. (by flight)
Day 15: Bangkok – Departure

Day 01: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Upon arrival – Bangkok Sightseeing Tours

Upon arrival, meet & greet our tour guide before transfer to the hotel. Free at leisure after check in. Overnight in Bangkok

Day 02: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: City temples tours – Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. (B,L)

Breakfast at hotel and then sightseeing tour to visit: At first visit to Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the temple is famous for its 900-years old five-and-a-half-ton solid gold image and then continue to visit Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok.

After that, visit to Wat Po, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, as well as the largest single Buddha image: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas), also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage Reclining Buddha.

Lunch on own, after lunch we continue to visit the most famous tourist places in Bangkok, Royal Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound and is where you will end up after exiting Wat Phra Kaew. Despite the proximity of the two, there’s a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Wat Phra Kaew and the more European inspired designs of the Grand Palace (the roof being the exception). After this place we return back to the hotel and free at leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

Day 03: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Damnoensaduak Floating Market – Kanchanaburi. (B,L)

A 120 km drive to the most colorful Floating Market in Thailand. Passing the largest source of Salt Production in Thailand along the roadside of the highway. At Damnoen Saduak, visit the gardener’s house, see how the sugar is being made right from the coconut tree and as option take the long tailed speedboat to the main part market (not included). See a fascinating Thai way of life from the ancient time which is still widely practiced in this area.

A chance to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and choices of Thai handicrafts available at the spot. Later on, continue to Kanchanaburi for visit the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai as the Memorial of World War II. Then, visit at the War museum and war cemetery nearby. Check in at the hotel and free at leisure.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi

Day 04: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya. (B,L)

After breakfast, transfer to Ayutthaya the former capital of Thailand. Visit one of the most beautiful Summer Palace namely Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Later on, transfer to Krung Sri River for buffet Lunch. Later, embark to Temple of Ruins, Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch (The former Royal Temple), Wat Yai Chai Mongkol (the temple of reclining Buddha Image and biggest chedi), Wat Mahathat (where the head of Lord Buddha Image is coverd by Poh Tree so far), Wat Ratchabura (where the national treasure were kept). After that, transfer to the hotel and free at leisure.

Overnight in Ayutthaya

Day 05: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Ayutthaya – Kamphaengphet – Sukhothai. (B,L)

After breakfast, drive up north to Sukhothai. Enroute visit to Khamphaengphet Historical Park for excursion before keep moving to Sukhothai. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Upon arrival, after check in, visit at the local market in Sukhothai Town before return to the hotel for relaxing and overnight.

Overnight in Sukhothai

Day 06: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Sukhothai – Sri Satchanalai – Lampang. (B,L)

After breakfast, visit at Sukhothai Historical Park or the 1st Capital of Thailand. 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 and a must-see for all travelers.

Lunch at a local restaurant before continue to Sri Satchanalai Historical Park where is located on the bank of the Yom River at Tambon Muang Kao, Si Satchanalai county, only 55km from the town of Sukhothai. The ancient town, formerly call “Muang Chaliang”, was named “Sri Satchanalai” during the Phra Ruang Dynasty when a new administrative centre was established to replace Chaliang.

This ancient town occupied more than 320 hectares (800 acres) of land. Of this, the 91-hectare (288 acres) area within the old laterite ramparts and the city moat is the focus of sightseeing in the historical park. After that, proceed to Lampang for overnight.

Overnight in Lampang

Day 07: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Lampang – Lamphun – Chiang Mai. (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel before proceed to Lampang Elephant Conservation Center to see elephant at work and shows before continue to Chiang Mai. En-route to Lamphun, visit to Wat Phrathad Hariphunchai and Chammadhevi Stupa. On arrival in Chiang Mai, check in at the hotel and free at your leisure. (Elephant ride is optional and must be paid separately)

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 08: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Doi Suthep Temple – Meo Doi Pui – Local Handicraft Village. (B,L)

The journey begins with a visit to a Meo Hill tribe village. Since they originally migrated from East, the physical features of the tribe are similar to Chinese. They prefer large families and average about 8 in a family. They practice shifting agriculture. Mostly planting upland rice, corn and soybeans.

Generally you will find that the womenfolk’s works harder than the men. A trait similar with most hill tribes. Their houses are not built on stilts rather directly on the ground. Due to its proximity to Doi Suthep this particular village is slightly more commercial and less traditional. Doi Pui was once famous for opium cultivation.

It is 1500 meters above the sea level. Trip continues on to Wat Doi Suthep Temple. Driving up offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. Later on, embark to the San Kamphaeng district, heart of the silk and cotton home industries, to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. Continue on the Bor Sang, the umbrella village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand-painted.

From here onwards to Thai Celadon, about 6kms north of Chiang Mai, where exquisite ceramics are produced. These are modeled on the Sawankhalok pottery that used to be made hundreds of years ago at Sukhothai and exported all over the region. With its deep, cracked glazed finish the style is very distinctive and some pieces are exceptionally beautiful. Last but not least, are stops to observe the intricacies of both lacquer ware and silverware craftsmen.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 09: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Chiang Mai – Elephant at Works – Chiang Dao. (B,L)

After breakfast, drive to Chiang Dao Elephant Camp to see elephant at work. This tour starts at 8.30am. You are picked up from your hotel by your guide. Drive north of Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao (approx. 1hr) to the elephant camp. At the elephant camp you will see the elephants taking their morning bath and demonstrating some of their skills.

Afterwards take an elephant ride for approx. 1 hr to a Lisu hilltribe village. The ride takes you through some of the lovely forest scenery and along the river. After lunch take a bamboo raft trip down the river for approx. 1 hr, admire the scenery and absorb the tranquility as you float down the river. After that, transfer to the hotel and free at leisure. (Elephant ride is optional and not included)

Overnight in Chiang Dao

Day 10: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Chiang Mai – Pa Pae Hot Spring – Pai. (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pai District. En-route at The Pa Pae Hot Spring where is located in the district of Mae Taeng approximately 40km from Chiang Mai City center along the route to the towns of Mae Malai and Pai. The hot springs are probably some of the nicest within Chiang Mai province – not at all over-commercialized and set within a well-maintained park in a very picturesque wooded valley. Down stream from the bubbling geysers, the rock formations form dams and make shallow pools for a pleasant hot soak. The park also offers camping and walks to nearby hill tribe villages. After that, transfer to the hotel and free on own.

Overnight in Pai

Day 11: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Pai – Hill Tribe Villages – Tam Lod, Tam Pla – Phu Klone. (B,L)

After breakfast, visit to the Hill tribe villages such as Lahu, Lisu and Karen before continue to Tam Lod Cave for excursion. Later on, embark to Tam Pla or Fish Cave for sightseeing. Lunch at a local restaurant before arriving in Mae Hong Son. Visit at Phu Klone Country Club for shopping the infamous products such as Mineral water spray, Phu Klone Mud Cleansing Bar, Cream Bath, Mud Spa Powder and etc. After that, continue to the hotel for check in and free at leisure. (no shopping items are included) Overnight in Mae Hong Son

Day 12: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Baan Nai Soi –Mae Hong Son city temple tours – Chiang Mai. (by flight) (B,L)

Start in the early morning to visit the morning market area, where you can buy apart from the usual household items and foodstuffs, an array of insect food such as crickets, worms and ant eggs. Next Visit to Baan Nai Soi the unspoiled Karen village where is located close Myanmar Border.

Then, drive to the Burmese style temples Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang located next to a large pond in southern end of town. Wat Jong Kham was build nearly 200 years ago by Shan people who make up about 50% of Mae Hong Sorn’s population. Wat Jong Klang houses 100-year-old glass paintings and woodcarvings from Burma, depicting various lives of the Buddha.

Then drive uphill to Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kong Moo, with its beautiful view over Mae Hong Sorn. After that, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and free on own after check in.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 13: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Chiang Mai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai. (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Tha Ton Temple to see the biggest Lord Buddha Image in the sitting position on the summit of Tha Ton hill. Later, proceed to Mae Sai Border Market, one of the biggest border market where you can access to Tha Khi Lek Province, Myanmar.

At the market, you will find a lot of goods, local products and many items which are imported from China & Myanmar such electronic devices, fruits, clothes, stones, jewelry, Jade and etc. Lunch at a local restaurant before we continue to the infamous Golden Triangle renowned for centuries as the centre of the opium trade. From a hill top viewpoint, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak and forming the actual “Triangle” with Laos Burma and Thailand

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Day 14: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Chiang Rai – Doi Tung – Bangkok. (by flight) (B)

Doi Tung or Switzerland of Asia, to visit Doi Tung, look no further outstanding than the Mae Fah Luang Garden which is situated at an elevation of 950 meters above sea-level, the Mae Fah Luang Garden consists of flowerbeds planted with a dazzling variety of flowers and shrubs from all corners of the world; among these, over 70 species of cool climate and temperate ornamental and flowering plants that thrive at high altitude are planted in the midst of native plants, leafy shrubs and perennials.

A myriad of flowering plants come into bloom all year round and form a splendid hill-side tapestry that changes with the seasons. After that, transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for flight departure to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and free on own after check in.

Overnight in Bangkok

Day 15: Tour Of Thailand’s Old Kingdoms: Bangkok – Departure. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight departure to the next destination.

End of service!!

Include :

• Accommodation as mentioned based on twin sharing or similar one
• Tour and transportation as private air-con vehicle
• Meals as mentioned in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Entrance fees on the archaeological site mentioned in the itinerary
• English speaking guide 

• Domestic air tickets
• Other meals
• Tip
• Drinks
• Airport tax
• Single room supplement
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Visa
• Flight in/out Bangkok
• Any optional additional tours or activities during free time.
• Compulsory gala dinners at Christmas Eve and New Year Eve where applicable

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