Begin this Thai journey discovering the best of Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital city. Then see a different side of this beautiful country as you explore the north of Thailand and discover its main cultural attractions during four magical days, travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. This region is overflowing with historic monuments, dreamlike landscapes, gastronomic delights and wonderful wildlife. This tour is operated in a small group of up to 8 passengers.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Chiang Mai: Take in the views from the hilltop Wat Doi Suthep temple.
Chiang Rai: Stroll through the local morning market
Golden Triangle: See three countries from one spot in Sop Ruak at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong rivers
Day 1: ARRIVAL BANGKOK
After you land in Bangkok International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you before transferring you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this bustling city at leisure. Perhaps you might like to indulge yourself with a traditional Thai Massage, surprise your taste buds with the amazing local flavours and cap off the day by enjoying the sunset in any of the stylish rooftop bars that have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent years… the options are limitless.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2: HALF-DAY ROYAL GRAND PALACE AND TEMPLE TOUR
Today’s tour includes three of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Wat Traimit, also known as the temple of the Golden Buddha, houses a 3-metre-tall statue made from solid gold, weighing 5.5 tonnes. You will then pass through Chinatown on your way to Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha and home to the Chedis of the Kings. 46 metres long and 15 metres high, this Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and it illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Bangkok (closed during royal ceremonies and during visits of heads of state). Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and Wat Phra Keo, the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. To round off the tour, call in at a local lapidary factory and showroom where you will be able to get locally made jewellery, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices.
Overnight in Bangkok on selected board basis.
Day 3: RAILWAY MARKET AND DAMNERN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET
Depart from Bangkok and head to Maeklong Railway Marker, as knows as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival the guide will introduce you to the history of this area. See the action in several minutes before the train passing through the market. The process happens so quick it will amaze you for the unique moment. Then go to the world-famous floating market of “Damnoen Saduak”, there are countless floating markets throughout the country, the colorfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruits and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. This is an exciting and fun way to see the local like and to go bargain hunting. Transfer back to Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok on selected board options.
Day 4: BANGKOK – CHIANG MAI (65 mins flight)
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a transfer to the airport. Once you land in Chiang Mai, you’re transferred to your hotel in time for a pick-up at 13:30 in central Chiang Mai to embark on a guided tour of the old town and main temples. Visit the historical Wat Suan Dok and admire its 48-metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi, which overlooks the Royal Cemetery. Continue to Wat Phra Sing in the old town and appreciate the beauty of this large complex comprising more than 60 buildings before visiting the 14th-century Wat Chedi Luang in the very heart of the old city. This ancient temple has a more rustic appearance and has been restored after decades of decay. Discover, too, the nearby Wat Chet Yot and Wat Chiang Man. Due to its age, the Chet Yot temple betrays some signs of ruin while the Chiang Man temple is renowned for its numerous elephant sculptures.
Overnight in Chiang Mai on selected board option.
Day 5: CHIANG MAI (80 kms – 3hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you’ll enjoy some magnificent panoramic views of the city. The temple is reached by climbing a 309-step naga staircase or via cable car (included). If the views are stunning, the temple itself is even better and boasts a number of dazzling structures. Continue to the bustling Wararot Market, a historical landmark renowned for the variety and quality of its produce, before visiting the fragrant flower market. In the evening, enjoy a khantoke dinner, a traditional northern Thai feast combined with a selection of traditional cultural performances inspired by the Lanna kingdom, which dominated northern Thailand for almost five centuries.
Overnight in Chiang Mai on selected board option.
Day 6: CHIANG MAI – CHIANG RAI (260km – 4 hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly, naturally built outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making our much talked about paper products from elephant poop fibres! The interpretive walking tour through our lush gardens brings visitors through eight different pavilions explaining each stage of our fascinating process from poo collection to rinsing to final product assembly. Visitors are encouraged to pull up a stool, roll up their sleeves and join with our talented artisans and guides and participate in our head-turning process! Complemented by the presence of rich graphics and signage, visitors will also be introduced to Chiang Mai's long and rich history of traditional papermaking and handicrafts production. After lunch, continue by road via Doi Saket with a stop at Wat Rong Khun, nicknamed the ‘White Temple’, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior with embedded pieces of mirror gives it a resplendent appearance, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Rai, arriving in the afternoon and transferring to your accommodation.
Overnight in Chiang Rai on selected board option
Day 7: CHIANG RAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE – DEPART CHIANG RAI (175km – 3.5 hrs)
Check out after breakfast at the hotel and visit Chiang Sean for a panoramic view of the Golden Triangle where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet and where the mighty River Mekong flows through. Hop onto a boat and take a trip around the Golden Triangle on a boat ride lasting around 30 minutes. After, enjoy lunch at the local restaurant before being dropped off at Chiang Rai Airport
Breakfast and lunch included.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
