Northern Thailand Discovery

Day 1 - Ayutthaya

Depart Bangkok and head north towards the ancient capital city of Ayutthaya for a stop to see the interesting ruins. Afterwards, continue to Uthai Thani, a small town on the Sakaekrang River, rarely visited by travellers to see Wat Chantaram, an impressive temple with a crystal hall and grand golden shrine. After lunch continue to Phitsanuloke for overnight.

Hotel: The Imperial Hotel Phitsanulok or similar
Meals: Lunch

Day 2 - Sukhothai and Chiang Mai

After breakfast, travel to Sukhothai Historical Park, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can admire beautiful standing Buddha statues as you explore the many ruined temples and monasteries. After lunch continue to Chiang Mai. The city has a rich cultural and agricultural heritage and is famous for the production of high quality handicrafts. You will spend two nights here so there will be plenty of time to explore the famous night bazaar.

Hotel: ThePark Hotel, Chiang Mai or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 3 - Chiang Mai

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading off through the winding mountain roads to Doi Suthep. Travel in open vehicles to visit the White Hmong people in their village. On the return journey visit the temple of Wat Phrathat which offers spectacular views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding valley. After lunch return to the city to spend time at leisure.

Hotel: ThePark Hotel, Chiang Mai or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4 - Chiang Rai

After breakfast, the journey will head north of Chiang Mai to the Thai Elephant Care Centre which rescues elephants from the logging industry. The centre was established to provide care and education about the Asian Elephant. You will get a chance to learn, feed and bathe with the elephants in an ethically responsible way. Seeing these magnificent animals up close is always a highlight.

After the elephant centre, the drive will head through beautiful mountain landscapes to Chiang Rai, via Wiang Pa Pao with a stop for lunch on route. Before checking-in at your hotel in Chiang Rai, we make a stop at Wat Rung Khun, better known as the White Temple, a contemporary, unconventional, privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple. The white colour signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass, sparkling in the sun symbolises the Buddha’s wisdom and teachings.

Hotel: Wiang Inn Hotel, Chiang Rai or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5 - Golden Triangle region

After breakfast, visit Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town on the Burma border. Walk around the bustling market where there are all manner of handicrafts from Burma and China. From here continue to the Golden Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet, and enjoy spectacular views over Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and the mighty Mekong River.

After lunch, you’ll visit colourful Wat Rong Seua Ten, also known as the Blue Temple. A relatively new temple, well known for its magnificent blue interior, colourful painted murals and white Buddha statue. Explore Baan Dam, the so-called Black House isn’t just one structure, but a collection of around 40 buildings of varying shapes and sizes dotted around a peaceful garden.

Say goodbye to the north and catch a flight from Chiang Rai to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch