Daily departure from Bangkok
Day 1 Bangkok - Phitsanuloke
Travel on your own by taxi or tuk tuk to the main railway station in Bangkok, Hualampong. Enjoy a relaxing train ride for approximately 5 hours where you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery as you pass through lush green rice fields. You will be traveling 2nd class, which includes an air-conditioned car and a snack. Upon your arrival to Phitsanuloke our tour guide will greet you and take you to your first stop Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat where you can pay worship to Thailand’s famous Buddha image (Pra Budha Chinaraj) next to the Nan River. If you wish to do so and time does allow, you may have the opportunity to see the local folk museum and a Buddha casting factory. At night your guide will take you out to taste the delicious local foods such as stir fried morning glory with soy bean paste or kao soi. Stay overnight in Phitsanuloke. Dinner is included.
Day 2 Phitsanuloke - Lampang
In the morning travel to neighboring Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital which dates back to the 13th century. Here we recommend you rent a bicycle as the National Park is quite large and there is much more to see then just whats in the park itself. Located west of the park, upon a mountain top, is Wat Saphan Hin where you can see a 12.5 meter high Buddha. To the north of the National park is another hidden treasure, Wat Si Chum or "temple of the bodhi tree", where you be humbled by the size of the 15 meter high, seated Buddha. Afterwards you will pass through another historical park called Si Satchanalai and before reaching Lampang in the afternoon. Here you will visit Wat Sri Chum, a Burmese temple and stop by the nearby fruit market where you can taste some exotic fruits. Then its on to hour hotel in Lampang. The night will be yours to explore the city and all it has to offer. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 3 Lampang - Chiang Rai
In the morning head to the Lampang Elephant Conservation Center and Elephant Hospital. Watch these extraordinary animals take their daily bath and witness their awesome power as they toss logs around with little effort. After leaving Lampang you will head for Phayao and have lunch on the picturesque lake known as Kwan Phayao. Traveling on further north you will stop at the beautiful Wat Rong Khun or White Templedesigned by Thai National Artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat. Finally, arrive Chiang Rai for overnight. In the evening take a stroll through the colorful night bazaar and food market. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 4 Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Tha Ton
First travel to The Black House (Baan Si Dum): The House of National Artist - Dr. Thawan Duchanee, then to Chiang Saen, the former royal town. From here take delight while you relax on a boat trip up the mighty Mekong River to the well-known Golden Triangle. On route have a brief stop on the Laotian island of Don Sao where you can shop for souvenirs and sample some Snake Whiskey. There will be an opportunity for a visit to the small Opium Museum where you can learn about the dark past of this historically rich area. Continuing on you will head to Mae Sai, the border and market town. An optional visit to the Burmese border town of Tachilek can be arranged. Next stop will be at a monkey temple. Later travel through the mountain wilderness of Doi Maesalong where you will pass Akha, Yao and Lisu Hill Tribe villages. On the mountain top take a walk around the village of the former Kuomingtan Chinese. Arriving in Thaton during the late afternoon you will pay a visit to the picturesque Wat Thaton that is situated on a small hill top with its giant Buddha images and great views. You will spend your overnight in Thaton. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 5 Tha Ton - Chiang Mai
In the morning if you wish, there will be an opportunity to see another hill tribe village, this time a Lahu village that sits on the Burmese border line. Travelling on to Chiang Dao National Park your next stop will be the Chiang Dao Caves. Later enjoy a one hour elephant ride through the wilderness and along the river, as well as a lazy one hour trip down the river on a bamboo raft. Further stops will be at Bua Tong Waterfalls for some climbing, swimming, and refreshing. Arrive in Chiang Mai in the evening and check in to your hotel. At night take care of the last minute shopping for handcrafts and other goods at the expansive Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 6 Chiang Mai
Sightseeing tour in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai which includes the many ancient temples of the old city, as well as the famous Doi Suthep hill top temple, the landmark of Chiang Mai. Later have a look to some of the well-known traditional handcraft factories at Bosang such as wood-carving, lacquer ware, silver ware, sa-paper umbrella paintings, and more. You have the option to visit only the ones in which you are interested in. In the late afternoon try a traditional Thai Massage for approximately 2 hours. In the evening enjoy dinner and a farewell party in one of our local restaurants. Overnight once more in Chiang Mai. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 7 Chiang Mai - ??
Transfer to the airport, bus terminal or railway station and travel on your own itinerary. Breakfast is included.
Please e-mail us for more information or to book this spectacular tour!
Tour includes:
Train ticket Bangkok - Phitsanuloke, air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodations at good middle class hotels/resorts, including breakfast and lunch during tours, and all entrance fees.
Tour excludes:
Drinks, tips and personal expenses
REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:
It is also possible to start this tour from Chiang Mai and finish on the last day with a train ride from Phitsanuloke to Bangkok.