Bangkok, the central plains as well as the wonders of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the North - the Kingdom of Thailand offers an array of natural and created attractions.
2012 Departures Dates and Costs
Departures each Tuesday: $ 800 USD per person
Private tour (based on 2 persons departing any day): $ 1,125 USD
Single Supplement $ 195
To fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on day 5 instead of returning by train add $ 95 USD
We offer an incredible array of customized tours available throughout Thailand on an individual and daily basis - ASK FOR DETAILS!
Itinerary
DAY 1 BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA - PHITSANULOK (L)
Early morning pick up, drive to Bang Pa In for a scenic boat trip to Ayutthaya. Visit Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol and the ancient ruins of Wat Chai Wattanaram. Continue to Lopburi, where we will travel around the city in a pedaled rickshaw. After lunch continue to Phitsanulok. Overnight at Topland Hotel.
DAY 2 PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG (B,L)
Visit Wat Maha That and its highly revered Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Jinaraj. Drive to Sukhothai and visit the ancient ruins at the historical park and Wat Sri Chum with it's gigantic Buddha statue. Continue to Sri Satchanalai for lunch. Upon arrival in Lampang we will take a tour of the old city on horse carriages. Also visit Baan Sao Nak, a 100-year old teak-wood mansion, and Wat Chedi Sao, which derives its name from 20 stupas erected on the temple grounds. Monks at this temple prepare medicines from herbs and plants, which promise to cure a number of remedies. Overnight Lamplang River Lodge.
DAY 3 LAMPANG - PHAYAO - CHIANG RAI (B,L)
After a visit to the morning market, drive to Phayao with the biggest natural lake in Thailand. Proceed to Chiang Rai. After lunch, visit the hill tribe community project at Ban Lorcha. Drive via Mae Sai, the northernmost Thai town to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. A boat trip on the Mekong River and return to Chiang Rai. Overnight at Rimrock Resort.
DAY 4 CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (B,L,D)
Early morning depart for Chiang Mai and visit the local handicraft centers around Chiang Mai. Lunch. In the afternoon visit Wat Doi Suthep, a famous landmark of the city, tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056 meters. The temple is reached by climbing 290 steps. In the evening you may wish to add a typical Kantoke dinner with a presentation of traditional dances from Northern Thailand. The local guide will collect 250 baht ($10.00US) locally. You may also wish to visit the night market. Overnight at the Empress Hotel or similar.
DAY 5 CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK BY TRAIN (B,L)
Visit an elephant camp in Chiang Dao and watch the skilled elephants at work. Continue to an orchid farm. After lunch free time until transfer to the Railway Station. Depart by air-conditioned train with sleeping berth (Couchette). Overnight ON THE TRAIN.
DAY 6 BANGKOK
Arrive at Bangkok Railway Station and transfer to your hotel.
Additional Information
VISA/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Please note that there have been changes to entry requirements for Thailand. Canadian and U.S. passengers arriving overland into Thailand are permitted to stay for up to 15 days without a Visa. Passengers arriving by air are permitted to stay for 21 days. For stays longer than this, passengers will be required to obtain a VISA in advance.
Testimonials
"Barry and I would like to thank you for all your efforts. Our trip was wonderful. Our guides and drivers were super. Barry and I felt so happy having so much attention-especially when we saw the tour buses with so many people in them. The country is a delight, and the people are very kind. We learned alot about the culture, food and Buddhism. We can highly recommend your trips to anyone. Hopefully we will have another chance to book with you in the future." B & L Lubin, MA
