BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI - 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS TOUR

DAY 1 - BANGKOK

After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the arrival exit where you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel.

DAY 2 - BANGKOK

Travel by motor launch on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and canals to see farmers in tiny flat-bottomed boats market their produce. Observe the family homes and temples along the water-ways which gives this city the name "Venice of the East". Pass the Temple of Dawn whose 79 metre spire silhouette has become so identified with Bangkok. Later tour the Grand Palace. Within the compound, the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, a 75 cm statue of jade that sits atop an 11metre golden pedestal.
*Optional Loy Nava Dinner Cruise while in Bangkok. Thai, Seafood or vegetarian menu *Rate on request

DAY 3 - BANGKOK

Visit the floating market at Damnern Saduak about 100 km from Bangkok. Drive to Nakorn Pathom, the oldest city in Thailand, to see the golden tiled domes of Phra Pathom Chedi that towers almost 116 metres into the air and looks like an inverted bowl. Continue to the Rose Garden which comprises a large area of the resort that has been developed in a typical Thai village. Here, see villagers in their natural habitat, working to create traditional village handicraft.

DAY 4 - BANGKOK/PITSANULOKE

Depart Bangkok to Bang Pa In, a lavish royal Summer Palace set in beautiful gardens. Continue to the old capital of Ayuthaya with its many ancient ruins. On to Phra Buddha Badh to see the shrine with the holy footprint of Lord Buddha at Sara Buri. Continue overland visiting Phra Prang Sam Yod and Narai Palace in Lopburi. Arrive in Phitsanulok and check in at your hotel. Overnight: Amarin Lagoon Hotel or similar.

DAY 5 - PITSANULOKE/ SUKHOTHAI/CHIANG RAI

Depart for Sukhothai, ancient capital of Siam and was built by King Ramkhamhang the Great. Drive through rural Thailand and further north through jungle clad hills. Stop at the small town of Phayao which dates back to the 11th century. Overnight: Rimkok Resort or similar.

DAY 6 - GOLDEN TRIANGLE

See the the lifestyle of the Ahka Hilltribe in Maejan district; further to Chaingsaen to the Golden Triangle, the border lines of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Proceed to the northeast town of Mae Sai in the afternoon and then return to Chaing Rai.

DAY 7 - CHIANG RAI/CHIANG MAI

Morning departure from Chiang Rai stopping at the famous hot spring at Mae Ka Chan. Continue south enjoying the tropical jungle scenery to Doi Suthep. Some 20 different tribes of semi-nomadic people live in the northern hills. Culturally, each is distinctively different having their own language and custom. Most originate in China moving through Burma and Laos into Thailand. This morning visit the village of one of the major tribes, Meo. The next visit is at the resplendent Wat Phra on Doi Suthep. Ride the chair lift or climb a 290 step staircase to be rewarded by the sight of the radiant gilded temple buildings and vistas of the city below. This evening you will enjoy a "kantoke" dinner which is a traditional where series of dishes are served in small bowls (Kan). Diners are seated on cushions at low table (toke) and feast on superb northern Thai cuisine while dancers perform the charming finger damnce, sword dance, candle dance and Thai folk.
Overnight; Empress Hotel or similar.

DAY 8 - CHIANG MAI

Early morning departure to see the elephants at work. Experience an elephant ride to the Mae Sa Valley. this afternoon visit home industries factories and handicraft centres. This evening dinner is at the hotel.

DAY 9 - CHIANG MAI /BANGKOK FLIGHT

Transfer and flight to Bangkok. *
Overnight on tour in first class accommodations in Chaing Mai & Chiang Rai and best available on route north.
*Addittional arrangements in Bangkok on day 9 on request. Extensions to other destinations available.