Bangkok to the North

On Arrival at Bangkok Airport with your luggage, meet with our representative of Destination Services who will be holding a sign with your name on it at Gate 6 on the exit if Customs Hall and Escorted transfer from Bangkok Airport to your centrally located hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure in the Thai capital. Bangkok, ‘the City of Angels’, is the most populous city in the country and is packed with cultural attractions, tantalizing food stalls and countless shopping temptations Overnight in Bangkok

Pick up after breakfast for a tour encompassing the three most popular Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Start with a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings from the outside and a magical inside, which was used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid-20th century.It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument of Thailand, which shouldn’t be missed. The building houses the "Wat Po", Bangkok's oldest temple, in which is located the famous gold leaf-covered reclining Buddha. This tour includes also the temple "Wat Trimit" with its 5.5-ton Golden Buddha. Evening free at leisure. Perhaps you could indulge yourself with a traditional Thai Massage, surprise your taste buds with the amazing local flavours and cap off the day by enjoying sunset in any of the stylish rooftop bars which have blossomed in the city’s sky scrapers in recent years… the options are limitless. Overnight in Bangkok. Breakfast included.

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. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Bangkok in selected hotel and board basis

After pick-up from your hotel, head to Bang Pa-In to visit the sumptuous Summer Palace of Rama V. Continue to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate the ancient temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Chai Nat then continue to Phitsanulok for a brief orientation tour of the city before checking in at the hotel. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Phitsanulok on a selected board basis

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to join the locals in their morning prayers and offerings in this historic temple, which houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues. Depart for Sukhothai to explore this ancient city packed with historical landmarks, the most impressive being the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the ruined temples and palaces as well as the Buddha statues of all sizes. Lunch en route at a local restaurant. A short drive away is Si Satchanalai, which boasts the evocative ruins of half a dozen temples, including Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat – which is reached by crossing a wooden suspension bridge – as well as countless statues of Buddha and elephants. This usually quiet location offers a special spiritual interlude to the tour before arriving in Lampang for the evening. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Lampang on a selected baord basis

Explore the wonderful Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, just a brief drive from Lampang, and marvel at the elaborate decorations and beautiful Buddha statues. Continue north, stopping briefly at Phayao Lake for a coffee break (is not included), continuing to the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai to visit Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, gives it a resplendent appearance, which makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Rai for lunch. Afterwards, head to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained an unwanted notoriety in the Sixties because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. Visit the 212 House of Opium and stroll around its rare collection of opium paraphernalia such as weights, scales and pipes. Learn the history of this drug and about the devastating effect its trade had on local communities. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Chiang Rai on a selected board basis

Enjoy a lively start to the day’s activities at the fragrant and vibrant Chiang Rai morning market and then a brief stop at Wat Phra Kaew. The journey out of town is on a long-tail boat with a scenic Mae Kok River cruise of about three-and-a-half hours to Pha Tai, where there’s a visit to hill tribe village. Continue by road to Tha Ton and enjoy a tasty lunch before heading to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. To reach the temple requires a climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, a cable car (included) takes you to the temple. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Chiang Mai on a selected board basis

After all that culture and history, it is time for a day of wildlife and nature in the jungles near Chiang Mai. Get up close and personal with the animal kingdom at the Thai Elephant Care Centre, that was set up to provide care for elderly elephants retired from logging and camps. Appreciate these gentle giants, learn more about their nature, their individual traits, their lifestyles, their talents and their charms. If the time is right watch their bath-time. Pause for a tasty lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Colour Factory, where can admire a selection of full size Elephant Parade statues from cities around the world and choose your favourite from a collection of replicas. You can also learn about Asian elephants and the work the Asian Elephant Foundation is doing to save these magnificent but endangered animals. Visit also the Lanna handicraft centre on San Kamphaeng Road. Learn how they make Chiang Mai’s most famous products such as colourful parasols, silk, silverware and teakwood carvings. Breakfast and lunch included. An optional khantoke dinner is available in the evening. Not included: Traditional Khantoke Dinner. Overnight in Chiang Mai on a selected board basis

Relax over breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy the freedom of Chiang Mai. Explore the city at your own pace and leisure and catch the sights and attractions of this city teeming with green spaces and popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. The day is yours to do as you wish. Departure transfer to Chiang Mai Airport included. Breakfast included.