Kingdoms of the North

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Destination: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Sri Satchanalai, Sukhothai, Phitsanuloke
Category: Culture, Historical
Class: 4 Stars
Description: A journey through the ancient Kingdoms of Siam, the origins of the present day Thailand.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE CHIANG RAI (-)

Transfer from Chiang Rai Airport to Chiang Rai Hotel. This afternoon take a long-tailed boat cruise along the Mae Kok River to visit the White Karen Village, the tribe from southwest China or Tibet.

DAY 2: CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (B/L)

Begin the day with a visit to villages of the Akha and Yao tribe. The Akha originally from Tibet and the Yao from southern China, interestingly they are the only hill tribe to have a written Language and a religion based on medieval Chinese Taoism. Drive to Mae Sai, the northern most point of Thailand on the Thai – Myanmar Border. Lunch will be at a local Restaurant. Continue to the Golden Triangle, here is where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. Stop to visit Wat Chedi Luang in the ancient city of Chiang Saen before heading overland to Chiang Mai.

DAY 3: CHIANG MAI (B/D)

Drive uphill to visit the Meo Hilltribes living in simple huts and speaking their own language. Also visit Wat Doi Suthep, tucked away in the mountains at 3,280 feet (1,056 meters). The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a Naga balustrade on either side. The monastery was built by King Gue- Na in 1383. The center is a big Chedi (spired pagoda) which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha.

Tonight enjoy a delicious Khantoke dinner – a symbol of northern Thai cuisine whilst being entertained by traditional dancers dating back to the Lanna Kingdom. Dinner is followed by cultural presentation of hill tribes people.

DAY 4: CHIANG MAI (B/L)

Pick-up from your hotel your Thai cooking class will begin with a morning activity such as shopping at the market, and introduction to Thai ingredients, paste making, vegetable carving, or selecting your own organic herbs from the herb garden. After the morning activity you will cook a 4 dishes, followed by eating the results of your labor. Continue after lunch make 2 more dishes and savor your accomplishments.

DAY 5: CHIANG MAI - LAMPANG - SRISATCHANALAI - SUKHOTHAI (B/L)

Depart from Chiang Mai in a southerly direction making the first stop in Lamphun to visit Wat Phratat Hariphunchai, with a 51 meter high gilded Chedi, built almost 1,000 years ago. A short distance away arrive in Lampang to visit Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang - the oldest teakwood temple. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant. Continue before arriving in Sukhothai visit the historical park of Sri Satchanalai. Arriving in in Sukhothai in the late afternoon.

DAY 6: SUKHOTHAI - PHITSANULOKE & DEPART (B/L)

After breakfast visit the Sukhothai Historical park. Sukhothai was the first large Thai Kingdom to develop in central Siam 12th Century, during the reign of King Ramkamhaeng the birth of the Thai alphabet. Then drive to Phitsanuloke, where lunch is provided. After lunch visit Wat Phrasrirattana Mahatat, which has the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. Transfer to Phitsanuloke Airport for the flight back to Bangkok.

TOUR PRICE IN THAI BAHT
On a per person basis

COMPULSORY GALA DINNERS

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

INCLUDED

Accommodation as stated
Sightseeing tours and transfers as outlined
Meals as mentioned
English speaking tour guide
Air-conditioned private vehicles

NOT INCLUDED

Services not mentioned
Expenses of a personal nature
Tips and porterage
Domestic & international air tickets
Visa fee and handling services