• Classic tour including major cultural highlights
• Ideal for first-time visitors
• Short and informative
• Varied selection of transportation
Day 1: Bangkok - Ayutthaya
Leave
Bangkok on board a luxury river cruiser to enjoy
a leisurely cruise to Bang Pan In, site of the former
royal summer palace. Continue to Ayutthaya, for
400 years capital of the ancient Kingdom of Siam.
Visit the most important temples and ruins of one
of the country’s most impressive archaeological
sites. (L)
Day 2: Ayutthaya - Sukhothai
Board
a local train to Lopburi – the Khmer-influenced
“monkey town” and enjoy a glimpse of
local life. Drive to Phitsanulok to visit Wat Mahatat
temple, housing one of the most revered Buddha images,
and to learn about rural and traditional life at
the nearby folk museum and a Buddha casting factory.
Proceed to Sukhothai, the birthplace of the Thai
nation and established in the 13th century as the
first capital of Siam. Once a thriving centre of
trade, culture and religion, Sukhothai has been
declared Unesco World Heritage site. (B/L)
Day 3: Sukhothai - Chiang Mai
Visit
the principal monuments and temples of Sukhothai,
a feast of evocative ruins and tranquil lotus ponds
against a backdrop of rolling green hills. Continue
to Sri Satchanalai, former outpost and satellite
city of the Sukhothai kingdom. Proceed to Northern
Thailand and stop in Lampang. The city and its surrounding
is home to some of the most elegant northern-style
temples. Continue to Chiang Mai, heart and soul
of the ancient Lanna kingdom and Thailand’s
second largest town. Chiang Mai is a treasure trove
of Buddhist temples and its surrounding mountains
home to elephant camps, serene rivers and colourful
hill-tribes. (B/L)
Day 4: Chiang Mai
Morning
drive to Chiang Dao elephant camp to see elephants
at work. Marvel at their working skills, enjoy an
elephant riding and a peaceful bamboo rafting on
the Ping River. Proceed to Mae Sa valley to visit
an orchid farm before returning to Chiang Mai. Evening
is free for options - either a Northern style “Khantoke
Dinner” with hill-tribe cultural show or s
walk through the local night bazaar in the city
center. (B/L)
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Morning
visit to the revered hill temple Doi Suthep, a popular
pilgrimage site located 1056 metres above sea level.
Afterwards tour the handicrafts villages to see
the art of spinning and weaving Thai silk and cotton,
making of paper umbrellas, lacquer and silver ware
as well as wood carving. In the afternoon transfer
to Chiang Mai Airport for flight to Bangkok. (B/L)
