Tour Detail

8 Days - 7 Nights PANORAMA BANGKOK TO NORTH PKG

DAY 1 - BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI, River Kwai: War Museum, Allied Cemetery, Train Ride, Prasat Muang Singh. (L.)

DAY 2 - KANCHANABURI: Erawan National Park - AYUTTHAYA (B.L.)

DAY 3 - AYUTTHAYA - SUKHOTHAI. Bang Pa In, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Sukhothai Historical Park (B.L.)

DAY 4 - SUKHOTHAI - SRI SATCHANALAI - PHAYAO - Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkol Khiri, Vonburi House, Phayao Lake (B.L.)

DAY 5 - PHAYAO - CHIANG RAI (B.L.)

DAY 6 - CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI. Golden Triangle, Wat Phra That Pu Khao, Opium Museum, White Temple, Mae Krachan (B.L.)

DAY 7 - CHIANG MAI - Elephant Sanctuary - Doi Suthep. (B.L.)

DAY 8 - CHIANG MAI. TRANSFER (B.)

Day 1

DAY 1 - BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI, River Kwai: War Museum, Allied Cemetery, Train Ride, Prasat Muang Singh. (L.)

Departure on a private basis at around 06:30. At 06:30, meet with the guide and depart for Kanchanaburi, with an expected arrival around 09:30. Begin the visits. Kanchanaburi is a city in western Thailand, famous for the Death Railway built during World War II. The line crosses the Khwae Yai River via the Death Railway Bridge. Exhibits at the JEATH War Museum honor the prisoners of war who died building the bridge. The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre explores the broader history of the railway. Nearby, thousands of Allied soldiers are buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. At 10:45 - Board the train for a scenic ride to Tham Krasae. Stop for lunch and time to visit the area with the Tham Krasae Bridge next to the namesake cave. In this area, the train slows to a crawl as it crosses the rickety-looking bridge known as the Wang Pho Viaduct. A wall of towering rocks looms to the right, with a sheer drop down to the river and phenomenal views to the left, another highlight of the journey. After lunch, visit the Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park, where we find traces of the once-thriving Khmer Kingdom in one of the most well-known religious structures in Thailand. Historians estimate that Prasat Muang Singh and its surrounding architecture along the bank of the Kwai Noi River were built between 857 and 1157 as a religious temple of the Khmer Kingdom. Later, the temple was abandoned until the reign of King Rama I, when the Mueang Singh area became one of Kanchanaburi's border towns. The restoration of the structures, however, was not completed until 1987. The main remaining structure is the Prasat Muang Singh itself (the Tower of the City of Lions), an architecture in Khmer style with influences from Lop Buri arts. It is framed by city walls measuring 800 x 1,500 meters. During excavations, historians found valuable artifacts, antiquities, ceramics, and religious ornaments with over 2000 years of history. At around 15:00, transfer to the hotel. Check-in. The rest of the evening is free.

Day 2

DAY 2 - KANCHANABURI: Erawan National Park - AYUTTHAYA (B.L.)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide around 08:30 and set off for a visit to Erawan National Park. Upon arrival at Erawan Falls, we will begin our exploration. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes suitable for a short trek, and bringing swimwear and towels. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant or in a packed format. Erawan National Park is notably significant as one of Thailand's major national parks. Located in Kanchanaburi, the park has received numerous accolades, the most prestigious being the award in the natural attractions category at the 6th Thailand Tourism Industry Awards in 2006. Here you will discover Kanchanaburi's largest and most spectacular waterfall, Erawan Falls, which cascades from a mountain 2,100 meters above sea level, originating from the Huai Mong Lai River. The waterfall stretches over a length of 1,500 meters and consists of seven levels, each offering a spacious and safe area for swimming and relaxing. Additionally, you can take a 30-minute walk along the Erawan Nature Trail to appreciate the beauty of the evergreen hills and deciduous forests. Around 15:00 - 15:30, we will begin our journey to Ayutthaya, with an estimated travel time of 3-3.5 hours. Afterwards, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay. Evening at leisure.

Day 3

DAY 3 - AYUTTHAYA - SUKHOTHAI. Bang Pa In, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Sukhothai Historical Park (B.L.)

At 07:00, meet with the Italian-speaking guide and begin the exploration of Thailand's ancient capital. Proceed with the Ayutthaya Historical Park; the city was founded around 1350 and became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which it became one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of diplomacy and global commerce. Ayutthaya was strategically located on an island surrounded by three rivers that connected the city to the sea. This site was chosen because it was above the tidal reach of the Gulf of Siam as it existed at that time, thus preventing the attack of the city by maritime warships from other nations. 13:00-13:30 LUNCH BREAK In the afternoon, we arrive at Sukhothai Historical Park. The park is open daily and also offers tram service and bicycle rentals to explore the vast area. Main points of interest include: The city walls are situated in the center of the Historical Park and are surrounded by ramparts. The rectangular city measures 1,330 meters in width and 1,800 meters in length. The walls contain four main gates. A stone inscription mentions that King Ramkhamhaeng placed a bell at one of the gates. If his subjects needed help, they could ring the bell and the King would come out to make decisions on disputes and dispense justice. Within the city, there are 35 monuments, including Buddhist temples and many other structures, such as the Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat. Arrival at the hotel in Sukhothai around 17:30. Overnight stay.

Day 4

DAY 4 - SUKHOTHAI - SRI SATCHANALAI - PHAYAO - Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkol Khiri, Vonburi House, Phayao Lake (B.L.) 320 km

07:00 Meet with the Italian-speaking guide and depart for Chiang Rai, with pleasant stops along the way. The Si Satchanalai Historical Park is located on the bank of the Yom River. The ancient city, formerly called Muang Chaliang, was named Si Satchanalai during the reign of Phra Ruang when a new administrative center was established to replace Chailang. The ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within this park. Although not an ancient temple, Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkol Khiri has beautiful architecture inspired by traditional styles, such as the Ubosot (Ordination Hall) and the Lanna style, with a teak building. The Vonburi House, built of teak, was constructed in the late 1800s, early 1900s in European colonial style, and is now an interesting house museum, very well preserved. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Phayao Lake is very popular among local tourists and is also an important fishing resource. Early in the morning, fishermen go out and return mid-morning to supply the lakeside restaurants, preparing for another day of dining, with lake fish grilled as a highlight of the menu. The lakeside is a popular recreational area with afternoon aerobics classes, families picnicking, couples strolling in the evening along the promenade between adjacent cafes and restaurants. Here, several activities are possible (not included in the quotation, to be paid directly on-site) such as renting a boat to coast the waters to Wat Tilokarum, or renting a bicycle to wander around the lake. Around 18:00-18:30 arrival at the hotel. Check-in and assignment of reserved rooms. Evening at leisure.

Day 5

DAY 5 - PHAYAO - CHIANG RAI (B.L.) 170 km (Phayao-Doi Tung)

07:00 Meet with the Italian-speaking guide and depart for Chiang Rai, with pleasant stops along the way. Today, the exploration of this northernmost province of Thailand begins with a visit to Doi Tung, where the Mae Fah Luang Gardens and the teak house of the Queen Mother are located. The Mae Fah Luang Garden is dotted with roses, dahlias, and tulips, arranged in European-style flower beds. Scattered throughout the garden are fountains, rock art, wooden structures, and a small evergreen maze. Some areas of the park are also dedicated to traditional tropical plants and flowers, including a fern house, an orchid house, and a night garden. There is also a special cactus house. We continue with the Choui Fon tea plantation, one of the largest tea producers in Chiang Rai city, located on top of a hill with a panoramic view of the surrounding fields. There is a tea shop and a restaurant on-site with wide views of the rolling hills and distant mountains. It is a modern, clean, and finely designed building with a terrace and large windows that open to the panoramic view. There are numerous open fields to walk through and a menu with a wide selection of teas to choose from. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, return to the city and transfer to the pier for boarding a motorboat that will take us along the Kok River to Ruam Mitr, with a visit to the Karen and Lahu ethnic minorities. The Karen village of Ruammit, located on the banks of the Nam Mae Kok (Mae Kok River), is famous for its elephants, with a long tradition of training and logging, and remains distinctly Karen, preserving its culture and traditions. To this day, it has become one of the major tourist attractions both on the Nam Mae Kok and in Chiang Rai province. In the early evening, arrival at the selected hotel and accommodation in reserved rooms. Overnight stay in a hotel in Chiang Rai. Arrival in Chiang Rai around 18:00-18:30. Check-in at the reserved hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 6

DAY 6 - CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI. Golden Triangle, Wat Phra That Pu Khao, Opium Museum, White Temple, Mae Krachan (B.L.) 180 km

Breakfast. Today, we begin the exploration of this northernmost province of Thailand, starting with the famous Golden Triangle, the point where the borders of Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, and Laos meet. The visit includes Wat Phra That Pu Khao, which offers a wonderful view of the Golden Triangle, the Mekong River, and the forested mountains. Two large multi-headed Naga serpents at the bottom of the stairs protect the temple. The visit continues with the Opium Museum, which educates visitors on opium production and its use in the lives of hill tribe people. From the visit, we can learn a lot about the history of opium from when it developed in this notorious location. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. On the way to Chiang Mai, we stop at the famous White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, one of the many religious sites in Chiang Rai. Created by the great devotion of the famous Thai artist Chalermchai Kosipipat, the temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha with the intention of building an achievable paradise on earth that represents justice and the encouragement of good karma. We also stop at the Mae Krachan Hot Springs. Arrival in Chiang Mai in the evening around 17:00 - 17:30. Check-in at the reserved hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 7

DAY 7 - CHIANG MAI - Elephant Sanctuary - Doi Suthep. (B.L.)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we have a wonderful day at an elephant sanctuary, to learn more about these pachyderms. A half-day visit offers visitors a pleasant experience with the opportunity to spend time with the elephants in their natural environment and gain an overview of their history and behavior, creating pleasant memories of their time spent with these wonderful animals that will accompany them for a lifetime.

APPROXIMATE ITINERARY

06:30-07:00 Pick up at your hotel or accommodation by the Elephant Sanctuary. Drive for about 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forests, and local agricultural areas.

08:30 Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Discover the elephants and change into traditional Karen clothing.

09:00 Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment while learning about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.

09:45 Mud spa with the elephants.

10:30 Walk with the elephants to the river and bathe them.

11:30 Lunch with a traditional meal and then farewell to the elephants.

12:00 Depart the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive for about 1.5 hours back to Chiang Mai. In the afternoon, complete the day with a visit to the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on a mountain from which there is a panoramic view of the hilly area of Chiang Mai. Built in the early years of the 19th Buddhist century (now we are in the 26th), the beauty of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is marked by seven-headed serpent statues flanking the stairs to the temple, where a golden pagoda in Chiang Saen style and all its exquisite Lanna architecture can be found. The view of Chiang Mai from here is simply phenomenal. Return to the hotel around 16:30, time to relax.

Day 8

DAY 8 - CHIANG MAI. TRANSFER. Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Room available until 12:00. Two hours before the flight, meet with our driver and transfer to Chiang Mai airport.