Day 1: Sukhothai
BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA - PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI (Lunch, Dinner)
Early morning departure to reach the Bang Pa In Summer Palace, a lovely site used by the Royal Family to escape the summer heat of Bangkok, retiring in a lovely compound made of pleasant gardens, lotus ponds and delicate-looking villas, featuring a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. After visiting some residences we proceed to nearby Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, founded in 1350. We visit the most important temples of the Historical Park: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phrasrisanphet and Wat Mongkolbophit. Departure for Sukhothai. Lunch in a typical restaurant along the way. In the afternoon we arrive in Phitsanulok and we stop to visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, a very important Buddhist temple, home of one of the most revered and iconic images of the Buddha. This image, Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, is the best example of the artistic style of the Sukhothai period. Arrival in Sukhothai and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Chiang Rai
SUKHOTHAI - CHIANG RAI (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Early morning visit to the Historical Park of old Sukhothai, Siam's first capital and today an UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit Wat Srisawai, Wat Maha Dhat and Wat Sra Sri.
We continue our journey to the North with a stop at the ancient Wat Phrasriratanamahathat Chaliang, one of the most famous pre-Angkorian sites, dating from the period of Angkor Thom.
Afterwards we stop again along the way to pay a visit to the colorful Wat Phra Suthon, an unique temple displaying a peculiar, very colorful Burmese style.
Arrival in the city of Phayao.
Lunch in a typical restaurant by the Phayao lake.
Continuing towards Chiang Rai, we visit the incredible Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, designed and built by a worldwide famous Thai artist who saw it in a dream and built it at his own expenses. The place is unique, a blend of styles, fantasies and modern art.
Arrival in Chiang Rai and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Chiang Mai
CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Departure to reach Chiang Saen, about one hour North of Chiang Rai, for a cruise on the mighty Mekong river, here marking the border between Thailand and Laos. After the cruise we climb the Golden Triangle viewpoint, to see where the three countries (Myanmar, Laos and Thailand) meet. Then we visit the nearby, very informative Museum of Opium. We pass by the Baan Dam, literally the Black House, an open air museum, home and workshop of one of Thailand's leading artists, whose work is displayed in art galleries worldwide. Baan Dam is only interesting as modern art and has no religious intents. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Transfer to Chiang Mai via Doi Sakhet, through a picturesque road passing near national parks and wonderful nature typical of the North. Upon arrival we visit the most important temple of the North, the famous Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, perched on top of a hill overlooking Chiang Mai. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 4:
CHIANG MAI (Breakfast)
Departure to a nearby elephant training camp, located in a small valley just outside Chiang Mai. The main attraction is a show performed by these majestic animals, where they demonstrate their skills in working, painting and interacting with visitors. After this visit we continue to a typical ethnic village where, among other hilltribes, the famous Padaung long-neck women also live. Transfer to the airport or to the bus/railway station.
