BANGKOK, AYUTHYA, TAK, SUKOTHAI, SRI SATCHANALAI, CHIANG MAI, CHIANG RAI AND GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Day 1 – BANGKOK – AYUTHYA - TAK

Early departure from your hotel to the ruins of Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, located at approximately 86 Km. from Bangkok.  Reigned by 33 Kings from different Siamese dynasties until 1767, then it was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese.  The “Ayuthaya” period was one of the most important periods for the Thai history, which had also the influence over the successive periods.  We proceed for lunch to the Krungsri River Hotel in Ayutthaya.  After lunch we continue to Tak, a small town on the banks of the River Ping. Check in at Viang Tak Hotel.  Dinner at hotel and overnight.

Day 2 – TAK – JUNGLE RAFTING – MAE SOT -TAK

American breakfast at the hotel and departure at 7:30 AM to visit to one of the original Muser hill tribe villages located in an uncontaminated surrounding of the teak forest. We proceed then to the point half way to Mae Sot for a unique experience in the tropical jungle.  We will make an unforgettable trip of one hour and 15 minutes by rubber dinghy along the Mae La Mau Stream.  For the less adventurous activities, it will be possible to continue by minibus to the landing point.  After that, proceed to Mae Sot, border town with Myanmar for lunch at a local restaurant and free time to survey the market, plentiful of Burmese merchandise. We will also visit Wat Thai Wattanaram built in classic Burmese style.  Return to Tak by late afternoon, dinner at the Viang Tak Hotel and overnight.

Day 3 – TAK – SUKOTHAI - SRI SATCHANALAI - CHIANG MAI

American breakfast at the hotel departure at 7 AM to Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Thailand at approximately 450 km away from Bangkok, the historical town is situated at 12 km away from the modern city of Sukhothai, where a lot of important monuments and the temples are still well-preserved.  We will visit Wat Sri Chum, with its sitting Buddha, 11 meters high.  Then visit the museum, rich in arts of the “Sukhothai” period.  Then visit to the historical park with its vestiges of many temples such as Wat Mahathat, the biggest temple, dating back to the XIII century.  The spires feature the famous lotus bud motif of Sukhothai architecture.  In the Viharn, there are still the rests of Buddha images.  Within the walls of the monastery, there are 198 pagodas “Chedi”. We can see Wat Sri Sawai, originally a Hindu temple built by the Khmer; Wat Sra Sri, built on an island, in pure “Sukhothai” style, with a large simulacrum of Buddha.  We continue our journey to the Ancient village of Sri Satchanalai, rich of ruins.  We will visit Wat Changlom where the base of the pagoda is carved with elephant figures.  Wat Chedi Jedtaew, with its typical lotus decorations.  Sukhothai area was famous for the production of the “Celadon” pottery, with its characteristic light green color, exported everywhere.  The main production of these potteries was in Sri Satchanalai, where we can still see interesting ancient ovens near the riverbanks.  Lunch at a local restaurant.  After lunch we proceed to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North” with accommodation at the Rydges Amora Tapae Chiangmai Hotel or similar. Dinner at the hotel and overnight.

Day 4 – CHIANG MAI

American breakfast at the hotel, depart to Doi Suthep (1676 m AMSL), the landmark of Chiang Mai where the beautiful pagoda of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, built in 1383 during the reign of the King “Kue-Na”, is located.  From the top of the Doi Suthep, enjoy a beautiful panorama view of Chiang Mai city.  Then experience Lanna style architecture at Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh. Lunch at a local restaurant, afternoon proceed to Sankampaeng for a home industries tour, a real shopping paradise, waiting for your best bargains from handicrafts, silver ornaments to clothes. In the evening leave the hotel at 7 PM, for an exciting “Kantoke Dinner”, with traditional northern style food and with a typical hill tribes show.  Return to hotel and overnight.

Day 5 – CHIANG MAI – CHIANG DAO – THA TON – CHIANG RAI

American breakfast at the hotel and depart early morning to Tha Ton with a stop on the way to visit an orchid nursery farm. We then proceed to the elephant training camp in Chiang Dao where we will observe the elephants at work in the forest and other interesting exercises.  We will also enjoy an hour elephant ride in the jungle.  Then we continue to Tha Ton, stop for lunch at Maekok River Village Resort restaurant by the river.  After lunch, we will board a long tail boat for an unforgettable cruise about one and a half-hour from Tha Ton to Baan Pa Tai.  After that we will proceed by minibus or pick up truck to Baan Ya-Pa (Three Hill Tribes Villages) where we will see Akha, Lahu Shi Balah, and Padong long neck Karen.  We will proceed to Chiang Rai by road via Mae Chan.  Check in at the Dusit Island Resort or similar hotel.  Dinner at the hotel and overnight.

Day 6 – CHIANG RAI–GOLDEN TRIANGLE–CHIANG SAEN– MAESAI–BANGKOK

American breakfast and check-out from the hotel.  At 7.00 AM for a visit to the Golden Triangle on the bank of the Mekong River where we can observe the natural borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Continue to Chiang Saen, a small village set amongst ruins, was the home of King Mengrai, founder of the Kingdom of Lanna.  The remaining earthen ramparts are a mere fraction of the city’s original walls.  Brief visit to the archaeological excavations and temples of Chiang Saen.  After that return to Maesai, a market village at the border with Myanmar.  At Maesai will take an hour break for those who want to have lunch and shopping. (Lunch is not included in the program).  Then transfer to Chiang Rai airport in time to board your flight to Bangkok and connecting flight to other destinations.

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES :

Accommodation in sharing twin room at the following hotels or similar

Tak :                  Viang Tak Hotel                             ***

Chiang Mai:       Rydges Amora Tapae Chiangmai  ****

Chiang Rai:       Dusit Island Resort                         *****

All transfers, excursions, visits, admission fees and meals as stated in the program.

The package tour is based on Private with Italian speaking guide or any other language speaking guide.

NOT INCLUDED

Air ticket  Chiangrai/Bangkok

Transfer from Hotel to Chiangrai Airport for those who will take the flight later than TG.141.

Lunch on the last day of this program.