Treasure of
Thailand
Day 1
Depart from Bangkok north out of city to visit Bang Pa In, the
Royal Summer Palace set in beautiful gardens. The Palace combines
an exotic mixture of Thai and European architecture. Admire the
beautiful Thai pavilion set in the middle of a lake, and an
elegant house constructed entirely out of wood, and see some
immaculate Thai topiary - bushes cut into the shapes of elephants!
Proceed on to visit the ancient capital city of Siam-Ayutthaya.
The city was ransacked by the Burmese but evidence of its splendor
remains. Explore ruined temples and palaces, and admire the
extensive canal and river network which helped Ayutthaya to
flourish. You will have time to browse around numerous stalls
selling Thai handicrafts. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will then drive through scenic countryside to
Lopburi, the former summer capital of Siam. Artifacts of the
Neolithic and Bronze Ages have been found in quantity in Lopburi,
testifying to the antiquity of the city. From the 6th
to 11th century, during the Dvaravati period, it was a
major town. You will see the magnificent stone carvings of Phra
Prang Sam Yod, which is a 13th century laterite block
shrine with three spires. Also included is a stop at the Kala
shrine of Sarn Prakarn, which was a Buddhist sanctuary in the mid
13th century. Hundreds of monkeys have made this temple
complex their home!
In the afternoon, you will drive further north to the town of
Phitsanulok which is spread along the banks of the Nan River,
where numerous houseboats are moored. The shrine of Wat Mahathat
in Phitsanulok is venerated throughout Thailand and will provide
you with an idea of the ancient style of Thai religious
architecture.
Accommodation : Amarin Lagoon or similar hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast, we visit Sukhothai, the ancient capital of
Thailand in the 13th Century. The city was protected by
no less than three rows of earthen ramparts and two moats, which
enclosed the inner city. Admire beautiful standing Buddha statues
as you explore the many ruined temples and monasteries. About 55
km further north, we will visit Sri Satchanalai, which was
Sukhothais twin city. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. This
afternoons drive takes us through rural Thailand and further
north through jungle-clad hills. You will stop at the small town
of Phayao, which dates back to the 11th century, to
enjoy refreshments beside a lake. Arrive in Chiang Rai in the late
afternoon
Accommodation: Rimkok, Chiang Rai or similar hotel.
Day 3
North Thailand is famous for its colourful hill tribes and this
morning we will board pick-up vans to climb narrow mountainous
roads and visit several villages. The scenery is magnificent and
we will enjoy mountain views from Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese
settlement founded by Kuomintang soldiers who fled from China
after Mao Tse Tungs victory in 1949. Some interesting Chinese
hotel medicines are on sale here! Stops are included at Akha and
Yao Hill Tribe Villages, where the people continue to wear their
fascinating traditional costumes and follow a very simple way of
village life.
Return to the valley for lunch before driving to Mae Sai,
Thailands northernmost town near the Burma border. You can watch
Thai and Burmese locals walking across the bridge separating the
two countries. There are excellent opportunities to buy Burmese
handicrafts at reasonable prices. This is possibility for optional
Burma Border crossing for approximately one hour walk to explore
inside Burma (SUBJECT TO BORDER SITUATION) or take a rickshaw ride
around the market place. (Note: Two photocopies of your passport
are required along with border pass fee if we can cross into
Burma).
From Mae Sai, we will drive to the heart of the renowned Golden
Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. You can stand on a
hilltop and enjoy views over Burma, Laos, Thailand and the mighty
Mekong River. An optional boat trip will be available for those
who want to get closer to Laos and Burma! Visit Chiang Saen, where
evidence of the original 13th century city can still be
seen. We will enjoy this lovely setting on the banks of the Mekong
River; a tranquil spot with charming old temples and finely carved
figures. Drive back to Chiang Rai for overnight.
Accommodation: Rimkok, Chiang Rai or similar hotel.
Day 4
After breakfast, depart Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai stopping on the
way at Mae Ka Chan, famous for a hot spring which is a favourite
bathing place for local people who believe it relieves their aches
and pains. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon,
you will drive through splendid mountain scenery and tropical
jungle to the Rose of the North - Chiang Mai. Before arriving in
the town, it will be your turn to work! Climb 290 steps to visit
the hilltop temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which offers
spectacular views of the Chiang Mai area (the less energetic will
be pleased to know that there is a cable car up the hill!)
Tonight, you will be treated to the ceremonial northern Thai
dinner, known as Kantoke. Traditional dishes will be served while
you watch elegant dancers performing a series of folk stories.
Colourfully dressed, Hill tribes will perform their own
traditional dances after dinner.
Accommodation: Empress Hotel or Chiangmai Orchid Hotel or similar
hotel.
Day 5
A full day to enjoy the delights of Chiang Mai! In the morning we
will visit one of the elephant camps where skilled mahouts show
how elephants have worked in the jungles for centuries. You will
be amazed by their strength and deftness. There will also be the
chance to see the elephants relaxing as they bathe in the
river! We will have lunch at a local restaurant before heading
out of town to the district of Sankampaeng, home to Chiang Mais
famous cottage industries. Watch how artisans continue to make
their products by hand and you will of course have the opportunity
to hunt for that perfect souvenir! See silkworms and the process
of spinning silk as well as the art of using handlooms to make
intricate patterned silk fabrics. Marvel at the transformation of
bamboo, silk and paper into hand-painted multi-coloured umbrellas
and at skilled potters creating distinctive Thai celadon. Wood
carvers are chipping away busily at teakwood to produce elegant
ornaments and furniture. The process of making lacquerware is
fascinating to watch too. They even use egg shells to create
unusual designs. And of course there are silver items-plenty to
tempt even the cautious shopper! (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Empress Hotel or similar hotel.
Day 6
Transfer to Chiang Mai airport for flight to Bangkok.
