Explore the rich history and cultural traditions of the Northern provinces of Thailand. Tour highlights are the ruins of Wiang Khum Kham, a former capital near Chiang Mai, a visit of the Dhamma Cultural Center near Lamphun, and, off the beaten track, the cities of Phrae and Nan, close to the Laotian border and Loei, the center of Thailand’s wine production.

Program :

Day 01 Chiang Mai - Wiang Khum Kham - Lamphun – Lampang (B/L/-)

Welcome at the airport and drive to Wiang Khum Kham to visit the impressive ruins of this former capital. Continue to Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and the Dhamma Cultural Centre. There you can see the sculptural works of two artists, an British lady and her Thai husband, and get insights in modern Buddhist thinking. Lunch will be served at the center. Afterwards drive to Lampang with a visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang on the way. In Lampang take a horse carriage to visit Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao. Proceed on road to Wat Chedi Sao. Overnight at the Wienglakor Hotel 

Day 02 Lampang – Phrae – Nan (B/L/-)

Morning drive to Phrae, visit the Vongburi house, a colonial-style mansion turned into a museum, Wat Chorm Sawan, a Burmese style temple and Wat Phrathat Chorhae. Continue to Tung Hong Village and visit a Mohom shirt workshop. The blue cotton shirts are used by farmers and workers alike and are famous for their quality. A short visit brings you to the Rong Fong village where you can see blacksmiths making farming tools and knifes. Continue towards Nan and stop for a walk around Phae Muang Phi, an area of earthen pillars created by erosion. Before you reach Nan you can visit the Sa paper production in a local workshop. After arrival in Nan check in at Dhevaraj Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Dhevaraj hotel

Day 03 Nan (B/L/-)

In the morning visit the very informative Nan National Museum, Wat Chang Kham and Wat Phumin. Afterwards drive through the scenic area to Ban Nong Bua where you visit Wat Nong Bua with its marvelous mural paintings. A stroll in the picturesque Thai Lua village brings you to a silk and cotton weaving shop which is run by a women’s cooperative. Return to Nan with a stop at the beautifully set Riverside Gallery with paintings and sculptures of artist Khun Winai Prabripoo. In the afternoon drive on the road to Phayao to the Hmong Village Huai Yuak. Changeon to local open-air truck to visit the Mabri community. Return to Nan for overnight at Dhevaraj Hotel.

Day 04 Nan – Loei (B/L/-)

Morning drive on the scenic but partly rough road to Loei with stops en-route at a Thai Lua village, the Phu Soi Dao waterfall and the small, Laotian style Wat Pho Chai with impressive mural paintings. Lunch at a local restaurant en route. Afterwards visit of Phra That Si Song Rak, built in the Ayuthaya period and Wat Neramit, a modern temple, built to commemorate two famous monks. Continue to Loei and stop at Loei Palace  for overnight.

Day 05 Loei – Udon Thani or Nong Khai (B/L/-)

In the morning drive to Loei town and visit the Provincial Cultural Center (open daily 08:30 am – 04:30 pm) in Rachabhat Institute of Loei and the Sirindhorn Art Center in Wat Sa Pung. Afterwards drive to either Udon Thani airport or along the Laotian border to Nong Khai. End of services.