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Day
1 Arrive Bangkok
Upon
arrival in Bangkok you will be transferred to
the Narai Hotel for check-in.
Day
2 Grand Palace, Wat Phra Keo, Wat Arun & Bangkok
Canals (B,L)
Accompanied by our guide , you will enjoy a tour
of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keo, one of the
finest examples of an ancient Siamese court.
Home of the Kings of Siam of the Chakri Dynasty
and originally built by King Rama I, it served
as the royal residence until 1946. Today the
palace is still used on certain occasions for
visiting royalty or special guests of the
Kingdom. Adjoining the Grand Palace you will
find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra
Keo), it is regarded as the most important
temple in all Thailand. Stop for lunch at a
local restaurant before taking to the river. You
board special, covered boats, travelling along
the Chao Phraya River and into a large klong
(canal) on the Thonburi side. You will see
modern as well as traditional teakwood houses on
stilts. On your return, you will stop at what is
probably the best known symbol of Bangkok, the
Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), with its sparkling
spires covered with broken bits of glass and
pottery. Transfer back to the hotel.Overnight in
hotel in Bangkok.
Day
3 Bangkok - Ayuthaya - Uthai Thani (B,L)
Depart
for Uthai Thani with an en route stop at the
Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, built during the Rama
V period circa 16th century, which has three
different unique architectures, viz. Chinese,
Western and Thai. Then continued to Ayutthaya,
the second capital of Thailand. In 1767 it was
invaded and attacked by the Burmese who
destroyed the capital beyond the possibility for
restoration. Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch, which is
located in the grounds of the Palace, has been
selected as a World Heritage Site. Lunch is
served at a local restaurant in Lopburi and
immediately afterwards there is a visit to the
magnificent Khmer-style temple known as Pra
Prang Sam Yod. An unusual feature is the hordes
of city monkeys, which are considered as
guardians of the Temple and are allowed to
remain there unmolested. As we head further
north, just before reaching arriving at our
destination we board a converted rice barge for
a cruise on Sakaekrang River enjoying the
relaxed river scenes as we pass by traditional
river settlers. Arrive in Uthai Thani pier, walk
through the riverside market with varieties of
rare foods. Check in at a small riveride lodge
for the overnight stay.Overnight in Uthai Thani
Day
4 Uthai Thani - Kamphaengphet - Sukhothai (B)
Wake
up to enchanting birdsong, enjoy the fresh air
and entrancing ambiance of the Country Lake
Lodge. After breakfast drive to the Hub Patad
Valley amidst old stone mountains and a hidden
forest of huge rare palm trees as were found in
the time of "Jurassic Park". After walking
through a 100 meters long tunnel, guests find
themselves in a very different 'green world'.
Tour continues to Kamphaengphet where we pass by
the Banana Market, here you will find scores of
roadside stalls displaying and selling both raw
and ripe Kluai Khai (a type of bananas). Arrive
in Kamphaengphet, the city was built in 1347 and
there is much to see including the Historical
Park which houses many archaeological sites such
as a Buddhist monastery with walls made from
piling brick slabs laid on top of each other in
many layers and fastened together by molasses.
There is also a colossal Buddha statue made of
bronze during Ayutthaya period. Later arriving
in Sukhothai and check in for overnight
accommodation.
Day
5 Sukhothai - Lampang - Chiang Mai (B,D)
Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai was the
first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which
enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng,
credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The
superb temples and monuments of this great city
have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai
Historical Park, a World Heritage Site. The tour
includes a visit to Ramkhamhaeng National
Museum, Wat Sa Sri and Wat Sri Choom. In Lampang
stop at one of the most important temples in
Northern Thailand, the attractive, Lanna-style
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, renowned for its
impressive 16th century murals, graceful
architecture, and richly colored interiors. The
complex was built on a mound and fortified by 3
parallel earthen ramparts separated by moats for
protection against attacks. Our last stop before
arriving in Chiang Mai is at Wat Phra That
Hariphunchai in Lamphun. Dating back to 897, the
temple contains interesting structures and
Buddha images, such as the pyramid-shaped brick
chedi, murals depicting a Buddhist hell, a 15th
century Lanna Buddha, the world's largest gong
cast in 1860, and a 'happy Buddha' - a fat,
smiling Chinese-style Buddha image. Arriving in
Chiang Mai in the early evening and check in at
you hotel.
Day
6 Chiang Mai (B,L,D)
Along
with Thailand's water buffaloes, elephants are
the real beasts of burden of the Kingdom. A
short distance outside of Chiang Mai City, you
will be able to watch as elephants perform their
work hauling and stacking the teakwood logs. You
can observe them taking their daily baths along
with their babies-and can even take a ride
around the compound on one of the huge animals.
Lunch at a local restaurant prior to visiting a
handicraft village to observe the creation of
Chiang Mai's most famous products. They can also
be purchased of course. Included are celadon,
pottery, umbrellas, silver and wood carvings,
paper-making and silk and cotton weaving.
Something not to be missed is the Khantoke
dinner presentation of classical, folk and
hilltribe dances, songs and ceremonies. After
removing your shoes, you will be seated,
comfortably, on the floor with Thai-style
cushions for the dinner of a special variety of
northern-Thai food, served in Lanna Kingdom
court style. The perfect evening event to wrap
up your week of touring the Kingdom of Thailand.
Day
7 Depart Chiang Mai (B)
Depart
the hotel very early in the morning to observe
alms giving. Each morning at dawn, the faithful
wait and place rice, curries, or fruit in the
monk's black alms bowls (bahts). This rite
provides the monks their only source of food,
and the lay people gain merit to ensure a better
incarnation in the next life. Shortly after
return to the hotel for breakfast. Transfer to
Chiang Mai Airport for departure
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Design your own
trip
Trip includes
ü
English / French Speaking Guide.
ü
All
accommodation in twin sharing
ü
All
transfers in private car/ van/ buss
ü
Meals
as indicated ( B = Breakfast; L = Lunh; D =
Dinner)
ü
Entrance fees and permits during guided time.
ü
Boat
cruise as stated
ü
Service charge & Government taxes
Trip excludes
ü
International Airfares.
ü
International departure tax
ü
Meals
not indicated
ü
Visas
and visa arrangement
ü
Personal travel insurance (Compulsory).
ü
Personal expenses such as Bar, Telephone and
Laundry bills.
ü
Tips
and gratuities |
