LUXTRAVEL THAILAND
12 NIGHTS: ANCIENT CAPITALS AND CUISINE
Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Khao Yai National Park, Khon Kaen, Pitsanulok, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai.
ANCIENT CAPITALS AND CUISINE
12 nights
Sample the best of Thailand's cuisine and culture from the glittering temples, street food and nightlife of the capital Bangkok, the ancient capitals of Ayutthaua and Sukhothai, rural Isaan, to your hilltribe community hosts in the northern mountains.
DAY 1 BANGKOK
Welcome to Bangkok
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Your local guide will give you an introduction to the tour Sit back, relax, enjoy a swim at the hotel and get ready for the adventure ahead.
DAY 2 BANGKOK
Royal Temples and Chinatown
Explore the rich history of the vibrant capital, beginning at The Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Take a private longtail boat to explore the narrow winding klongs with local communities and a visit to stunning Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Lunch at the riverside Rongros. Sample fruits and snacks at small market in Chinatown, visit the large flower market and step inside Wat Traimit. Finish the night as you wish, at a seafood restaurant or rooftop bar.
DAY 3 BANGKOK
Rural Life and Mangrove Forest
Depart for Samut Songkram province and explore a traditional floating market by sampan boat, sample local food and view how coconut palm sugar is produced. On the coast, we take a longtail boat ride through the mangrove reserve, feed macaque monkeys, plant mangroves and visit a mussel farm. Local Thai lunch on the shore. We stop at the Railway market, where the train passes through, then return to bangkok.
DAY 4 AYUTTHAYA
Historical Ayutthaya
We travel north to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and a major trading hub before it was saked by Burmese invaders. We take bicycles to discover the towering brick ruins of the historical park. After a lunch of giant grilled river prawns, we take a kermit tuk tuk to the Muslim Quarter and try floss roti. Then board a longtail to the Royal Summer Palace and Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a gothic church-style temple.
DAY 5 KHAO YAI
Khao Yai, Winery Tour
This morning we visit the royal temple Wat Phra Phutthabat in nearby Saraburi, known for the Buddha's footprint on a stone slab on the hill. After lunch is Saraburi, travel to Khao Yai National Park for a short hike in the jungle. Sit back and relax at the resort before later taking a tour of a local winery followed by dinner.
DAY 6 KHON KAEN
Isaan Cuisine, Khmer Ruins
We depart for Nakorn Ratchasima Province with lunch on the way local pad mii korat. Explore the Khmer era Phi Mai ruins dating from the 11th century. The main temple Prasat Hin Phimai was one of the major Khmer temples in the region. Continue to Khon Kaen city for an Isaan-style cooking class to discover the distinct flavours of the region.
DAY 7 PHITSANULOK
To Phitsanulok, Folk Museum
We travel west to Phitsanulok stopping at a local market to sample an array of insects. Then onto vist Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat with a large golden Buddha. Discover the history and culture of the region at the Cha Thawee Folk Museum. Overnight in Phitsanulok.
DAY 8 SUKHOTHAI
Sukhothai by Bicycle
Arrive in Sukhothai where we take bicycles to explore the ruins of the ancient capital of Siam. The sprawling heritage site has over 200 chedis dating the 13th century. Lunch is at a local restaurant with the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.
DAY 9 SUKHOTHAI
Overnight Rural Homestay
We travel to a rural Sukhothai village community to discover the local heritage and culture. Tour the village with a local guide and see how silky mud fabrics are made. Lunch is the regional dish Sukhothai noodles. Explore the orchards and rice fields on a Thai tractor and stay overnight in a local homestay amid the ricefields.
DAY 10 CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai Heritage
Heading towards Chiang Mai, we stop at Phrathat Lampang Luang, an excellent example of Lanna-style wooden architecture. Try gaeng hunglay, a traditional northern pork stew for lunch before we visit a ceramic rooster bowl workshop. Checkin to the hotel in Chiang Mai, later stroll through the street food market at South Gate and into the old city - your local guide will explain the many local dishes on offer.
DAY 11 CHIANG MAI
Home Host, Lanna Cooking
Your host family today has lived in the village for more than 150 years. Learn the family hisotry and local traditions. Select fresh ingredients from the garden then cook using traditional methods. Later we visit the Wat Umong forest temple and medidation tunnels. Dinner this evening is traditional Lanna cuisine in a restored 1880s mansion.
DAY 12 CHIANG MAI
Lisu Hilltribe Lodge
We head up Doi Suthep, stopping first at the hidden forest temple Wat Phalat where monks often meditate. Continue up to the golden chedi of the revered Wat Phra Doi Suthep. Then travel north to Mae Taeng district, arriving at a Lisu hilltribe commuinty lodge situated amid rice fields and orchards. Optional activities include trekking, rafting and a tea plantation tour.
DAY 13 CHIANG MAI
Departure
Enjoy the morning at your leisure before we transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport for your homeward flight.