LUXTRAVEL THAILAND
11 NIGHTS: NORTHERN THAILAND IN STYLE
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Suhkothai, Lisu Lodge, and Chiang Mai
NORTHERN THAILAND IN STYLE
11 nights
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Suhkothai, Lisu Lodge and Chiang Mai
DAY 1 BANGKOK
Welcome to Bangkok
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok from your international flight, you will be greeted by a member of our company. Then take a private transfer to the hotel located in the Chinatown district of Bangkok. Sit back, relax, spend the rest of the day at your leisure and prepare for the journey ahead.
DAY 2 BANGKOK
Cultural heritage and Chinatown
Meet with your local guide at the hotel at 08h30 then set out to experience the best of Bangkok in a day, exploring impressive cultural sites and some hidden gems using a variety of transport options including tuk-tuks, canal boat and on foot. Our first stop is the Grand Palace which served as the residence of the Kings of Thailand for over two centuries. Learn about the history and significance of this complex and visit the revered Emerald Buddha. Next, we hop on a tuk-tuk for a short ride to Wat Pho, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. The temple is known for its reclining Buddha, impressive architecture and as the home of traditional massage. Lunch is at a riverside restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine, recommended by your local guide. Next, we take a longtail boat ride through the narrow canals (known locally as klongs) of Klong Mon and Bangkok Noi. The boat ride is a great way to experience the local way of life and see traditional wooden houses and local temples. Arriving back on the Chao Phraya River we stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and explore its beautifully designed porcelain exterior. The steep steps up the central prang may be climbed to reach the upper levels. We then hop on an express riverboat to Yodpiman pier and visit Pak Klong Talad, a vibrant wholesale flower market with lotus, orchids, jasmine, roses, lilies and more. Admire the flower arrangements which are used in Thai traditions, religious ceremonies and daily life. Learn about the art of traditional flower garland and lotus folding. Our final stop is Wat Traimit, the Golden Budda, an imposing stone temple known for its 3-metre tall, solid gold Buddha. You may also like to visit the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center on the 3rd floor of the temple, an engaging museum about history of Bangkok's Chinatown and its residents. Return to the hotel or continue the night at your leisure.
DAY 3 KANCHANABURI
Ratchaburi porcelain and Bridge on the River Kwai
Join your local guide and private driver after breakfast and depart the city for the Ban Don Kai Dee (Benjarong Porcelain Village in Samut Sakhon. This community enterprise is well-known for exquisite handmade Benjarong porcelain. Continue to the tranquil town of Kanchanaburi, a travel time of 1hr 30min. Before reaching the town, we stop to visit Wat Tham Sua, the Tiger Cave Temple, climbing the stairs to the impressive seated Buddha on the hilltop and views over the surrounding countryside. Arriving in the town, take the opportunity to walk over the historic iron 'Bridge over the River Kwai' and stroll around the town before checking into the riverside resort.
DAY 4 KANCHANABURI
Thai-Burma Railway, Hellfire Pass and Erawan Falls
With your local guide and private driver, venture into town and take the opportunity to visit the excellent Thai-Burma Railway Museum which gives an overview of the railway’s history and the brutal conditions suffered by the POWs and forced laborers during its construction. Then take a short stroll through the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Board the train at Kanchanaburi Railway Station at 10h30 for a 2-hour journey on the Thai-Burma Railway to Nam Tok Station. Cross over the iron bridge and follow the rive passing by several cuttings. The train slowly crosses the impressive Tham Krasae wooden viaduct, which runs alongside a cliff above the Khwae Noi River before continuing on to Nam Tak Station. After lunch at a restaurant at Nam Tok, we travel by van the Hellfire Pass Memorial, a railway cutting on the former Burma Railway which was constructed with forced labour during the Second World War. Walk through the 600m long Konyu Cutting and see the small gallery which lays out the history of the site and memorializes the victims. Spend the rest of the afternoon swimming and relaxing at Erawan National Park, which features a multi-tier waterfall and many hiking trails. Return to the hotel in Kanchanaburi.
DAY 5 AYUTTHAYA
Ayutthaya: Ancient Capital of Siam
Join your local guide and private driver and depart Kanchanaburi for the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, a travel time of around 2 hours. Our first stop in Ayutthaya is Bang Pa-In Palace, a European influenced Royal Summer Palace and gardens. A monk-operated cable car then takes us across the river to Wat Niwet Thamaprawat, a unique temple designed to resemble a European Gothic cathedral. Hop on a longtail boat for a ride along the river to the historical area of the city where we have lunch. We then hop aboard a traditional Kermit style tuk-tuk and explore some of the main ancient ruins within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Alternatively, we can tour the sites on bicycle. Begin at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the largest and most revered temple. Continue to Wat Mahathat, known for the Buddha encircled by the roots of a Banyan Tree. Then Wat Na Phra Man, an active temple and Wat Ratchaburana with an exquisite restored prang. Explore a local market and the Muslim Quarter for some of Ayutthaya’s famous Thai dessert, Roti Saimai. Check-in to the hotel in Ayutthaya.
DAY 6 SUKHOTHAI
Train to Phitsnulok
This morning we take the train from Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok to get a taste of the Thai countryside. The train No. 7 departs at 09h55 and the travel time is around 4 hours. Meet with your local guide and driver on arrival at Phitsanulok Railway Station and travel by van onto Sukhothai, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam prior to Ayutthaya. Check-in to the hotel.
DAY 7 SUKHOTHAI
Alms giving and Sukhothai Historical Park
Wake before dawn for the morning alms giving, or 'tak bat' in Old Sukhothai. Giving alms is an ancient Buddist tradition that has been practiced for centuries and is an integral part of Thai people’s lives. We buy food at a local market and offer it to the monks, as they walk silently down the street, as a way to make merit. After breakfast we hop on bicycles to explore the ancient ruins within the expansive Sukhothai Historical Park. Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 15th centuries. Highlights of the park in include the large Buddha in the ruins of Wat Sri Chum and Wat Mahathat. Explore the various ruins with your local guide and have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel later in the afternoon.
DAY 8 CHAING MAI
Lisu Lodge, Chiang Mai
Depart Sukhothai this morning with your local guide and driver and travel north to Chaing Mai Province. We arrive at our destination Lisu Lodge in Mae Taeng, in the hills north of Chiang Mai. The travel time is around 5 hours. Lisu Lodge is a community-based project run by Lisu villagers that shows and conserves the natural heritage of the Lisu people. Explore the nearby Lisu village with a local guide, the local temple, vegetable plantation and rice fields and experience the way of life of Lisu people. Dinner is Northern Thai food with home-grown organic vegetables and rice. Overnight at Lisu Lodge homestay.
DAY 9 CHIANG MAI
Lisu Lodge and Araksa Tea Garden
This morning we visit the local Araksa tea plantation. Join your host for a walk through our lush tea garden and learn all about our tea growing processes. You will be invited to join resident tea pluckers, watch how tea leaves are processed according to age-old traditions, view the factory and enjoy a cup of tea with a traditional Thai snack. After lunch at Araksa, return to Lisu Lodge and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 10 CHIANG MAI
Elephant Nature Park
Meet with your local guide and private driver and travel to Elephant Nature Park, an ethical sanctuary caring for rescued elephants with a no-riding policy. Embark on a guided walk with the elephants, taking them to the river that skirts the park, where you can observe and learn about the elephant’s habitat and history. Lunch is a vegan buffet featuring a range of Asian and International dishes. After lunch, travel to Chiang Mai and check-in to the hotel.
DAY 11 CHIANG MAI
Cultural heritage of Chiang Mai
This morning we travel up the winding road to Doi Suthep, the mountain overlooking the city. Take either the steps or cable car up to explore the revered temple Wat Phra Doi Suthep with its large golden stupa and panoramic views. Observe locals going about their daily prayers and partake in a blessing ritual with expert insights from your local guide. We retrace our steps half way down the mountain to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden jungle temple tucked into the mountain. The serene grounds are a site for meditation and introspection, as well as a monks’ residence. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Wat Umong, an ancient temple that offers a peaceful atmosphere in a forested area with a 700-year old Chedi and underground meditation tunnels. We continue into the old city and visit Warorot Market, a busy centre for locals to buy fruit, flowers and all manner of local products. Try some of the delicious local specialties. Visit the revered Wat Chedi Luang with its crumbling chedi before returning to the hotel.
DAY 14 BANGKOK
Departure
Private transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your international flight.