Cultural Explorer
This ‘North Thailand Tour’ takes you progressively north, visiting some fascinating historical sites, temples and national parks along the way until you reach the spectacular highlands of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, where you can be at one with yourself.
Your holiday starts in Thailand’s capital of Bangkok, where you have the first night to sleep off your flight or explore the city under your own steam. You then leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you and travel to the ancient capital and now the modern city of Ayutthaya. Once there you can explore many of the fascinating temples, which can be found inside the ancient ruins. At your next stop, you will get to discover other breathtaking ancient ruins at Sukhothai, as well as exploring the well maintained Sukhothai National Park by bike or local tuk-tuk.
From here your journey further north to Lampang where you catch a train for a scenic train journey all the way to Chiang Mai. Once here you have 3 wonderful days, where you get to visit the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre, enjoy a day of temple discovery, a day of textiles, observing the work of various local artisans, and then a magical day at the Doi Inthanon National Park. The last leg of your Thailand adventure takes you on a boat trip to Thanton and then Chiang Rai, where you can enjoy your last few days immersing yourself in the local culture before flying back to Bangkok for your flight back home.
Highlights
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Bangkok
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Ayutthaya, Thailands ancient capital
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Sukhothai ruins
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Wat Prathat, Si Rong Muang & Prakaeo Don Tap
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Historic wooden teak house of Ban Sao Nak
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Horse and Cart ride through Lampang
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Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre
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Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation
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Wat Prathat Hariphunchai
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Chiang Mai Temples
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Wat Doi Suthep
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Textiles & Artisans Day
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Doi Inthanon National Park
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Ban Mae Klang Luang Village
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Doi Angkhang Mountain Resort
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Chiang Rai
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Day
1
Bangkok
Arrival
On arrival in Bangkok, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. For the afternoon you can choose to relax or take a short tour of the city.
Overnight in Bangkok (Meals: _/_/_)
Day
2
Ayutthaya
Bangkok to Ayutthaya | Drive: 1.5 hours
Today you will travel to the ancient capital and now the modern city of Ayutthaya. Once there you can explore many of the fascinating temples which can be found inside the ancient ruins. Such as the impressive Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a large temple that has an extraordinary row of restored chedis.
Overnight in Khanom (Meals: B/_/_)
Day
3
Sukhothai
Ayutthaya to Sukhothai | Drive: 4.5 hours
This morning you journey to Sukhothai, which is famous for its breathtaking ruins and the ancient city of Sukhothai. Sukhothai can be translated as ‘Dawn of Happiness’. Once there you are free to explore the well maintained Sukhothai National Park by bike or local tuk-tuk.
Overnight in Sukhothai (Meals: B/_/_)
Day
4
Lampang
Sukhothai to Lampang | Train: 3 hours
The day starts with you travelling to Chiang Mai railway station where you take a scenic train ride past Saraphi, Lamphun and through the Khuntan tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in Thailand. On arrival in Lampang, you stop to visit Wat Prathat, which many consider as the most beautiful temple of Northern Thailand. After lunch, you have time to explore the fascinating 19th-century city of Lampang that has some magnificent historic houses and incredible architecture for you to discover.
Overnight in Lampang (Meals: B/_/_)
Day
5
Chiang Mai
Lampang to Chiang Mai | Drive: 1.5 hours
This morning you will take a horse cart ride through the streets of Lampang. Along the way, you will see the lovely Wat Si Rong Muang which is the main Buddhist temple in Lampang, Wat Prakaeo Don Tao and the unique historic teak wooden house Ban Sao Nak. Next, you visit the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre and the hospital of the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation; before pausing at Lampang’s best-known temple Wat Prathat Hariphunchai on the way back to Chiang Mai.
Overnight in Chiang Mai (Meals: B/L/_)
Day
6
Chiang Mai
Temple Tour
Today is a jam-packed day of temple discovery. You will start off by visiting the Thapae Gate, then on to the delightful temple of Wat Lam Chang, next on the list is Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai built by King Mengrai. Continuing on you see Wat Phra Singh and Phra Chao Thong Tip, the most cherished Buddha statue in northern Thailand. Yes these more: Wat Chedi, Wat Phantao, Wat Suan Dok and finishing with Wat Doi Suthep Chiang Mai’s most famous temple where you get a spectacular view of Chiang Mai.
Overnight in Chiang Mai (Meals: B/L/_)
Day
7
Chiang Mai
Textiles & Artisans Day
Today you will travel to Sankamphaeng, well-known for various silk factories. Not only silk but also a paper factory and a bronze casting foundry, where statues such as monk and king statues are made. From here you visit the remarkable Ban Jang Nak atelier and museum with its splendid wooden elephants. Your last stop before returning back to Chiang Mai is meeting a local family that produces exquisite wooden statues such as animals and dragons.
Overnight in Chiang Mai (Meals: B/L/_)
Day
8
Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon National Park
Another great day awaits as you go to discover the beautiful Doi Inthanon National Park, which includes the highest mountain of Thailand. Next, you can explore the colourful Hmong market before continuing to Ban Mae Klang Luang which offers spectacular views over the terraced paddy fields. Here you will learn about coffee cultivation and get to try Mae Klang Lang coffee before one last stop at the mesmerizing Vachirathan and Mae Klang waterfalls.
Overnight in Chiang Mai (Meals: B/L/_)
Day
9
Tha Ton
Chiang Mai to Tha Ton | Drive: 3.5 hours
You start the day with a magnificent view from your Doi Angkhang mountain resort before visiting the former headquarters of Kuomintang General Li. Continuing on to Doi Angkhang you will experience the delightful colourful flowers and fruits on show at the Royal Project. From here you visit the unique Black Lahu in Kob Dong and Palong villages of Nor Lae. After lunch, you then descend down to Fang and drive to the relaxed village of Tha Ton, you home for the night.
Overnight in Tha Ton (Meals: B/L/_)
Day
10
Chiang Rai
Tha Ton to Chiang Rai | Drive: 1.5 hours
Today starts with a boat ride on the Kok River as you cruise to the peaceful Lahu Village of Pha Tai. Once here you continue by car to the hilly and stunning Santikhiri on Doi Mae Salong. In town, you can explore the local tea shops and even visit a tea plantation, all before lunch. You then continue on to the mountainous city of Chiang Rai where you get to enjoy the exciting Night Bazar before bed.
Overnight in Chiang Rai (Meals: B/L/_)
Day
11
Chiang Rai
Free Day
A free day awaits you today and you can explore this enjoyable city under your own steam. Various options include the Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park, the Hilltribe Museum and Education Center where you can learn about the various tribes in Thailand. Or just wander the interesting streets and get lost and take a tuk-tuk back to your hotel.
Overnight in Chiang Rai (Meals: B/_/_)
Day
12
Bangkok
Chiang Rai to Bangkok & Departure
Today you will leave Chiang Rai behind you and travel back to Bangkok and then onwards to the airport for your departing flight back home.
(Meals: B/_/_)
Tour includes
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Airport pick up and drop off
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Overnights as mentioned
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Excursions as mentioned
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Transportation in private A/C vehicle
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English speaking guide
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Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – excludes drinks)
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All taxes
Tour excludes
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All flights unless included in itinerary & Visa fees
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International airport tax (Included in Airline Ticket)
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Meals, unless mentioned differently
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Beverages and personal expenses
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Other excursions and entrance fees
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Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness)
Please note: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it as well as bringing with you 4 passport size photos with you for your visa, as well as having a couple spare.
Contact Us
Start planning your holiday today
Call us on 0208 150 5150, for International callers 004420 8150 5150, send us an e-mail [email protected] or just use the form opposite.
Your next steps:
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1Get in touch and talk to our specialist Asia travel team
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2We then craft a unique and tailor-made itinerary just for you.
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3We will stay in touch with you all the way through your holiday experience
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4Pack you bags and get ready for your Asia holiday of a life time
On arrival in Asia we will meet you at the airport, transfer you to your hotel and then sit down to run over your holiday program again. We then introduce you to your local guides and give you some helpful local travel tips; such as local restaurant and bar suggestions and some cultural insights.
Towns & Cities in Thailand
Thailand has no shortage of captivating destination to visit on your holiday. Refer to our Towns & cities guide to plan the perfect trip.
Our Favourite Hotels in Thailand
There are so many beautiful hotels to choose from in Thailand. So we have selected a few of our most favourite and characterful hotels; giving you a taste of what you can expect.