DAY ONE

Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

You will have the night at your leisure.

 DAY TWO

After breakfast in your hotel, you will go on a tour to visit two famous Buddhist temples in Bangkok.  Experience Wat Trimit with its Golden Buddha; Wat Po, with its massive reclining Buddha and ‘Chedi of the Kings’ as well as The Grand Palace including Wat Phra Kaew.

This afternoon, lunch will be provided at Supattra River House Restaurant.  Following lunch, travel by long tail speedboat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and Klongs (canals) of Thonburi.  Stop to visit the Temple of Dawn.

You will have the evening at your leisure.

DAY THREE

This morning, we will travel north of the city to the Ancient Capital City of Ayuthaya, with its interesting ruins and extensive river network.  We will then continue on to Uthai Thani, a small town on the Sakaekrang River rarely visited by foreign tourists where we will visit Wat Chantaram, an impressive temple with Crystal Hall and the Golden Grand shrine.

This afternoon, lunch will be provided at a riverside restaurant.  Following lunch, we will drive further north to Phitsanuloke, a major regional commercial center that is spread along the banks of the Nan River.  You will have the opportunity to visit the much-venerated shrine of Wat Mahathat, which is home to Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image.

You will then have a private transfer to your hotel where you will be greeted with refreshments while you check in.

This evening will be at your leisure with dinner provided by your hotel.

 DAY FOUR

After breakfast, we will take a short drive to Sukhothai Historical Park, now listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Admire beautiful standing Buddha statues as you explore the many ruined temples and monasteries.

You will dine at a local restaurant for lunch.  This afternoon, we will take a drive further north to Chiang Mai “The Rose of the North”. Chiang Mai has a rich cultural and agricultural heritage and is famous for the production of high quality handicrafts.

This evening, dinner will be provided at The Gallery Restaurant.  Following dinner, you will have the opportunity to explore the Night Bazaar.

 DAY FIVE

This morning, following breakfast, we will drive up the mountain’s winding road of Doi Suthep.  We will then change vehicles to travel the remainder of the journey by “Songthaew”, which is a pick up utility truck with a covered area and two rows of seats in the back.  We will travel along a rough dirt track to visit the White Hmong people in their village.  You may have the opportunity to visit the village school here if it is in session.

On the return journey, you will pay a visit the temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep that offers spectacular views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding valley from it’s mountainside location.  Following the trip, return to city for lunch at local restaurant before heading to the district of Sankampaeng, home to many of Chiang Mai’s handicraft industries.

You will have this evening at your leisure with dinner provided by your hotel.

DAY SIX

In the morning, we will visit Orchid Farm and one of the elephant camps where skilled “mahouts” show how elephants have worked in the jungles for centuries.  While there, you have the option to partake in elephant riding  and river rafting on handmade bamboo rafts.

Then we will drive through beautiful mountain scenery to Chiang Rai via Wiang Pa Pao, with a stop for lunch en-route.

You will have this evening at your leisure with dinner included at your hotel.

 DAY SEVEN

This morning, following breakfast, we will travel to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town on the Myanmar border.  You will have the opportunity to walk around the bustling market where there are many handicrafts from Burma and imported goods from China.

From Mae Sai, we will go to the renowned Golden Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. Enjoy views over Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and the mighty Mekong River.  If you please, a boat trip will be available to you.  Following lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to the Chiang Rai Airport for your afternoon flight back to Bangkok.  From there, head home or onto your next Willing Foot Destination.