November 17: Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok at any time. You have the day free to relax and adjust to the frenetic pace and humid heat of Bangkok. Please arrive before 6 pm.

Overnight FuramaXclusive Sathorn or similar (Deluxe Room)

November 18: Bangkok - Sukhothai (B)
Walk to the nearest BTS Station and get on the Skytrain for a short ride to the terminal station of Saphan Taksin on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Continue by public boat to Tha Thien pier where you disembark to visit Wat Po, Bangkok’s oldest temple is home to the magnificent reclining Buddha as well as the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage and is also regarded as Thailand’s first University. After that, take a boat ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet klongs (canals). Be taken back in time to a more traditional way of life, far removed from Bangkok’s modern skyscrapers. Stop at the riverside temples and local market.

At lunchtime we depart by public bus to the town of Sukhothai (6 hour journey). The ruins of Sukhothai date back to the mid-13th century, when the site became the capital of Thailand’s first kingdom. Located about 450km from Bangkok, this World Heritage Site features lotus-strewn ponds, pagodas and serene Buddha statues.

Overnight Le Charme Sukhothai or similar (Deluxe Room)

November 19: Sukhothai (B)
Early risers can go on an optional visit to offer alms to monks. On day 3 we head out on bikes to explore the historical park. Sukhothai was the original capital of Thailand’s first kingdom and is viewed as representative of ‘the Golden Age’ of Thai civilizations. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles. The Sukhothai ruins contain the remains of 21 historical sites with awe-inspiring Buddha images and 4 large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Explore the remains of the ancient royal realm, now one of Thailand’s World Heritage sites and marvel at the evocative religious art and architecture of the classic the Sukhothai era.Explore the local market in the evening, try some local delights.

Overnight Le Charme Sukhothai or similar (Deluxe Room)

November 20: Lampang (B)
A 5 hour public bus drive takes us to Lampang. Located approximately 100kms from Chiang Mai, Lampang was an important trade town during the Dvaravati period (around the 7th century), and was supposedly founded by the son of Queen Chama Devi of the Hariphunchai Empire (she was the first ruler of the state which was one of the important ancient towns of the Khmers). The state was eventually absorbed into the Lanna kingdom in the 13th century when King Miengrai (the founder of Chiang Rai) defeated the Khmers.

The city of Lampang was an important trade centre for teak wood both domestically and internationally. During that time (1900’s), Britain still controlled Burma (who possessed great knowledge about teak), sent a large company over to Lampang to ply their trade resulting in the construction of several temples.

Lampang was made the temporary capital of the Lanna kingdom between 1776 and 1791 when Chiang Mai was deserted as a result of successive wars with the Burmese. Arriving around mid day you have a free afternoon to explore Lampang. (Biking in Lampang is possible with supplement bike rental)

Overnight Wienglakor or similar (Run of House Room)

November 21: Chiang Rai Province (B)
As we drive to Chiang Rai (4 hour journey) we stop at the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre where we tour the facilities of the elephant hospital and see how young elephants are weaned from their dependence. All the money raised by this centre goes towards the care of the elephants. We have the opportunity to take a ride on the back of these majestic animals, an experience which many find to be a highlight of their visit to this enchanting country.

Head onwards to Chiang Rai, a good base from which to explore the Golden Triangle, the remote area where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet.

Overnight Serene At Chiang Rai or similar (Superior Room)

November 22: Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle (B)
A visit to the border town of Mae Sai on day 6 gives you the opportunity to see some local Burmese traders and pick up a few souvenirs. Pay a visit to the Opium Museum to understand the history of the region before heading back to Chiang Rai.

Overnight Serene At Chiang Rai or similar (Superior Room)

November 23: Chiang Mai (B)
Catch a bus and head for Chiang Mai (4 hours). We arrive in mid morning of day 7 and have free time to explore for the rest of the day. In the late afternoon we set off to visit the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep about a 45 minute drive from the center of the city, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples.

Overnight Hotel M Chiang Mai or similar (Superior Room)

November 24: Chiang Mai (B)
Free time for you to catch up on shopping or a cooking class before catching the overnight train back to Bangkok (13.5 hours).

Overnight Train 1st class Air-Conditioned

November 25: Bangkok
Trip ends on arrival at Bangkok train station in the morning with a group transfer to the airport.

We anticipate arriving back into Bangkok train station at approximately 8 am where our tour finishes. You are free to depart from here at any time. If you are departing Bangkok today please do not book any onward travel until after 3pm, in case of delays on the train.

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