Thailand Journey through the past
10 days
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A journey through Thailands past, along old cities and cultural heritage sites of the land of smiles. Visit the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the teakwooden palace of Chulalongkorn, the 5th king of Thailand. Relive Thailands fascinating past in the historical parks of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, former capital cities and impressive heritage sites of Thailands ancient cultures and civilisations. Lampang is the center of Thailands northern teakwood industry, which has resulted in many teakwooden temples. In the north you make a sightseeing tour along the Golden Triangle, visit the golden temple of Doi Suthep as well as Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain of Thailand (1 flight included).
Day 1. Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, our local representative will wait for you in the arrival hall with a sign
with your name on it. Transfer by private airconditioned minivan to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 2. Bangkok
Daytour along Bangkoks palaces and temples. In the morning you will visit Bangkok's most famous landmark: the Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha (the
national Buddha image). Several of Thailand's most significant religious ceremonies are here performed by the King. The
entire complex contains more than 100 buildings that represent 200 years of history and architecture. In the afternoon
you'll visit the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, built by Chulalongkorn the 5th King of modern
Thailand. A beautiful L-shaped villa of 3 storeys high and arguably the worlds largest golden teakwood building. Not a
single nail was used in building this palace. The interior contains several personal posessions of the King and many art
objects and antiquities from the Rattanakosin period. Enjoy a romantic dinner cruise
in the evening on board of an old rice barge which has been rebuilt. During a quiet and romantic candle lit tour you can
enjoy the traditional Kim (Thai xylophone) music. This cruise is a voyage through Thai history, culture and gastronomy
along the Chao Phraya river, passing by Wat Arun, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Palace. Hotel pickup and
dropoff are included. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 3. Ayutthaya
Transfer from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. From the 14th to 18th centuries, Ayutthaya was the capital of the central kingdom of
Thailand and as its cultural centre. With influences from Dvaravati, Khmer, Mon, and Lawa cultures, Ayutthaya was able to
create its own arts and culture from a delicate blend of those cultures. During the reigns of 33 kings, Ayutthaya gave
Thailand a great number of fine buildings, monuments and works of art. In 1767 Ayutthaya was completely destroyed by the
Burmese. The remains of this island city are of extreme archaeological importance and the extensively restored historical
park in Thailand was selected a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. You have ample time to admire the countless ruins of
palaces, temples and monuments that are scattered over the historical park of Ayutthaya. Overnight stay in Ayutthaya.
Day 4. Sukhothai
Sukhothai, founded in the 13th century, was the first capital of Thailand (then Siam). The city enjoyed a golden age under
King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb palaces, temples and monuments of this great city
have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers.
Ramkhamhaeng National Museum contains an outstanding collection of the arts and crafts of Sukhothai, including statues,
Buddha images and old celadon found within the old city. Important sites inside the old city walls include the royal
temple with a giant chedi built to house Buddha relics brought from Sri Lanka, Wat Sri Sawai with its three Hindu-style
prangs, Wat Traphang Thong in the centre of a large pond and its Buddha Footprint and Wat Sa Si, an attractive temple on 2
islands with a large Singhalese chedi. You will stay overnight in Sukhothai.
Day 5. Lampang
Lampang is the centre of the northern teak industry, which has resulted in many teakwood temples. The walled temple of
Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang is considered the most beautiful temple in Thailand. Its central wihan is made of old teak, and
exquisite teak carvings grace the facades of many of its buildings. Another fine example of northern temple architecture
is Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao. Lampang is also famous for its brightly colored horse-drawn carriages, a popular form of
transport. Optionally you can make a horse carriage ride (not included). Overnight stay in Lampang.
Day 6. Chiang Mai
Morning visit to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. These impressive creatures will demonstrate what they are capable
of and you will see a variety of activities such as bathing and feeding of baby elephants and nursing them in a hospital.
Then onward to Chiang Mai and arrival in your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.
Day 7. Golden Triangle
A two day sightseeing tour along the notorious Golden Triangle, the places were Burma, Laos and Thailand meet. Early
departure by bus to the village of Thaton. On the way the natural beauty of the rice fields and plantations is very
enjoyable. After lunch, we continue by longtail boat (a long thin boat powered by a truck engine) to Chiang Rai. This trip
carries you along the Mae Kok River, winding its way through the jungle. Sometimes you can see a village hidden on the
mountainside. From the boat landing via a rickshaw to Wiang Inn hotel (or similar) for the overnight. Dinner is included.
Day 8. Golden Triangle
After breakfast we set out again to Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle. After that at a little place right on the Thai
Burmese border called Mae Sai for lunch, which is served in a Thai/Burmese restaurant. From here you have a good view of
Laos and Burma. The bridge of Mae Sai links the two countries where there is a lively trade between both countries. After
lunch we visit Akha and Yao hill tribes. The Akha hill tribe lives at the foot of Toeng, a mountain of some 2.200 metres.
Finally we drive back to Chiang Rai from where an airconditioned bus will take us back to Chiang Mai for overnight stay.
Explore Chiang Mai. Visit Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain of Thailand (2565m), and popular for its magnificent waterfalls and its excellent views. The climate is cool all year round. This tour takes you to various waterfalls like the spectacular Mae Yai Falls and the Mae Klang waterfall beside the park entrance. Pass Wachiratan waterfall which plunges over a 40m drop and cascades down through some suitable swimming pools. See a Karen weaving village, well worth a visit for textile lovers. In the afternoon visit Doi Suthep, probably Chiang Mai's most wellknown temple. From the top of the mountain you have a splendid view over Chiang Mai. The temple can be reached via the "Dragon Stairs". This stairway has at least 300 steps, on both sides flanked by seven-headed naga's (mythical snakes). In the evening a Kantoke dinner will be served. This is a traditional North-Thai banquet where dances are performed during the dinner, originally done for special guests and occasions only. Although nowadays you can enjoy a Kantoke dinner every evening, the hospitality and delicious food have remained unchanged. After dinner you will see various hill tribes perform traditionsl dances of their home village. Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.
Day 10. Chiang Mai - Bangkok
Check out of your hotel. Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport and flight to Bangkok. You will arrive on time for your connecting
flight home. This dream holiday ends upon your arrival at Bangkok International Airport.
or via the Booking form
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From: U$ 957 per person
From: € 683 per person
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Start: Day 1 at Bangkok International Airport (upon arrival from abroad); End: Day 10 at Bangkok International Airport (before departure to abroad); Included: All overnight stays based on twin sharing and including breakfast, other meals as indicated, all mentioned excursions and transfers, 1 domestic flight Chiang Mai - Bangkok, all admission fees, an English speaking tourguide during the excursions. Prices are based on the indicated number of persons. Our terms & conditions and payment terms apply. Not included: International return flight to/from Thailand, airport taxes, insurances, personal expenses. Surcharges: Some hotels apply surcharges, for instance for Christmas dinners, New year dinners or local holidays. These surcharges are not included. We will mention them before you book. HOTELS: Bangkok: Bossotel Inn, standard room (3 star) Ayutthaya: Ayothaya Riverside, superior room (3 star) Sukhothai: Lotus Village, superior room (3 star) Chiang Mai: Park Hotel, superior room (3 star) Many other hotels possible, from budget to 5 star. Ask us for prices and possibilities. |
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