The trace of civilization, around northern Thailand in 8 days

8 days 7 nights -- From USD 1,190 per person

Explore the ancient kingdoms of Thailand that flourished from the 14th century such as Lanna, Sukhothai and Ayuthaya. The trip begins from the glorious former capital of Ayuthaya all the way up to Thailand's first capital city 'Sukhothai', Lampang and Chiang Mai. Also admire different ethnic cultures of hill tribe villagers of Lisu and Akha in their mountainous residence.

Note : Minimum: 2 persons

Day 1 - Bangkok - Ayuthaya (Lunch, Dinner)

Depart early morning from your hotel for a boat ride on Thonburi Klongs for a scenic view of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Continue by road to the former capital of Ayuthaya. Lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to the King's Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In and visit the ruins of Ayuthaya.

Dinner and overnight at Krungsri River Hotel.

Day 2 - Ayuthaya - Lopburi - Phitsanulok - Sukhothai (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast at the hotel, short transfer to Ayuthaya Railway station for a rail journey to Lopburi Upon arrival in Lopburi, visit to the main attractions; Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maha Thad, national museum, the Monkey Temple and Prang Sam Yod. Lunch will be served at local restaurant.

After lunch, proceeding to Phitsanulok via Nakorn Sawan. Upon arrival visit the most sacred temple in town Wat Phra Buddha Chinnaraj or Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maha Thad. Visit Ethnic & Folklore Museum of Mr. Thavee Buranakhet. Check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel The Ananda Gallery Hotel.

Day 3 - Sukhothai - Lampang - Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai Historical Park. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue to Lampang City to visit Wat Phra Thad Lampang Luang where is renowned for its impressive murals painting, graceful architecture and richly coloured interiors. Followed by a visit at Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, one of Thailand's most beautiful Burmese-style temples. Continue the journey and arrive by late afternoon in Chiang Mai and drop-off at The Empress Hotel.

Dinner on your own arrangement. Overnight at The Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai.

Day 4 - Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day city and temple tour around city temples: Wat Chiang Man, the first temple built in Chiang Mai around 1300; Wat Phrasingh in classic northern Thai or Lanna style; Wat Chedi Luang, Monastery of the Great Stupa; and Wat Suan Dok with a 500 year old bronze Buddha image.

Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue to visit Handicraft Village and Factories; also called the Umbrella Village where the craft shops are full of painted umbrellas, fans, silverware, straw handwork bamboo and teak goods, statues, celadon and lacquerware.
Kantoke dinner and Folk Dance show.

Overnight at The Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai.

Day 5 - Chiang Mai - Lisu Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Pick up from your hotel in Chiang Mai and drive to the mountain temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai. Continue up the mountain, passing the King's Winter Palace of Phuping to turn onto a rough dirt road to visit the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project and the white Hmong village of Chan Khien. Here, enjoy a quick cup of steaming mountain tea with a village family and then take a one-hour drive along a mountain ride down to Huay Tung Tao lake.

Enjoy lunch at Lisu Lodge. After that, embark on the "Lisu Lodge Experience" starting from Ton Lung Temple, a tour guided by a monk to visit the herbal garden and learn about the monk's daily life, for example, see how a monk wears the robe, etc. Then, visit Akha and Lisu families, together with a Lisu guide, stop for a cup of original hill tribe tea at the shaman's house - our guide will be a translator and accompany the guests throughout all activities. Return to Lisu Lodge.

Dinner and overnight at Lisu Lodge.

Day 6 -Lisu Lodge - Mae Hong Son (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, drive 45 minutes south to Mork Fah Waterfall. Enjoy a short walk through the jungle-covered valley to the falls and paddle or swim in a large natural pool and pause for soft drinks near the waterfall. Then, drive west through a glorious switchback road with views of high mountain ranges and forests.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Sobpong and Tham Lod (1 hour) for a bamboo rafting along a peaceful river through. Twenty minute walk back to the village and drive from the caves back to the village.

Continue to Mae La Na via Red Lahu village of Ya Pa Nae. Drive along spectacular dirt roads along a high mountain ridge to visit the village temple. From Ya Pa Nae, continue to the Shan Village of Mae La Na and onto Mae Hong Son Province before arriving at Fern Resort.

Dinner and overnight at Fern Resort or similar.

Day 7 - Mae Hong Son (Breakfast, Lunch)

After an early breakfast and an elephant ride, transfer to the pier near Mae Hong Son Resort. Enjoy a round trip long-tail boat along the pretty Pai River to visit the Longneck (Karen) village close to the Myanmar border. Continue to Mae Hong Son for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit this charming city and its Burmese style temples (Wat Doi Kong Mu). Return to your hotel Dinner on your own arrangement.

Overnight at Fern Resort or similar.