DAY 1 BANGKOK - PHITSANULOK

Take a train ride, 2nd class air-con. 5 hours (for a surcharge also possible by plane) from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. On arrival our crew will welcome you. Go on to Visit Wat Mahatat next to the Nan River and its all over Thailand famous Buddha image. If you wish to do so and time does allow, then you have also the opportunity to see the local museum and a Buddha factory. Stay overnight in Phitsanulok.

DAY 2 PHITSANULOK - LAMPANG

In the morning travel to neighbouring Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital. Visit the Historical Park with its impressive temples, monuments and ruins dating back to the 13th century. Go on via Si Satchanalai and reach Lampang in the afternoon. Visit a Burmese temple and the fruit market nearby. An optional ride on a horse drawn carriage is possible in this town. Overnight in Lampang.

DAY 3 LAMPANG - CHIANG RAI

In the morning head for the Elephant Conservation Center and Elephant Hospital. Watch these giants take their daily bath and then they demonstrate to haul logs etc. Leave Lampang for Phayao and have lunch at the picturesque lake. Travel on further north and stop at the famous Wat Rong Khun (white temple). Finally arrive in Chiang Rai for overnight. In the evening take a stroll over the little, but nice night- and food market.

DAY 4 CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - THATON

First travel to Chiang Saen, the former royal town. From here enjoy a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to the well known Golden Triangle. On route have a brief stop at the Laotian river island of Don Sao. Opportunity for a visit to the small Opium Museum. Continue to Mae Sai, the border- and market town. Optional visit to the Burmese border town of Tachilek can be arranged. Next stop will be at a monkey temple. Later travel through the mountain wilderness of Doi Maesalong where you will pass Akha, Yao and Lisu hill tribe villages with stops at some of them. The village on the mountain top is a Kuomingtan Chinese one. Arrive in Thaton late afternoon. Visit picturesque Wat Thaton on a small hill top with its giant Buddha images and beautiful views. Overnight in Thaton.

DAY 5 THATON - CHIANG MAI

In the morning opportunity to see another hill tribe village, this time a remote one from the Lahu hill tribe. Then travel on towards Chiang Dao. Have a short stop at a traditional local rice mill. Later enjoy a one hour elephant ride through the wilderness, as well as a lazy one hour trip down the river on a bamboo raft. Further stops will follow at a local market and an orchid farm close to Chiang Mai. Arrive in the northern capital late afternoon and stay there for overnight.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI

Sightseeing tour in Chiang Mai, which includes the older part of the city with ancient temples, as well as famous Suthep hill top temple, the landmark of Chiang Mai. Later have a look to some of the well known traditional handicraft factories in Bosang like woodcarving, lacquer ware, silver ware, sa-paper umbrella paintings etc. (just visit the ones in which you are interested). There is time left for shopping or just to relax. Overnight once more in Chiang Mai

DAY 7 CHIANG MAI

Transfer to the airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Train ticket Bangkok - Phitsanulok, air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at good middle class hotels/resorts incl. breakfast, half board (lunch during tours), entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

This program is avilable also v. v., start in Chiang Mai and then finish on the last day with the train ride from Phitsanulok to Bangkok.