Tag 1: Kanchanaburi
Bangkok - River Kwai - Kanchanaburi (Lunch)
We kick off the day departing from hotel, where we pick up guests from key points in Bangkok. We embark on a picturesque 150 km journey to the province of Kanchanaburi, a site of significant historical importance and tragedy during World War II. To set the stage for the historical significance of the location, we'll visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum, research, and information center dedicated to showcasing the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway constructed during the Second World War. Following this, we embark on an intriguing journey along the Kwai River amidst the jungle aboard the train that traverses the famous bridge, traveling on what's known as the "Death Railway". This railway, built by Allied prisoners of war, earned its grim moniker due to the many lives lost to the inhumane conditions of forced labor. Originally intended by the Japanese to connect Thailand to Burma, it saw limited use before Japan's surrender. Disembarking from the train, we'll trek towards the renowned Krasae Cave, once a wartime refuge and now a site of prayer.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll head to our riverside hotel, where we'll have time to refresh from the Thai heat and enjoy a relaxing bamboo rafting experience amidst the lush greenery and stunning landscapes offered by the Kwai River. The evening is free for personal exploration and dinner.
Overnight in Kanchanaburi.
Tag 2: Ayutthaya
Kanchanaburi - Bang Pa In - Ayutthaya (Breakfast, Lunch)
This morning, we start off with breakfast at the hotel to kickstart the day with maximum energy. Our day begins with a visit to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, where we'll take a leisurely walk across the bridge, soaking in the surrounding landscape. Next, we continue our journey with a visit to the nearby JEATH War Museum, which holds a collection of sketches depicting the arch treatments the prisoners had to endure during the railway construction and other relics from the war, including an unexploded Allied bomb sent to destroy the bridge. You'll also have the chance to sit through a video presentation in this section of the museum.
Afterward, we head to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, to continue our exploration, we'll visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, originally a royal retreat during the 17th century. Notably, most of the existing buildings date back to the reign of King Rama V, showcasing a diverse range of architectural styles that will captivate any observer. It's worth highlighting its picturesque setting: a sprawling park surrounded by lakes and waterways.
Following our visit, we'll transfer to our hotel for the night, where the evening is free for personal activities.
Overnight in Ayutthaya.
Tag 3: Phitsanulok
Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Phitsanuloke (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast and an early morning departure set the tone for our journey to the captivating Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam for four centuries. Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, approximately 76 kilometers from Bangkok, Ayutthaya boasts a magnificent archaeological park recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we explore sacred ruins, including the Wat Chaimongkol temple, a hub of Buddhist nun community, the ancient Wat Mahathat, famous for the serene Buddha image enshrined within the gnarled roots of a thousand-year-old tree, and the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, originally a royal chapel and the largest and perhaps most magnificent temple in the area, long revered as a spiritual center by the Thai people.
Continuing on to Lopburi, we make a stop at the Phra Prang Sam Yod, a Khmer-style Hindu sanctuary adorned with three imposing prangs or towers, renowned especially for the hundreds of lively long-tailed macaques that call it home. Playful, inquisitive, and well-fed, these monkeys have become the main attraction of the area. After lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to the enchanting Phitsanuloke, one of the most important cities in the north of Thailand.
Overnight in Phitsanuloke.
Tag 4: Chiang Rai
Phitsanuloke - Sukhothai - Pha Yao - Chiang Rai (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we embark on a journey to explore the magnificent Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Nestled amidst meticulously manicured greenery, tranquil ponds, and blooming lotus flowers, this park encapsulates the ruins of the ancient capital of the kingdom dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The name Sukhothai, meaning "dawn of happiness", perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere of serenity and harmony exuded by these 45 square kilometers of history and beauty; we could also take a relaxing bike ride through the historic park and the surrounding nature, an experience sought after by many. Our exploration includes a visit to the iconic White Buddha of Wat Sri Chum (Temple of the Sacred Tree), whose hand, adorned with gold leaf and resting on its knee, is revered fervently by locals. This colossal Buddha statue stands atop a 32-meter pedestal, towering to a height of 15 meters.
Lunch awaits us at a local restaurant before we continue our journey to the intriguing city of Chiang Rai. En route, we pause for a brief stop at the picturesque Phayao Lake, nestled in the valley of the Ing River where we stroll along the lake's banks, lined with stalls and local food vendors. As a gesture of good luck, we feed the fish before reaching our destination in the evening.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Tag 5: Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast at the hotel kicks off our day. Afterward, our first stop is to visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the "White Temple", a masterpiece by local artist and designer Chalermchai Kositpipat, who began the project in 1997. We'll also explore Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the "Blue Temple" or "Temple of the Dancing Tiger". This new Buddhist sanctuary is characterized by a vibrant interplay of blue and yellow hues adorning the entire structure, with white accents embellishing the main Buddha figures inside.
Mid-morning, we'll visit the famous Golden Triangle, the meeting point of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, locally known as "Sop Ruak". From atop a hill, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Mekong River and its tributary, the Ruak River, which geometrically divides the borders of the three countries, forming the famous triangular shape. Next, we'll explore the Hall Of Opium. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Departure from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by road (3 hrs). In the evening, we'll visit the city's most famous temple, Wat Doi Suthep, perched atop a small hill 15 kilometers northwest of the city. This temple, the most sacred in the north, offers a serene atmosphere, and in the afternoon, you can hear the chants of the monks. We'll then transfer to the hotel in Chiang Mai for check-in.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Tag 6: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai - Araksa Tea Garden - eTukTuk & Khao Soi Experience (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we'll journey to Araksa Tea Garden, located in the picturesque hills of Mae Tang District. This small factory specializes in crafting premium Assam tea, named after India's renowned tea-growing region. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the art of organic tea cultivation and processing. Guided by our resident pluckier, we'll learn the proper technique for harvesting tea leaves amidst the lush greenery. Next, we'll witness the skilled hand-roasting process in the roasting sala, where our resident roaster showcases her talent from kneading to roasting. After the demonstration, we'll retreat to the Araksa Tea House for a delectable lunch, followed by a delightful tasting experience featuring both hot and cold teas paired with Thai snacks.
After lunch, we'll return to our hotel in Chiang Mai for a refreshing break. At five in the evening, we'll embark on a sustainable exploration of the city in a new way: state-of-the-art electric tuk-tuks will pick us up from the hotel, taking us on a journey along the ancient city walls, stopping at the most famous and characteristic spots. We'll also have the chance to receive a brief blessing ceremony from Buddhist monks at Wat Sri Suphan, the Silver Temple. Finally, we'll head to the banks of the Ping River, where we'll dine at one of the typical restaurants and savor the traditional northern Thai dish “khao soi” a delightful curry and noodle dish, an essential experience to truly understand the cuisine of northern Thailand. At the end of dinner, return transfer to the hotel. Clients may choose to stay along the Chiang Mai riverside and visit some of the numerous pubs and bars with live music, returning to the hotel independently.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Tag 7:
Chiang Mai (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appointed time with our guide, transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport.
