Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : ARRIVAL - BANGKOK
Day 2   : BANGKOK
Day 3   : BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA - CHIANG MAI
Day 4   : CHIANG MAI
Day 5   : CHIANG MAI - PAI - MAE HONG SON
Day 6   : MAE HONG SON
Day 7   : MAE HONG SON - CHIANG MAI
Day 8   : CHIANG MAI - CHIANG RAI
Day 9   : CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - BANGKOK
Day 10 : BANGKOK - DEPARTURE

All the highlights of the stunning northern Thailand are covered in this compact trip. The history, the old-world charm and the vibrant colour , the spectacular mountain landscapethe simple life style of many ethnic minorities are just some of the things you'll experience on this journey through startlingly beautiful country.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1:ARRIVAL - BANGKOK
On arrival at Don Muang Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand. In the midst of dynamic modern growth, this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to advise some available options. O/N in Bangkok.

DAY 2: BANGKOK
Today we commence our tour of Bangkok with a longtail boat for along the Chao Phraya River and the many lively inner canals which offer some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stopover at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace, dedicated to the Thai Royal Family's ceremony. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex we drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent Marble Temple. O/N in Bangkok. (B,L)

DAY 3: BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA - CHIANG MAI
Heading out of the town, we drive to Ayuthaya,  the ancient capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD. This glamorous city was all but ultimately destroyed by the hands of Burmese, however it is still fascinating to explore the ruined temples. Among these is Wat Phra Sisanphet, an impressive monument that was used as the royal temple by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai Wattanaram whose the constructing patterns are very interesting. We continue on to Bang Pa In which was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs from the 17^th century. This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles. In the early evening we board a night train to Chiang Mai. The train conditions are basic; we travel on soft sleeper class. O/N on board. (B)

DAY 4: CHIANG MAI
This morning our train journey arrives in Chiang Mai. After checking into hotel we drive west towards the famous Doi Suthep Mountain and embark on a walk leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 m , the temple grounds affords a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. The "Rose of the North", Chiang Mai has been always noted for exquisite handicrafts whose the combination with the traditional wares of the hill tribe people offers fantastic shopping opportunities. Heading out of town we drive to the neighbouring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

DAY 5: CHIANG MAI - PAI - MAE HONG SON
The exciting adventure begins as we depart the town and drive through the breathtaking mountain landscape to Mae Hong Son. Along the way we make stop over at a hot stream nearby Ban Papae before we head towards Pai. There is plenty to see in this beautiful area , some of which are the Lisu Hilltribe Village, the Tam Lod Cave, the Lahu Hilltribe Village. We follow this with a trip to the Fish Cave, where thousands of carps live an undisturbed life. On arrival in Mae Hong Son we stroll around the town to soak up the pleasant climate and catch our first glimpse. The Burmese influence is prevalent as this town is bordered by the Union of Myanmar to the north and the west. O/N in Mae Hong Son. (B)

DAY 6: MAE HONG SON
Upon leaving the town we set off on a rough drive by pick - up truck to the Karen hill tribe village of Baan Nai Soi. At this small village we change our transport when we take a short but exciting elephant ride through the unspoiled forest to the Padong hilltribe village. This ethnic group still retains their old age cultural traditions as most of women attempt to have long neck by wearing numerous brass rings around their neck from an early age. We embark on our truck again for a short drive to Sop Soi and enjoy a longtail boat for a leisurely trip downstream on the Pai River which also provides us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an interesting view of rural life close up. O/N in Mae Hong Son. (B,L)

DAY 7: MAE HONG SON - CHIANG MAI
The sightseeing tour of Mae Hong Son would not be complete without a visit to  Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang, just some of the town's  most famous Burmese style monastaries. The first structure was constructed around 200 year ago by the Shan people whilst Wat Jong Klang houses an old glass painting and many wood carvings which depict the various lives of Buddha. A next stop is Doi Kong Moo, which dominates the town and therefore affords a wonderful view of surrounding areas.  We then spend the time on our own, until transferring to the airport for a flight to Chiang Mai, our final destination. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

DAY  8: CHIANG MAI - CHIANG RAI
An early morning departure to Chiang Rai. The drive is long but views are fantastic. On arrival we embark on a longtail boat for a thrilling trip upstream on the Mae Kok River, passing through many breathtaking mountain landscape to a Karen hilltribe village. This ethnic group originated from Burma, but had settled there long time ago, forming the largest tribal population in northern Thailand. After seeing a traditional house we enjoy a two hour elephant ride back through the jungle to the Yao and Akha Hilltribes, who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N at Chiang Rai. (B)

DAY  9: CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - BANGKOK
The royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is nestled on the Mekong riverbank which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. Today we travel by roads to Chiang Saen with a stopover at Ban Kiu Kaan , a white Hmong ethnic minority village close to Chieng Khong. Arriving in Chiang Saen we visit the town's major sights including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. Heading out of the town we drive through some verdant and rugged mountain scenery to the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. After exploring the border town of Mae Sai we return to Chiang Rai for flying back to the capital city. O/N in Bangkok. (B)

DAY 10: BANGKOK - DEPARTURE
There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to airport for departure. (B)

HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP CITY/ AREA Standard Class First Class Superior  Class Bangkok Eastin Bangkok hotel or similar one Novotel Lotus hotel or similar one The Montien hotel or similar one Kanchanaburi River Lodge or similar Chiang Mai Porn Ping Tower hotel or similar one Surwongse  hotel or similar one Royal Princess hotel or similar one Chiang Dao Mini hotel or Home stay Chiang Rai Inn Come hotel or similar one Wang Come hotel or similar one Rim Kok hotel or similar one HOTEL NOTES The deluxe class tour based on higher hotel category will be arranged upon request.