Itinerary in brief

Day 1   : ARRIVAL - BANGKOK
Day 2   : BANGKOK
Day 3   : BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA - PHITSANULOK
Day 4   : PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG
Day 5   : LAMPANG - PHAYAO- CHIANG RAI
Day 6   : CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG MAI
Day 7   : CHIANG MAI
Day 8   : CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO - CHIANG MAI
Day 9   : BANGKOK - DEPARTURE

This back roads are a great way to explore the real Thailand. Driving from Bangkok right to northern Thailand we can see as much as we want, the many fascinating temples featuring  the glorious past of  Ayuthaya and Sukhothai, ancient capitals, the verdant and rough mountain scenery combined with the colourful local population as well as the funny shopping areas in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai

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 - PHITSANULOK
Heading out of the town we drive 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. We then board a boat for a leisurely trip to Ayuthaya, one of the world heritage listed sites. On arrival we visit the largest temple of Wat Phra Sisanphet, which was used as the Royal Temple Palace by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai Wattanaram built by King Prasathong in 1630 with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones to symbolize mount Meru, the abode of the heavenly gods. We make our way to Phisanulok and pass the spectacular countryside. O/N at in Phisanulok. ( B)

DAY 4: PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG
The major landmarks of Phitsanulok are Wat Maha That and Phra Budda Jinaraj. We visit these sights before we board our vehicle for a short drive to Sukhothai. This famous cultural town was once the royal capital of the Thailand Kingdom, however has left its legacies in the forms of many ruined temples and palaces. We include these in a half day tour which will give us a deep insight into the glorious past of Sukhothai. The next stop of our trip is Si Satchanalai where various ancient monuments are still standing. After seeing this complex we drive to Lampang. On arrival we have time to enjoy a short tour of the old city on horse carriage and also visit Ban Sao Nat as well as Wat Chedi Sao. O/N in Lampang. (B)

DAY 5: LAMPANG - PHAYAO- CHIANG RAI
An early morning departure towards Chiang Rai. Along the way we stop in the rural town of Phayao to visit Wat Si Kom Kan. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai we enjoy a short sightseeing tour taking us in the impressive Ethnologic Museum which is dedicated to the region's ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming excursion. Afterwards 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 this northern land. O/N at Chiang Rai. (B)

DAY 6: CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG MAI
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 the large Akha and Yao hill tribe settlements near Mae Chan. 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 continue our overland trip to Chiang Mai. The drive is long, but views are fantastic. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)

DAY 7: CHIANG MAI
The second largest city of Thailand is Chiang Mai. Today we explore this charming town with a walk to the famous Doi Suthep Mountain, leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 meters, this temple grounds afford 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 8: CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO - CHIANG MAI
Upon leaving the town we set off on an hour and half drive to the northern hill region around Chiang Dao, which is home to a wide array of hill tribe groups. The roads conditions are very poor; however the breathtaking mountain scenery make for an interesting journey. Along the way we stop at an elephant camp to see these huge animals handling timber before we enjoy an exciting elephant ride past the forest to the hill tribe villages. We get well off the beaten track as we walk around the area, visiting the Red Lahu, Lisu, Karen and Akha people. These ethnic minorities still retain their age old cultural traditions, and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B,L)

DAY 9: CHIANG MAI - 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 Phisanulok Amari Lagoon hotel Lampang Wiengthong hotel Chiang Mai Porn Ping Tower hotel or similar one Surwongse  hotel or similar one Royal Princess hotel or similar one 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.