Day 1: Bangkok
Bangkok
Transfer from the airport (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang) to the hotel. A half-day visit to the Grand Palace, the nation's symbol and the most celebrated monument in the country. Inside, we visit Wat Phra Keo, which houses the Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings, and the Eight Colored Towers. Photography is permitted outside the palace and around the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, but not inside the buildings. Appropriate attire is required for the palace visit: T-shirts and shorts are not permitted. Long-sleeved shirts or shoulder-coverings and knee-length trousers or skirts are required. Shoes must be removed to enter the temples. Return to the hotel.
Day 2: Sukhothai
Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Phitsanulok - Sukhothai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Depart Bangkok for the Bang Pa In Summer Palace, where the Thai royals retreated to escape the Bangkok heat during the summer. Stroll through tranquil gardens, adorned with lotus-filled ponds and beautiful residences, each built in a unique style, a fusion of traditional Siamese and European styles popular at the time. Visit the most remarkable palaces before departing for nearby Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, founded in 1350. Arrive at the Archaeological Park, one of the richest in Asia, and visit the most important temples: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phrasrisanphet, and Wat Mongkolbophit. Head north to Sukhothai. Lunch at a traditional restaurant along the way. We reach Phitsanuloke for a brief visit to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, a temple housing one of the most revered and famous Buddha images in the country, the finest example of the artistic style of the Sukhothai period. We reach Sukhothai in the late afternoon. Arrival at the hotel.
Day 3: Chiang Rai
Sukhothai - Chiang Rai (Breakfast, Lunch)
We depart early in the morning to reach the nearby Archaeological Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we visit Wat Srisawai, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Sra Sri. After about two hours of travel, we reach Wat Phrasrirattanamahatat "Chalieng, " one of the most famous pre-Angkorian sites in the country, dating back to the Angkor Thom period. After the visit, we depart for Chiang Rai, stopping along the way at Wat Phra That Suthon, a highly original and colorful temple, strongly influenced by Burmese artistic style. Lunch at a traditional restaurant. We continue to the center of Chiang Rai to visit one of the city's most important temples, Wat Phra Kaew. It was here that the Emerald Buddha was found in 1434, and can now be seen at the temple of the same name inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Arrival at the hotel.
Day 4: Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)
We depart for Chiang Saen to board a motor launch for a trip on the Mekong River, which marks the border between Thailand and Laos. We reach the famous Golden Triangle viewpoint, from which we can observe the banks of Burma, Laos, and Thailand. We visit the interesting Opium Museum. Lunch at a traditional restaurant. We return to Chiang Rai to visit the famous Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple. One of a kind, this temple was conceived in a dream by a world-renowned local artist and built entirely at his own expense. The style, extremely modern and imaginative, is completely different from any other Buddhist temple. Departure to Chiang Mai via Doi Sakhet, passing by national parks and through the lush nature typical of the north of the country. Arrival in the city and visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most revered and famous temple in the north. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Early morning departure to visit the famous long-necked women of the Padaung ethnic group. Departure to visit "Wiang Kum Kam," an ancient city located in the Saraphi district, about 3 kilometers south of the southeastern corner of downtown Chiang Mai. According to chronicles and archaeological evidence, the old city was built by King Mangrai around the late 13th century. The city was founded as a new capital by the king after his victory over the Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai, now Lamphun. Due to repeated floods, a new capital, Chiang Mai, was built a few years later. Wiang Kum Kam flourished during the reign of the Mangrai Dynasty until the end of the 16th century. All traces of the site were lost for many years, until 1984, when Unit 4 of the Department of Fine Arts discovered the remains of the old city around Wihan Kan Thom at Wat Chang Kham, and excavations began. Since then, many new remains have been discovered, and restoration work has continued. The city's main temple is Wat Chedi Liam (originally Wat Ku Kham), which is still occupied by monks. Lunch at a traditional restaurant. Return to Chiang Mai and tour of the old city aboard a cyclo, a traditional means of transport in many Asian countries. Visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Sing. Afterwards, visit some local craft factories. Free time for shopping. Return to the hotel.
Day 6: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai - Phuket (Breakfast)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Phuket. Transfer from Phuket airport to your hotel in Phuket. (No guide)
Day 7:
Phuket (Breakfast)
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Chiang Mai
Phuket (Breakfast)
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Chiang Mai
Phuket (Breakfast)
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Phuket (Breakfast)
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11:
Phuket (Breakfast)
Transfer from your hotel in Phuket to the airport. (No guide)
