Path to the North: An 8-Day Thai Highlands Journey

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on an 8-day immersive journey through the heart of Northern Thailand, a tour meticulously designed to blend history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty for an unforgettable Thai adventure. Leave behind the immediate bustle of Bangkok to delve into ancient kingdoms, vibrant local traditions, and lush landscapes. You'll discover the grandeur of Bangkok’s temples and palaces, the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, and the UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park—the very cradle of Thai civilization. In Lampang, experience the unique charm of traditional wooden architecture before heading to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of the north. Here, you'll visit an ethical Elephant Camp, explore renowned handicraft villages, and venture to the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Prepare for a captivating exploration that promises to reveal the soul of Northern Thailand.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

Here is overview itinerary. Please contact for more details and better offers. 

Day 1: Bangkok: Arrival & Leisure

Day 2: Bangkok: Ancient Ayutthaya & River Cruise

Day 3: Bangkok → Sukhothai: City Temples & Flight North

Day 4: Sukhothai: Historical Park Exploration

Day 5: Sukhothai → Lampang → Chiang Mai: Northern Charm & Elephant Encounter

Day 6: Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park Adventure

Day 7: Chiang Mai: Golden Triangle & Hill Tribe Encounters

Day 8: Chiang Mai: Leisure & Departure

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Bangkok: Arrival

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

• Activities:

  • Upon your arrival at Bangkok's airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative.

  • A comfortable transfer will take you directly to your hotel for check-in.

  • The rest of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to settle in, unwind, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

  • Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok: Visit Ayutthaya

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

• Activities:

  • At 6:30 AM, depart from Bangkok for a captivating historical journey to Ayutthaya, the glorious ancient capital of the Siamese Kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Your first stop is the magnificent Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a beautiful complex of royal residences showcasing diverse architectural styles.

  • Continue into Ayutthaya to explore the iconic ruins of Wat Maha That, famous for its Buddha head entwined within tree roots.

  • Next, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, which was the largest and most important temple of the former Ayutthaya Kingdom, known for its three impressive stupas.

  • At 12:30 PM, embark on a delightful river cruise, where you'll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board as you leisurely sail back towards Bangkok.

  • Enjoy panoramic sightseeing from the boat, observing the life along the riverbanks and passing various historical landmarks on your return to the city.

  • Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Day 3: Bangkok → Sukhothai

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Sukhothai

• Activities:

  • In the morning, visit some of Bangkok's most famous temples: Wat Traimit (the Golden Buddha Temple, home to a massive solid gold Buddha statue), and Wat Pho (revered for its colossal Reclining Buddha and as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage). The last one you will visit is Wat Benjamabophit (the beautiful Marble Temple).

  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Thai cuisine.

  • Optional Activity: You may choose to pay an extra fee to visit The Grand Palace, a stunning complex of royal buildings and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple), as per your preference.

  • In the afternoon, transfer to Bangkok airport for your domestic flight to Sukhothai.

  • Upon arrival at Sukhothai airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy your leisure time.

  • Overnight stay in Sukhothai.

Day 4: Sukhothai: Historical Park Tour

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Sukhothai

• Activities:

  • In the morning, your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel for a comprehensive city tour of Sukhothai's historical treasures.

  • Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This expansive park covers the ruins of Sukhothai, literally ‘dawn of happiness’, which was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, considered the cradle of Thai civilization.

  • Explore Wat Si Sawai, one of the oldest temples in Sukhothai, believed to have been founded towards the end of the 12th century or early 13th century.

  • Enjoy a delicious local Thai lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • After lunch, continue your exploration of the park, visiting significant temples such as Wat Tra Phang Ngoen, Wat Srasri, the impressive Mahathat Temple (the spiritual center of the kingdom), Si-Sa Wai Temple, and finally, the magnificent Wat Srichum with its colossal seated Buddha image.

  • Afterward, transfer back to your hotel in Sukhothai.

  • Overnight stay in Sukhothai.

Day 5: Sukhothai → Lampang → Chiang Mai

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

• Activities:

  • At 7:00 AM, depart from Sukhothai for Lampang, a charming northern city.

  • Upon arrival in Lampang, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a stunning and well-preserved Lanna-style temple.

  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring regional cuisine.

  • In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Lampang with a visit to the Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum, showcasing the local ceramic craftsmanship.

  • Experience a charming Horse-cart riding through the old streets of Lampang, offering a unique perspective of the city, and visit the bustling Kad Kong Ta Street Market.

  • Afterward, depart Lampang and drive towards Chiang Mai.

  • On the way to Chiang Mai, you will make a significant stop at the Elephant Conservation Center (which is ethical, as per the tour's title and focus), where you can enjoy an elephant show and learn about these magnificent animals and their conservation.

  • Continue your journey to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

  • Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Day 6: Chiang Mai: Visit Doi Inthanon

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

• Activities:

  • At 8:00 AM, embark on a scenic journey to Doi Inthanon National Park, which encompasses Thailand's tallest mountain.

  • Explore the modern twin Chedis (pagodas) of the King and Queen, set amidst beautiful flower gardens with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Proceed to a local Karen hill tribe village to gain fascinating insights into their unique culture and traditional way of life.

  • After enjoying a delightful lunch, you will visit the breathtaking Vachiritharn and Siritharn Waterfalls, marveling at their natural beauty and power.

  • Later, you will head to the vibrant flower garden located at the Royal Project Research Station, showcasing beautiful flora and sustainable agricultural initiatives.

  • Finally, return to your hotel in Chiang Mai for the evening.

  • Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Day 7: Chiang Mai: Visit Golden Triangle

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

• Activities:

  • At 7:00 AM, begin your journey further north towards the Golden Triangle, making a stop at the relaxing Mae Khachan hot springs.

  • Continue to visit the stunning and unique Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), a privately owned, contemporary art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple, known for its intricate white stucco and glass.

  • Proceed to Chiang Saen, an ancient city steeped in history, before reaching the famous Golden Triangle area of Northern Thailand, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge.

  • After lunch, visit Wat Phra That Phukhao, a temple offering panoramic views of the Golden Triangle region and the Mekong River.

  • Begin your journey back to Chiang Mai. On the way, make a meaningful stop to visit traditional Akha and Yao hill tribe villages, learning about their distinct cultures, traditions, and craftsmanship.

  • Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Day 8: Chiang Mai: Departure

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some leisure time for your own activities, perhaps last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxing morning.

  • When the time has come, you will be transferred to Chiang Mai airport for your departure flight, concluding your immersive "Way to Northern Thailand" adventure.

Important Notes